Disney - Where to stay for newbies?

[LVR]

Hi ya

We are flying in approx 6 weeks or so coming in to LA with 2 days in San Diego, 5 in Anaheim and 6 days in San Fran (plus we're going to be driving Highway 1 up to SF, then flying back out).

Can anyone recommend where to stay in Disney/Anaheim? We're looking at a bunch of brochures which are just a maze of rooms etc and aren't keen on ending up in some out of the way dump.

Budget is (kinda) flexible, so we're trying to find out the places that those who've been have worked out is the best way.... I guess a balance between quality and distance?

It's just my wife, myself and our 4 yr old (very active). We hope to get maybe two rooms or a separate room/living and a bit of space to chill out after a long day on the rides.

I'm hoping there are some parents here who can give us some sanity preserving tips for how best to do 4 days of Disney/Universal (we allowed a day for resting...)

Cheers

[Michelle]

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is a nice place to stay.

[trueX5er]

Marriot Anaheim
Hilton Anaheim

I'm going to be in San Diego in two weeks...I love it there. May I ask where you are staying? I love sailing near Coronado, can't beat it! It's a nice drive along hwy 101 in Solana Beach, Cardiff by the Sea (Las Olas has great mexican food in Cardiff), Leucadia, etc. Hope you have fun!
For the parks, be prepared to spend a lot of money on food. Make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks on benches in the shade.
Have fun!!

[DINANM3]

When I went a long time ago the hotel was awesome. I think it was called the Grand Floridian or something. I dont really remember the exact name but it was something like that.

[LVR]

Originally Posted by Michelle

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is a nice place to stay.

Thanks for that... you've stayed there? Is it worth getting the meal packages? My wife mentioned that she likes the idea of staying 'on site' so our little fella is immersed in the whole experience.

Any suggestions for rooms?

Marriot Anaheim
Hilton Anaheim

I'm going to be in San Diego in two weeks...I love it there. May I ask where you are staying? I love sailing near Coronado, can't beat it! It's a nice drive along hwy 101 in Solana Beach, Cardiff by the Sea (Las Olas has great mexican food in Cardiff), Leucadia, etc. Hope you have fun!
For the parks, be prepared to spend a lot of money on food. Make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks on benches in the shade.
Have fun!!

No idea yet where we are staying so any suggestions welcome! We like the style of the Hilton kind of hotel you mentioned although we are leaning towards Michelles recommendation for location and theme for the little fella.

SD looks like being a day at Legoland and a day at USS Midway/city tour/general looking around...

Thanks for the Highway locations as we love to just get out and follow our nose while exploring. What's lodging like? Can we just lob in to a town and get a decent room or do we need to book in advance?

When I went a long time ago the hotel was awesome. I think it was called the Grand Floridian or something. I dont really remember the exact name but it was something like that.

Thanks mate..

Cheers for the tips...

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by LVR

Thanks for that... you've stayed there? Is it worth getting the meal packages? My wife mentioned that she likes the idea of staying 'on site' so our little fella is immersed in the whole experience.

Any suggestions for rooms?

I didn't stay there when I was at Disneyland. I was there with a convention and had to stay at the Disneyland Hotel--it's part of the same 'on site' resort. We walked through Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and it was really cool! I remember a few people here telling me they have stayed there before and loved it.

We didn't plan the trip...everything was already planned and paid for, so I can't help you with meal packages.

[canamx5]

Originally Posted by Michelle

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is a nice place to stay.

We stay there with the kids once a year and it's great. We usually get a two bedroom suite. (kind of pricey but worth it) The Rain forest Cafe is a MUST!
Have fun!

[jek889]

If the meal package at Disneyland is anything like the one they offer at Disney World in Florida, then it is a good deal and worth getting. If nothing else, it allows you to enjoy the whole on-site experience. There are a lot of places just outside the park to eat at, including McDonalds, Tony Romas, and your typical chain store places. But you can do just fine eating in the parks. If you want to eat someplace cool, make reservations at the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park. You can have lunch or dinner right inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride next to the water. Make reservations early if you are interested. Have fun!