Disneyland Thread - to discuss all things DL

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay everyone, here is a Disneyland specific thread for us all to share tips and ideas and information.

I can't wait to read all of the info.

[aussietravellers]

Thanks Ms.Shuttergirl for starting this thread. I will get it started with some tips for those newbies planning their DL (Disneyland) trip.

Some abbreviations for Disneyland
DL - Disneyland
GCH - Grand Californian
DLH - Disneyland Hotel
PPH - Paradise Pier Hotel
IASW - It's a Small World
POTC - Pirates of the Caribbean
CA - California Adventure
DTD - Downtown Disney
TA - Travel Agent
PS - Priority Seating (for restaurants)
WOC - World of Colour
(anybody else have others let me know and I'll add them to the list)


First booking accommodation.... My advise (and just my opinion :goodvibes ) is to NOT book your DL accommodation or DL vacation package with an Australian TA (that is for Disney Hotels). The Australian companies who wholesale DL are just so expensive it's ridiculous, often more than twice the price, sometimes more! :eek: So it's best to book direct with DL or use a TA in the USA, there are many of them, Dreams Unlimited Travel sponsor Disboards and there are others (Magical Journeys Travel is who we use, but there are many others, just make sure they are a Disney Authorised Vacation Planner). There are also online companies like getawaytoday.com (I haven't used either of these, I have used a TA in the USA though and had fantastic experiences).

There are other great motel style accommodation opposite DL and well within walking distance (and some not). Hojo's offer an entertainment rate on select dates (this is available from their website) and you book this rate direct with them. Using an entertainment card from an Australian entertainment book is ok, it doesn't have to be an American card.
There is Hojos, Fairfield Inn, Candy Cane Inn, Camelot, Best Western and many others.

Tickets - Again I have had prices from many Aussie TA's. I have collected the brochures from Creative Tours etc to get the different prices for the passes, including the 14 day pass and Expedia.com.au has always had the best price. But it's best to do research on this and work out which is the best deal for you. The 14 day pass is not available direct with Disney or once you get there from the ticket booths, it is for prepurchase. When you buy the pass from Expedia, you print off a voucher and present the voucher at a ticket booth at DL or you can present it at check in at the three DL hotels and they will give you your ticket there (very easy)!

We got annual passes one annual pass and the rest 14 day passes and the annual pass gave us amazing discounts on tours at DL park, meals in the parks, DL hotels and DTD and merchandise (not just Disney stores, DTD stores too) whilst at DL! (just check the blockout dates that they won't affect you whilst there).

Disneyland Express - This is not owned by Disney, it is operated by a company called Grayline Tours. The bus picks up right outside the the Tom Bradley terminal and all other terminals at LAX, it's very easy and we booked direct, online with Grayline Tours. There are also shuttles available from various companies.

RACQ/RACV/NRMA etc If any of you have these memberships (not sure what they are in other states), then look on the back of your cards. You will see the AAA symbol and below that will be your club code. There are many places (tours, accommodation) that offer a AAA discount. Grayline tours is one, if you book at tour with them (not Disneyland Express) then you can get a AAA discount simply by mentioning it when you book and then presenting the card when you arrive there on the morning of the tour and they will apply the discount. Also when booking many hotels, they offer a AAA discount. For Example, when I was looking at Doubletree's website getting prices there was an area that asked for the AAA club code. I entered the code from the back of my RACV card and presto, it not only gave me all of the regular discount prices but also revealed the AAA discount prices which I was not able to see until I had entered the AAA code. So something to keep in mind and always travel with your card as you never know where you may get a AAA discount!

Shopping There are some great malls below, but just wanted to mention some of the shopping discounts. At Macy's stores there is a 10 or 11% (it keeps changing) card that you can get. You usually go up to the gift wrap counter which is usually on an upper floor where you get your international savings card (I've been to may Macy's with my shopping problem and they have always been at the gift wrap counter). In Honolulu the concierge desk also keeps some 5 day ones so you could also try your hotel concierge desk in many cities. The international ones usually last for 30 days and can be used at most Macy's stores in the USA. It can't be used on cosmetics and perfumes but you can use it on sale items. I bought a pair of jeans once that were 25% off, there was a 25% off off store wide sale and I used the 11% off card so I got a total of 61% off Bargain!!!! So you can even use the savings card on sale items!

A lot of malls also have a special savings booklet. Many of the outlet malls you can register online before leaving home and print off a voucher to receive their discount book. Some malls with a Bloomingdales give some sort of free gift voucher, so it's worth visiting the concierge desk/information kiosk at the malls when you walk past to see if there is a discount book.

Another service that many malls offer is a free parcel check. We made good use of this service in December at South Coast Plaza, as we would get more parcels, we would just go back and add them to our growing pile. My son even had this really great (and huge) spider balloon that he got from Rainforest Cafe at SC Plaza and we left that there too as it was annoying to carry around. When we returned everything was there and had been looked after.

I will keep adding tips as I think of them, LOL

[kazbar]

For those who wish to save a little bit of money, or even just for the convenience, groceries, drinks & snack foods are available from Target stores both to the North and South of the DLR area.

If you head north there is also the Disney Outlet Store for discounted and discontinued Disney souveniers.

Both the North & South Targets are very easy to get to. The OCTA 043 bus runs along Harbour Blvd. You catch it on the Disneyland side to go South and on the other side to go North. The bus costs $1.50 per trip or $4.00 for an all day ticket. Children under 6 years travel free with a paying adult. You need to have the correct money and pay the driver.

Vons supermarket also do grocery deliveries to Anaheim hotels :)



Main Place Mall (a shopping centre owned by Westfields) can be easy accessed by taking the OCTA bus 083 South from the bus stop near Disneyland. It takes about 15 minutes (ticket prices are the same as above)


Anaheim Market Place sells a lot of Mexican style clothing and souveniers. It has a bit of a trash & treasure feel about it. They have a free shuttle bus that will pick you up and then take you back to your hotel when you are finished. Your hotel front desk can call and arrange a pick up for you.

[aussietravellers]

Vons supermarket also do grocery deliveries to Anaheim hotels :)


Yes, we used Von's delivery. At the time we ordered there was a free delivery for orders over $50. When you register on the Von's site, put your hotel address as your address! Otherwise you may not be able to order as your zipcode will not match the delivery area. It was a great service, everything arrived as it should have, I ordered online about a week before we left giving the delivery time in the middle of the day.

At GCH where we were, we did not have to be there when they delivered. The order was delivered to Bell Services and we had them deliver it to the room later when we got back to the hotel (we had lots of heavy water, it was easier for them with their trolley) but had we not had heavy goods we would have just collected it from them on our way past. :thumbsup2

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Well done Aussietravellers. What a great way to kick things off. Lots of awesome info there for newbies, and some of us not so newbies too :rotfl2:

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I just wanted to add that if there are 4 or more of you travelling together, you should also price a town card or limo pick up against the cost of Disneyland Express. I think you would be surprised how close the pricing is and to be met by a driver straight off the flight, have them collect your luggage and relax in a private air conditioned environment while you are whisked along to Disneyland, now that would be a pretty nice way to start your holiday :lmao:.

[PrincessInOz]

The Disney Character Warehouse Outlet is located at:
243 East Orangefair Mall, Fullerton, CA

Full retail malls within 20 - 30 minutes driving distance of DL:
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa

Fashion Island
601 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660-6939

Brea Mall is located off of the Orange Freeway (57) at the intersection of Imperial Highway (90) and State College Blvd.
1065 Brea Mall
Brea, CA 92821



Outlet Malls
The Citadel located off Interstate 5 at Atlantic Blvd North
100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480
Los Angeles 90040

Ontario Mills located at the intersection of Interstates 10 & 15 in Ontario, CA.
One Mills Circle
Ontario, CA 91764

Carlsbad Premium Outlets (near Legoland)
5620 Paseo del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Lake Elsinore Outlets
17600 Collier Avenue
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

[aussietravellers]

The Disney Character Warehouse Outlet is located at:
243 East Orangefair Mall, Fullerton, CA

Full retail malls within 20 - 30 minutes driving distance of DL:
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa

Fashion Island
601 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660-6939

Outlet Malls
The Citadel located off Interstate 5 at Atlantic Blvd North
100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480
Los Angeles 90040

Ontario Mills located at the intersection of Interstates 10 & 15 in Ontario, CA.
One Mills Circle
Ontario, CA 91764

Carlsbad Premium Outlets (near Legoland)
5620 Paseo del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Lake Elsinore Outlets
17600 Collier Avenue
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Add Brea Mall in Brea to that list, its quite a good mall and there is a cheesecake factory there too, to grab some lunch to regain your strength to continue on your very important shopping expedition :rotfl: (not as good as South Coast Plaza! but still a decent mall)

[PrincessInOz]

Electronic Stores

Fry's
3370 East La Palma
Anaheim, CA

Best Buys
901 S Coast Dr, Suite F
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

16171 Lake Forest Dr
Irvine, CA 92618

For the musicians or those with kids learning an instrument. Music books or sheet music is significantly cheaper in the US. This one is close to South Coast Plaza
Sheet Music Shoppe
3688 South Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704, United States
(714) 689-3540

[PrincessInOz]

Add Brea Mall in Brea to that list, its quite a good mall and there is a cheesecake factory there too, to grab some lunch to regain your strength to continue on your very important shopping expedition :rotfl: (not as good as South Coast Plaza! but still a decent mall)

:thumbsup2

[PrincessInOz]

Accommodation

I've also stayed at Residence Inn, Maingate (10 - 15 minutes walk to DL) and found them to be clean, providing a reasonable hot breakfast and free parking.

Another vote for Candy Cane Inn.

I've also stayed at the Best Western but that was YEARS ago...

Tickets
If you're at Anaheim and looking for cheaper tix without using an on-line agent, try Cleaver Brothers. 1650 South Harbour Boulevard, Suite A, Anaheim. 714 490 6100.


Disney Travel Agents
An alternative to Dreams Unlimited, I've recently used SmallWorld Vacations for WDW...but I suspect that they will also cover DL.

[PrincessInOz]

I would expect that this one applies to anyone irrespective of whether they are travelling to Disney or not. I found out from my American TA. I've posted this here and in the WDW section.

Disney will send your children autographed photos of their characters at no charge. Send the request for your favorite character to:

The Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Limit: one photo per request. Delivery: 4-6 weeks.

I wrote a letter requesting a character photo (Mickey) for my son with name and address in the letter. I also popped my son's name, address and character request at the back of the envelop for RTS purposes.

We got a response within 4 weeks (arrived on Friday). A Black and White 8" x 10" picture (thin'ish photographic paper) of Mickey in front of the Castle signed in texta "To My Pal (child's name) Mickey Mouse".

[zaccy]

Thanks for starting this :flower3: - I can see there is going to be lots of great info.

I especially like the shopping tips and the public transport information on how to get to the shopping:cool1:

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I would expect that this one applies to anyone irrespective of whether they are travelling to Disney or not. I found out from my American TA. I've posted this here and in the WDW section.

Disney will send your children autographed photos of their characters at no charge. Send the request for your favorite character to:

The Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Limit: one photo per request. Delivery: 4-6 weeks.

I wrote a letter requesting a character photo (Mickey) for my son with name and address in the letter. I also popped my son's name, address and character request at the back of the envelop for RTS purposes.

We got a response within 4 weeks (arrived on Friday). A Black and White 8" x 10" picture (thin'ish photographic paper) of Mickey in front of the Castle signed in texta "To My Pal (child's name) Mickey Mouse".

OMG PrincessinOz, you know I am so all over this :rotfl2: Thanks for sharing

[OzCath]

We liked The Block at Orange, an open air shopping mall with all the usual favourites, Old Navy, Skechers, Saks 5th Ave, Neiman Marcus etc. Heaps of restaurants and a cinema complex too. Only a 5 minute taxi ride from Hojo. Also the Honda Center for an ice hockey game, fantastic experience!

[Saskiwi]

The Vans store at the Block at Orange has a skate park in the back which is a great "son parking" spot while you shop! Also don't forget to get a Cinnabon - they have a store there, and at Brea and just about every other mall...mmmmm

There is also a big outlet mall on the way to Palm Springs at Cabazon, where you can see the giant dinosaurs from "Pee Wee's big Adventure".

BIG outlet malls if you head north from LA on the 101 Highway at Camarillo, and also more outlets at Las Vegas too of course....

Back in Anaheim - even if you don't get groceries delivered to your hotel, you can apply for a Vons supermarket customer card in store, and get 20 percent discounts straight away - well worth doing.

another food must-try: In n Out Burgers - a million miles away from Maccas - just great burgers, fries and shakes, all made fresh. Google to find out about their "secret menu" that they don't advertise but everyone knows about (ask for your fries "animal -style" - so good!)

[An2net]

Hi there,

We leave in 3 weeks :banana: and I'm planning to get a 3 day pass to DL California when we actually get to Anaheim from DL itself. Are the lines huge in the mornings?? Am I best to get them online? I don't mind standing in line for about 15 mins (max.) on the day we get there, but anything longer, I think will be a little too much. thoughts?

[aussiegirls]

Hi An2net

I think that you are better off buying your parkhoppers online. Not because of the length of the line (you need to get in line to swap your e-ticket for a real ticket anyway) but because they are cheaper online.

I think buying tickets at the park gates is the most expensive way to get them :confused3

xxx

[queenie82]

Hi there,

We leave in 3 weeks :banana: and I'm planning to get a 3 day pass to DL California when we actually get to Anaheim from DL itself. Are the lines huge in the mornings?? Am I best to get them online? I don't mind standing in line for about 15 mins (max.) on the day we get there, but anything longer, I think will be a little too much. thoughts?
Where are you staying?
You can buy the tickets at most of the hotels along Harbor Blvd.
This is the easiest.

[Aust]

Does anyone know if you can swap park hopper vouchers for actual tickets at HoJo? or do we need to do it at the park ticket booth?

[platypus67]

Hi there,

We leave in 3 weeks :banana: and I'm planning to get a 3 day pass to DL California when we actually get to Anaheim from DL itself. Are the lines huge in the mornings?? Am I best to get them online? I don't mind standing in line for about 15 mins (max.) on the day we get there, but anything longer, I think will be a little too much. thoughts?

I always purchase online via the Disney website. You shouldn't have to go to a ticket booth just present the ticket at the entry gate and you will get your park hopper ticket. The only time I had to exchange my voucher at a ticket booth was in 98 when I purchased a package through Qantas.

[ehsmum]

Anyone know if there are any rides at Disneyland or Universal Studios that require enclosed shoes? We are probably going to wear crocs as we've had issues with shoes and socks at theme parks before but I know at some theme parks here you have to have enclosed shoes on some rides. Will we miss out on anything if we wear crocs?

[lovintheland]

No you don't need closed in shoes. I wore thongs last year and I always see a large number wearing Crocs (especially Mickey ones LOL).

On our first trip I wore runners and by nighttime my feet were always throbbing, but they were good after a day in my trusty Havaianas

[aussietravellers]

Anyone know if there are any rides at Disneyland or Universal Studios that require enclosed shoes? We are probably going to wear crocs as we've had issues with shoes and socks at theme parks before but I know at some theme parks here you have to have enclosed shoes on some rides. Will we miss out on anything if we wear crocs?

I have worn crocs without a problem and also thongs. Comfort is the most important things and crocs are bliss on the feet with lots of walking. :thumbsup2

[heidispidi]

A question about Universal Studios. Is it worth going? I've read that some of the rides are better than most at DLR, but is it worth me losing a whole day at DLR to spend a day at US? I have 7 nights in Anaheim, 1 of which I'll actually be in San Francisco. I'm looking at a 1/2 day tour of LA/Hollywood as my DD wants to see some movie star houses, so I want to minimise the time I spend away from DLR. TIA.

[ehsmum]

It's been many years since I've been to Universal Studios so I can't review what it's like now, but it's a must-do for us. I've always loved it there and am excited to take my kids.

Thanks for the posts about the crocs :thumbsup2.

[queenie82]

A question about Universal Studios. Is it worth going? I've read that some of the rides are better than most at DLR, but is it worth me losing a whole day at DLR to spend a day at US? I have 7 nights in Anaheim, 1 of which I'll actually be in San Francisco. I'm looking at a 1/2 day tour of LA/Hollywood as my DD wants to see some movie star houses, so I want to minimise the time I spend away from DLR. TIA.I don't think ANY ride at Universal is better than Disney :confused3
If you are really into movies etc it might be worth it to you because the LA one has a better 'backstage tour' than Orlando and the rides are movie themed but NONE of them are better than Disney.
I'd sooner do a day doing universal than the movie star 'homes' (aka front gates) but I would still not take a day at Universal over a day at Disney.

Adrenaline junkies like the Universal Orlando IOA because of the coasters and the Spiderman ride is good...but none of this is in LA.

[aussiegirls]

I absolutely do not think Universal is worth it at all. It's quite pricey to get into and to be honest, I don't think you get your money's worth. When we went last year we had a buy one day and get a 2nd day free at Universal. Well, the first day we went we didn't even stay the entire day and the kids didn't want to go back for the 2nd day (neither did I).

The only things that we really enjoyed there was the studio tour (it's good, but not worth the entire cost of entry into Universal) and the animal show. Was not a fan of any of the rides. Hated the Simpsons ride!!!!!

So personally I would not go there again. I would especially not replace a day at Disney with it. If the studio tour is important I have heard lots of good things about the Warner Bros tour in Hollywood, and it is a lot less expensive - we are going to do that one this time :thumbsup2

xxx

[queenie82]

If the studio tour is important I have heard lots of good things about the Warner Bros tour in Hollywood, and it is a lot less expensive - we are going to do that one this time :thumbsup2

xxx:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[dollarmite]

Not Disneyland specific, but... We found out the hard way at LAX last year that not all Qantas Australia bound flights leave from the same terminal building. We were dropped at the wrong building.

I can't remember the exact division now, but Brisbane and one other city (Sydney? Melbourne?) leave from one terminal and other cities from the one next door. Luckliy it wasn't too far to walk but it was a pain with 8 suitcases (4 people), when one of the suitcases has a broken wheel.

Also, after loading each suitcase onto the weighing machine at check in we then had to manually drag each suitcase to a different area at least 4 minutes walk away (and there weren't any signs posted) of the airport to put them through the x-ray machine from which the baggage handlers then took over. Luckily the airport was deserted when we arrived as I can not even begin to imagine the chaos during normal/peak times, particularly as the x-ray area is cordoned off and is in an area about the size of my toilet.:confused3:sad2:

Another 'qurk' of the airport - the Burger King at the Qantas departure lounge area doesn't serve child size meals, only adult ones.:confused3

[Kalice]

We went to Universal this trip, only because we had a SoCal pass. We had to hire a car to get there. I agree it was really not worth it. After being in DL everything seemed a bit lacking. There really isn't any theming. We loved the Simpsons Ride, and the other rides (waaaaayyyy down the bottom, never have I seen such long escalators and all in a row too, amazing) were great even though we got very wet. Citywalk was okay, but not worth a trip in itself. If you were in LA first perhaps it is worth a day as you don't have to travel too far, but travelling from Anaheim and in comparison to DL, nah don't bother. The highlight for the kids was getting photos with Homer and the Scooby Doo gang.

[dollarmite]

A question about Universal Studios. Is it worth going? I've read that some of the rides are better than most at DLR, but is it worth me losing a whole day at DLR to spend a day at US? I have 7 nights in Anaheim, 1 of which I'll actually be in San Francisco. I'm looking at a 1/2 day tour of LA/Hollywood as my DD wants to see some movie star houses, so I want to minimise the time I spend away from DLR. TIA.

I've always enjoyed going, and always try and go if possible.

A lot depends on the length of time it's open for and whether you have to meet a bus back to the hotel at a certain time. If you have your own, or flexible transport options, and the park is open past 5pm then one day should be enough.

Last time we were there (Nov 09) it shut at 5pm and we had to meet our bus at 5.15ish so we didn't have a chance to look in the shops on the outside, plus it was all a bit of a rush at the end. (Missing the bus meant a $100+ taxi ride back to Anaheim).

Ride wise there aren't that many really, but if you like Splash Mountain at DL then the Jurassic Park ride at US is definitely worth a go! (or 5 in a row...:rolleyes1) The Simpsons simulator ride is also very good.

Just be aware that the character meet and greets aren't as well organised as they are at DL. In fact the US ones were basically a free for all during our last visit - very, very frustrating thanks to all the rude people pushing and shoving.

I'm not entirely sure but I think there's a half day trip to US that can be combined with the LA tour, but I'm not sure on pricing or whether it would be worth it cost wise.

[Aust]

Heidi, you can ask me about Universal face to face! We arrived about 10am I think, and the bus left at around 6.30pm - we were finished with all the rides and shows by about 4pm and spent a couple of hours in City Walk looking at the shops and having dinner. We went on pretty much all the rides (Simpsons was still being built then) and saw most of the shows.

The Mummy ride was great, and the others were good too, less rides than DL but I think it was worth it. Keep in mind though we had 6 1/2 days at DL where you will have only 4 1/2 if you go to Universal/LA. Also the Universal/LA combo tour will be a long, tiring day - the way the tours work, the bus picks you up in the morning from the hotel, then takes you to a bus depot, then you get on a different bus to go to the destination, then the same on the way back, so all that adds a couple of hours to the day. And if you go on the Monday you will be pretty tired for our planned early entry on Tuesday. Maybe you could stick with just an LA stars home tour?? Leave Universal for your next trip!!

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We really enjoyed Universal, I think alot of it had to do with it being our second day in the US and we were just so excited about everything. The Simpsons ride was hands down our favourite ride as a family, lots and lots of fun. We too got there at 9am opening and were all finished around 3.30-4pm. We then wandered to City Walk and shopped then had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe which the kids enjoyed. It was a wonderful day, however if I would lose a whole day at DL, I'd choose DL.

[heidispidi]

Thanks for all of your feedback re Universal. I don't think we'll go - it WILL take away from our time at DLR, and Aust, you're right - we can always go back!

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

OMGoodness. How cool is this...

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc)

[1rocky]

That is so cool.
I hope when i go in Jan i can also have a chat to Mickey.
The flip camcorder used is a great little camcorder. have to look into getting one.

[queenie82]

OMGoodness. How cool is this...

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc)
Yeah it is pretty cool huh...

This (http://www.insidethemagic.net/2010/05/talking-live-mickey-mouse-character-could-mark-beginning-of-new-interactive-disney-meet-and-greets/) is a great article about it with video and a video of the 'premiere' of this type of technology

Disney spokeswoman Heather Hust Rivera commented on the talking Mickey Mouse, telling me, “This was a test and a surprise experience for our guests. We hope to have more information available on the Blog tomorrow.” She is a writer for the official Disney Parks Blog, so it sounds like whether they had planned on it or not, Disney may be taking this opportunity to share more about it with the world tomorrow.

This level of interactivity has been an inevitable addition to the parks ever since Disney premiered their “Dream Along with Mickey” stage show at the Magic Kingdom, which first showed off the eye-blinking, mouth-moving technology (though no direct interaction with guests):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=78DhprGzkIA

For me I think this would be GREAT for Meet and Greets but I found the blinking REALLY irritating in the show. They were CONSTANTLY blinking
It just looked weird and detracted from the show. [and it was hard getting a photo with their eyes open!]
The mouth moving is great...but they have to perfect the blinking so it isn't every 2 seconds.

:thumbsup2

[Kalice]

That is so cool.
I hope when i go in Jan i can also have a chat to Mickey.
The flip camcorder used is a great little camcorder. have to look into getting one.

We purchased a flip during our last US trip. Love it, I always have it in my handbag. It's the same size as my mobile phone. It takes excellent video, screen is a little small but it is really a simple camcorder. It charges and downloads by just plugging it in to a usb port on your computer.

[1rocky]

thanks for the info Kalice. When you don't have your computer with you is the flip still easily charged. Is it better to wait and buy it in USA instead of Australia thanks

[Kalice]

I've seen them advertised here at Officeworks, not sure if it's the same model as ours (Mio). We got ours from Bestbuys, so perhaps you can price them on the bestbus site. You need a USB point to charge, so perhaps a hotel computer? we take our laptop with us, it's great for watching movies, dowloading camera photos, emailing etc.

[hjd0411]

Just giving this thread a little old bumpity bump as my next trip (2012) is to DLR (and a Disney Wonder Mexican cruise..:thumbsup2)
I've only been to DL once before so I need to know more!!!
Thanks everyone..:flower3:

[AussieDisneyNut]

What a great thread ... my last trip to DL was in 1995 (when CA was still a car park and Indiana Jones was just a movie, not a ride :rotfl2:), so I need all the latest information for our adventure next March. Thanks for bumping! :thumbsup2

[PrincessInOz]

Anyone care to add any information or tips about World of Colour?

[Aust]

I booked our WOC dining package this morning - I'll have some tips after Jan 14th!

[heidispidi]

Yay for dining reservations :banana:

An update from me - I HAVE decided to go to Universal after all. Our friends who were there a few weeks ago said they had a fantastic day there, and that their daughters (same age as mine plus a year older) actually wanted to interact with the characters there, as opposed to those at DL (they felt they were too old). I have booked a private car to get us there for opening and back to Anaheim around 5pm (or whenever we ring them - they are a small, private company, and so are flexible). We're giving the LA tour a miss this time.

Aust and I changed our hotel from Hojo to the Camelot Inn. We've made our dining reservations this morning (well she did!), including WOC at Ariels. I'm dying to buy Skechers for my daughter at Garden Walk, as her friend came back with the BEST shoes I've ever seen :rotfl: and, OK, I really want a pair for myself! I am ready to eat at Mimi's, PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, and at just about every CS/seated dining venue in Disneyland.

I want to go NOW! But I have to wait, so I'll go back to work now...did I tell you I have only 26 work days till my Christmas holidays begin?!!

[AussieDisneyNut]

Yay for dining reservations :banana:

An update from me - I HAVE decided to go to Universal after all. Our friends who were there a few weeks ago said they had a fantastic day there, and that their daughters (same age as mine plus a year older) actually wanted to interact with the characters there, as opposed to those at DL (they felt they were too old). I have booked a private car to get us there for opening and back to Anaheim around 5pm (or whenever we ring them - they are a small, private company, and so are flexible). We're giving the LA tour a miss this time.

Aust and I changed our hotel from Hojo to the Camelot Inn. We've made our dining reservations this morning (well she did!), including WOC at Ariels. I'm dying to buy Skechers for my daughter at Garden Walk, as her friend came back with the BEST shoes I've ever seen :rotfl: and, OK, I really want a pair for myself! I am ready to eat at Mimi's, PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, and at just about every CS/seated dining venue in Disneyland.

I want to go NOW! But I have to wait, so I'll go back to work now...did I tell you I have only 26 work days till my Christmas holidays begin?!!


:cool1: So excited for you & Aust ... looking forward to hearing about all your experiences in DLR, especially dining and WOC! I love Sketchers too ... planning to buy up big when we are there in March! :dance3:

[hjd0411]

I booked our WOC dining package this morning - I'll have some tips after Jan 14th!
Yes please - this looks really great! Which restaurant did you book? And what time? (Sorry - probably too many questions! ;))

Yay for dining reservations :banana:

An update from me - I HAVE decided to go to Universal after all. Our friends who were there a few weeks ago said they had a fantastic day there, and that their daughters (same age as mine plus a year older) actually wanted to interact with the characters there, as opposed to those at DL (they felt they were too old). I have booked a private car to get us there for opening and back to Anaheim around 5pm (or whenever we ring them - they are a small, private company, and so are flexible). We're giving the LA tour a miss this time.

Aust and I changed our hotel from Hojo to the Camelot Inn. We've made our dining reservations this morning (well she did!), including WOC at Ariels. I'm dying to buy Skechers for my daughter at Garden Walk, as her friend came back with the BEST shoes I've ever seen :rotfl: and, OK, I really want a pair for myself! I am ready to eat at Mimi's, PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, and at just about every CS/seated dining venue in Disneyland.

I want to go NOW! But I have to wait, so I'll go back to work now...did I tell you I have only 26 work days till my Christmas holidays begin?!!

There are so many hotels to choose from, aren't there? I'm very, very early in the planning, but I will be interested in what you think of the Camelot Inn.

Thanks!! :):flower3:

[heidispidi]

hjd0411 - We booked Ariels for our WOC dinner. Tan, what time was it for - 5pm? I know you could book as early as 4pm...a tad early for us ;) I just hope Camelot Inn is OK - otherwise I'll be in trouble, as I suggested it! Hojo looks great, but my daughter and I were going to have to share a bed (tried that before on holiday and haven't enjoyed it) - we have booked a suite at CI that actually sleeps 7 (3 queen beds, I think, plus a sofa bed). If any of you decides to come over to DL at the last minute, we have room :rotfl: Was about $500 more for the week than our Disney View Hojo room.

Where are you planning on staying in San Fran? We are doing just the one night and a very full day there. Staying at the Radisson Fishermans Wharf (fairly cheap and cheerful, but close to the wharves). Decided we wouldn't need the view the room we'd booked at the Argonaut, and are saving money too. (Let this be a lesson for all of you early planners - you WILL keep changing your mind!!!). I booked a room with a bacony b/c I was a smoker, but I quit 6 weeks ago so no need any more!