Hello everyone! I am planning a visit to Disneyland with my 2 year old son at the end of September to celebrate my 35th bday! This will be a first time visit for the both of us. DH does not like to fly so it will just be a mother-son trip. I'm a little nervous to travel to the west coast alone with my 2 year old but he is well-behaved and I know we'll have a magical time! I guess I'm more nervous about managing him and the luggage and stroller...

We will be flying in and out of LAX and using the Disneyland Express. Reviews?

We will have 3.5 days at the parks and may be there for the start of the Halloween Party. My initial thought is to stay at the Disneyland Hotel but I am not opposed to staying offsite and saving a little money. What is the closest/nicest offsite hotel that is also serviced by the Disneyland Express?

What is the monorail loop at Disneyland? Does it go to any of the resorts or how far is the walk from Disneyland Hotel to the parks?

Any recommendations for restaurants or general advice?! Thanks in advance!