Hi Li Xian,
Welcome back to planDisney! Thank you for continuing to trust us with your planning questions. I am so glad my fellow panelist, David, has been so helpful to you in your planning. Oftentimes, guests are so focused on the parks that they forget there is so much to
explore at the hotels and in the Downtown Disney District. If you have a spare half day at the start or end of your trip, you’ve got a lot of adventure ahead of you! Before you plan your day, let’s talk about getting from LAX to the Disneyland Resort.
LAX to ResortThe Disneyland Resort has several recommendations for getting from
LAX to the resort. Disney does recommend that guests use Karmel Shuttle. You can make reservations for a shuttle ahead of time to ensure your travel party is properly accommodated. When I travel, I personally like to use a rideshare service such as Lyft. I find that I get to my destination more quickly, and I don’t have to wait for other passengers. However, if you are traveling with a large group, you may want to compare prices to see which option offers the best value.
Downtown DisneyThe
Downtown Disney District is a fantastic spot to relax, shop, dine, or enjoy live entertainment, with
even more to come!
When I visit Downtown Disney, I have had a wonderful dining experience at Din Tai Fung with my fellow panelists. Many of the dishes are perfect for sharing, and the desserts are delicious. Be sure to try the Sea Salt Cream on your dessert for a sweet yet salty twist.
If you’re not hungry, you can do a little shopping. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, head over to The D-Lander Shop; I get all my fancy items there! I also love popping into the World of Disney store to plan my next park outfit. After shopping, swing by the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for nightly entertainment. You can check the
entertainment schedule up to six weeks in advance of your trip. I’ve seen everything from DJs to Polynesian dancers to live rock bands.
The Resort HotelsOur friends at the Disney Parks Blog have put together some excellent
guides to the three Disneyland Resort hotels. All three hotels offer a
variety of activities, such as movies, crafts, and even fitness classes. Closer to your trip, you can see what activities will be offered to find something that catches your eye. Since the weather in May can be wonderful, you might even plan a relaxing pool day.
The three hotels also offer fantastic dining options. I personally love dining at Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel. If you’re looking for an amazing character dining experience, be sure to check out Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel. At the end of the day, you can wind down at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar or the Broken Spell Lounge at the Disneyland Hotel.
I hope this information is helpful, Li Xian. Please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have more questions about your upcoming Disney vacation. We here at planDisney are always happy to share our advice and sprinkle a little extra pixie dust on your adventures.
Happy planning!
—Melinda