A couple of questions...

[Rosanne]

I read the sticky for WDW vets thinking of coming to DL. Thanks, Hydroguy! I also read the Uber sticky but still have some questions.

Believe it or not, I didn't realize DisneyLand and DisneyWorld were two different placers until about 6 years ago. So... I've actually been within 25 miles of DisneyLand four times without knowing it so I still haven't been. I've been reading up and I'm very excited.

I am primarily looking at trying to go with DDs who will be 4 and 9 in August. Preferably August 9-14. I'm thinking the HOJO with the deluxe rooms that face the parks. They go for $122 plus tax tag and title. So...

I've been checking into flights and from our little town in NC it's really expensive but if we drive two hours we can fly for about $250 round trip each. I'd have to leave our house around 3 a.m. and we'd get into SNA around 10:30 a.m. That should be fine for taking the Disney Express but the return flight takes off at 6:30 a.m. so... I'm thinking a taxi is impossible because I'd have to bring the 4 year old's car seat? The other thought was could we take the last shuttle the night of the 13th to the airport and hang out at the airport for, like, 6 hours or is it closed or are we not allowed to do that? I could find more convenient flights for an extra $1000 or so but that would make the trip cost prohibitive.

Is there a place in the HOJO or somewhere real close to pick up a half gallon of milk or something? A grocery store?

Also, I read about the Donald, Minnie etc. dining plans but don't understand if you can do character meals with these plans or if they are for counter service only. If anyone can post a link I'd be grateful.

We are so so so excited about the trip. I've collected Disney comics for years and have the original DisneyLand comic and read it many times as a kid. My girls will be thrilled to be at the park where Walt spent so much time and designed so much.

If you have any thoughts about our dates or choice of hotel/room I welcome thoughts.

I really did read for about four hours about this stuff. My brain is toast. But at least it's Mickey-shaped toast.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Good for you for doing your homework! I am not an expert on CA law related to car seats , so I don't know if age, weight, or both matter (someone who knows will chime in) but I would guess many taxis or taxi vans might carry them. One other option would be to book a towncar service, a little pricey but certainly still a bargain compared to the higher airfare.

 

[Hawleys]

Is there a place in the HOJO or somewhere real close to pick up a half gallon of milk or something? A grocery store?

The Hojo Gift Shop sells milk in single serving size. You can see pictures of what is available at the gift shop here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hojoanaheim/sets/72157606095666951/

 

[bumbershoot]

I like the Disneyland Express b/c it's a coach bus and you can't use carseats. Even though I'm a fiend, otherwise, about using carseats as long as humanly possible.

So...I might...take a later flight out so you can use the DLExpress bus, and then stay overnight near the airport you're flying into, then drive back home the next morning. Leaving the carseat in the car, parked wherever you're parking it.

Heck, I might even do that for the flight out to DLR...rather than get up at 3am.

 

[Quilter007]

Use Super Shuttle to get back & forth from the airport & tell them that you need them to provide the car seat. It'll be OK! When you make the reservation on-line I think you can even check a box about the carseat.

 

[CrazyDuck]

FWIW... The company that I booked my limo with said that commercial vehilcles (buses, limos, taxis etc etc) don't require that kids ride in car seats. I notice that you are flying into SNA. If price is a big factor in determining which flight you take you may want to look at flying into LAX. The bus from the airport to the hotel would only be about an hour but you ain't driving!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I don't care what some company's policy is on car safety seats for kids ~ seat belts are made for adults so until a child is the size of a small adult a seat belt won't work for them. If at any time I'm in a vehicle with seat belts (and that is certainly preffered) I have my DD's booster (in our car she's still in a 5 point harnessed seat) ~ I'm not gonna rely on a company to provide a seat for my child, how do I know it's history (crash, age)? What if it's the wrong kind of seat (booster for a 2 year old)? Backless boosters are easy enough to lug around, I even gate check them, I don't want to worry about it getting lost or damaged if I check it.

Don't bother with the dining plan ~ it won't save you $$$, character meal vouchers can, I budget or prepay for meals by purchasing Disney Gift Cards.

Look into other airports ~ LAX, LGB (my fave).

Have fun!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The rates may not be out yet, but you might want to check on Entertainment rates at HOJOs. They can be pretty significant but must be booked through the hotel directly, not HOJOs reservations.

 

[tholczer]

Hey there! How fun! My only recommendation is that you stay onsite. We stay in the Disneyland Hotel every summer and there's just something about being right there. I'm noticing there's a book three nights get one free ad on the site so you might want to call and check it out.

I believe you can order food from a local grocery store and have it delivered, although I'm not sure which one. I just know I've seen reference here somewhere. Try Ralphs, Albertsons or Vons.

And lastly, if there is any way you can book your stay for the very last week of August (Mon. the 27th), I've found the crowds to be very low that week as most kids have gone back to school. Of course, your kids may be back in school so that wouldn't work. Whatever you do, avoid the week of Aug. 23rd as that's the week the AP holders will flood the place.

Hope that helps! Have lots of fun!!

Tracy

 

[Rosanne]

Thanks for all the insight!

I'm a teacher and have to start back on August 20 (actually very late for us as up until a couple of years ago teachers had to start back beginning of August. I could go either the week of the 9th or the 16th. I thought the 9th might be better since reading Hydroguy's tip about the AP blackout dates. I thought it might be less crowded. I could be wrong. I'm still open to options. The reason I am looking into that early morning flight and considering SNA is because that combination was only around $250 as opposed to most other options which were lingering at and above the $500 mark. LAX was actually more expensive. It's so weird because if we fly from Charlotte to SNA it's around $250 if we follow a specific itinerary. This itinerary has a connection in Atlanta. However, if you take the same flight directly from Atlanta to SNA it's close to $500. Seems silly to me. I could just as easily go from Atlanta since I have family but for that price I might as well fly from our little town here in NC.

I think staying on site would be great but even with the buy 3 get five it is a fair bit more. I'm not ruling it out though. The current offer goes through some time in April. I think the HOJO seemed cute though. I love the sixties elevator/sitcom music playing on their videos.

I should probably sit tight and look out for a better schedule at a better price. I'd be willing to pay, say $300 total for a better flight/location but not the $700 I'm looking at now. I will keep my eyes open. It's hard when you're excited about something to wait to book.

I imagine that if I booked onsite with no deal and one came later that I have a good chance of rebooking with the new deal. If I got a decent flight I will be sure to book something decent for hotel.

Thanks for the tip about the dining plan and character vouchers also.

Greatly appreciated...all the help!