Anyone visited California?

lucie707

I know its a huge place which is why I'm getting stuck on google. I'm looking at going to Disneyland...possibly at the end of the year.

Am I realistically going to have to get two fights to be in the Disney area? We will have two infants so I'd rather get one flight and maybe stay a distance away from Disney if that's possible and just drive in?

Also, is it relatively cheap once you get there to eat etc? Any areas I should avoid?

Thanks

luci

There are non-stop flights from LHR-LAX, but whether you need 2 flights will depend on your departure airport in the UK.

Can I ask why you particularly want to visit Disneyland Anaheim? It isn't hugely different from Disneyland Paris which would be much more accessible with two infants. In fact DLP would have more attractions than the original Disneyland.

clairey1208

Hi we visited Disneyland California last August & flew into LAX airport which was less than an hours drive to Disney. We chose to stay off site but unlike Disney World Florida we were still within walking distance to the 2 Disney parks.
There are plenty of nice beaches to visit, Santa Monica is lovely if you fancy a drive out.
We visited Hollywood but had been warned not to stay in that area as there's not much there & in all honesty we thought it was a bit of a dump!
The forum on the Dibb has as section for California which we found helpful http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=170

lucie707

Luci - I haven't written off Disneyland Paris yet I just wanted to get possible prices for this first as the weather will be better when we go and I assumed the price difference couldn't be that much different seen as its so expensive in Europe.

Thanks Clarey I will check that link out now

elisebutt65

I found DLC much more child friendly than Paris. Flight straight from LHR, then shuttle bus straight to local hotel. (Raddisdon) Walk to park via Denny's or IHOP for breakfast. Loads of deals for tickets. Local buses to outlet malls and shops. Santa Monica is amazing.

We also did the tour of stars homes, which is so cheesy but fun, with photo ops under the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive.

I've been with Ds2 when he was 8 & 11 on my own and it was really easy. Worked out cheaper for a week than 4 days in DLP as well!!

jackieblack

IIRC the parking isn't that close to the parks (don't you have to be bussed in from the parking?). There are, however, loads of hotels within walking distance or which run free shuttle buses, I'd book one of those and not worry about the car for those few days.
Unlike WDW in Florida, the parks are right on a main road with hotels, shops and restaurants on the doorstep.

Vikki_74

I've been to Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, and California is my favourite. It's not too huge, the weather's lovely and California has so much else you can do whilst you're over there. We stayed at one of the small independent hotels nearby (I think the road is Harbor Blvd?) and it was great - cheap and cheerful but walking distance to the parks so you don't have to waste time and money parking every day.

As others have said, you can get direct flights to LAX then either pick up a car and drive to Anaheim or there are buses/coaches which pick up from the airport and take about an hour if I remember correctly. That of course depends on where you're starting from in the UK - I think the only direct flights are from London so if flying from elsewhere you will have at least one change; either at Heathrow, somewhere in the US (e.g. Atlanta if you fly with Delta) or in Europe. We flew with Air France from Manchester with a connection at Charles de Gaulle as it was the best option in terms of price and flight times.

For other stuff to do on the west coast besides Disney, have a look here for some ideas.

Dirk_Gently_2

I agree, California is by far the best park - there's something magical about it that even charmed my Disney-cynical wife!

As mentioned, plenty of hotels nearby to suit all budgets, and most run shuttle buses. In my opinion that's by far the best way to do things - get there early when the park opens whilst everyone else is queuing for teh car park shuttle busses, pop back to the hotel mid-afternoon for a break/swim when the park's heavingly busy, and come back at about 6-7 for 3 hours or so as the day-trippers are leaving.

Also, look at some of the websites/mobile apps that recommend the best time to ride - and give you real time queue updates for each ride. I used
http://www.mousewait.com and it was definitely worth the small sum I paid for it.

headpin

Another vote for the original from me too. Like it much better than WDW or Paris. Much more Magical and California beats Florida and France hands down.

Archergirl

How old are the infants?

malid

We first went to Disneyland California in 1990 with two children 6 and 17 months. It was our first trip to the USA and it was a fantastic holiday. We did tour across California and to Las Vegas but it was great.l

We returned several times after that with three children starting at the ages of 11 months (had his first birthday in Las Vegas), three and a half and 7. In LA, we stayed near Disneyland - there are lots of reasonable motels to chose from within walking distance. Some motels have shuttle buses or you can drive there and park the car. It's not too expensive. We have walked on occasions and parked there.

We have also been to Disneyworld Florida but California was by far the best. I was never interested in visiting the Paris one - just wanted to experience the 'All American' atmosphere and weather. We were never disappointed. You will have a fab time so go for it. :j