2 days at DL

[dairyou]

Hi

We usually go east coast to WDW and haven't be to DL in 13 years. We are going for 2 days, 2 nights the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. We usually stay at our DVC resort so we thought we'd try something different in LA. We don't really want to use the points as we might go to WDW during the summer and need all our points for then. Anyone have any ideas? We are so DL illiterate that we don't even know the cost or ticket options they have at DL.

Any help you experts can give would be wonderful!

Deb

 

[Mugglemama]

if you check the disneyland website (i always have to type in "disneyland california" into my search bar to get the right one), they have a really comprehensive site where you can get all the answers you need about ticket options and prices, as well as info for the 3 DLR property hotels.

you can check getawaytoday.com for packages, they usually have decent prices. this will also help you to familiarize yourself with the area hotels.

ares travel currently has the best prices i've been able to find for tickets.

hope that helps!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

They have a list of good neighbor hotels on disneyland's site. I agree, dont use your dvc points as it isn't the best value per point...we are using ours this april and it truly is better to use your points at WDW...as you know. Anyway I would pick something that is within walking distance. I google earthed many hotels to see which was close and actually a short walk as many hotels claim to be but seem to be far away imo. GL to you and enjoy your trip!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

hojos check hojos. see if the ent rate is avalibel for your time 74 firework view 59 non best price id say.
if not try camolot inn or desert inn
getaway today has grate prices on tickets and character meals. i wouldn't do a package because you wouldn't get hojos cheap price

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Since you're a regular WDW visitor I would focus your two days on Disneyland itself and the unique attractions to the DLR as opposed to trying to see both parks in two days. I think it takes two days to properly experience Disneyland itself.

The only two unique (non-cloned) attractions that I can think of in DCA that are not listed as being closed are Monsters, Inc. and Grizzly River Rapids. Screamin' is technically unique to DCA, but it's just a generic, albeit fun, roller coaster. Otherwise the best attractions in DCA are also available at WDW, but if you haven't yet done Toy Story Midway Mania, check it out. I thought it was a lot of fun.

I guess what I'm trying to emphasize is that with only two days in the DLR, do not spend excessive amounts of time in DCA. Much of what it has to offer is in WDW as well whereas even though Disneyland and the MK share some of the same rides in name, the rides can be very different in each park, especially the new Space Mountain.

 

[Brady's Mom]

Hi

We usually go east coast to WDW and haven't be to DL in 13 years. We are going for 2 days, 2 nights the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. We usually stay at our DVC resort so we thought we'd try something different in LA. We don't really want to use the points as we might go to WDW during the summer and need all our points for then. Anyone have any ideas? We are so DL illiterate that we don't even know the cost or ticket options they have at DL.

Any help you experts can give would be wonderful!

Deb

I have used Getawaytoday.com with great success. However, I am only using them for tickets this time (Dec.) because I can get a better rate for Howard Johnson's Ent. rate, than I can with a package. I will still use them for park tickets.

There are a number of close by hotels to DLR - Tropicanna, Best Western Park Place Inn, Desert Inn and Suites, Candy Cane Inn, Howard Johnsons. That's all I can think of right this minute.

Park hours are good for your time frame. I wonder if Sunday will be really crowded or if people will be heading home from vacation that day???

Disneyland.com has tickets on their website that you print out and take to the turnstiles, you can bypass the ticket booths. With Getawaytoday you have to go to the ticket booths to pick up your tickets and you need appropriate ID because they are an e-ticket.

Howard Johnson's has their Entertainment rate available for your dates.
Check out this link:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14
Those rates are $59 a night for a 2 queen room with a pool view and $74 a night for a 2 queen room with Disneyland view. I don't know if you can change those to King rooms or not?! Sorry.

HTH
Shannon

 

[Gisele]

Here is the link for Disneyland ticket information from their website

 

[Gisele]

Fast passes at the parks is always a good idea. Being there at rope drop, or close to it, it a great idea too.

The ART system (bus) is a good way to travel from one's property to Disneyland, and back, one can also utilize the OCTA (bus)

If parking is included in your ticket, and you will have a car, great, otherwise, it is $12 per day to park at DLR.

Art is only $8 for a three day all day pass. Art stands for Anaheim Resort Transit, OCTA is public transportation which stands for Orange County Transit Authority, it serves the Anaheim area, as well as the surrounding areas.

 

[avalon451]

Hi

We usually go east coast to WDW and haven't be to DL in 13 years. We are going for 2 days, 2 nights the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. We usually stay at our DVC resort so we thought we'd try something different in LA. We don't really want to use the points as we might go to WDW during the summer and need all our points for then. Anyone have any ideas? We are so DL illiterate that we don't even know the cost or ticket options they have at DL.

Any help you experts can give would be wonderful!

Deb

Hi, Deb, tell us what your schedule is? When will you get to the DL area and what nights are you staying in the hotel?

If you are staying Sunday and Monday night, HoJo has their Entertainment book rate available. Are you planning on coming in sometime on Sunday, going to the parks Sunday and Monday, and getting up and leaving on Tuesday?

Will you get there at opening Sunday morning? That's the best time to beat crowds. It will likely be a busy weekend since many people will still be on a Thanksgiving vacation break.

Could we possibly talk you into getting 3-day parkhoppers instead, so you get a magic morning, and then using that magic morning on Tuesday and playing in the parks until the early afternoon before you leave? That would give you more time to enjoy the parks and also a little hopping time for DCA.

Another suggestion: there's a really good tips thread sticky at the top of the forum, by Hydroguy: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 In it, he has several threads about "DL for the WDW vet" that you might find helpful. All kinds of other good stuff, too.

 

[dairyou]

Thanks Everyone!

Our plans are to go on a Carnival cruise for Thanksgiving week. We couldn't find cheap airline tickets leaving the Sunday we return but could on the 2nd. We thought we would arrive at DL around 9:00 on Sunday. We would be staying all day Monday and then fly home on Tuesday. If I can get a flight early in the morning the boys will go back to school when we touch down in Sacramento. I know, it's mean but they are in high school now. I've seen them stay up until 1:00am doing homework and make it to school okay.

I'm getting ready to book airfare so just trying to glean as much information from you guys before we book the DL and car rental.

Keep the info coming! I'll be researching all your great poiints when I get home from work

Deb

 

[avalon451]

What a fun Thanksgiving! (can I come with you? I could get out of cooking for the troops here! )

OH, you are a slavedriver. Taking an early flight back so your boys can get back to school that same day? Ok, listen to the voice of a mom who is considered more than strict by most people... you will already be wiped out from your vacation and all the action you've had packed into your trip. It really will do your boys no good to get to class when they've been running around DL for two days and were rousted out of bed early on Tuesday morning to catch a flight! They're not going to be rested enough to pay any attention! That's just my opinion, of course, but I'm a teacher, too, and I've seen lots of kids, including my own, after a vacation. Talk about space cadets!

I'm thinking you would do better to take a later flight out and don't worry about school on Tuesday. Just stay and play a little at DL in the morning and go back in the afternoon? Then your kids can get a full night's sleep, and be ready to roll on Wednesday.

Just my 2 cents! Have fun planning!

 

[dairyou]

What a fun Thanksgiving! (can I come with you? I could get out of cooking for the troops here! )

OH, you are a slavedriver. Taking an early flight back so your boys can get back to school that same day? Ok, listen to the voice of a mom who is considered more than strict by most people... you will already be wiped out from your vacation and all the action you've had packed into your trip. It really will do your boys no good to get to class when they've been running around DL for two days and were rousted out of bed early on Tuesday morning to catch a flight! They're not going to be rested enough to pay any attention! That's just my opinion, of course, but I'm a teacher, too, and I've seen lots of kids, including my own, after a vacation. Talk about space cadets!

I'm thinking you would do better to take a later flight out and don't worry about school on Tuesday. Just stay and play a little at DL in the morning and go back in the afternoon? Then your kids can get a full night's sleep, and be ready to roll on Wednesday.

Just my 2 cents! Have fun planning!

lol...yes come with us and join the party

I've already asked their teachers and they say it is okay for them to miss those school days. I was going to go to work myself. Okay, okay..you twisted my arm. I'll at least consider it...lol

Deb