¤*~*¤May/June 2013 ¤*~*¤Trip Planning Thread

[ColoradoLime]

By the way Emily, did you change your dates again? It looks like our dates overlap now? We should meet up and do ride together or meet up at the Disney Store before our trip too? I wanted to PM you but I don't see that option here? You can find me on Facebook also, I'm certain I'm the only Pepper Chapman out there.

Yes, I moved my trip up because I"ll now be out there from the 1st - 3rd for a work conference. I somehow convinced my hubby to fly out there solo with the kids to meet me!!

That would be fun to meet up at the Disney Store before the trip. I'm trying to think what all I could buy ahead of time. I've got shirts already for the kids, so probably just trinkets.

 

[bjscheel]

I just got word on the last day of school (assuming no more snow days) and think I've picked days with good flight fares...but I won't have all my Southwest points for another week.

Anyway, the days that are looking good for our SD/DL trip are June 1-8. All along I have been planning on SD first, then Anaheim. That puts us at DL June 5-7 (and the afternoon of the 4th). June 5, 6, and 7 are all Grad nights. I looked at flipping the trip around and going to DL before San Diego, but the flights don't work out quite as well. Do you think it will be okay with all grad nights, or would you flip the trip so we're there June 1-4?

 

[PoohsFan1]

Hello Strangers!!!

I've been out of pocket for awhile as my grandfather passed away last week and I had to travel out of state for the funeral and all the various services. However, since I had some down time away from work I am thrilled to say that our flights are booked, our park passes are purchased, and our one dining reservation is made! My trip is so close, I can't wait!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather . However, I am glad to hear that everything is set for your trip. It feels like all of our trips are creeping up on us and before we know it, they will be here .

 

[Madaboutthemouse]

Hi there!

We will be visiting DL June 2-5. No idea of where we are staying...DH said he'd handle it so hopefully he will make a good decision! it will be my twin DS's (28 months) first trip to DL, though we took them to WDW last year on Spring Break when they were just 14 months. They are really into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Cars and Toy Story so I'm really excited to see their interaction with characters this time.

 

[BlueFairy]

I just got word on the last day of school (assuming no more snow days) and think I've picked days with good flight fares...but I won't have all my Southwest points for another week.

Anyway, the days that are looking good for our SD/DL trip are June 1-8. All along I have been planning on SD first, then Anaheim. That puts us at DL June 5-7 (and the afternoon of the 4th). June 5, 6, and 7 are all Grad nights. I looked at flipping the trip around and going to DL before San Diego, but the flights don't work out quite as well. Do you think it will be okay with all grad nights, or would you flip the trip so we're there June 1-4?

I was having the same conversation with myself this morning over the prior weekend. We are going to SD for Memorial Day weekend and moving to DL on Thurs. We will have Fri - Monday as our park days. I think that grad nights tend to make the park more crowded in the afternoon and then DCA gets crowded as the kids move to DCA in anticipation of closing time. Personally my bigger concern is not the evening crowds since my little ones likely will crash early most days. I am concerned about weekend wait times however. It seens you are avoiding the weekend, so that might help you. I'm interested to hear what others say.

We too feel pretty locked into our schedule at this point due to flights and hotel issues.

 

[Misskitty3]

Please add me to the list of June park goers!! yay!!


We will be staying at Hojo's June 22-29th!! Can't wait!!

 

[dt1304]

Hi all,

Just joined here. Glad to "meet" you all.

I will be coming from Melbourne, Australia with my wife and three kids (DD12, DS10 and DD6). This is a trip to celebrate my 40th and my daughters 7th birthdays. We staying at HOJO from Friday, June 24th till Wednesday, June 29th.

Since we arrive at LAX at 7am after a 14 hour flight leaving at 9am the same morning, we will be pretty exhausted after our travelling back in time, so plan to just hang out at Downtown Disney, HOJO pools etc for the day. We then going to spend a full day in each of the parks,and use the other 2 days to explore other areas, perhaps a waterpark for a day.

As it is the memorial day weekend, I know it is going to be packed with crowds, so which 2 days do you all suggest we head into the parks.

I know many of you will suggest we spend extra days in the parks, but with the limited time we have I want to explore other options.

We were in WDW in 2009, over 4th July, and spent 8 days there. We did 8 different parks in the 8 days and got to see pretty much everything we wanted to. Pre Planning always works wonders.

 

[kprincesskate]

We will be there from 4/29-5/3. Staying at the Quality Inn.

 

[TheChapman6]

Yes, I moved my trip up because I"ll now be out there from the 1st - 3rd for a work conference. I somehow convinced my hubby to fly out there solo with the kids to meet me!!

That would be fun to meet up at the Disney Store before the trip. I'm trying to think what all I could buy ahead of time. I've got shirts already for the kids, so probably just trinkets.

Sorry to hear about your grandfather.

For sure, I think mid April would be the perfect time. I've been promising my 8 year old dd we ca go have cheesecake and go to American girl store too before the trip! (She is staying home with dad) lets chat closer to then and plan it for anyone else who lives nearby.

 

[aussie shaz]

We staying at HOJO from Friday, June 24th till Wednesday, June 29th.

As it is the memorial day weekend,

Memorial day is actually Monday May 27th, so you'll be fine in June. Or are you going in May? From your dates I think you may be going in May

We check out of Hojo on Friday 24th May. Maybe you'll be taking our room!!

I don't know which days would be best to go to Disneyland, but I would seriously consider getting a 3 day pass and going in on the day you arrive. We did this last time and I think that's the only reason we got through that day as easily as we did. I think if you relax, you'll probably feel really tired, and maybe sleep, which will muck you up for days.

We might see you in passing at the Hojo!

 

[bjscheel]

I was having the same conversation with myself this morning over the prior weekend. We are going to SD for Memorial Day weekend and moving to DL on Thurs. We will have Fri - Monday as our park days. I think that grad nights tend to make the park more crowded in the afternoon and then DCA gets crowded as the kids move to DCA in anticipation of closing time. Personally my bigger concern is not the evening crowds since my little ones likely will crash early most days. I am concerned about weekend wait times however. It seens you are avoiding the weekend, so that might help you. I'm interested to hear what others say.

We too feel pretty locked into our schedule at this point due to flights and hotel issues.

Well I did end up flipping my trip tonight. Not just because of grad nights, but that is a nice bonus. I had bought flights into SD on June 1, and leaving Anaheim on June 8. Then I went to book my SD hotel and June 1 was outrageously priced! I went to the Budget Board to whine and somebody pointed out that there is a huge marathon on June 2 that ends at Sea World- where we want to be. If I flipped the trip I could also take advantage of the hotel's 3 for 2 sale. So I saved $400 in hotel costs, 1200 in flight points, avoid a big marathon, and avoid grad nights. Win-win-win-win! And thank goodness for booking with SW points so no issues with making changes.

So, to make a long story short, we will be there June 1-5 at Park Vue Inn In the parks 2nd-4th.

And I hope that's final!

 

[BlueFairy]

Well I did end up flipping my trip tonight. Not just because of grad nights, but that is a nice bonus. I had bought flights into SD on June 1, and leaving Anaheim on June 8. Then I went to book my SD hotel and June 1 was outrageously priced! I went to the Budget Board to whine and somebody pointed out that there is a huge marathon on June 2 that ends at Sea World- where we want to be. If I flipped the trip I could also take advantage of the hotel's 3 for 2 sale. So I saved $400 in hotel costs, 1200 in flight points, avoid a big marathon, and avoid grad nights. Win-win-win-win! And thank goodness for booking with SW points so no issues with making changes.

So, to make a long story short, we will be there June 1-5 at Park Vue Inn In the parks 2nd-4th.

And I hope that's final!

Well that's lucky for you! How fortunate that you found the race info. I am worried that with the holiday we are going to run into some festival or crazy traffic issue down there for Memorial Day. I'm glad it worked out for you.

B

 

[duckwife]

We will be there May 17-21st staying at The Desert Inn and Suites.
Taking DS(17)'s friend, also 17 who has never been before. Looking forward to seeing his reactions to everything! Starting to get excited!!

 

[rosy2309]

We are staying over at HOJO from 5/22-5/28

So HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joluru]

How bad will it be Fathers Day weekend?

 

[melissac]

Just wanted to update my dates of travel they are 6/3-6/7 and we are staying at Best Western Anaheim Inn

 

[dt1304]

Memorial day is actually Monday May 27th, so you'll be fine in June. Or are you going in May? From your dates I think you may be going in May

We check out of Hojo on Friday 24th May. Maybe you'll be taking our room!!

I don't know which days would be best to go to Disneyland, but I would seriously consider getting a 3 day pass and going in on the day you arrive. We did this last time and I think that's the only reason we got through that day as easily as we did. I think if you relax, you'll probably feel really tired, and maybe sleep, which will muck you up for days.

We might see you in passing at the Hojo!

Sorry, I must have been having a moment!!! Yes, it is May that I am coming.

I think I am going to do what you have suggested and get a three day park ticket so we can use it on the first day. You are right, that if we just sit around we will sleep, and that will muck up everything.

 

[KelsBleep]

I can finally say I am officially going in May! We booked our hotel and flights last night!

This trip will be me, my husband, sister-in-law and brother-in-law! We will be there May 3-8, staying at the Desert Palms Hotel and Suites.


So so so so so excited! I may even start a PTR!

 

[alaskajoe]

May (with a touch of June) for us! Our family of four are making the trip from Alaska over May 29-June 3, 2013. Super excited. We've done WDW twice, but never with all four of us at the same time (me, wife, son age 6 and daughter age 8). I haven't been to DL since I was a little kid, and my wife and children have never been.

Tentatively planning on staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim, the one with the cool looking water park pool area. Not renting a car. Only doing Disney as our daily entertainment.

Airfare is booked. I am still researching:
- is the HoJo a good place for us to stay? With us being there 4.5-ish days, having some kid-themed pool time is a factor. Also, not renting a car, we're going to be walking to and from the park. Is there any reason to be concerned with safety?

- Have yet to buy the park tickets, but will likely go for the 4 day park hopper with the magic morning. This is a smart plan, right?

- all areas of in-park planning. best options and strategies for making this experience worthwhile and as pleasant as can be for all of us.

- Food. I am somewhat of a foodie, and would like to experience the best parts of the food in the park and that is walking-accessible from the hotel. Also don't have a break-the-bank budget, so I am looking at the best options in the realm of cheaper eats.

We're pretty pumped. Also not planning to tell the kids until we are practically boarding the plane to go. They will be thrilled!

 

[Misskitty3]

May (with a touch of June) for us! Our family of four are making the trip from Alaska over May 29-June 3, 2013. Super excited. We've done WDW twice, but never with all four of us at the same time (me, wife, son age 6 and daughter age 8). I haven't been to DL since I was a little kid, and my wife and children have never been.

Tentatively planning on staying at the Howard Johnson Anaheim, the one with the cool looking water park pool area. Not renting a car. Only doing Disney as our daily entertainment.

Airfare is booked. I am still researching:
- is the HoJo a good place for us to stay? With us being there 4.5-ish days, having some kid-themed pool time is a factor. Also, not renting a car, we're going to be walking to and from the park. Is there any reason to be concerned with safety?

- Have yet to buy the park tickets, but will likely go for the 4 day park hopper with the magic morning. This is a smart plan, right?

- all areas of in-park planning. best options and strategies for making this experience worthwhile and as pleasant as can be for all of us.

- Food. I am somewhat of a foodie, and would like to experience the best parts of the food in the park and that is walking-accessible from the hotel. Also don't have a break-the-bank budget, so I am looking at the best options in the realm of cheaper eats.

We're pretty pumped. Also not planning to tell the kids until we are practically boarding the plane to go. They will be thrilled!

Hojo is a great place to stay and the walk to and from DLR is easy and extremely safe.