Disneyland & California Adventure For Two Weeks!

[Jerry Horne]

I'm planning on taking my Mom to DL and DCA for two weeks from April 27th through May 9th. We already have 2 weeks booked at Peacock Suites. I'm sure I'm going to have plenty of questions, but here is a quick one to start off:

We were going to get 4 five day passes, but it seems getting deluxe AP's will save us a bit of money. During the time we're going Saturday's will be blocked, but that is fine. My real question is, if we purchase the AP's now, do they start right away? Or do they start on our first day in the park in April 2014?

 

[sunflare]

The APs wouldn't start until you use them the first time, but I wouldn't buy the vouchers for the APs now if you're not going until 2014. The vouchers usually expire at the end of the year, so it'd be better to wait until January, at least.

 

[Jerry Horne]

The APs wouldn't start until you use them the first time, but I wouldn't buy the vouchers for the APs now if you're not going until 2014. The vouchers usually expire at the end of the year, so it'd be better to wait until January, at least.

Oh, you mean like 10% off restaurants and the like?

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

If you buy the AP now your first use has to be by Dec. 31. If you wait until Jan. to buy it you should be able to have the first day start when you arrive in DL.

 

[Jerry Horne]

If you buy the AP now your first use has to be by Dec. 31. If you wait until Jan. to buy it you should be able to have the first day start when you arrive in DL.

Thank you!

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

One idea is to buy the 5-day PH passes, use the Magic Morning they will provide, and use them to enter on your first Saturday at the parks as a normal ticket holder--and then convert them on your fifth day to deluxe APs so you can continue going to the parks, for whole or partial days, on every of the rest of your trip, except that blocked Saturday.

I'm excited for you! A long is what we did last year, and it was awesome. You can see so much and repeat the things you really like, and always walk away from any outrageously long line because you know you will have another chance.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Oh, you mean like 10% off restaurants and the like?

I think the PP meant the voucher that you would turn in at the ticket booth for your actual, physical AP. All you need for your AP dining and merch discounts at DLR is your AP card.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I'm planning on taking my Mom to DL and DCA for two weeks from April 27th through May 9th. We already have 2 weeks booked at Peacock Suites. I'm sure I'm going to have plenty of questions, but here is a quick one to start off:

We were going to get 4 five day passes, but it seems getting deluxe AP's will save us a bit of money. During the time we're going Saturday's will be blocked, but that is fine. My real question is, if we purchase the AP's now, do they start right away? Or do they start on our first day in the park in April 2014?

Not what you asked, but have you considered 3-4 days in the San Diego area instead of 2 weeks near DL? So beautiful there.

Also, this may sound weird, but one side day trip we from DL was to the Ronald Reagan museum. (it was when the D23 stuff was there, but the whole place was fascinating).

 

[Jerry Horne]

I think the PP meant the voucher that you would turn in at the ticket booth for your actual, physical AP. All you need for your AP dining and merch discounts at DLR is your AP card.

Ah I see. So, if I order the AP's in early January, I will receive vouchers. Then on our first day in April 2014, take the vouchers to the ticket window and we will get our deluxe AP's. Then, the AP's will be good until April 2015?

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Yes, Jerry, that sounds correct. The ticket booth will convert the vouchers into plastic, credit-card sized APs that you can take to the gates to gain admittance.
You will also have to stop at one of the photo places (DL's is on Main Street near the hub; DCA's is by the lockers on your right as you enter that park, more hidden that the one in DL) to get your photos taken so that your face will appear on the screen when a CM scans your card at the gates. You're given a bit of a grace period, but since the photos sometimes fail, it is best to get the photos done ASAP.
I still recommend that you buy tickets instead of APs, and then upgrade to APs *after* using the Magic Morning. You're about to drop $500 per person to go to the parks. I think you deserve one MM.

 

[sherilaine]

Vouchers bought now are valid till end if 2014, why are people saying they have to be used by end if this year?

 

[Barry Browning]

Maybe a down day here to go to Hollywood and see the sign, Manns Theatre, Warner Bros tour, Santa Monica Pier, makes a good day away here.Two weeks is a lot honestly.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Maybe a down day here to go to Hollywood and see the sign, Manns Theatre, Warner Bros tour, Santa Monica Pier, makes a good day away here.Two weeks is a lot honestly.

While in Hollywood, also fun to watch a movie at El Capitan and eat at the Mickey mouse soda shoppe.

 

[Freesia123]

I complete ditto the thought of a three or four day get away to San Diego!

 

[Jerry Horne]

Vouchers bought now are valid till end if 2014, why are people saying they have to be used by end if this year?

Good to know - thank you. I also contacted Disney via live chat and they told me I could purchase now.

Not interested in San Diego. I have a friend in Santa Monica who might join us for a few days. We also might make a day trip over there. Not interested in Hollywood as I did that last Summer!

This trip is all about DL and DCA. Trying to go on just about every ride and soak up the spirit with no rush!

 

[Jerry Horne]

Rough Itinerary

Sat 4/26 Arrive in Anaheim evening (Check in)
Sun 4/27 Disneyland Day 1 (Rope drop) (Blue Bayou 5pm) (Our first and only day to ride POTC)
Mon 4/28 Disneyland Day 2 (Rope drop) (Cheesecake Factory)
Tue 4/29 Disneyland Day 3 (Rope drop) (Cheesecake Factory)
Wed 4/30 Carnation Cafe Breakfast (9:50am) / Free Day (Cheesecake Factory)
Thu 5/1 Disneyland Day 4 (12-Close) (Cafe Orleans 6pm)
Fri 5/2 Disneyland Day 5 (1-Close) (Blue Bayou 6:30pm)
Sat 5/3 Day Off (Blackout day) (Cheesecake Factory)

Sun 5/4 California Adventure Day 1 (Rope drop) (Carthay Circle 5pm)
Mon 5/5 California Adventure Day 2 (Rope drop) (Cheesecake Factory)
Tue 5/6 Steakhouse 55 Breakfast (10am) / Free Day (Cheesecake Factory)
Wed 5/7 California Adventure Day 3 (1-Close) (Steakhouse 55 5:30pm)
Thu 5/8 California Adventure Day 4 (1-Close) (Storyteller's Cafe 5:30pm)
Fri 5/9 Disneyland Day 6 (1-Close) (Our first and only day to ride Indy) (Carnation Cafe 6:30pm)
Sat 5/10 Leave Anaheim

Note: The Little Green Men Store Command at Tomorrowland is a nice pin trading store which has a lot of selection as well as the Westward Ho Trading Company in Frontierland. (Lanyards)

 

[hootey]

Congratulations on a great plan! We went for ten days several years ago and had a great time. Hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did!

 

[Susie63]

You will love this holiday! We did this in February. Soooo nice to not need a holiday....after the holiday. We are going again in January for 12 days. We never feel the need to leave the parks.....unless we need a few groceries.

 

[Jerry Horne]

For most dinners we will do Cheesecake Factory because the menu is so varied and tasty!

Will the Starbucks in DL be open by then?

 

[Jerry Horne]

Are the Deluxe Annual Passes Park Hoppers? Would we be able to go from DL to DCA in the same day?