A young'n booking his first trip to Disneyland

[Bassman2112]

Hey there!

I'm a 20 year old guy from Canada and I've been planning my vacation to Disneyland for myself and my girlfriend for a little while now (since about February) =)

Long story (skip ahead if you don't want the "long" story haha):

I am a musician who got some scholarships from my University. I decided that with these scholarships + a bit of my own savings, my girlfriend and I would take a pretty nice long trip down to California (my girlfriend has never left Canada). We shall be in California for 10 days, in in the first 3 days I'll get some lessons with some really outstanding players with my scholarship funds. The first 3 days shall be spent in San Francisco, and then we'll fly down from San Francisco to LAX on the 4th day. I was fairly lucky and got us a nice 4* hotel thanks to Priceline in San Francisco for our time there.

=) Now let's talk dates and logistics. Our whole vacation is taking place from August 16th until August 26th. We're spending from August 16th until August 19th in San Francisco, and flying down to LAX/Anaheim on the 19th. We shall check into our new hotel on the 19th in Anaheim and leave back to Canada on the 26th.

(Skip to here if you don't want to read the above) =)

The things we have taken care of:
- Flight to San Francisco
- Hotel in San Francisco
- Flight back to Canada from LAX

What we need to take care of:
- Flight from San Francisco to LAX
- Hotel in Anaheim

I'm looking for the advice of the fine people of the DIS forums for advice on how I should go about flying down, and where we should stay for a whole week! We won't be doing Disney the entire 7 days, we'll be going to Universal and San Diego Zoo as well; but we'll be getting the 5-day parkhopper pass =)

For the hotel, we're hoping for something which is walking distance to the main gate of Disneyland, or walking distance to Downtown Disney. In all honesty, my budget isn't mind-blowingly high (I'm still a still a student, so the Grand Californian may be a little out of my range haha) but it is still decent =) I would prefer to keep the nightly rates under 100, but we can go slightly over if it's worth it. We just want a place to stay that we won't be tired of after a week haha.

Anyways, if there is any information I can provide, feel free to ask me. Thanks a ton for reading this!

-Alex

 

[superminnie]

For your flight I would watch southwest airlines for good rates between san Fran and lax. For the hotel I recommend the park vue inn. I have stayed there several times and have always liked it. It is reasonably priced usually around 100 sometimes a little over sometimes a little under but it is literally directly across the street to the entrance to Disneyland. You can check out the rates on their website if you want www.parkvueinn.com. Good luck hope you have a great trip.

 

[bnbheartdisney]

Try the hotels directly across the street and closest to the pedestrian walkway. You should be able to get rates under $100 per night. I have good reviews for the Desert Inn & Suites and the Tropicana (just got word that they redecorated the rooms!).
Here's a map of other hotels in the vicinity:
http://www.anaheim411.com/2008_mapFRONT_xl.jpg

 

[Capt. Swan]

I agree with checking out southwest airlines. a nice easy airline to use. They don't have baggage fees for the first two bags, which may help you as you will be traveling so long, and they have a nice "low fare" calendar. No fees or hassle to change the flight if you had too, but you have to pay a difference in fare if there is one. We used them to buy tickets for last October, and then when we had an issue come up at the last minute and missed the flight the policy was great. The replacement flights were actually cheaper, so now we all have a $20 credit for this next flight!

We also stayed at Park Vue Inn last December, and I really liked the place. Can't get any closer to the main gate (except for GC), simple, clean, safe, nice people, nice continental breakfast, a basket of fruit when we arrived to take into the park, and a bottle of wine for relaxing.

Have fun!

 

[aristocat65]

First of all, congratulations on your accomplishments! Good luck pursuing your future goals.

I did a search on Kayak.com and you can fly on Jet Blue from Oakland (alternate airport for San Francisco) directly to Long Beach Airport for $65. including tax. Long Beach is a great little airport and much closer to Disneyland than LAX. It is about a 20 minute cab ride (flat fee, not metered!) to Disneyland from there. That's the great advantage of flying from in the us, you don't have to go into LAX.

As for hotels, the only one that we have stayed at that is walking distance in Candy Cane Inn. (www.candycaneinn.net I think) It is very nice, but may be a little higher than your range . Their rate includes an extensive continental breakfast. It is a short walk, or they have their own shuttle bus. If you have CAA you can get a better rate too.

Good Luck!

 

[HydroGuy]

FYI DLR is going to get very busy on Aug 22 and 23. If you can fit DLR before that you will be glad you did. If not, be prepared to deal with lots of other guests.

See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[ado121]

congrats on your scholarships! sounds like your future is bright.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hey there!

I'm a 20 year old guy from Canada and I've been planning my vacation to Disneyland for myself and my girlfriend for a little while now (since about February) =)

Long story (skip ahead if you don't want the "long" story haha):

I am a musician who got some scholarships from my University. I decided that with these scholarships + a bit of my own savings, my girlfriend and I would take a pretty nice long trip down to California (my girlfriend has never left Canada). We shall be in California for 10 days, in in the first 3 days I'll get some lessons with some really outstanding players with my scholarship funds. The first 3 days shall be spent in San Francisco, and then we'll fly down from San Francisco to LAX on the 4th day. I was fairly lucky and got us a nice 4* hotel thanks to Priceline in San Francisco for our time there.

=) Now let's talk dates and logistics. Our whole vacation is taking place from August 16th until August 26th. We're spending from August 16th until August 19th in San Francisco, and flying down to LAX/Anaheim on the 19th. We shall check into our new hotel on the 19th in Anaheim and leave back to Canada on the 26th.

(Skip to here if you don't want to read the above) =)

The things we have taken care of:
- Flight to San Francisco
- Hotel in San Francisco
- Flight back to Canada from LAX

What we need to take care of:
- Flight from San Francisco to LAX
- Hotel in Anaheim

I'm looking for the advice of the fine people of the DIS forums for advice on how I should go about flying down, and where we should stay for a whole week! We won't be doing Disney the entire 7 days, we'll be going to Universal and San Diego Zoo as well; but we'll be getting the 5-day parkhopper pass =)

For the hotel, we're hoping for something which is walking distance to the main gate of Disneyland, or walking distance to Downtown Disney. In all honesty, my budget isn't mind-blowingly high (I'm still a still a student, so the Grand Californian may be a little out of my range haha) but it is still decent =) I would prefer to keep the nightly rates under 100, but we can go slightly over if it's worth it. We just want a place to stay that we won't be tired of after a week haha.

Anyways, if there is any information I can provide, feel free to ask me. Thanks a ton for reading this!

-Alex

I hope you have a great trip. It will be VERY busy during the times you selected. Also, interesting way of spending scholarship monies?

Jack

 

[drag n' fly]

I posted on your thread in the canuckie forum before I saw this. Being a student my suggestions are not definitely not workable Their is lots of reasonably priced packages/motels/hotels around Disney. Check travelocity.ca, flightcentre, expedia.ca or lastminutetravel.com

Have a fun trip....best advice I can give you is get there as soon as the park opens to maximize the amount of rides you go on....go back to your hotel for some pool, sun and nap during the busy hot afternoon time and then hit the parks in the evening until closing.

 

[pdxJolene]

I think I may be able to help you some! I just went on a trip with a friend about a month ago (we are both 20 also) we stayed at Hotel Menage. WOW I was blown away by it. Its beautiful for one, and there are a lot less kids there than at the other disney area hotels. The pool is open 24 hours (GREAT to come back after a long day at disney and watch the fireworks from the pool. GREAT view.) Plus they have great happy hour food for CHEAP. Check expedia for a hotel/flight package and I bet you'll get a deal.

 

[skiingfast]

You may of already looked but you might want to look at Citypass, I think maybe you have for LA since you mention DL the SD Zoo and Universal.

Your GF may want one for SF too. If you are in class and she is out touring she may want to spend the alone time in museums or on tours. Then when you are together you can wander fishermans warf, china town together and Golden Gate park together. Also in SF you should get the multiday transit pass. It doesn't cover Bart which leaves SF, but it does cover the buses, muni lightrail, trolley and cable cars. If I remember correctly it's about the same price as 3 or 4 cable car tickets.


Just a heads up you probably want to go to the SD wild animal park and not the SD Zoo. Also know that you will need to rent a car to get to the SD zoo and Universal. To save on cost I'd block those days together. Maybe the days Hydroguy mentioned.

For transport SF to La, You could look at ticket on Amtrak, they are about $60 but the trains run during the day, and take almost all day at that.

Also consider that you can fly into SNA, LGB, ONT in addition to LAX.

 

[PeytonSdiz]

Are you dead set on flying SFO to LAX? If not, I would look into SNA (John Wayne/Orange County) because it's super close to the Disneyland area. We avoid LAX like the plague.

 

[jessicaerv]

Just a heads up you probably want to go to the SD wild animal park and not the SD Zoo.

Be VERY aware, however, that the Wild Animal Park is not actually in the city of San Diego, but in San Diego county. It is quite a bit inland, so you will not have the benefit of the ocean breezes, and you will be in the desert. I went to SDWAP in August several years back and spent practically the entire time in one of the few air conditioned buildings (a gift shop) because it was 100+ degrees at 10:00 a.m. We finally left after a few hours because the heat was overbearing and miserable.

 

[Bassman2112]

Wow! Such an overwhelming amount of responses, it is extremely appreciated =) Thank you, this forum's reputation of being awesome/wonderfully helpful is well-deserved =)

I won't answer every block of text individually; but I'm definitely going to do my best to get back at most of the points haha.

I've actually heard really wonderful things about Southwest airlines as well so I will most likely be checking them out/using them; but I hadn't heard many people talk about going into the alternate airports. I think avoiding LAX would definitely be a plus, I've been there twice in my life and both times it was quite packed, very busy and difficult to really fall in love with haha. I'll check out some flights to Orange, Long Beach airport and the like =)

I'll keep on checking the hotels as well! I've also heard some really great things regarding Candy Cane Inn, I'm going to see if we can get a discount with our AMA card (a part of CAA) there. Hotel Melange looks nice as well, but I haven't heard as much about it - I'll put in some more research to it over the next day or so. Thanks for the link on Anaheim411, that puts some of the locations into perspective =) I'll be calling as many of the hotels as I can individually to see if the rates will be manageable for when we are there, haha. If worst comes to worst, Priceline may be my friend again - we shall see though!

For San Francisco (As well as LA), we've definitely looked into the citypass. Since we won't be renting a car, we'll definitely be relying on the local transportation - I'm certain the citypass will come in handy =) Also, for SD Zoo (or wildlife park, we shall see on that as well haha) and Universal, we've looked into ways of getting bussed to and fro =)

Haha, lastly - thanks a ton for all the kind words regarding the scholarships =) I promise I'm being very careful with where those funds are going - they're only being used for the educational parts of the trip. The airfare, hotels in SF and the lessons themselves. Everything else (hotel in Anaheim, park passes, etc) are covered entirely by me haha.

Thanks again, you guys. I really love this forum! I've actually been a long-time watcher (since about 2003 or 2004) and first-time poster =)

<3
-Alex

 

[skiingfast]

Wow!

haha. If worst comes to worst, Priceline may be my friend again - we shall see though!

For San Francisco (As well as LA), we've definitely looked into the citypass. Since we won't be renting a car, we'll definitely be relying on the local transportation - I'm certain the citypass will come in handy =) Also, for SD Zoo (or wildlife park, we shall see on that as well haha) and Universal, we've looked into ways of getting bussed to and fro =)


<3
-Alex

Careful doing priceline at DL, it can put you out of walking distance from the park. Try Hotels.com or Orbitz sometimes they have deals like 25% off or 3rd night free. Concentrate on the Harbor area next to the park the walk is easy. Also find a place that has a free breakfast.

If you want to go carless, there is a train station a short cab ride from DL near the Angels Stadium. You can take a 2 commuter trains (one sevices the LA area the other the SD area) www.metrolinktrains.com and transfer to http://gonctd.com/coaster_intro.htm or amtrak, the commuters are cheaper and more often than amtrak. The station in SD is about 1 mile from the SD Zoo (cab ride).

 

[Flitterific]

Welcome and hi! Glad you finally decided to post instead of just watching

I'm actually from San Francisco and the public transportation system is awesome and very easy to use. The SF City Pass is great but it may not be worth it for the both of you to get them since you will be taking lessons in the city as well. Depending on how much free time you have, perhaps just get one for your girlfriend and you can get the 3-day Multiday MUNI Pass and pay at the door for the museums/attractions that you end up going to (again, double check on the costs and see if it will end up being better for you to get the City Pass). FYI, the 3 day MUNI Passport is $20 and most museums cost about $15.

I highly recommend checking out the California Academy of Sciences ($25 admission). It reopened in the Golden Gate Park in 2008 after going through 3 years of remodeling and the new building is AMAZING! Do not miss the Planetarium show and make sure to grab the show ticket as soon as you enter. Note: Planetarium show tickets are included in the price of admission but you have to get the show tickets when you are inside. Since the show is every hour only, tickets do go fast and you don't want to miss it!

Of course, visit other museums/walk through in Golden Gate Park, stroll through Chinatown (great place for cheap souvenirs), eat your way around Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Building, and check out the Golden Gate Bridge.

As for getting from San Francisco to Disneyland/SoCal, I do recommend booking a flight through Southwest (for the 2 free carry-on bags per person). I usually fly from SFO to Anaheim (SNA airport) and then ride Super Shuttle to DLR. I have never flown to LAX as I have heard horrendous things about the airport and LA traffic. Anyway, I just checked the price for 8/19 and Southwest airfare is currently $79/person ($90 after taxes). Those prices are decent but I have a feeling that they could drop to $49-$59 + taxes, which is what I usually pay. If you lived in the U.S., I would tell you to book now and save the credits for future flights if the rates drop. So unless you plan on traveling within the U.S. in the near future, you wouldn't want to book your flight until you are fairly comfortable with the prices (do watch the prices every day during different times of the day because they fluctuate). Supershuttle is $10/person from SNA to DIS and there are lots of codes floating on the internet where you can get $3 off per person (just book separately).

As for hotels in DLR, definitely stick to those along Harbor across the street from the park or be prepared for a long walk each day. A lot of us on DIS love the Howard Johnson Anaheim (great location, friendly staff and best of all, they have something called the Entertainment Rate, which enables you to stay there for as low as $59/night). They don't have the rates up for August yet but you can definitely make a reservation and hope that your dates show up. Otherwise, it is about $115/night + taxes. Here is a link to the HoJo Entertainment Rate dates: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14 (they update fairly regularly, usually once a week). Note: HoJo and most hotels around DLR do not charge your credit card for reservations so you can cancel them if you find a better deal later. You will only be charged if you do not cancel your reservation within 24 hours of your stay.

Good luck with planning and I hope you guys have an awesome time!

 

[Bassman2112]

Welcome and hi! Glad you finally decided to post instead of just watching

I'm actually from San Francisco and the public transportation system is awesome and very easy to use. The SF City Pass is great but it may not be worth it for the both of you to get them since you will be taking lessons in the city as well. Depending on how much free time you have, perhaps just get one for your girlfriend and you can get the 3-day Multiday MUNI Pass and pay at the door for the museums/attractions that you end up going to (again, double check on the costs and see if it will end up being better for you to get the City Pass). FYI, the 3 day MUNI Passport is $20 and most museums cost about $15.

I highly recommend checking out the California Academy of Sciences ($25 admission). It reopened in the Golden Gate Park in 2008 after going through 3 years of remodeling and the new building is AMAZING! Do not miss the Planetarium show and make sure to grab the show ticket as soon as you enter. Note: Planetarium show tickets are included in the price of admission but you have to get the show tickets when you are inside. Since the show is every hour only, tickets do go fast and you don't want to miss it!

Of course, visit other museums/walk through in Golden Gate Park, stroll through Chinatown (great place for cheap souvenirs), eat your way around Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Building, and check out the Golden Gate Bridge.

As for getting from San Francisco to Disneyland/SoCal, I do recommend booking a flight through Southwest (for the 2 free carry-on bags per person). I usually fly from SFO to Anaheim (SNA airport) and then ride Super Shuttle to DLR. I have never flown to LAX as I have heard horrendous things about the airport and LA traffic. Anyway, I just checked the price for 8/19 and Southwest airfare is currently $79/person ($90 after taxes). Those prices are decent but I have a feeling that they could drop to $49-$59 + taxes, which is what I usually pay. If you lived in the U.S., I would tell you to book now and save the credits for future flights if the rates drop. So unless you plan on traveling within the U.S. in the near future, you wouldn't want to book your flight until you are fairly comfortable with the prices (do watch the prices every day during different times of the day because they fluctuate). Supershuttle is $10/person from SNA to DIS and there are lots of codes floating on the internet where you can get $3 off per person (just book separately).

As for hotels in DLR, definitely stick to those along Harbor across the street from the park or be prepared for a long walk each day. A lot of us on DIS love the Howard Johnson Anaheim (great location, friendly staff and best of all, they have something called the Entertainment Rate, which enables you to stay there for as low as $59/night). They don't have the rates up for August yet but you can definitely make a reservation and hope that your dates show up. Otherwise, it is about $115/night + taxes. Here is a link to the HoJo Entertainment Rate dates: (they update fairly regularly, usually once a week). Note: HoJo and most hotels around DLR do not charge your credit card for reservations so you can cancel them if you find a better deal later. You will only be charged if you do not cancel your reservation within 24 hours of your stay.

Good luck with planning and I hope you guys have an awesome time!

Thank you so much for all that stellar info! That makes me quite excited to head into San Francisco haha, I've always had a fond appreciation for the city since I was a young child but I've never had an opportunity to visit it until now =) We'll be staying in Union Square on the West side (Parc 55 Hotel), so hopefully that location will serve us well =) I'm really excited to check out the Academy of Sciences; I have a fond love of Science (Physics nerd over here haha) and as does my girlfriend (she's a pre-med student) so we shall definitely spend a good chunk of time there, I'm positive! Fisherman's Warf will also be supremely intriguing, I'm sure! We both have a deep-seeded, fond love of seafood so I'm sure we will be right at home there haha!

I'll definitely try and keep on top of the rates with Southwest every week or so, and will look into flights into SNA as well as Orange. Thankfully I'm a little more well-versed in the art of booking flights, so that part should be a little easier.

I'm still quite undecided as far as hotels go! The Entertainment Rate at the HoJo sounds pretty stellar, no matter what =) I've been recommended the Candy Cane Inn, the Tropicana, the Sheraton Anaheim, and the HoJo as well (now) haha. I suppose, in the end, it will be availability that helps us pick where we go, but now (after checking out that link you provided) I'm leaning towards the HoJo =) Right now, if I were to pick a top-3 of hotels we could/may stay at, it'd likely be:

1: HoJo with Entertainment Rate (if I call it in, do you think they'll know/have it?)
2: Candy Cane Inn
3: Tropicana

Feel free to critique that top-3, make some changes or put in your own favorites =)

Again, thanks a ton to all of you - I don't know why I haven't been active on this forum for way longer!!

Haha, thanks again =)
-Alex

 

[Bassman2112]

Also! Sorry for the double-post, but would you guys recommend getting that "Entertainment" book? I was reading that you need the "membership card" in order to book the "Entertainment" rate at the HoJo =)

Thanks again!
-Alex

 

[aristocat65]

Just wanted to add that to get the "Entertainment Rate" you need an entertainment book card. The Entertainment books come out every Fall and by this time of year you can get one for a really reduced rate. You can buy one for your hometown and use some of the other coupons at home, or get one for Anaheim/Orange County for your trip. Either way the card that comes with the book is good for the hotels. Here is a link:
http://www.entertainment.com/discou...7878|856196&orcustom=&AID=10697878&PID=856196

Hope this helps.

 

[Flitterific]

Also! Sorry for the double-post, but would you guys recommend getting that "Entertainment" book? I was reading that you need the "membership card" in order to book the "Entertainment" rate at the HoJo =)

Thanks again!
-Alex

You don't actually need the Entertainment Book to get HoJo for the Entertainment Rate but you are supposed to present the Entertainment Card (inside the book) at check-in. You can easily get one off e-Bay for less than $5 though (may be a little more to ship it to Canada though). The last time we went, we weren't even asked for the card though. Anyway, HoJo won't know if the Entertainment Rate is available when you call. They add dates depending on how busy it is and how close to capacity they are. If a lot of their rooms are already booked, then your dates won't appear. I currently have Aug 1-2 booked for HoJo and our dates aren't there yet but I am keeping my fingers crossed

By the way, if/when the Entertainment Rate is available for your dates, you have to call in-house reservations (714-776-6120) at HoJo, (and not the 1-800) number to lock in those rates. If you call the regular 800 number, they won't know anything about the special Entertainment discount.