I am so excited that I had the opportunity to go to Disneyland. I was attending a conference in San Diego and my trip was sponsored by CVS (the conference trip, not the Disneyland trip). Since the cost of my plane ticket was covered, I flew in a day early (and actually saved money by doing this!) to go to Disneyland. My awesome friend SwagGrabber said she would be happy to go too, so we were able to split costs!
$158 – 2 day park hopper tickets
$107.50 – half of the hotel room
$65 on souvenirs for the kids and a shirt for myself
$43 on food (hotel had a complimentary breakfast)
$50 – my portion of the rental car
Total: $423.50
Use $147 left from the Anniversary trip we took
Total spent out of pocket: $276.50
Being able to answer all the Disneyland questions my awesome readers ask – priceless!
We stayed at the Cortona Inn which was nice. It’s 2 blocks from the gates, but it had transport that would pick us up. We actually discovered that it was quicker for us to walk to the gates. The hotel staff was friendly and they had locking luggage services which was a huge benefit to us. If I had to do it over again, I would of booked at one of the hotels that are closer to the gates (the Howard Johnson and the Candy Lane Inn are highly recommended by other readers).
The parks were crowded, but we were able to do almost everything on the list.
We arrived at California Adventure at almost 4 pm on Tuesday. We got fastpasses to Soarin and then went to see Aladdin. The show was AMAZING and well worth it. We sat on the front row which I wasn’t certain would be a good seat, but I got to shake hands with a camel! That was really awesome. It’s definitely a must see.
Afterwards we got our picnic for the World of Color tickets. The food was good (I got the American meal and Sheri got the Asian meal). And it was worth it to have guaranteed viewing for World of Color.
We headed to ride the Little Mermaid next, but the ride was down so we browsed Paradise Pier. By the time we got all the way around, The Little Mermaid was back on line and we got there right as they opened the ride. We waited 5 minutes!
After the show though, we were so exhausted that we decided to call it a night. Up at 3:30 am cst, a 7 hour flight (including the layover) and the 2 hour drive got to be too much. We tried to give away the Fastpass tickets as we were leaving but we couldn’t find anyone to take them. We tried though!
Wednesday morning we got to the gates at 7 am. We were in the parks at the front of the rope at 7:50 am. Then the park was 15 minutes late opening? It was weird. Sheri ran to ride Space Mountain (she was on the first car out!) and I went to ride Peter Pan.
Peter Pan is so different from the ride at Disney World. I was amazed the entire time. It was like a brand new ride!
Next I rode Dumbo (yes by myself!) and the Tea Cups (again by myself). Then Sheri met up with me and we did the Alice in Wonderland ride (way awesome!) and then we rode Finding Nemo with a 10 minute wait. This ride was AMAZING and totally blew Disney Worlds version out of the water. There is really no comparing the 2.
Then it was off to Fastpass Indiana Jones and grab a snack of Mickey Crepes. They were very delicious. Then we Fastpassed Big Thunder and went back to use our Fastpasses for Indiana Jones (this ride was so fun but it’s very jerky).
Next we rode Pirates which was so much better at Disneyland because it can dive deep underground. I was not expecting the second drop. Then it was off to the Haunted Mansion which was identical to the one at Disney World (or at least I couldn’t tell the difference).
Then we rode Pooh which I was surprised that it had no wait at 11:30. The ride at Disney World would of been covered up! (I liked this one better than Disney World too).
We ate lunch at the restaurant there in New Orleans Square before riding Big Thunder Mountain (which is better at Disney World). Then it was time to buy our souvenirs and head back to San Diego for the conference.
Let’s just say…
I’m Couponing to Disneyland in 2012 (or maybe 2013, depending on how badly we want to go)! I can’t wait to take the family there.
vanessa says
Hi Shana, I’m not Kristen obviously but I feel like I could give you some info on Indiana Jones, (I’ve been on it way more times then I can count). :) Indiana Jones is actually quite similar to the Dinosaur ride at WDW! You ride in a jeep, its bouncy, and very action packed! As far as snakes, not to spoil it but there really is only 1 snake on the Indiana Jones ride but its huge! So huge that it is way to fake to pass as anything believeable but makes the ride exciting. Plus you only see him for about 5 seconds :) This ride is seriously one of my personal favorites in the Disneyland Park and I feel like you should really jump into it and have fun with it! Hope you decide to go on it :)
Shana says
Hi Kristen,
I am going to Disneyland for a couple of days in less than 3 weeks. I too am a Disney fanatic and have been to Disney World multiple times. I actually went to school with you but was a couple of grades below and I really enjoy reading your site.
I do have one question about Indiana Jones- I am a big sissy- lol. I do not like “thrilling rides” but I do ride Dinosaur at Disney World. I really want to try out Indiana Jones but I am terrified of snakes and things like that. So what advice would you have for riding Indiana Jones?
Rebecca says
Oh, Hooray! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! We LOVE Disneyland (my son is 5 and has been 8 times, my 1 year old has been twice) :) We’re currently saving for the kids’ first trip to WDW in 2015 (our second, we honeymooned there in 2004). Thanks to you we feel like this trip will definitely be doable. Thanks for all your hard work!
christina kunewa says
It’s so nice to finally here about Disneyland in California! I can only imagine what Disney World is like, I live it through your blog. However, Disneyland in California, now that’s my turf! I grew up there, my kids grew up there, I live about 45 miles from it. For 5 Christmas’s in a row we spent Christmas day there, I still go at least once a year and as soon as I step inside, it’s like I am 8 years old all over again. Can’t wait to see your posts about your family trip there! i am slowly but SURELY couponing to DISNEY WORLD!
vanessa says
I used to work at Disneyland and have been there so many times I can’t even keep count. It really has a magical feel about. However, if you are planning a trip I would suggest really researching the best time of year to go, the crowds can get insanely crazy! Lately it seems to get harder and harder to predict becuase they have made southern california passes so affordable. I have gone times that people suggest are good times only for it to be packed shoulder to shoulder with people! The worst time was on 4th of July, when the park closed they were actually letting people out through backstage exits because the crowd was so huge! But I am in no way complaining, once you fall in love with Disneyland you pretty much will do anything to get there! :)
Kim W. says
Wahooo! I am so happy you got to experience Disneyland! I have never been to WDW (goal one day when kids are a bit older??, hard to break away from DL lol..;0)..but I have been going to DL since I was a little girl ;) so it holds a special place in my heart. I am soooooo excited we are down to 84 days to our second family vacation to DL..this time DS is 7, and DD is 4..so it will be like a whole new magical trip!
I know your kids will love it, I would wait to go until Carsland is open, that way more for your family to do while there…CONGRATS on going to all US Disney parks!!!! Looking forward to mabye more DL posts from readers and tips that would be awesome! Thanks for all you do!!! LOVE CTD!!!!!
Angela says
Now that I have read your reviews I am not so sure I want to get the Kids to Disneyworld. We went to Disneyland in May 2011 and had a blast. Only thing that I would love to go see would be the Tree of Life and Swim with the Sharks in FL.
And you’re right about Pirates of the Caribbean. I loved it, but my son was scared crapless. He HATED the drops.
Denise-Scrapmouse says
So glad you enjoyed Disneyland and thanks for sharing your trip with us. Regarding hotels, I would recommend the Marriott Fairfield Inn on Harbor Blvd. The rooms were nice and reasonable. They also have a Pizza Hut in the hotel and there is a McDonalds next door too. The walk wasn’t bad either. It’s a little closer than the Howard Johnson Hotel. Now if you can afford it, I would highly recommend the Disneyland Hotel. It adds that extra magic to your Disneyland trip. Plus, right now they are doing some major renovations to be completed by 2012. And California Adventures should also be complete with all their renovations in 2012, so there will be lots of new stuff to see at Disneyland next year or in 2013 whenever you decide to go back.
Shonna J. says
We are going all out this time and staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. Disneyland is offering a special right now that if you stay 4 nights at one of their resorts you get a free character dining. I purchased our tickets through Costco Travel and they already have a member package where they offer a free character meal and a $20 gift card. So by booking through Costco Travel, we are now getting two free character meals. Can’t wait to try a character meal. We have not done one before.
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
Wow that is awesome!!!!!!!
Melissa says
I was totally going to recommend the Costco tip, but wanted to make sure that no one else had yet. :) On a trip my husband and I made without our daughter, we used the free meal for a non-character meal at the Storyteller Cafe inside the Grand Californian…and it was awesome.
I also highly recommend the Best Western Park Place. It’s nothing fancy, but is a super short walk from the entrance (even closer than some of the on-property hotels) and a fine place to crash. The Sheraton Anaheim is great as well.
Shonna J. says
We are on are way to Disneyland for our second time this year in just 29 days. We spent 3 days the first time and it just wasn’t enough time to see all we wanted to see. We are going 7 days this time but will only spend 6 in the parks. Our son is 6 and still not tall enough to ride many of the WDW rides and we can get cheap tickets through Allegiant to DL so we will save WDW for a couple more years from now. I think DL is magical because it is where all of the magic started. So glad you got to experience it.
Melinda says
Now you have me very interested in DisneyLand especially since they are going to have Cars Land. But, I would like to know about the situation of the character meet and greets. My sis in law went last summer and she said there just weren’t many characters around.
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
I only saw Chip and Dale and Briar Bear out and about. So they definitely aren’t hanging around like they do at Disney World.
Amber says
In two trips my daughter met Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip & Dale, Fairy Godmother, Goofy, Pluto, Princess Tiana, Woody, Jessie, Green Army Man(he was hiding behind a wall and kept putting his binoculars up, funny!), Duffy the Disney Bear, Tinkerbell and 3 other fairies .
She could have met (but didn’t choose to) Cruella Deville, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Mr. Incredible, The Disney Princesses (in the tent), Rapunzel (the line was awful). I’m forgetting a few, wish I could remember the rest. :)
Sara B says
I’m a D-Land girl, all the way! I’ve never been to WDW, but I grew up in CA and have been more times than I can count. We’ll be making the trip again in December. The last time we went, we stayed at Candy Cane Inn and loved it! The staff is incredibly hospitable and it’s as close as any of the resort hotels (if not closer!!) Glad you got to enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth! :D
And funny, I didn’t know what you meant when you were referring to the “Finding Nemo” ride. I had to look it up. The submarines! I still call it the Submarine ride, because that’s what it was when I was a kid.
Julie says
I have family in CA and we have been to Disneyland 2 times….one day each time. Stayed at the Candy Cane Inn the second time…GREAT PLACE! So affordable, free parking and breakfast…next door to DCA! I love Disneyland and WDW. That Pirates Ride at DL is SO much better and I like Small world there better also. Def worth a trip for any WDW loving family IMO.
Vickie Jones says
Living in Az we are Big Disneyland people, we havnee’t been in 3 years and are gong in March, I have yet to ride Nemo or the Little Mermaid ride yet! We always stay at Candy Cane Inn and love it
Kris says
Being a huge Disney fan, I love DL & WDW but there isn’t anything better than the Weather at DL in the Summer. Definitely a must do for every family. We stayed at the Grand Californian & loved being able to be a stones throw away from California Adventure!
Christal says
I am so glad you enjoyed Disneyland!! We were in San Diego when you were in Disneyland and then we were in Disneyland when you were in San Diego!! I live in Northern Cali and i love, love, love taking family trips to Disneyland. We have been 4 times in the last year! I hope you and your family can experience it together soon!!!
Chandelle says
I am so glad you had a great time! My family and I take a Disneyland trip every year! I fanned your page on facebook and it’s helped saved up so much!!! So thankyou ;) I’d like to mention that I have done more then my share of research (i’m like the local go to person when a friend or family member is taking a trip to DL or has questions) I know a TON of money saving tips from food, gifts etc. I don’t have a blog like yours or anything, but your blog was right up my ally and deff. added to more ways to save on the trip. I’ve stayed at just about nearly all the hotels across from the gates of the park and can rate each one if you every have ANY questions! :) Thanks for sharing your experiance!!! I like people to appriciate Disneyland as well as Disney World…because I think people get caught up assuming that because WDW is bigger, that it must be better. But from a mother of (almost) 3 children, we manage to fill up 4 full days of Disneyland fun and save a ton!!! :)
Alex says
I do the same thing with my family of 5 every year! But it’s wasn’t until these past 2 years that I had to save up for our trips. My husband lost his job and is now working for WAY less than we used to but we still somehow manage to save enough for our trips =) I’d love to hear some of your tips!!
Chandelle says
I admire that you still make it happen. We do too, no matter what almost, I just really tihnk it’s important, almost more so when the family is having hard times to get away, reconect, and escape every day life form bills, work, phone calls, cleaning etc. It reminds you that your not just working to get by, but actually remembering what it meansw to be a family! :) I have TOO many tips to write down all in one sitting, but I’ll deff tag your page or something in one of my notes or post on FB :) I know of some amazing ones, like a lil warehouse place they take all the Disneyland official suvaniers/products to make room for new ones, and sell them for dirt cheap (like 4 dollar mouse ears etc) just a few blocks from the park! Also, some great pages that offer coupons for the resturaunts around Disneyland etc. Just so many cool things :)
Joleen says
I would love to hear the tips! we are heading to disneyland in 2012 and trying to find all the ways to save money with 4 kids!!
Alex says
Thank you and I agree 100% with you!!
And WOW! That’s exactly the kind of stuff I’d love to know about saving at Disneyland!! I don’t have a page but would love for you to email me some more tips at [email protected]
Beth Anne says
Awww we JUST moved to Florida and are planning on getting annual passes at Thanksgiving and this post makes me sad :( I’ve been to Disneyland twice…in 1996 and 2006. I’ve only been to Disney World once when I was 6…so in 1992. I’ve wanted to go back to DW forEVER but it was always so overwhelming and more expensive for us…when we lived in Texas…oh well to each it’s own….
Michelle says
I love your website! I hope one day I can save as much as you and coupon my way to Disney.
Amber says
Yay!! I’m so glad you had a great time! DL is my park and the fact that a WDW vet liked it means so much. We usually go during the off-season (2nd week of Jan-late Feb.) and the crowds are so manageable. Hearing about the fun you had makes me want to plan my next trip. :)
Jennifer B says
I’m glad you had fun! I tacked a mini trip to Disneyland onto a conference I went to 5 years ago in Anaheim, which is my only DL experience, but I really enjoyed it. I’ll still pick WDW over DL if I have to choose, but eventually I am planning on getting my boyfriend out there to check it out.
Peter Pan is definitely different. I enjoyed it, but I’ll be honest missed the one in WDW that I grew up with…something about Peter Pan has always screamed Magic to me. I LOVED the Alice in Wonderland ride and wish that they would get it out to WDW. I also enjoyed DL’s Pooh ride much more the WDW’s. They were building Nemo when I was there, so I missed that. Can’t wait to check it out the next time I go.
Melissa @ The Sassy Saver says
I saw that little maybe 2013 at the end of this post and I just had to say, you hve 3 years while I’m here. why not make the most of them and come both 2012 and 2013!!!! then we could do just about everything you could hope for!!! ( and I could hook you up because I have lots of contacts that work there.) ;)
Natalie says
I am so glad you got to go to DL. We left from our 7th annual 12 day trip the day you arrived. I am always couponing to Disneyland! I know lots of tips and tricks, so I will keep watching for your readers’ questions. Oh, and yes, The HOJO is incredible! You can get the Entertainment rate sometimes and it makes the rooms half price!!!
Renee McD says
Maybe if you have lots of tricks you could write an article for the site with some of the inside info. We are planning on going next year and any of the tricks there would be great. The last time I was there I was with my hubby and now I am going with my parents and two children that will be 9 & 5.
Donnann Tritten says
I love Disneyland, every time I go it feels like I have entered somewhere magical
Elena says
Your family will LOVE Disneyland! And you can do it all in a few days. The best part? It’ll be a whole heck of a lot cheaper than Disney World! You’ll be amazed! So glad you got to experience it!
Amy says
LOL. My hubby and I used to live about an hour and a half south of Disneyland so we’d head up there after work all the time. We took our daughter on her first visit to WDW this last December and we both agreed that Disneyland has got the Magic Kingdom beat when it comes to compact design. So you ate at ‘French Market’, but did you guys get a peek at the Blue Bayou or C I’m a little sad that you guys didn’t get to ‘wander-through’ the sequoia forest play area. Oh! Did you guys get a chance to go into Downtown Disney and Grand Californian? The pianist in the lobby is super sweet.
Brittney says
We are going again (3rd year in a row) in 2012. My boys can’t wait for Cars Land to open!
2013 we are tackling WDW for the first time. DL is easier for us because we have family to stay with that live very close to the parks.
Wendy says
I feel like the title of this entry should be, “Disneyland: Which is Better than Disney World.”
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
HAHAHA. I was blown away. I was not expecting the rides to be so much better.
Eireen says
I’m glad you enjoyed Disneyland so much :) thank you for all the tips and tricks! Saving money for my annual Disneyland trips has gotten so much easier since I started reading your blog