Previously living in Northern California, we used to go to Disneyland at least twice a year. We'd usually do the three-day park hopper, taking a break from the parks between days 2 and 3 to visit relatives, etc. We now do the four-day park hopper, again with the break between days 2 and 3. It's a nice breather and you can also sightsee around the area during the off day. 90% of the time we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn - the prices were affordable, free breakfast, and yes, the shuttle! At the end of a long day of walking, sometimes you just want to be able to sit down for a few minutes while the shuttle takes you back to the hotel, especially by the end of day 4. And if it's been remodeled, even better, because that was the only thing that gave it a lower rating. And free candy canes at the front desk!
I'm from Northern California as well & this is pretty much the way we do it as well. We'll go once or twice a year & stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel with a 3 - or 4-day park hopper. I will say that we did stay at the Grand CA in January because my retired dad was paying & it was very nice having that closer proximity & early entry, but the Good Neighbors are how we afford that extra trip every year 😊
@@heatherharper0224 Glad you got to stay at the Grand CA! We always wanted to stay there but back when we were going to Disneyland twice (even three some years) a year, we were paying $99-$129 per night at Candy Cane. Grand CA at that time was around $300 per night and we couldn't justify paying that much more per night. Although looking back, at the price it is per night now, we sometimes think we should've splurged at least one trip. We did stay at Paradise Pier with a park view once and that was great. We also stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for one night once, just to see how it was and we got a parking lot view so it was just an okay stay.
Growing up, we'd stay at the Cosmic Age Lodge, just about a walk through the parking lot (where California Advernture is now) to the front gate. And there was an IHOP next door where we'd grab breakfast.
We always stay at the Park Vue Inn right across the street from Disneyland and we love it! The rooms are spacious, perfect for a family, great staff and free parking. There is an iHop in the parking lot, and directly next door is a 24 hr Dennys. We loved being able to grab cheaper food soo close to our room. This hotel also has a little convenience store full of souvenirs, snacks, things you may have forgotten to pack etc.. the walk from our room to the gates (with children) was 8 minutes. Highly recommend this hotel!
I'm a bubble person as is my family of 5 like Hannah. And we always have a resort day or two depending on the length of trip. And we do patronize the lounges and restaurants at the resort we stay in.
For good neighborhood hotel, we love the jw marriott at the garden walk area. Great service and only takes us about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the park. Also, sometimes, at the end of the night, if our legs were tired, we just took the bus to the toy story parking lot because it's right across the street
I’m a bubble person at WDW. At DLR, good neighbor all the way. We go every year to DLR and I would never trade that for a stay at Grand Cal and only be able to go every 3 years.
Ryno, I saw you at Disneyland on that Sunday night. You were at the hub and I had a total fangirl experience. My daughter was pushing me to go up to you and say Hi and get a picture. You started walking down Main Street towards the exit and she was looking at me like "it's now or never." Welp, I chose never but I did want to go up to you in my social anxiety introverted soul. 💖
Idk… have you been to the Drury and experienced ubering directly to the parks? We wouldn’t do it any other way now. I say this as having just stayed at the Swan. While we loved walking to Epcot we loved the food and even our room more at Drury and once you Uber instead of take the bus it’s hard to go back!
I’m with Hannah too. Everyone travels differently and we always have stayed at the Poly and staying at other resorts weren’t the same as a monorail resort for us. I’m saving for my first trip to Disneyland and want to recapture that magic at Grand Cal or maybe Pixar Place. Heck, I was disappointed by the Four Seasons at WDW bc it wasn’t Disney. I appreciate Hannah’s take because I think I would be disappointed by even a nice non Disney hotel. It’s fine if people have different preferences and priorities.
I got a park reservation for MK for 6/16 today! I have been trying and trying and finally got it. Got one for 6/17 yesterday - i may cancel that one because my friends have one for 6/16 so that was my priority, but i didn’t get it until today. Not sure if availability is still open
Dining reservations at Disneyland are a nightmare! I live here and never get them. Choose walk-up list (in app) off peaking eating times, day of. I use it for Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe all the time.
Can you talk about the travel to Disneyland? I’ve never been and it’s intimating for me. Do you fly into Anaheim or fly into LAX? How do you get from LAX to Disneyland and how far away is it
You can fly into LAX and I think it's an hour to and hour and a half or so away from Anaheim, depending on traffic. If you're just going to Disneyland and nowhere else, I think there's a shuttle you can take to and from the airport. Some closer airports are Long Beach and John Wayne (Orange County) but you'll probably have to make an extra stop or two to get there depending on where you live.
I’m with Craig and ryno on this one. I would get out to DL as often as I could and just skip the Disney hotels. We appreciate the close walk and included breakfast at the good neighbors plus 1950s motor inn is a vibe of its own.
Y'all must be reading my mind! I'm planning my first DLR trip right now!! I just need the 2025 calendar to open so I can book! (Or should I just call Dreams Unlimited?? No joke! I think I'm a WDW / UOR pro, but maybe for my first time out west I should get some help!)
To my knowledge Country Bears were rebuilt using the used parts from destroying the Splash Mountain characters. Disney Parks are too financially starved to build brand new Bears.
Hey! Annual Passholders do unless it is what they call “good to go days”. And AP holders can go to any park after 2 without a reservation except for MK on the weekends. MK park reservations are highly sought after for the Tiana AP previews
Probably in the minority here but I have no interest in going to Disneyland. I'm a creature of habit and love knowing WDW like the back of my hand. I have no desire booking flights to the west coast; booking hotels I know nothing about; walking around I park where I have zero familiarity. Certainly not a knock on DL, but all my Disney trips will be to WDW.
Previously living in Northern California, we used to go to Disneyland at least twice a year. We'd usually do the three-day park hopper, taking a break from the parks between days 2 and 3 to visit relatives, etc. We now do the four-day park hopper, again with the break between days 2 and 3. It's a nice breather and you can also sightsee around the area during the off day. 90% of the time we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn - the prices were affordable, free breakfast, and yes, the shuttle! At the end of a long day of walking, sometimes you just want to be able to sit down for a few minutes while the shuttle takes you back to the hotel, especially by the end of day 4. And if it's been remodeled, even better, because that was the only thing that gave it a lower rating. And free candy canes at the front desk!
I'm from Northern California as well & this is pretty much the way we do it as well. We'll go once or twice a year & stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel with a 3 - or 4-day park hopper. I will say that we did stay at the Grand CA in January because my retired dad was paying & it was very nice having that closer proximity & early entry, but the Good Neighbors are how we afford that extra trip every year 😊
@@heatherharper0224 Glad you got to stay at the Grand CA! We always wanted to stay there but back when we were going to Disneyland twice (even three some years) a year, we were paying $99-$129 per night at Candy Cane. Grand CA at that time was around $300 per night and we couldn't justify paying that much more per night. Although looking back, at the price it is per night now, we sometimes think we should've splurged at least one trip. We did stay at Paradise Pier with a park view once and that was great. We also stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for one night once, just to see how it was and we got a parking lot view so it was just an okay stay.
Growing up, we'd stay at the Cosmic Age Lodge, just about a walk through the parking lot (where California Advernture is now) to the front gate. And there was an IHOP next door where we'd grab breakfast.
Loved this episode about Disneyland! This is my park, and it’s nice to get your help with planning and strategy. Keep the Disneyland content coming!
Ryno took your advice and just booked my WDW vacation with Dreams Unlimited Travel. Super Excited
We always stay at the Park Vue Inn right across the street from Disneyland and we love it! The rooms are spacious, perfect for a family, great staff and free parking. There is an iHop in the parking lot, and directly next door is a 24 hr Dennys. We loved being able to grab cheaper food soo close to our room. This hotel also has a little convenience store full of souvenirs, snacks, things you may have forgotten to pack etc.. the walk from our room to the gates (with children) was 8 minutes. Highly recommend this hotel!
I'm a bubble person as is my family of 5 like Hannah. And we always have a resort day or two depending on the length of trip. And we do patronize the lounges and restaurants at the resort we stay in.
For good neighborhood hotel, we love the jw marriott at the garden walk area. Great service and only takes us about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the park. Also, sometimes, at the end of the night, if our legs were tired, we just took the bus to the toy story parking lot because it's right across the street
I’m a bubble person at WDW. At DLR, good neighbor all the way. We go every year to DLR and I would never trade that for a stay at Grand Cal and only be able to go every 3 years.
Ryno, I saw you at Disneyland on that Sunday night. You were at the hub and I had a total fangirl experience. My daughter was pushing me to go up to you and say Hi and get a picture. You started walking down Main Street towards the exit and she was looking at me like "it's now or never." Welp, I chose never but I did want to go up to you in my social anxiety introverted soul. 💖
Idk… have you been to the Drury and experienced ubering directly to the parks? We wouldn’t do it any other way now. I say this as having just stayed at the Swan. While we loved walking to Epcot we loved the food and even our room more at Drury and once you Uber instead of take the bus it’s hard to go back!
Loved the people in DL. The crowds aren’t as cranky. WDW cast members seem to make more magic.
I’m with Hannah too. Everyone travels differently and we always have stayed at the Poly and staying at other resorts weren’t the same as a monorail resort for us. I’m saving for my first trip to Disneyland and want to recapture that magic at Grand Cal or maybe Pixar Place. Heck, I was disappointed by the Four Seasons at WDW bc it wasn’t Disney. I appreciate Hannah’s take because I think I would be disappointed by even a nice non Disney hotel. It’s fine if people have different preferences and priorities.
This was a timely discussion for as I am planning my first trip to Disneyland.
You will love it! It has a certain charm that Disney World does not have.
I'm so excited for you! I think you'll absolutely love it 😀
This was really helpful! Making my first DLR trip for the Halloween Half.
I wish Cosmic Rewind was brought to Disneyland! Even it was the same ride with a different theme! PeopleMover in Disneyland would be great too!
I got a park reservation for MK for 6/16 today! I have been trying and trying and finally got it. Got one for 6/17 yesterday - i may cancel that one because my friends have one for 6/16 so that was my priority, but i didn’t get it until today. Not sure if availability is still open
Dining reservations at Disneyland are a nightmare! I live here and never get them. Choose walk-up list (in app) off peaking eating times, day of. I use it for Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe all the time.
Good episode!
oh my gosh that drone show!
Can you talk about the travel to Disneyland? I’ve never been and it’s intimating for me. Do you fly into Anaheim or fly into LAX? How do you get from LAX to Disneyland and how far away is it
You can fly into LAX and I think it's an hour to and hour and a half or so away from Anaheim, depending on traffic. If you're just going to Disneyland and nowhere else, I think there's a shuttle you can take to and from the airport. Some closer airports are Long Beach and John Wayne (Orange County) but you'll probably have to make an extra stop or two to get there depending on where you live.
I’m with Craig and ryno on this one. I would get out to DL as often as I could and just skip the Disney hotels. We appreciate the close walk and included breakfast at the good neighbors plus 1950s motor inn is a vibe of its own.
You don't need to have entered a park to get the 1pm Bayou Adventure AP preview VQ
Y'all must be reading my mind! I'm planning my first DLR trip right now!! I just need the 2025 calendar to open so I can book! (Or should I just call Dreams Unlimited?? No joke! I think I'm a WDW / UOR pro, but maybe for my first time out west I should get some help!)
Wait, what’s wrong with the Anaheim Hotel? Have heard nothing but good things about it. Especially location
🙋♀️I am a bubble person too. I would absolutely go every 3 years and stay on DL property.
Yeah, Toontown and Roger Rabbit needs to return to HS
Does Dreams Unlimited book the good neighbor hotels at DL?
I did this two years ago with them so I know they do. I was at the Fairfield next to the Camelot.
There are Power Ranger conventions??!??!
To my knowledge Country Bears were rebuilt using the used parts from destroying the Splash Mountain characters.
Disney Parks are too financially starved to build brand new Bears.
What knowledge they’re using brand new animatronic system they said
Why did I think we were getting new replacement bear animatronics (like the bayou) but looks like we are only getting new outfits?! 🙄
They rebuilt the bears with parts cannabalized from Splash Mountain characters they dismantled.
Wait do we still need park reservations?!
Hey! Annual Passholders do unless it is what they call “good to go days”. And AP holders can go to any park after 2 without a reservation except for MK on the weekends. MK park reservations are highly sought after for the Tiana AP previews
For Disneyland, yes reservations are still required
Is Erika still part of the team?
Erica works for Disney now, but we are working on getting her back in some dining reviews soon!
Probably in the minority here but I have no interest in going to Disneyland. I'm a creature of habit and love knowing WDW like the back of my hand. I have no desire booking flights to the west coast; booking hotels I know nothing about; walking around I park where I have zero familiarity. Certainly not a knock on DL, but all my Disney trips will be to WDW.