Disneyland California

[Shakey1500]

Also posting this in Chat and Longhaul

I've a few questions if anyone can help? Decided 2015 is THE year we will go. It has to be the California one as that's where Cars Land is Ok, does anyone know...

1. What's the cheapest time of year to go?
2. Is it easy to go independent or better through a travel agency? Is there a UK agency we could use? (I've only found Paris/Orlando

1. Is there much else to do once the park has been exhausted?
2. Any other tips or nuggets of info?

Much obliged

Flights will be cheaper in the winter but do you need school holidays? If so, Easter. Disney is in the Orange County so you can go south to San Diego or all the other theme parks around LA!!! Universal Studios, Knotts etc. I would consider San Diego or Santa Monica (LA) as both have plenty more to see and do.

We have never been to the theme parks so can't advise on booking arrangements. Would have thought Virgin or some similar operator would have all of this or an American specialist tour operator.

We went with Funway USA, quite a few years ago, but went in August so definitely not the cheapest time of year. We only went to Disney for the day. We also did lots of other things as we only had 5 nights in Anaheim, then we flew on to San Francisco and Las Vegas.
We would go independently if going now.
we too did Universal, Knotts berry farm and went to Hollywood, Long Beach etc.

I don't think admission prices varies by season, but the amount of time you spend waiting in line sure does. And hotels must soar in holidays, too. I would only go in the US school term time.

there are tonnes of other things to do in SoCal, too many to list without knowing what else you like.

We went Feb half term a few years ago, flights were no more than term time. We did just one day in Disney and one day at the park next door and really enjoyed them. Queues were very good, we were up early because of jet lag which worked out well. We stayed at the Hyatt in Anaheim and had a 'kids suite' which was great as had 2 spacious sleeping areas with a dividing door.

I also went with Funway. This was part of an LA/Hawaii/San Francisco holiday.

Cheapest time to go is 1st week in December or mid January.

Other than Disney, there isn't much in Anaheim I'd recommend. If you're willing to travel a bit, you can visit Universal Studio and Six Flags. There are nice beaches, museums etc too for alternative days out.

Not sure how attractive all the tourist trappings (Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Sign, etc) will be you your LO(s).

Perhaps you can look at a DIY holiday and combine a trip to LA with a week in Yosemite or some other west coast destination?

I'm !

Thanks all

Yes, will need school holidays. DS is 6 (though it may be ok to take him out for a week)

Will check out Funway. Quite keen on doing a couple of trips as suggested (here and on other threads)

We're thinking either Feb or Oct (probably Oct) and I'm going to check prices throughout the year.

thanks again

We went October half term, queuing times were fine. Dh did a lot of running around getting fast passes to enable us to skip queues though. He loved this! Cars is in california adventure which we all preferred to disney itself. Get a fast pass to cars as soon as you get into the park ( would recommend getting in early doors). The rest of California adventure had almost no queues at all. Universal studios also a great day out as are the beaches, Venice/Santa Monica my favourite.
The 3 minutes spent on the cars ride was 3 of the best minutes of my life. Sad I know...
Would recommend 2-3 days to get the most out of Disney and cal adventure.

We found flights for 470 each on sky scanner.net but we flew either side of half term, 19 days in total.

Not sad! I've watched footage on Youtube and can't wait

There's a Lego place in Carlsbad (about 30 min North of San Diego) and I'm told there's a waterworld/aquarium in San Diego I think.

For adults, how about the Stone Brewery at Escondido?!

SeaWorld was the name I was trying to remember. Never been.

Will you be hiring a car? We took our triplets in Aug 2007 and toured independently for 4 weeks, the best holiday of my life, they were 9 at the time. We ended our road trip in Anaheim, just had three nights there, we rented the sweetest self catering cottage just a few blocks away from Disney. I love the original Disneyland, we have done both (Florida) several times but I LOVE the West best!

Possibly hire a car but most likely not. DH is a professional driver and it's the last thing he wants to do I'm certainly not confident though

I can see how it opens everything up though. Your accomodation sounds great, I've seen a few now that sound similar, thanks

You will find it difficult without a car tbh, nowhere is walkable and it really does restrict you. Apart from the big cities we found driving a joy compared to here, fabulous long open roads............oh I am longing to go back!

You will really struggle without a car unless you want to just stay at Anaheim for your entire holiday. Driving was just part of the holiday experience.

Hi,

We (hubby and I) went to California a few times pre-kids (we haven't been able to afford to go back since I went part time at work).
Anyway, you will definitely need a car! No way can you get about without one. They are fairly cheap to rent and fill up on fuel. I did some of the driving too!
We went to Disney California in November, just after Halloween. It was quiet but the weather was glorious. Great. We also did Universal Studios in Hollywood. Great if you have older children. And, San Diego zoo is worth a trip to see. Also, a wander around San Diego old town.
We used to travel around and stay in motels (we have travelled all over America). Not sure what we would do with kids though.
Long Beach worth a trip too. Queen Mary ship is docked there and you can tour it.
I am sooo jealous.

This may seem like a really sad question, given how much there is to do there , but does anyone know generally what wifi is like in hotels?

I have an 11 year old with AS and the holiday would be ruined if he didn't get his fix of certain online games!

No other wi-fi addicts then?