After a Disneyland hiatus......planning a trip. What's new?

[AC7179]

We haven't been to Disneyland in about four years, although we have been many times before that.

We are planning a trip for next summer, so I was hoping more recent visitors could let me know if there's anything I've missed.

We are in Texas, and would like to go in June. In the past, we have gone (accidentally) the week before the cheaper annual passes were blacked out (TERRIBLE!), and the week right after they were blacked out (AMAZING!). I'm looking, and it seems the annual pass structure has changed. The cheapest passes are blocked out right from the start of June, but it seems the other passes aren't really blocked out much at all. Is there a week in June that is the best for getting the summer entertainment schedule (nightly fireworks, late hours) but less crowds?

Also, sticker shock on the hotel prices! I remember a time in my 12 year old's lifetime that I paid $77 a night for PPH with an AP discount. It's now looking like close to $400 a night. We will probably pony up for it, but any advice to get the room a little cheaper?

We like to eat at the character breakfast at PPH, the princess lunch at DCA, and we will make a BBB appointment for my (then) five year old. Has anything changed in regards to those meal places?

Any can't miss new offerings similar to the F! dessert buffet? Is that still around?

Thanks!

 

[cruisehopeful]

lso, sticker shock on the hotel prices! I remember a time in my 12 year old's lifetime that I paid $77 a night for PPH with an AP discount. It's now looking like close to $400 a night. We will probably pony up for it, but any advice to get the room a little cheaper?

I remember those days, too. The new prices are what people are paying and it blows my mind. You may possibly get an AP discount, but those tend to only be for weekday nights. You could always book now and keep shopping and then switch your reservation later.

You could also stay off site .There are hotels on Harbor Blvd that are a closer walk to the entrance plaza than PPH is. You can still dine at the DL hotels if you want to. You don't need to stay there.

Any can't miss new offerings similar to the F! dessert buffet? Is that still around?

Fanastmic is closed due to construction, but everyone raves about the World of Color dessert party in DCA. The pics look great. It's around $80/pp and comes with cheese, fruit, desserts and drinks. You also get to sit a table vs. standing to watch. It's only bucket list.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Here is a thread on changes since 2014: http://www.disboards.com/threads/list-of-changes-since-summer-2014.3516777/. You'll find some helpful info there.

 

[smartlabelprint]

It's way busier now!

Have you considered staying off site? There's a courtyard across the street, Homewood suites down the street.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Here is a thread on changes since 2014: http://www.disboards.com/threads/list-of-changes-since-summer-2014.3516777/. You'll find some helpful info there.

I should update that thread now that 60th is over ... thanks for the link!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I wish that thread could be a sticky. It would help a lot of people who haven't visited in a long time. And things can change so quickly at DLR that it would be nice to have one place to check for updates.