Aussie Disneyland Planners come on in and lets plan together :)

[dollarmite]

Originally Posted by ~ButterflyKisses~

Yay!! That's super fast!

What's the DVD like?

Umm, not quite what I was expecting, to be honest. It was a little bit out of date as it referred to some promotions and things that happened pre 2008/09.

It was pretty though, but it didn't really give me any planing info. Still, it's a nice 'souvenier' to have to keep with the gazillion videos and photos we're bound to take on the actual trip.

[gogo65]

Originally Posted by dollarmite

Yes, both in one trip. 12 days at WDW and about 10-12 days in Anaheim. We're also doing 4 or 5 days in NYC and a few days in Washington DC and San Deigo. We've booked the BNE-NYC-LAX-BNE flights but we're still working out the exact itinerary for the non WDW part.

I've been to DL about 6 or 7 times but have always wanted to go to WDW, but it was always too far and too expensive. Recently though Qantas had a great deal on flights to New York so we decided to bite the bullet and do a 'side trip' down to WDW.

I'm trying to get over the cost of NY hotels I'm sure they weren't this expensive on previous trips. (Or maybe they were and I just didn't realise it because the cost was being split with friends whereas this time it's only coming out of my pocket (and DH's). LOL

Wow thats sound amazing

Hopefully the New York hotels will get a bit cheaper, but some times you just have to forget about the money, when you spend so much just to get there you may as well enjoy it. Besides it should all become cheaper now that the whole world has no money to spend.


We may be going back in April next year, my daughters dance school is planning a trip for them to dance at DL. I am secretly hoping that we can do a few days in DL then fly to NY for a week then down to WDW and maybe a disney cruise.
The only problem is it will only be 10 weeks after we get back from our trip in Dec/Jan, so DH and DS won't be coming (my DS will be doing his HSC next year so really can't afford to have time off school).

[dollarmite]

Originally Posted by gogo65

Wow thats sound amazing

Hopefully the New York hotels will get a bit cheaper, but some times you just have to forget about the money, when you spend so much just to get there you may as well enjoy it. Besides it should all become cheaper now that the whole world has no money to spend.

We may be going back in April next year, my daughters dance school is planning a trip for them to dance at DL. I am secretly hoping that we can do a few days in DL then fly to NY for a week then down to WDW and maybe a disney cruise.

Yes, in the end I decided that if we're going to go all the way to WDW we may as well do it properly. Due to the distance it'll probably be our only trip there so I thought we may as well make it worthwhile, which is how we ended up booking onsite rather than offsite. Despite that though I can't justify outlaying over $2600 AUD for the meal plan - I'm sure we can do it much cheaper just buying meals as we go.

A disney cruise would be fantastic! I looked into doing it this trip but I just couldn't the dates/timing right. We did a P&O Pacific cruise in 2008 and it was okay but I think a Disney one would be fab!

How great that your DD gets to travel to Disney with a dancing school! What a fantastic oportunity. Are there limits on the number of parent chaperones or can all parents go if they want to? Is it too late for me to join this group, lol.

My friend's DD will be in grade 12 next year and the school is organising a trip to coincide with Schoolie's Week - to the USA. I wish we'd had those opportunities when I was in school.

[kylieh]

Originally Posted by gogo65

The only problem is it will only be 10 weeks after we get back from our trip in Dec/Jan, so DH and DS won't be coming

Our travel insurance was from SureSave (then Mondial.) www.suresave.net.au They have a multi-trip policy which is valid anywhere internationally and domestically for 12 months. DH had a trip to LV earlier in the year, with preexisting conditions so he only had to go through the whole medical thing once. I think it was a 6 week maximum per trip, unlimited amounts of trips. Worked out at just under the same price as two trips.

[gogo65]

Originally Posted by dollarmite

Yes, in the end I decided that if we're going to go all the way to WDW we may as well do it properly. Due to the distance it'll probably be our only trip there so I thought we may as well make it worthwhile, which is how we ended up booking onsite rather than offsite. Despite that though I can't justify outlaying over $2600 AUD for the meal plan - I'm sure we can do it much cheaper just buying meals as we go.

A disney cruise would be fantastic! I looked into doing it this trip but I just couldn't the dates/timing right. We did a P&O Pacific cruise in 2008 and it was okay but I think a Disney one would be fab!

How great that your DD gets to travel to Disney with a dancing school! What a fantastic oportunity. Are there limits on the number of parent chaperones or can all parents go if they want to? Is it too late for me to join this group, lol.

My friend's DD will be in grade 12 next year and the school is organising a trip to coincide with Schoolie's Week - to the USA. I wish we'd had those opportunities when I was in school.

We were lucky when we went in 2008. The dollar was good and it was value season. Our package included the dining plan, 8 day hoppers with waterparks and 7 days at the Contemporary for just over $3000 USD and with the USD at 92c so around $3500AUD. Now 4 nights in DL and 4 day hoppers will be costing us close to $2500 AUD

The disney cruises do look fantastic, we just didn't have the time last year my hubby wanted to get to Canada to Ski Mind you we did have a fantastic time skiing and Canada is just amazing so I am really glad to be going back this year again. I just have to make everyone happy, which means DH and DS skiing and DD and me disney.
I just don't understand why they don't love disney as much as me
I might have to trade them in and get a new DH and DS.

[gogo65]

Originally Posted by kylieh

Our travel insurance was from SureSave (then Mondial.) www.suresave.net.au They have a multi-trip policy which is valid anywhere internationally and domestically for 12 months. DH had a trip to LV earlier in the year, with preexisting conditions so he only had to go through the whole medical thing once. I think it was a 6 week maximum per trip, unlimited amounts of trips. Worked out at just under the same price as two trips.

Wow thanks,

I hadn't even thought about that. Thats what is so good about the disboards.

I have been looking to see whether it would be worth it to upgrade to a AP when I am there, but it will depend on how many days we spend in DL the second trip. Hopefully will have more of an idea in the next month or so.

[PoohBear1988]

Originally Posted by Ihaveamickeymousekid

PoohBear1988 - Can i ask what you thought of the Carousel? We are staying there in October and there are mixed reviews on trip advisor so i am just wanting someone locals opinion

wow! this thread moved fast tonight!

We really liked the carousel and would stay there again. It was so close to the entrance (at the end of the night i dont think i would have wanted to walk as far as Hojo!) and we didnt have any problems with the room or the service.

the breakfast was nothing special, but we were able to get cereal, toast and juice which is what we would normally have anyway, they also had coffee, muffins, fruit, croissants etc (and the bfast room has a great view of disneyland!!)

My parents has stayed there previously so we requested the rooms separate from the main building, so looking at the hotel from harbour on the right hand side. (i think they call it tower 2 now) it is only one storey of rooms above the car spots and has the laundry room at the end (although there is no lift so had to carry bags up and down stairs - but no hassle) it meant that we didnt have ppl constantly walking past, in fact for the 15 nights we were there we didnt have anyone in the room next to us (we were on the end).

also, anyone with NRMA on the back have a look if it says AAA as we were able to get discounts at minnie and friends bfast as well as the walk in walts footsteps tour just for showing our nrma card, and i know some of the hotels if booking online have deals for AAA members.

[aussiemickeys]

Love this thread, so yes please count us in as well.
We are two sisters from WA who just love, love, love the Disney Parks. We have been lucky enough to visit every park worldwide (except the 2nd Disney Paris one).

Dollarmite I couldn't help laughing when I read your comment about it being a once in a lifetime trip. That is exactly what we told ourselves for the 2 years we planned & planned our first WDW trip. Every time we went over our planned budget, we would just shrug it off with "it is a once in a lifetime trip". So here we are 5 years later with another 2 trips there (& DVC members as well!!). Have a ball - you are going to love it (& be blown away by how vast it is).

I would also like to offer an alternative that may be helpful to some people purchasing the 14 day Disneyland passes. Compare the cost of purchasing a Premium Annual Pass with how many days you want to do. Firstly if you are lucky enough to be planning 2 trips within the space of a year this may be a more economical option. Secondly the PAP comes with extra perks such as (please double check these next figures) 15% off most Dining in the Parks & Hotels & 10% off most dining at Downtown Disney. Also 10% of a lot of shops including World of Disney. Hope this can save someone some money!

We had absolutely no intention of a US trip this year, but were blown away by the airfare specials that were out. We snapped up a flight to New York from Perth for $1590. Unbelievable. Disney won't be the MAIN focus of this trip but of course we have to stop at Disneyland on the way home for 3 days (Woo Hoo).

Just curious - does anyone else get excited about all the US chain restaurants like we do? Love just about all the ones on South Harbour accross fom Disneyland (the IHOP, Denny's, Tony Romas, Quiznos). Or is just us saddos?

[dollarmite]

Originally Posted by aussiemickeys

Love this thread, so yes please count us in as well.
We are two sisters from WA who just love, love, love the Disney Parks. We have been lucky enough to visit every park worldwide (except the 2nd Disney Paris one).

Dollarmite I couldn't help laughing when I read your comment about it being a once in a lifetime trip. That is exactly what we told ourselves for the 2 years we planned & planned our first WDW trip. Every time we went over our planned budget, we would just shrug it off with "it is a once in a lifetime trip". So here we are 5 years later with another 2 trips there (& DVC members as well!!). Have a ball - you are going to love it (& be blown away by how vast it is).

I would also like to offer an alternative that may be helpful to some people purchasing the 14 day Disneyland passes. Compare the cost of purchasing a Premium Annual Pass with how many days you want to do. Firstly if you are lucky enough to be planning 2 trips within the space of a year this may be a more economical option. Secondly the PAP comes with extra perks such as (please double check these next figures) 15% off most Dining in the Parks & Hotels & 10% off most dining at Downtown Disney. Also 10% of a lot of shops including World of Disney. Hope this can save someone some money!

<snip>

Just curious - does anyone else get excited about all the US chain restaurants like we do? Love just about all the ones on South Harbour accross fom Disneyland (the IHOP, Denny's, Tony Romas, Quiznos). Or is just us saddos?

DH and I LOVE Denny's and can't wait to eat there again. There are a couple of Denny's in NZ and we make it a point of eating there whenever we go over.

LOL, re the once in a lifetime trip. My first trip there (on the way to the UK/Europe) was in 1990 and was going to be a 'once in a lifetime' thing - till I ended up back there in 1992, 93, 94, 98. The 1993/94 visits were within an 8 month period so I'm hoping that we DO end up going to WDW again - so long as I can survive the jet lag.

The AP option is an excellent one and I looked into it a few weeks ago, only to discover that 3 of the days we are there are blacked out due to Thanksgiving.

There's a 2nd Paris Disney!? Is it near the original one? Some friends and I visited the 1st one in 1993 and it was lovely - very bright and fresh. Would love to go back. The family and I were supposed to visit the Hong Kong one last year but had to cancel due to work issues. Hopefully next year...

[Flea]

I don't get excited about Denny's because we have lots here in NZ and we never visit. I've heard bad things about Ihop so we wont go there.

But I'm excited about going to the US supermarket My American friend tells me it's like a themepark in itself.

I'm also excited about Curly Fries (I know you can get them in Oz but haven't seen them in NZ), I'm excited about Churro's, I'm excited about sugar coated cereals, something we never indulge in back home. I have a long list of foods I want to try on our trip. We aren't huge eaters really so we are trying to work out the best way of eating - my friends keep telling me the meals are huge but I guess we need to see for ourselves.

And I'm excited about department stores - Macy's I'm excited about wal-mart and joannes and I'm especially excited about www.wildfiber.org which we are going to on our SantaMonica excursion


No hope in us going back in a year I start studying next year to become a teacher so I'll be out of long distance travelling action for about 3 years while I pay Uni Fees

[marvel]

OMG I thought I was the only one that gets really excited about US supermarkets and fast food chains. It is a highlight, I even love going to get petrol (gas). We brought back a suitcase full of food last time!

For New York, we stayed at the Affinia Dumont and it was wonderful. Highly recommend it, the service was great and we had a view of the chrysler building. It was ranked number 1 on tripadvisor and it is just outside of times square, an easy walk and close to the subway. I personally wouldn't say in Times Square, a bit too noisy and crowded, but great to visit. PM me if anyone wants more details.

For Vegas, the Venetian is mid strip, close to all the action. We stayed at MGM last time and loved it, but this time trying something different. Bellagio is great as well, but they charge $35 per child per night on top of the room rate, and the Venetian rate we got was unbelievable and if you see what their suites look like on the web you will be amazed. For a first trip I would stay mid strip, either Bellagio, Caesars, Venetian or similar, so you can walk to most places easily.

Thanks for all the other tips, i think the disney tickets are still cheaper on line than from FlightCenter with the current 5 for 3 offer, and I can't see needing more than 5 days to do Disney.

I don't really think there are many places in DL that you need do ADR's or PS, whatever they are called, only Bayou and maybe a character meal, but last time we ate at the PPH one with stitch and just walked in without a problem. It's not like WDW which has so many food options.

Anyone staying in LA at all? Having problems deciding on where to stay for our first 4 nights prior to driving to Vegas.

Oh, love target and Wallmart, just love it.

[platypus67]

I was planning on staying at either Desert Inn and Suites or BW Anaheim Inn as they are so close to the entrance, but I had a look at Ho Jos and managed to get a room for $79.00 night for three nights and $89.00 night for two. A little less than BW but slightly higher than DI. I have read so many good reviews here that I decided to give it a go. I've booked an extra night as our flight back to Brisbane is at 11pm and I figure we will want to have a shower before heading to the airport after a day in the parks. We leave oz on Sept 18, travel to Toronto for a family visit and Thanksgiving and then fly back to LA on Oct 13. DD wants to do some shopping so we will have two full days in the parks plus our departure day. I just have to buy our park tickets and hopefully trick or treat party tickets for the Friday night. Flights have been booked for awhile now. Can't wait

[Sharkmeister]

"Once in a lifetime trip" ...... that's exactly what we said too. We planned on doing everything we could over 14 days. Stayed at AKL and Poly. Now look, we are heading back in the same year for the Halloween Party. (Thanks to cheap airfares and our AP's).

[~ButterflyKisses~]

Does anyone know what the time difference between Anaheim and Perth is? I want to call in-house reservations at Hojos but I have no idea what time I would need to ring. Can anyone help?

[kylieh]

Originally Posted by ~ButterflyKisses~

Does anyone know what the time difference between Anaheim and Perth is? I want to call in-house reservations at Hojos but I have no idea what time I would need to ring. Can anyone help?

15 hours: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...&p1=196&p2=137

I use www.timeanddate.com a lot, it has a time zone converter that I rely upon!