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[KellyL]

I am planning to be in the area in mid-January. I'll be alone on this trip and will have a day to spend at DL. Where should I stay? I like the look of Gcr but have read it lacks Disney theming. I'd also like to be close to the park I'd be going to. Which park is recommended? I've been to WDW many times and love MK. I'm also not a big thrill rider. Thanks everyone.

[chezp]

Hi and welcome to the boards!

We've stayed once at the Disneyland Hotel and twice at the Grand Californian and have loved all our stays. The Grand Californian is easily our favourite Disneyland property. It's just like stepping into the Wilderness Lodge and has some wonderful theming, along with its own private entrance into the California Adventure, which is a very nice perk.

There are two parks - the Disneyland Park is their version of the Magic Kingdom, but with lots of different things to see and do - the Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Nemo submarines and Pinocchio off the top of my head, although I know there are more. Also, a lot of the ride classics, like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion are very different so are still worth doing.

Then there's the California Adventure, literally just across a walkway between the two parks. That's packed with lots of things you won't find at WDW, like the Grizzly River Run, the new Little Mermaid ride (coming to WDW as part of the Fantasyland expansion), the Aladdin show (do NOT miss this! ), Monsters Inc. and the absolutely stunning World of Color at night.

Don't worry, there's plenty for you to do if you're not a big thrill rider - I would say avoid the Matterhorn. We're not huge on thrill rides and did it and really didn't enjoy it, as it was too much for us.

Hope that helps.

[DebiDebiDebi]

The two Disney Parks (Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure) are directly across from each other, making it very convenient for guests. If you are taking just one day, you could pick one park to visit, or, if you want to catch the highlights of both parks, you may want to consider a 1 Day Park Hopper ticket (aprox. $105). Depending on the two parks hours of operation, park hopping may be tricky. I checked the Disney website for January Park Hours and there are some days where DCA is open till 9pm and DL is open until Midnight, which would give you more time if you choose to park hop. Otherwise, I think I would choose just one of the two parks to visit.
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