2014 anybody?

[Fairy Floss]

I thought I'd already replied .... Just went through & couldn't find my post ( confused!)
Going in May
New York, Boston, Las Vegas, DL (staying at Grand Californian)
Will be ticking many boxes including Niagara Falls and Grand Canyon
Happy!!

 

[elphaba91]

This time next year I will be in NYC before heading to Disneyland! It was funny, we were at King Kong this evening and I joked to Mum that we could go see it on Broadway, and she replied that she'd like to see If/Then...little does she know that it is highly likely to happen!

 

[Aust]

I'm now official, flights booked yesterday, I'm off to Europe in February with my brother and his wife, and we'll be going to Disneyland Paris. At first I wasn't sure about going as some reviews I've read from people who have been to the American parks are disappointing, but my sister in law was keen to go, and now I'm getting excited about it too. We'll just have one afternoon and then a full day so I'm in charge of the touring plan to make sure we get the most out of it. Still trying to decide where to stay too, will be one of the Disney hotels so we get extra magic hours, would love the Disneyland Hotel but it's ridiculously expensive.

 

[Tashinwdw]

Its so exciting reading everyone's posts on when they are going and what they are doing.

We have finally booked our flights and due to the Abbot Government we have had to make some changes so we will not be doing as much over there as we had hoped. But it will still be great just more relaxing, not as much touring.

so far
23 august fly out sydney
23rd August arrive LA then onto LV
1 week in LV then onto Orlando
approx 1 week at Cabana Bay Universal Studios (and this is the biggest change) we were going elsewhere but have had to cut back on flight costs
1 week Wilderness lodge WDW
3 nights Bay Lake Tower WDW
DCL 4 night Bahamas
1 week Boardwalk Villas WDW
flight to LA and onto anehiem
3 nights (still have not decided on accommodion, so many recommended and to many to choose from)
28th September fly home to Syd

I will get back and have a few days at work and then it will be 2 weeks school holidays YAY! what a nice 2 months for me

It looks like a few of us will be over there at the same time.

 

[KiwiMouseGirl]

We are departing Auckland on the 4th of May, returning the 21st of May. Staying at the Best Western Plus Pavillions. Will be doing Disneyland (have 10 day park hoppers) Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Catalina Island. Flights have been payed as well as accommodation deposits. I can't wait!!!! I wish we could be leaving tomorrow!

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm now official, flights booked yesterday, I'm off to Europe in February with my brother and his wife, and we'll be going to Disneyland Paris. At first I wasn't sure about going as some reviews I've read from people who have been to the American parks are disappointing, but my sister in law was keen to go, and now I'm getting excited about it too. We'll just have one afternoon and then a full day so I'm in charge of the touring plan to make sure we get the most out of it. Still trying to decide where to stay too, will be one of the Disney hotels so we get extra magic hours, would love the Disneyland Hotel but it's ridiculously expensive.

Personally I don't know what everyone complains about. It's true, DLP is different than the US parks, but so is TDL and HKDL. That's the nature of being in a different country with a different culture Try to go in with no expectations and you will be pleasantly surprised.

I just wanted to warn you (in case you weren't aware) it will be freezing in February. There may be snow (which is an extra magical way to see DL ). Be sure to take plenty of warm thermals and cold weather accessories.

As for accommodation, I was going to recommend staying at Val d'Europe (as staying on site is ridiculously poor value), but since you want EMH, you will need to be on site. AussieWendy stayed at the Cheyenne (one of the 'budget' options) when she went and was happy with it. The Newport Bay gets consistently bad reviews.

Where else in Europe are you going?

 

[Aust]

We are considering the Cheyenne, also Sequoia Lodge looks good. I've read bad reviews on Newport Bay too which is disappointing as it looks so nice on the outside. Cold weather is ok, I prefer it to hot! And my brother and sister in law have been to Europe in winter twice before so we'll be prepared. We are starting with 4 days in London, then DLP, then 4 days in Paris, then a night in Lubeck in northern Germany and then Copenhagen, then home. We only have 2 weeks so are trying to strike the balance of seeing a few different places without too much mad racing around. I've never been to Europe so can't wait.

 

[zanzibar138]

We are considering the Cheyenne, also Sequoia Lodge looks good. I've read bad reviews on Newport Bay too which is disappointing as it looks so nice on the outside. Cold weather is ok, I prefer it to hot! And my brother and sister in law have been to Europe in winter twice before so we'll be prepared. We are starting with 4 days in London, then DLP, then 4 days in Paris, then a night in Lubeck in northern Germany and then Copenhagen, then home. We only have 2 weeks so are trying to strike the balance of seeing a few different places without too much mad racing around. I've never been to Europe so can't wait.

If I was to stay on site, it would be at Sequoia

I agree about cold weather. It's much better for sightseeing. Also, snow is much better for sightseeing than rain is We spent 2 weeks over there too, and it only snowed heavily enough to keep us undercover once.

Your itinerary sounds awesome! 2 weeks is really not enough is it

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Sounds a great itinerary. We got a great deal for Cheyenne (and I was struggling to keep my hols in budget) but Sequoia looked nice especially the blocks down near the river and as you can read in my TR really enjoyed DLP. Easy walk to the parks too. Scandinavia and part of Germany including the model railway at Hamburg is on our radar for our next trip to Europe whenever that might be!

 

[Mumtotwocuties]

Me! Me! Me! I can't believe our flights are booked. Our first trip to the states. There is Me, DH, DS 7 and DD5. Leaving 10 Sep-30 Sep. 11 nights LA/Anaheim and 8 nights in Honolulu on the way back. Not sure whether to just base ourselves in Anaheim and do a few day tours to LA and San Diego. Whilst enjoying our 10 day disney pass or would you recommend a few days in Anaheim/disneyland and then a few nights in either LA or San Diego? Looking at booking HoJos in Anaheim but does anyone else have any recommendation for families with little kids? Also unsure of Accom in Honolulu? Possibly Hilton Hawaiian Village but any other suggestions appreciated? Very excited!!!!

 

[crazy Cat Lady]

LOL, looks like we are all booked!

Everyone has such great trips planned. I'll be keeping one eye on the crowds at WDW to see if I can pick you all!


Our itin is shaping up like this:

Oct 10 - Fly Mel - MCO (looking at the Holiday Inn for accom)
Oct 11 - grab rental car, and hit the outlets
4 days @ WDW
2 days @ US/IOA
then take 3 days to drive to DC via Kennedy Centre
4 days in DC
take 2 days and drive to Woodbury Commons before heading into NYC for 8 days before flying to Vegas.
4 days in Vegas and then 3 days to do whatever before flying out of LAX on the night of November 11.

We are thinking of picking up another car and just driving around California.

I'm seriously excited!

 

[heidispidi]

Well, I think I'm still in for 2014 BUT I am pretty sure I need to shift our trip from Easter to maybe September. This is due to our move back to Sydney, and that we put in an offer on a house today that wipes away all of our available cash. Which is a great thing obviously, and the house is amazing (well, I trust my DH who viewed the property today, as well as my knowledge of the street and the info on the real estate website! - seeing as I'm still here in a Perth!). But it will be disappointing for my step DD, and for my DD, but at least we will still get to go the same year. I hope. Fingers crossed.

We're only a tiny bit away from what the vendor wants, on our 2nd offer, so hoping for a positive outcome tomorrow morning. Hope I get to stay in this thread with you all!

 

[elphaba91]

Well, I think I'm still in for 2014 BUT I am pretty sure I need to shift our trip from Easter to maybe September. This is due to our move back to Sydney, and that we put in an offer on a house today that wipes away all of our available cash. Which is a great thing obviously, and the house is amazing (well, I trust my DH who viewed the property today, as well as my knowledge of the street and the info on the real estate website! - seeing as I'm still here in a Perth!). But it will be disappointing for my step DD, and for my DD, but at least we will still get to go the same year. I hope. Fingers crossed.

We're only a tiny bit away from what the vendor wants, on our 2nd offer, so hoping for a positive outcome tomorrow morning. Hope I get to stay in this thread with you all!

Fingers crossed for you! Personally, I think September is a better time to go - the local kids should be back at school, but you'll still get the warm weather. We went in the September school holidays (back in 99 that is!) and it was terrific. Whenever I'm in an empty queue that winds around (like at the cinema) I'm always transported back to the empty queues of Disneyland in September. I can remember on our final day doing BTMRR 3 times in a row, and just running from the exit to the entrance and jumping straight back on again.

 

[zanzibar138]

Well, I think I'm still in for 2014 BUT I am pretty sure I need to shift our trip from Easter to maybe September. This is due to our move back to Sydney, and that we put in an offer on a house today that wipes away all of our available cash. Which is a great thing obviously, and the house is amazing (well, I trust my DH who viewed the property today, as well as my knowledge of the street and the info on the real estate website! - seeing as I'm still here in a Perth!). But it will be disappointing for my step DD, and for my DD, but at least we will still get to go the same year. I hope. Fingers crossed.

We're only a tiny bit away from what the vendor wants, on our 2nd offer, so hoping for a positive outcome tomorrow morning. Hope I get to stay in this thread with you all!

How exciting! Good luck!

And I agree that September is probably a better time to go anyway

 

[heidispidi]

What's making the decision extremely difficult is that we got really cheap flighst $4650 for 4 of us) and I know that if we change to September, the cost of our flights will go up.

I've costed up a budget trip at Easter where we stay at BWPPI instead of PPH (thus missing EE mornings) but will still allow us to do day trips to Seaworld, Universal, a tour of Hollywood and KBF. Walking to the parks will be easy, and the day trips are a necessity so my DH doesn't get too bored with just DL/DCA.

There would be no side-trip to Vegas, which is a good thing b/c we'd just throw money away in the casino anyway!

So, on top of the money I've already outlaid, I'm sure I could scrape together the rest of the money needed between now and then. We know the house will not cost us anything once we move in (unless there are hidden dramas we are not aware of) and so it could be done. Again, assuming I get a job in Sydney soon. I plan onworking in Perth till mid-Jan.

 

[heidispidi]

I have re-done the plan so that we stay at BWPPI the first 7 nights, do an overnight trip to Vegas/flyover Grand Canyon, then come back to PPH for 4 nights. I can't not stay in a DL hotel for SOME of our trip! There are days at Universal Studios, KBD and an LA tour planned, and we still might throw in a day trip to Seaworld - I am open to suggestions on that.

Less than 2 weeks till the move now. I am very much over packing! So excited to get to Sydney and see firsthand our new home

 

[AussieMumma]

Things are slowly coming together with our planning for March/April. I've booked everything but our US domestic flights, I'll do those in January.

Our itinerary is now:
30th March fly Bris-LA, Disney Express to Anaheim (most likely BWPPI) for four nights
Thurs fly LA-Miami, one night at the Homewood Suites Blue Lagoon
Fri board the Disney Wonder for a 5 night Caribbean cruise
Wed disembark in Miami, rent a car and drive to Daytona Beach, one night at the Hampton Inn.
Thurs drive to Savannah, staying three nights at the Embassy Suites
Sunday fly from Savannah-Chicago staying four nights at the Embassy Suites
Thurs fly Chicago-LA, one night at the Embassy Suites near LAX
Fri (good friday) fly home to Bris!

Me! Me! Me! I can't believe our flights are booked. Our first trip to the states. There is Me, DH, DS 7 and DD5. Leaving 10 Sep-30 Sep. 11 nights LA/Anaheim and 8 nights in Honolulu on the way back. Not sure whether to just base ourselves in Anaheim and do a few day tours to LA and San Diego. Whilst enjoying our 10 day disney pass or would you recommend a few days in Anaheim/disneyland and then a few nights in either LA or San Diego? Looking at booking HoJos in Anaheim but does anyone else have any recommendation for families with little kids? Also unsure of Accom in Honolulu? Possibly Hilton Hawaiian Village but any other suggestions appreciated? Very excited!!!!

Hi, sounds like a great trip you have planned. I wouldn't bother staying in LA, just base yourself in Anaheim and drive. For San Diego, it really depends how much you are planning on doing there? If you are just going to one theme park then just do a day trip but if you want to see more then I would stay there a few nights, it is a long drive or bus ride to do more then one day trip in a holiday I think.
We have booked both the Camelot Inn & Suites and Best Western Park Place Inn for our trip, we've stayed at the Camelot before but I think we're leaning towards BWPPI for something different

 

[KaLyn]

I'm from the US and I'm reading over everyone plans here and I have to say when you all plan trips you guys go all out! Hitting multiple cities, going for weeks (and months) at a time, making stops on both coasts, etc. I've lived here 28 years and many of you will be visiting more places during your time here then I have in my lifetime. I love to plan but I'm not sure I could plan that much! I gotta say I'm very impressed!

 

[becpee]

I'm from the US and I'm reading over everyone plans here and I have to say when you all plan trips you guys go all out! Hitting multiple cities, going for weeks (and months) at a time, making stops on both coasts, etc. I've lived here 28 years and many of you will be visiting more places during your time here then I have in my lifetime. I love to plan but I'm not sure I could plan that much! I gotta say I'm very impressed!

LOL we try



So my DVC reservation was confirmed and i'm all paid, so staying at BWV for 8 nights

Good times!

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm from the US and I'm reading over everyone plans here and I have to say when you all plan trips you guys go all out! Hitting multiple cities, going for weeks (and months) at a time, making stops on both coasts, etc. I've lived here 28 years and many of you will be visiting more places during your time here then I have in my lifetime. I love to plan but I'm not sure I could plan that much! I gotta say I'm very impressed!

Well, when you're spending 14 hours on a plane and spending thousands $$ just to get there, you want to make sure you see as much as possible!