Disneyland and Socal vacation tips

[p-]

I am taking my family to Disneyland soon, and would like to hear any tips from myficans for the trip.

We are using the Chase card, so I'll get the 5% back on theme park spending and gas.  Between the drive, etc. we should see a nice reward.  I reserved a condo across from the park; turns out a two bedroom apartment for a week is comparable in price to a small hotel room, so we got a lot more bank for our buck.  We'll do a lot of our own cooking since it has a kitchen, for a net savings.  I know about arriving early, parent switch passes, and all of that.  Any other Disneyland tricks?

Also, anyone have any must-see attractions in the area to recommend?  We'll have the whole week to putt around.  I went to college in the area, so I know some great hidden beaches, but most of my fondly remembered attractions are not age-appropriate for my 4 and 13 year old.  No, I will not be taking them out to Revolucion Ave. in Tijuana...  We're considering the San Diego Zoo, Medieval Times, the pier, and of course some beach time...  Also, I will not be hiring a wheelchair guide.  We're not that loaded.

What is the best place in the area to see fourth of July fireworks?  Is the Disney park the best, or is there somewhere better?

Tips, tricks, and recommendations are much appreciated.

[thankfulheart]

Strongly suggest buying an unofficial guide.   Also, check out DISboards and www.passporterboards.com for insider information.  I am planning our trip that direction in October and it has changed considerably since I was there 30 years ago (!).  I know ALL about WDW, DL not so much, so those resources have been invaluable.

[p-]

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@thankfulheart wrote:

Strongly suggest buying an unofficial guide.   Also, check out DISboards and www.passporterboards.com for insider information.  I am planning our trip that direction in October and it has changed considerably since I was there 30 years ago (!).  I know ALL about WDW, DL not so much, so those resources have been invaluable.

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Sweet, thanks.

[fishbjc]

Have patience and be ready to kick back.

[09Lexie]

Besides Disneyland, Universal Studios and CityWalk would be age appropriate. Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, numerous beaches. Just be prepared for the traffic and fwy closures

[CashOnDelivery]

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@09Lexie wrote:
Besides Disneyland, Universal Studios and CityWalk would be age appropriate. Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, numerous beaches. Just be prepared for the traffic and fwy closures

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+1

So true...especially the 405 

[Revelate]

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@CashOnDelivery wrote:

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@09Lexie wrote:
Besides Disneyland, Universal Studios and CityWalk would be age appropriate. Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, numerous beaches. Just be prepared for the traffic and fwy closures

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+1

So true...especially the 405 

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Hah!  There was a listerner who called into KPCC this evening who stated it'd taken her 90 minutes just to get onto the 405.

Such is LA traffic I didn't even think it was absurd when I heard it