Disneyland Calif sites?

[Landroverpup]

I hate Disneyland.  I've been twice and seriously can't stand the place.  It's not worth half what they charge.  There's no decent food and crowds and lines everywhere.  What I hate is the artificial feeling about the place.  Plus it's so commercialized.  Everything is about the $$$ there.  Give me the forest or the beach over that nonsense anytime.

First please do not be offened fellow pop-owner....Do not listen to this person...they dont get and will not get and are happy not to ever get it, the Disney Experience that is. This person is kinda like the person that ask why would I ever camp or buy a trailer when I can stay at hotel and sleep in a real bed..that is beneath me attitude. Now with that off my chest let me help you out. I am the Disney EXPERT...big ego and proud to tell anyone. Pup up nut and Disney nut all rolled into one person. I take it so far I am part of the Disney experience for my kids, yes it is work just like camping can be, but the rewards can be priceless in regards to your kids.

As other people have pointed out staying at Disney property allows you to never leave the Disney experience kinda of keeps you in that fantasy land mindset, which I am truly prefer.

How to not approach Disney:

1) Not wearing your mouse ears (ones in your mind)
2) Do not show up at 10 am
3) Showing up clueless and without plan
4) Not knowing how to use the fast pass system

If you want to do the see it all in a day approach then do the following:

1) Buy your tickets before you arrive
2) Show up 20 minutes before the gates open
3) Go to ridemax.com and buy the software (you will need internet access in your hotel room)
4) Understand the fast pass system
5) Understand where the princesses will be at certain times

The Balanced approach like you were proposing

1) Show up when the gates open
2) Understand how the fast pass system works
3) Go back to hotel room for pool time and lunch
4) Go back to park for rides, disney dinner, and firework shows
5) use //www.ridemax.com software

In regards to the Disney Land Hotel...its a 1960's ugly tower and it's 3.5 star property. yes you are overpaying at $330 a night. I go during off peak times and pay around $150 a night or stay at Grand Californian for $250 a night.

The inside is has been updated but its just OK, but you remain in fantasy land. You dont have to ride a bus but you can take a short stroll to the mono rail which takes you to the park (you can avoid the main park entrance that way).

Honest Truth:
I have never waited in line for more than 20 minutes for any ride by using the fast pass system and ride max software and have been to Disney Land and Disney World over 10 times.

Biggest Tip:
Plan you days with some flexibiltiy
Be a great dad and really get into everything
Your daughter is 6 so talk to the employees and found out when and where the princess will show up (get her an autograph book)
Get her into pin trading...I am even into that.

Other Tips:
Goofy's Kitchen..yes pricey but fun for the kids and lots of characters in one spot. If you need anything else just e-mail me and will be happy to answer.

[Dray]

Sorry about my negative post.  I shouldn't have said anything.  Have a good time Harleywolf.  I'll be camping in the real world.

[harleywolf]

Landroverpup, Thanks! We

[Dee4j]

Landroverpup, Thanks! We

[Eric Sass]

We just stayed at the Disneyland Hotel on July 11th. It is expensive, but the kids loved it. It's also convenient to the monorail that will take you right into the park. There are quite a few less expensive hotels right outside the gate. Next time we will stay at one of them.
Remember they are only young once. HAVE FUN!

[Landroverpup]

Landroverpup, Thanks! We

[jstaddwtr]

So hammer me too.....


We loved our experience at Disney.  We would return in a heartbeat.

  My children will always remember our experience.  We won't apologize for having a good time.   There is an experience for everyone at whatever cost. When we were on the west coast Disney was a must visit.  Now on the east coast Disney World is a place we would visit more if we could.  

Camping was great and I would recommend staying in the park when possible.  We have not been there in awhile but the last time we loved the E tickets which let you visit after closing.  

America is one of the most diverse places in the world where we have the freedom to be different and explore the world through our special perspectives...what is real for one may be trivial for another.  Enjoy!


Coach