What kinds of things...

[Arielfan]

can you buy at the outlet store? Trying to decide if it is worth the travel over..

[Tink]

Okay Carole, this is gonna be a weird answer. The reason? I have not been to the Disneyland Outlet store at Orangefair Mall.
I have been to the local AMS outlets when they come to town. The day we saw Star Wars, I actually got to talking with the guy at the AMS outlet. I told him the same thing, not sure if it was worth the drive.
He said oh yes, it definitely is. Now things I find in my local AMS outlet when they visit are varied.
Clothing is popular, but be sure to check sizes. These are overflow items so sometimes you can't get your size. Toys. The small toys that sell at the parks. Postcards, photo albums and various other sundry items.
Collectibles. Snow globes, clocks, watches, figurines.
Plush. All kinds of stuffed characters.
And that is all from the local outlet!
When we talked about the one in California, Mark (the manager) mentioned that they were getting some Haunted Mansion Stuff. They usually always have (I know this from LP) Christmas ornaments.
I know the prices are VERY low, and this outlet has more current things. For example, most clothing at the AMS outlet is 2004 or earlier. At the Disneyland one, which is a permanent outlet, everything is more current.
Is it worth the drive? In my opinion, an overwhelming YES. I am a shopper. I plan on spending money for each trip. I spend months thinking about what I am going to buy for my 'big' purchase.
At least one day each trip, Andy takes Alex, and I shop for a few hours or more.
So, should you make the drive. Yes, I think so. Cheap trinkets are hard to find at Disneyland. At the outlet, they are abundant.
Now, if you are going to leave gifts in the room for the kids (you, not John from VP), this is a great place to pick up some of those gifts.
Let me know what you decide. Knowing what I do about you, I think you will enjoy it Carole.
Tink/Leanne

[Arielfan]

Well, it depends on what we do, but we may try to get there on the Thursday (which is our non park or travel day). We will see, my dad mentioned maybe renting a van and going to Knotts... or something like that... not sure what we will do. Do you know how long the drive is to the beach from the hotels?

Thanks
Carole

[Tink]

Carole,
It depends on the beach. Andy and I love Laguna, and did the drive last year. If I remember correctly it only took about 1 hour to get from there to Disneyland.
Huntington Beach is also close, I believe about an hour for that one as well.
Tink/Leanne

[Goofy]

We love Laguna but it is aways south down the coast. It looks like Newport Beach is a straight shot down 91.
We need some Los Angeles people on these boards to help with things like this.
Andy