Newbie to Disney Cali parks/trip in 5 days!-questions

[aurora64]

Hello! New to Cali parks. Staying at Hilton Anaheim Garden Grove 4/5-4/10/25. visiting DL 4/6, DCA 4/7 and DL again 4/9. Have LLMP but no PH. Landing into SNA about 3:20 pm 4/5. Getting late start in planning due to “life”
How is this hotel?
Best mode of transport to parks? ART or Where is Toy Story lot in comparison to my hotel and is that a good plan?
Uber/Lyft best choice from SNA to hotel?
Park reservations look good?
Will Indiana Jones be closed during our stay?
Are there restaurants/shopping within walking distance from my hotel?

I’m sure I’ll think of more in the next couple days but this is a good start! Thanks ever so much

 

[irlandaise]

Attractions that are down for refurbishment are listed at the bottom of the daily schedule pages:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendars/day/#/disneyland/

 

[LKing]

Californians don't use the term "Cali."

 

[Aspencreek]

Haven't stayed at that one but did stay nearby at the Hyatt Regency one time. Definitely too far to walk to the parks and looks to be a pretty long walk just to Toy Story lot, so I would go for Uber. That's what we did from the Hyatt as it isn't much money and way faster than the other methods. Also would do Uber from SNA to the hotel which is around a 20 minute drive.

Yes, Indy will be down unfortunately. And yes, there are places to eat/shop in walking distance like Outback, Joes Crab Shack, Red robin, some Italian places, Pizza Hut, etc.

 

[irlandaise]

Californians don't use the term "Cali."

I've lived almost my entire life in Northern California, and when I started seeing "Cali" on these boards years ago, I assumed it was some Southern Californian lingo. (Although I'd spent a few years in LA/SD and hadn't heard it.) Glad to know that they don't use it, either.

 

[aurora64]

Californians don't use the term "Cali."

Sorry. Never been to California hope you’re kidding

 

[aurora64]

I've lived almost my entire life in Northern California, and when I started seeing "Cali" on these boards years ago, I assumed it was some Southern Californian lingo. (Although I'd spent a few years in LA/SD and hadn't heard it.) Glad to know that they don't use it, either.

Sorry. I’m older and was just using it as an abbreviation. Won’t happen again

 

[aurora64]

Haven't stayed at that one but did stay nearby at the Hyatt Regency one time. Definitely too far to walk to the parks and looks to be a pretty long walk just to Toy Story lot, so I would go for Uber. That's what we did from the Hyatt as it isn't much money and way faster than the other methods. Also would do Uber from SNA to the hotel which is around a 20 minute drive.

Yes, Indy will be down unfortunately. And yes, there are places to eat/shop in walking distance like Outback, Joes Crab Shack, Red robin, some Italian places, Pizza Hut, etc.

Thank you!

 

[tzeitel]

We take Uber from SNA , super fast and easy. Follow the directions to their pick up area, it's in the parking garage past the taxis.

I usually say get PH at DLR (we don't get them at WDW), but since it's your first visit you will have so much to see and do that you won't need it.

There are many food options in the area. It's not like WDW where you might feel it's a hassle to go off property.

Have fun!

 

[tzeitel]

Oops double post

 

[evilmommie]

Sorry. Never been to California hope you’re kidding

Don’t worry about it. I’m a 3rd generation Southern Californian and I’m not offended by it.

Your hotel is a good 30 minute walk to the gates of DLR. It’s south Harbor, ie the Garden Grove title. I don’t think Art is a very reliable source of transportation. Wonky schedules.

Use Lyft from SNA to your hotel and then use it to get around the 2-5 miles around the area for shopping and restaurants. The Outlets at Orange has some decent shopping. https://www.simon.com/mall/the-outlets-at-orange Old Town Orange is super cute and has fun restaurants. https://www.cityoforange.org/our-city/visitor-information/old-towne-orange
And of course, Anaheim GardenWalk is right up the street from your hotel. Shopping is . But a few good restaurants. Love this happy hour. https://anaheimgardenwalk.com/pdfs/mccormickHH.pdfhttps://anaheimgardenwalk.com/pdfs/mccormickHH.pdf

Have a magical time and make sure to report back on your fabulous trip!

 

[aurora64]

We take Uber from SNA , super fast and easy. Follow the directions to their pick up area, it's in the parking garage past the taxis.

I usually say get PH at DLR (we don't get them at WDW), but since it's your first visit you will have so much to see and do that you won't need it.

There are many food options in the area. It's not like WDW where you might feel it's a hassle to go off property.

Have fun!

Thanks so much!

 

[aurora64]

Don’t worry about it. I’m a 3rd generation Southern Californian and I’m not offended by it.

Your hotel is a good 30 minute walk to the gates of DLR. It’s south Harbor, ie the Garden Grove title. I don’t think Art is a very reliable source of transportation. Wonky schedules.

Use Lyft from SNA to your hotel and then use it to get around the 2-5 miles around the area for shopping and restaurants. The Outlets at Orange has some decent shopping. https://www.simon.com/mall/the-outlets-at-orange Old Town Orange is super cute and has fun restaurants. https://www.cityoforange.org/our-city/visitor-information/old-towne-orange
And of course, Anaheim GardenWalk is right uo the street from your hotel. Shopping is . But a few good restaurants. Love this happy hour. https://anaheimgardenwalk.com/pdfs/mccormickHH.pdfhttps://anaheimgardenwalk.com/pdfs/mccormickHH.pdf

Have a magical time and make sure to report back on your fabulous trip!

Thanks for being gracious and for all the tips. Much appreciated!

 

[aurora64]

Haven't stayed at that one but did stay nearby at the Hyatt Regency one time. Definitely too far to walk to the parks and looks to be a pretty long walk just to Toy Story lot, so I would go for Uber. That's what we did from the Hyatt as it isn't much money and way faster than the other methods. Also would do Uber from SNA to the hotel which is around a 20 minute drive.

Yes, Indy will be down unfortunately. And yes, there are places to eat/shop in walking distance like Outback, Joes Crab Shack, Red robin, some Italian places, Pizza Hut, etc.

Thanks for your tips

 

[LordVader]

Californians don't use the term "Cali."

I do...born and raised and always said Cali.

 

[PinkPaper]

I would uber/lyft back to hotel at least. Maybe get a ride to Disneyland too. (Consider a closer hotel?)

 

[LKing]

I do...born and raised and always said Cali.

You and Stan Kroenke. He's building a luxury hotel next to Sofi and is calling it Kali.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Californians don't use the term "Cali."

I also can assure you that I have a small army of cousins and other family who do. I even use it when the time is right….. I also say the before my highway and freeway numbers often which my wife gives me a fun/hard time about.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Best mode of transport to parks? ART or Where is Toy Story lot in comparison to my hotel and is that a good plan?
Uber/Lyft best choice from SNA to hotel?
Park reservations look good?
Will Indiana Jones be closed during our stay?
Are there restaurants/shopping within walking distance from my hotel?

Your walk to the Toy Story lot would not be too bad. I’m guessing 10 min or so. You can just use that as a somewhat WDW style transport into the central hub for the parks. I’m not sure if this is still the case but another advantage of the Toy Story lot is you can pre-clear security in the AM there which saves a lot of time as it’s usually less insane than the Harbor entrance.

Not 100% sure but SNA is not too far from the DLR area and you should have no issues getting transportation to the area. Much better than trying to do so from LAX.

Not sure about reservations. They tend to almost always have open spots for ticket holders (us MK holders have to fight for the scraps if we aren’t staying on property/DVC).

Not sure about Indy but someone posted good ways to find out.

The Target on Chapman/Harbor is nice and fairly well stocked with everything you need for your hotel/stay. For a quick/cheap bite that Del Taco just across the street is a good choice. If you want something a bit more authentic and sit down meal we have had a few good meals at La Casa Garcia. Menudo and Huevos Rancheros as well as a traditional pancake/bacon/eggs breakfast was solid.

 

[LKing]

I also say the before my highway and freeway numbers often which my wife gives me a fun/hard time about.

I always say "the" before freeway numbers. "Take the 405 to the 5"