Disney CA - where to stay? what else to do?
 

My family is going to spend millenium new year at Disney, CA. <BR>All I can think of (for the accomodation) is Disney hotel....but I found that a lot expensive. <BR>Are there any other good place to stay? kind of luxury hotel with affordable price? <BR> <BR>Also.. what else can we do around that place? <BR>Wait for your suggestion. <BR> <BR>Thanks, in advance, <BR> Sue

Near Disneyland there is Universal Studios and Knotts Berry Farm. You're also not too far from Beverly Hills and Hollywood and the beach (you'll need a car for those trips). I also recommend the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles--as a kid I was fascinated by them and the museum there, and as an adult I still find them interesting.

I used to live in that area, and I wouldn't say that Universal Studios is anywhere near Anaheim, so I guess that's a matter of opinion; it's quite far away (I think about 40 miles). Hollywood & Bev Hills are a little closer, but not much, and with the traffic around there it can take hours to get to those places. Unfortunately, I don't think there's really a lot to do around there except Disneyland; I really don't like Anaheim very much as I think it's pretty ugly, but because of Disneyland and the Convention Center there are many, many hotels near Disneyland, some very nice. For example, I think there is a high-quality Sheraton, Doubletree, Hyatt Regency, Hilton, etc. There are many more moderate hotels and cheap motels, also. Personally, I'd recommend Long Beach as a reasonable nearby place with things to do. It has a huge aquarium (one of largest in world, I think), the Queen Mary is docked there and kind of fun to tour, ocean views, a port, some decent downtown areas to walk around, etc. In fact, there are many luxury hotels there and if I were you, I'd consider staying there instead; rates might be lower and you could get a great ocean view in some of the highrise hotels. Believe me, you'll get no view in Anaheim except maybe of a parking lot or freeway. Hotel rates might be cheaper in Long Beach, also -- it has luxury Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Westin, Renaissance, etc hotels. Anyway, it's only about 10 miles West of Anaheim. Aside from Long Beach, there are some pleasant beach communities around there (ie, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach) you could hang around. Also, you could take a trip out to Catalina Island, It's just southwest off the coast of Long Beach, also, and there's a ferry out to it; it's a good day trip to walk around that island, good if you like walking/hiking. You could get info on all these activities from the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (think that's its name) -- good links to it in www.vtourist.com. If you're going to Disneyland I really would not recommend spending free time at another theme amusement park (like Knotts); try to see something a little different and more real. Of course, you may just adore such things and view that as a dream trip. Universal Studios is a fun visit, I think, but it is much, much further away. Howard Hughes' famous plane the Spruce Goose used to be in LB also and was very interesting, but somehow it got moved to Oregon or somewhere, so that's out.

I agree with the previous poster regarding the proximity of Universal Studios. It is a long ways from Anaheim. <BR> <BR>We have stayed at the Quality Inn Hotel which is a AAA 3 star property. It is a pretty nice place and quite reasonable. It is only a block or so from Disneyland and they do provide shuttle service from the hotel to the Disneyland entrance.

Have to agree with previous posts. Universal Studios is about 40-50 miles away. Depending on your driving skills, LA isn't a fun place to try to learn BIG city driving.

We live in Fountain Valley - a 15 minute drive from Disneyland and on New Year's Eve when we go to the park, we stay at the Disneyland Hotel. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but well worth every nickle. Disneyland is a trip on New Year's but oh the crowds. By the way, if you don't have reservations already are you quite sure it's not too late?