My daughter and I are going to anaheim in May. Am going to Disneyland only 1 day. Should we stay close to the park, or by the beach, or in Orange County. Hotel Recommendations would be helpful. Safety is an issue. We do not want to rent a car unless we can't get by without it.
Thanks

I live in Orange County, and if you are only going to D-land for one day it isn't worth it to stay near the park itself. Other than D-land there just isn't anything to do in Anaheim. As far as Orange County goes, it doesn't have the attractions that LA has - other than Knott's Berry Farm and a few very nice (much nicer than LA, IMO) beaches.

It depends on what you and your daughter enjoy doing. If you like the touristy things like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, etc then a hotel located in that area would be appropriate. If you two are more into the beach scene then you may want to check out the beach cities.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to get around the LA/Orange County area without a car. The area is so huge, and there is so much to do, that I would recommend deciding what interests you and your daughter first, then plan accordingly. For instance, you may want to spend one night in Anaheim to do D-land, then move to another hotel up in LA to do that area. If you can give me some idea of what things interest you, I can be a little more specific.

Your post is a little unclear as to how long you will be in that area and what your intentions are. It almost sounds like you are going there (So Cal) in total for only one day and that's it. If so, you can easily get by without a car if you are just visiting Disneyland that one day as there are lots of hotels within walking distance. If you plan on doing something else in So. Calif., it would be helpful if you were more specific and descriptive. There's no other reason to go to Anaheim other than Disneyland (unless you had to for some convention at the Convention Ctr), and it's not a particularly desirable nor attractive place. I would not recommend anyone go there ever for a holiday. If you're planning a longer trip to So Cal and only going to Disneyland one day of it, I would not recommend you stay in Anaheim at all, but stay elsewhere and rent a car to visit Disneyland that one day. Well, I guess staying there one day would save time and be convenient. I don't like Orange County at all (I'm a former LA resident), but would definitely suggest a beach community to stay in (ie, Long Beach, Newport beach, Laguna, etc) if you want to stay in that area.

Hi

Thanks for your replies.
We plan on spending 5 days in La, then I had planned (but not decided totally) on
staying in Anaheim for 3 days, then 4 days in San diego. Should we just go to Disneyland from LA or San Diego? I wouldn't mind staying at the beach for a change somewhere close to shopping and other activities.

Arlene,
I'm assuming you're flying in and out of John Wayne Airport....if this is the case, many of the local hotels have transportation to their hotels. If you fly in and out of LAX there is a shuttle to the Disneyland Hotel if you stay there for a night.
I think I'd suggest spending a couple of nights in Laguna Beach, Newport or Balboa. There are nice hotels all walking distance to the beach, shopping, art exibits, etc. As for San Diego, I think one of the prettiest areas is the Harbor Island area (there is a Sheraton and a Westin Hotel). I agree that I can't imagine being in So. Calif. without a car. I think it could get very expensive using taxis...remember there is very limited public transportation. Moving here from NYC it was a shock to realize the importance of an auto in So. Calif.

Please be aware that it runs about $190 a night for a standard room at either the Disneyland Hotel or the Disneyland Pacifica Hotel -- high price to pay for a mediocre room. Better staying across the street at one of the chains -- I think it's a Howard Johnson -- for 1 night. I'd spend the rest of the time doing L.A. and San Diego sites -- the S.D. zoo is a positive, as well as the Wild Animal Park. In L.A. be sure to spend a day walking up and down the Venice boardwalk - you can walk all the way up to Santa Monica. WHAT an experience...especially if you have a teen in tow!!! I live here and I go to Venice boardwalk often for lunch (Sidewalk Cafe) and shopping.

Hi

Thanks for all your replies. I've decided to split my stay between LA & San Diego, and just go for day trips to the beach, and Disneyland. Thanks for all your help.