re: DisneyLand Itinerary Suggestions

I would look into some of the "Good Neighbor" hotels in the general vicinity of Disneyland. They'll be cheaper than one of the 3 on-property hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, Grand Californian. I've never been but heard you could get by on 3 days to split between the 2 parks...some even say you can do it in 2 days. Universal is north of LA, about 35 miles away from Disneyland. So I wouldn't consider it to be "nearby" at all. If you're looking for something else close, look into Knott's Berry Farm. It's less than 10 miles away. I will say, though, I have no idea what their hours are or if they're even open year-round like Disneyland.