California?

[Freyja]

We are thinking of Disneyland, California, for next October. Has anyone been there during at that time? How is the weather?

What are the prices like in California compared to Florida? I am mainly thinking about meals, shopping and such.

Thanks everyone!

Freyja

[thatcats]

I used to live in California (many years ago) the weather is usually very good in October - nice and warm during the day and cooler in the evening and night. Prices should be around the same as Florida. There are some very good malls and great outlet stores if you go South and across the border into Tijuana Mexico.

[Freyja]

Thanks thatcats!

How long does it take to drive from LA to the boarder and how long will it take by bus from there? I have read that it´s the easiest way to go when you have a rental car. Is there a big difference in prices?

Thanks again
Freyja

[Rio]

Hi Freyja,
I am going to California in August for 4 weeks staying at Anaheim. The last time we went (2002) was in November and the first week was in the 90's during the day but cooler at night, but the second week dropped down to late 60's and much cooler at night, we had to go and buy a fleece.
I don't drive but we did a lot of trips using Coach USA as they go just about everywhere and they picked us up from outside the hotel. We went to Tijuana for a day and it was about a 2 hour journey or just over that on the coach. Must say that we hated Tijuana as we got pestered a lot by the shopkeepers wanting us to go into their shops and when we said no, they took us by the hand or arm and tried pulling us in, my daughter was 14 at the time and she was quite scared by this,but we did get 2 Gucci watches and a Rolex for $55!!
We visited Seaworld in San Diego, (which is a beautiful place)also Knotts Berry farm is a theme park based on Snoopy and theres other theme parks as well and of course Disneyland and California Adventure.
You can also go into LA for Universal Studios (again you can go Coach USA) or just tour the stars homes or visit the chinese theatre or just walk down Hollywood Boulevard or Rodeo Drive.
We found it to be very cheap out there for eating and shopping, not sure how it compares to Florida as I have never been there.
Love Rio

[Claire_L]

We went last year and drove from SF to LA. Must say we found food and eatting out cheaper and other shopping about the same as Florida.
Claire :wink

[thatcats]

Hi Freyja

It takes around 2 to 2 and a half hours to travel to the Mexican border - allow a lot more time though at rush hour.

As Rio said in certain parts of Tijuana the shopkeepers can pester but I have never actually been touched by any of them - a 'no gracios' was enough to get them to stop. It is really useful if you know just a few basic Spanish words if you venture across the border although most speak very good English. Also if you go to the makets there they expect you to haggle over prices.

A rental car would be best to get to some places and give you more freedom.

My DD (22) has just got back from a month staying with her Dad who lives in San Diego. She had a fantastic time and went to Las Vegas for the frst time which she thought was amazing. She and her fiance got very cheap internal flights there and back and discount accomodation which she found on the internet.

I would love to go back there one day, avoiding my ex of course-LOL!:D :D

[disneydaft]

While in Californi you showed really try to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/index.asp

It is the best theme park I have ever been to (Haven't been to WDW yet :().

Billy

[Rio]

Hi Billy,
Haven't been to 6 Flags yet, but we are thinking of going this time, the only problem is that I love gold old fashioned rollercoasters, but I don't like it when they loop the loop and have vertical drops. Went on Dragon Khan at Universal Mediterranea last year and hated every minute of it!!
Are the rides all like this or is there a variety of rides?
My daughter likes the look of 6 Flags Hurricane Harbor, but I am not too sure!!...lol.
Love Rio

[disneydaft]

Hi Rio

It was a while ago I was there, but there is a huge wooden coaster right beside the car park area, (can't remember its name).

There are definently a few tamer rides :) but it is mainly the white knuckle type.

I'll try and find a few web links about the park for you.

Billy

[Rio]

Thanks very much Billy. Its not too expensive to get in so we might just go along there anyway.
Love Rio