Planning a trip in 2013

[cmshelton1979]

I am tossing up the idea of taking my 11 year old (13 yr old at the time of trip) to DL. We are DW vets but never been to DL.

I have some questions....I know at DW we need at least 5 days to hit at least 3 to 4 days...

How many days do you recommend for DL?
Where to stay?
Dining, any sort of plans?
Stuff do do outside of DL?

[tinkwest]

I like about five days at DLR. Gives me time to hit all rides I want, reride my favorites, see all entertainment I'm interested in, relax at the hotel, people watch in the parks or Downtown Disney. I don't want to feel rushed on a vacation.

Where to stay is so personal. If I could stay at the Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian every time I would. But they are not always in the price range I am looking for. There are so many hotels to choose from within walking distance of the parks. A few that I have stayed at and enjoyed are Candy Cane Inn (quaint and convenient) and Desert Inn and Suites (reasonably priced suites with room for up to 10 adults!).

Dining . . . I usually play it by ear. Very rarely have I found a wait longer than any typical restaurant. However, I think I need to start planning a bit more as I sometimes find myself wasting time wandering around trying to decide where/what to eat. The prepaid plan is not worth the trouble. It really doesn't save you any money.