California - nice hotel near Disneyland? what about San Diego alot to do there??

Hi there,
We are leaving from Austraia on June 14th to visit Disneyland and San Diego. Have bought Hopper Passes, and of course the SD Zoo, Safari Park and Sea World.

Will book 4 nights each for la and San Diego.

I need something close to the park as my son is 6 and I anticipate lots of "are we there yet" "I'm tired" "my legs hurt" etc etc.

I've looked into the Howard Johnson's Plaza--but then someone said it' s a long walk to the lights to enter park??

has anyone stayed at the Best Western Bayside Inn in San Diego--as it will be light in the evening times--any suggestions on what to see/do in San Diego??:confused: (again small child)

Thanks guys!! Lisa

For Disneyland, we stayed at the Sheraton Anaheim and were very pleased. They have a shuttle to the park that runs every half hour.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=995

In San Diego, when we were with the kids we really enjoyed Humphrey's Half Moon Inn right on the marina.

www.halfmooninn.com

Yes, there is lot's to do in San Diego. You have listed some of the best - zoo and surrounding Balboa Park, wild animal park, sea world. There have been some good reviews of Legoland, but our family has never been there and I can't give you any 1st hand experience. Lots of folks like to go up to Torrey Pines and watch the hang gliders, and the boat tour around the harbor can be quite interesting as well.

For Disneyland: I'd think seriously of staying in the Disneyland hotel itself... If for no other reason than you can catch the monorail straight from INSIDE the park to your hotel...and take the munchkin back for an afternoon nap....and an evening return, breaking the visit into more reasonable chunks.

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As for San Diego, I'd agree with Jerry that something on Mission Bay would be much better than a downtown hotel like the Best Western. If you're willing to be a little further out from the attractions, a La Jolla hotel near the beach might be a great idea.