We've all heard the phrase. It's become almost a standard for the ultimate reward, the ultimate cel

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We’ve all heard the phrase.  It’s become almost a standard for the ultimate reward, the ultimate celebration.  It’s been used by Super Bowl victors, and the lead in question (“What are you going to do next?”) has been transformed to precede almost doubletree club hotel san diego any major accomplishment.  The phrase itself generates anticipation in every age.  I must admit that I’m definitely one of those fans, and I react just as strongly as the millions of others who know just what it’s like when we say the phrase…
This series doubletree club hotel san diego is intended to be an introduction for folks who have never been to Disneyland .  For you Disneyland doubletree club hotel san diego veterans, you may find some helpful hints or a new trick or two, but my intent here is to provide you the basic information for visiting the Disneyland Resort.  We’ll cover several topics over several episodes.  We’ll go into detail on some things, but I m not going to spoil all the details and fun for your first visit.
The Disneyland Resort is located near Los Angeles, California. doubletree club hotel san diego It’s just off Interstate 5 in the small city of Anaheim , which is just south of downtown Los Angeles.  Disneyland is not in the countryside (like Walt Disney World ), but right in the center of the city.  Disneyland is bordered by Harbor Blvd., W. Katella Ave., S. Walnut St., W. Ball Rd.
Disneyland was once just a single theme park with a large parking lot in front and was surrounded by orange groves.  But the area grew fast and the city grew up all around it.  Now Disneyland is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, small shops, residential neighborhoods, and lots of commerce.  The area is actually pretty dense, and that is why Walt wanted to move to an area that had much more room (Florida).
When you drive south down I-5 (from L.A.) and get off at Harbor Blvd. you will see the Matterhorn or even the Monorail just off the street.  This used to be a favorite landmark when visiting Disneyland.  But now you see the big Team Disney building and the park is hidden much more by the surrounding buildings.  In fact, now they have you exit on Disneyland Drive and head to the main parking lot.
There are several airports around the Los Angeles region.  The biggest is Los Angeles International Airport or LAX.  LAX is where most folks fly into when they are going to Disneyland.  It is a very large airport and handles a large number of flights per day.  Because LAX is a major destination, air fare will generally be less expensive doubletree club hotel san diego and you will have many more airlines and flight schedules to choose from.
LAX started small (many many years ago), but now has spread out and is almost too big and overcrowded.  But if you are prepared, it’s just like any big airport and you will have no trouble finding doubletree club hotel san diego shuttles or rental cars.
For those that are staying on property doubletree club hotel san diego at one of the Disneyland Hotels , I would recommend using the Disneyland Resort Express .  This bus service doubletree club hotel san diego is not operated by Disney; it is a private coach operated by Southern California Gray Line and is an excellent service from LAX to the Disneyland Resort.  The cost is $30 round trip for adults.
For rental cars at LAX, look for the purple Rental Car Shuttles signs on the lower/arrivals level, on the islands just outside baggage claim.  They will take you to the rental car areas.  When returning, follow the signs for Rental Car Return.
The other airport you might want to consider is John Wayne International (SNA), which is also called Orange County Airport.  This airport is closer to the Disneyland area and is smaller and easier to deal with.  The airport is south of Anaheim, in the city of Santa Ana, and is 15 miles from Disneyland Resort.  I always try to use John Wayne when I fly, but that depends on rates and flight times.  The Disneyland Resort Express also goes to John Wayne and costs $25 round trip for adults.
Don’t dismiss driving.  The advantages are that you have maximum flexibility.  Travel is at your schedule, you come and go as you please, and you can go to the store when you need to (like for extra food or drinks).  Many folks will drive a couple days to get to Disney doubletree club hotel san diego World; I recommend considering doubletree club hotel san diego driving when you go to Disneyland.
Once you get to the Los Angeles area, try to avoid the weekday commute times.  Traffic congestion goes into downtown Los Angeles in the morning and outbound in the afternoon/evening.  But remember that you will eventually get there, so try not to stress.
Once near Anaheim, look for the signs to the Disneyland Resort and to the parking lots.  You will not see a specific sign to “Mickey and Friends, but the road signs will direct you to “Theme Park Parking.
Once you are at the Disneyland Resort, you can either park at the Mickey and Friends parking lot (the big main one, opens 90 minutes before posted park times), or the Toy Story lot (just south of the Park on Harbor).  For short stays, you can also park in the Downtown Disney parking lot (3 hours free).  Do not park in the Disneyland Resort hotel parking lots (very expensive for non-hotel guests).
It is possible doubletree club hotel san diego to use the Monorail to enter the Disneyland Park from Downtown Disney , but most first time guests will have a better experience by using the regular park entrance.  The Monorail is an attraction at Disneyland and although it does stop near the Disneyland Hotel, it is not really a transportation system like in Disney World
Accommodations are a huge decision and there are dozens (if not hundreds) of options.  This mostly comes down to cost, personal doubletree club hotel san diego preference, convenience, and the type of experience you want from your hotel.
Disneyland Resort Hotels provide one of the best and most immersive experiences for the Disneyland Resort doubletree club hotel san diego guest. doubletree club hotel san diego There are three hotels on property – the Disneyland Hotel , the Grand Californian , and the Paradise Pier .  The rooms are just wonderful and offer the full Disney experience.  Packages at these hotels doubletree club hotel san diego offer early entry into the parks, and no other transportation is needed. doubletree club hotel san diego All three resorts are very close to each other (easy walking distance) doubletree club hotel san diego and each has entertainment and food.  The Disneyland doubletree club hotel san diego Resort hotels provide the ultimate Disneyland experience.
Anaheim doubletree club hotel san diego area hotels are very near the Disneyland property and are generally less expensive, but still offer easy access to the parks. doubletree club hotel san diego They are located all around Harbor Blvd., W. Katella Ave., and all the adjoining streets in the area.  There are all price ranges and include hotels from Hilton, Marriott, Sheridan, Howard Johnson’s, Fairfield, and any number of lower priced and budget hotels/motels.  These are also called the “Good Neighbor doubletree club hotel san diego Hotels” that you will find when looking at Disneyland vacation doubletree club hotel san diego packages.  Most of them are within a reasonable doubletree club hotel san diego walking distance, but do check the actual distance to the park entrances and consider that long walk back to the hotel after a long day.  Also, many of these hotels have a parking charge which may not be included in the rates.
Nearby cities offer an excellent choice of accommodations if you have your own transportation.  These include the cities of Buena Park (Beach Blvd.), Fullerton, and Placentia, which are all north of Anaheim, and the cities of Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Irvine, which are south of Anaheim.  I frequently stay in these areas because the hotels are just as nice as the Anaheim area, are often less expensive, are somewhat detached from the confusion of the Anaheim area, and are still an easy drive to the parks.
doubletree club hotel san diego The Hollywood and Burbank areas are good to consider if you want to be close to those areas (for Universal Studios and the Hollywood area ), but remember that you will be at least 40 miles from the Disneyland Resort area.
If you are traveling, your best option is to get your tickets online ahead of time.  This will provide you the best options and is about the only way you can get any kind of discount these days.  There are, of course, doubletree club hotel san diego ticket booths at the parks, but most of the prices are identical (if not a little more at the ticket booths), and there is really no need to stand in line for tickets if you can get them ahead of time.
In general, you can get a one park ticket or a “park hopper” ticket (which provide entrance to both Disneyland and California Adventure ).  You can get from 1 to 5 days.  Multi-day tickets expire 13 days after the first use.
If you plan on visiting Disneyland multiple times per year, you may want to consider getting one of the Annual doubletree club hotel san diego Passports.  There are several options depending on when you want to go and how much flexibility you need.  Some passports offer free parking, extended doubletree club hotel san diego hours, and dining and merchandise discounts.  Again, check online for the most current pricing and options.
Ok, it’s time, let’s go!  If you’re taking the Mickey and Friends tram, you will be dropped off at the far end of Downtown Disney (near the Security checkpoints).  The tram from the Toy Story lot drops you off near the park entrance, but on the other side.  Just after passing security you will hit the ticket booths.
Next you will come to the Esplanade.  This is where the old parking lot was located (before California Adventure).  Disneyland is on one side, and Disney California Adventure is on the other.  You will notice the monorail rushing around you from Disneyland and California Adventure.  The turnstiles for each park face each other.
doubletree club hotel san diego At California Adventure, from the turnstile you immediately enter Buena Vista Street .  At Disneyland, from the turnstile you are at the foot of the Disneyland Railroad , with the famous Mickey flower bed.  You will walk under the train tracks and past the sign that says, “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.   Under the tunnel, out into the light, and you are on Main Street U