1st Timers at Disneyland- Questions!

[herb102211]

DH and I are headed to Disneyland for the 1st time this November and are really excited , but we have a few questions-

1) We are arriving on Sunday 11/11 and leaving on Thursday 11/15. Will the Christmas decorations be up by then? What are the crowd levels at that time of year?
2) We’re DVC owners so we were able to get 3 nights at VGC. We thought about staying at either Paradise Pier or the Grand Californian Hotel the night we come in. Which would you recommend and why?
3) We have annual passes to WDW and were wondering if we are allowed to upgrade to the premier passes so that we can use them at both WDW and DL.

Any other advice/tips for first timers would be appreciated, too!

Thanks for your help!

 

[llump41]

I'll answer what I know. Last year the 1st official day of Christmas at the park was the 14th of Nov. However pretty much ALL of the decorations were up on the 13th when I was there. Even had some Christmas music playing on Main St.

Crowd should be nice BUT the 12th is probably going to be a holiday due to Veterans Day falling on a Sunday. My guess is since this is going to be a 3-day weekend expect it to be crowded Sunday and Monday but pretty dead the rest of the week.

IMHO I prefer the PPH simply because I can upgrade a room for the same price as a standard room at either of the other hotels. Last Aug. I paid less for a Park View, concierge room than I would have paid for a standard room at the GCH.

 

[BMICKEY]

DH and I are headed to Disneyland for the 1st time this November and are really excited , but we have a few questions-

1) We are arriving on Sunday 11/11 and leaving on Thursday 11/15. Will the Christmas decorations be up by then? What are the crowd levels at that time of year? The park will definetly be transforming into Christmas decor while you are there. I'm almost positive the Haunted Mansion will be converted to Nightmare Before Christmas by now since they do it for Halloween.
2) We’re DVC owners so we were able to get 3 nights at VGC. We thought about staying at either Paradise Pier or the Grand Californian Hotel the night we come in. Which would you recommend and why? If you are DVC members, I think you use less points staying at the Grand. The pool at the DLH is nicer but we really only use the hot tub at the Grand and they have a couple that are nice and near the bar if you care about that kind of stuff ;o) I love the decor of the Grand better and love the views if you get a park view.
3) We have annual passes to WDW and were wondering if we are allowed to upgrade to the premier passes so that we can use them at both WDW and DL. I believe you just go to either got to the ticket booths or guest services right outside the park and they will convert the passes for you.

Any other advice/tips for first timers would be appreciated, too! Make sure to see World of Color! It is fabulous! You have 3 fast pass options. You can either get into CA first thing in the morning with your entire party and get to the FP distribution spot at Grizzly River Rapids or you can pre-purchase the boxed lunch which allows you to pick up the lunch anytime after 11 a.m. then your FP comes with lunch or you can have a nice dinner that also comes with a FP. Look it up on the Disney website and they'll show you everything.

Thanks for your help!

If you have any other questions, shoot away! Have fun!

 

[skiingfast]

1) We are arriving on Sunday 11/11 and leaving on Thursday 11/15. Will the Christmas decorations be up by then? What are the crowd levels at that time of year?

Crowds are low though Sunday will be busy. There may be no fireworks. Fireworks will beging when the season starts. The season probably won't start until you are gone because of the way the week falls and Halloween's date.

2) We’re DVC owners so we were able to get 3 nights at VGC. We thought about staying at either Paradise Pier or the Grand Californian Hotel the night we come in. Which would you recommend and why?

It's a lot more money but stay in the GCH, it's the nicest and closest. Beside it will make moving to the next room easier.

3) We have annual passes to WDW and were wondering if we are allowed to upgrade to the premier passes so that we can use them at both WDW and DL

.
Yes you can do this at the ticket booths. You may want to do it in WDW at guest relations the advantage is it will make it simpler to get an AP rate on your hotel room. You need a DLR AP at check in to get that rate though your GVC discount may be better anyway.

Any other advice/tips for first timers would be appreciated, too!

DLR guide for WDW vets

 

[herb102211]

Thanks everyone for all of your tips! We can't wait to head out to the west coast