Any other Aussie posters ?

[negiacian]

From New Zealand, I booked the flights through a local travel agent, but the entire disney section was booked through DreamsUnLimited.

Katie was great, and kept in contact by email regularly. She also booked all the options like PS for us, and made all the calls as they opened the lines. 3 character breakfast bookings, and even tried to get balcony seating for the fireworks (missed on that, which was a pity, cause now I'll never get to do it)

Our entire package was charged to credit card by Disney, and was all available for us when we checked in at DLH.

I wouldnt do Disneyland again, without Katie handling the booking.

 

[BecBennett]

We won't be hiring a car but still trying to decide whether to get the shuttle or the DL express bus and whether to make reservations or not. I'm not sure if you need to??? But if you do, how do you know what time to book for on arrival figuring we will land around 7.00 am I think and then have to get luggage and go through customs at LAX which is a nightmare in itself....

I think they say you don't have to book, but they can't promise that they'll be able to get you on the first bus... I'm planning the same thing. I'm going to book it though. I think when you book it they ask you what flight you're on and those sort of details, and then figure your reservation into the most likely bus times...


Speaking of airports. Can any one step me through the basics of what you do from when you first get to the airport to when you leave? We're leaving from Sydney and I haven't been on a plane since I was 11 I have no idea what to do!

 

[darren123]

Hello
My Wife and I are going in May/June.
Booked our air fares through Escape Travel, Flying Air Pacific to Fiji one hour stopover, then to LA return flight through Qantas. We're staying at Residence Inn Maingate nice to have a full kitchen, 5 Day Hopper Pass through the Disneyland site, 2 days at Universal Studio through their site. Magic Mountain and Knott’s ticket with the Coke/Pepsi can summer deal. Car Hire direct with Dollar Hire. Sightseeing to Olvera Street, Farmers Market, Sunset Strip, Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and Calico Ghost Town.

 

[madfelice]

From New Zealand, I booked the flights through a local travel agent, but the entire disney section was booked through DreamsUnLimited.

Katie was great, and kept in contact by email regularly. She also booked all the options like PS for us, and made all the calls as they opened the lines. 3 character breakfast bookings, and even tried to get balcony seating for the fireworks (missed on that, which was a pity, cause now I'll never get to do it)

Our entire package was charged to credit card by Disney, and was all available for us when we checked in at DLH.

I wouldnt do Disneyland again, without Katie handling the booking.

I couldn't agree more about the Dreams Unlimited people. I think anyone not using an agent like them will miss out on all the little perks that you just can't organize for yourself from here. What is the balcony seating BTW, maybe we can get that for our trip! I got CRT reservations for Disney World that I NEVER would have been able to get from here! Debra is my agent. We banter back and forth regularly and she says she even dreams about our trip!

 

[kiwitravel]

I couldn't agree more about the Dreams Unlimited people. I think anyone not using an agent like them will miss out on all the little perks that you just can't organize for yourself from here. What is the balcony seating BTW, maybe we can get that for our trip! I got CRT reservations for Disney World that I NEVER would have been able to get from here! Debra is my agent. We banter back and forth regularly and she says she even dreams about our trip!

We saved over $300 on our DL tickets by booking and paying for them in New Zealand, I hear what you say about the perks, we did get EE but you can buy TTM tickets online and have change...

We saved over $400 on our accommodation by buying direct.

We travelled from and to LAX on the DL bus, it was very easy to catch, simply go out to the green bus zone and wait for the bus painted up with DL pictures. On both our trips it was no where near full and you don't need a childrens carseat.

 

[bumbershoot]

What is the balcony seating BTW, maybe we can get that for our trip!

Not from Australia but I felt like checking out your thread.

The balcony seating WAS a special dessert thing for watching Fantasmic, from the balcony outside the Disney Gallery. But since the gallery in NOS is no more (a suite soon to open for this second year of a million dreams) it's not available, and no one really knows if it will, or even can, ever be back.

 

[Czardas]

Speaking of airports. Can any one step me through the basics of what you do from when you first get to the airport to when you leave? We're leaving from Sydney and I haven't been on a plane since I was 11 I have no idea what to do!

One thing that everyone might find handy is a website called Seat Guru. It enables you to look up the seating chart and find the most desirable seats, then ring Qantas etc. to reserve the seats. Great idea when we are flying 14 hours or so, you can make sure you know where are the best seats on the plane. When using the site just run your mouse over the seats and a balloon with pop up with all the details for each seat.
Here's the link http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Qantas_Airways/Qantas_Airways_Boeing_747-400.php
Just change it to the plane/company you require. I hope this helps.

Also since you haven't travelled for a while, make sure you are familiar with the new regulations of what you can & CANT take onboard. No liquids over a certain quantity. This is for Shampoos, deodorants, etc. You can only take duty free liquor onboard after you have bought it near the gates, not before.

When you get to the airport you will need to check in, make sure that you have luggage tags on all bags. Have all your paperwork ready with your E tickets and passports.
You will be given immigration cards for each member of the family (not if each child gets one - maybe over a set age) fill these in BEFORE going through the international doors to immigration.
You will also need to pass through a few security checks at different points.
From there make your way to the gate and wait for you flight.
Once you arrive in LAX, you will go to immigration, then to the carousel to collect your luggage and then through customs. This will all take time as it is not only your plane going through this process.

A little trick I always have when travelling is to have some food in my bag, such as lollies to declare. The Declare queue is usually always shorter.
Speaking of declaring things, Vegemite has been banned from entry into the states due to one of the additives. I am so going to miss not taking it.

If anyone can think of anything I have missed, please help out.

 

[BecBennett]

That's a great link. We've already booked our seats on the plane, but it's good to see and get me excited...

 

[melbarkwith]

That's really interesting about Vegemite being banned. When did that happen?

When we travelled last May, I had a small jar of it in my luggage. I declared food (we had lollies, baby food and the vegemite) and they just waved us through customs at LAX. Didn't even want to look at the stuff we had (which was nice with 3 grumpy tired kids and 3 tired adults!) I wonder what would have happened if they had looked?

You are so right though - the 'declare' line is always shorter!
Mel

 

[Czardas]

That's really interesting about Vegemite being banned. When did that happen?

When we travelled last May, I had a small jar of it in my luggage. I declared food (we had lollies, baby food and the vegemite) and they just waved us through customs at LAX. Didn't even want to look at the stuff we had (which was nice with 3 grumpy tired kids and 3 tired adults!) I wonder what would have happened if they had looked?

You are so right though - the 'declare' line is always shorter!
Mel

I read about it last year and also heard it on the radio. I believe it is because of either the Niacin or Thiamine, or maybe it was folate

Just google "vegemite banned" and came up with this - news.com.au — The Australian icon has been deemed illegal in the US due to the classification of an ingredient. Because Vegemite contains added folate, which is now only allowed in breads and cereals, officials have began confiscating jars at the border.
So yes it is true.............

 

[daffidyll]

I thought I had read somewhere that you could still bring vegemite but that maybe it's that they wouldn't sell it there or something? We'll probably still bring it anyway....worst they can do is take it away and it's as good as excuse as any to get in the shorter 'declare' line.

Just a minor tip if it should end up helping in any way.... if you have your auto club card bring that too....alot of places that give AAA (u.s. auto club) discounts will accept ours as reciprical (sp?). I was able to get that discount at our Santa Barbara accomodation even though it wasn't specifically mentioned in our membership book I just asked them if they would honour it and they did.

 

[kylieh]

We should have no problem with the vegemite. From the US Customs and Border Patrol I found this reference re vegemite...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/highlights/cbp_responds/rumor.xml

And, if you forget it, I found this place among others to purchase it and weat-bix, Tim-Tams, and Australian made Milo... http://www.simplyoz.com/

 

[emum]

Just bumping this thread up from January. I've *finally* got everything booked (paid for various things as we saved up the money).

How have the trips been for those who've already returned ?

Kylie - we may be at the Residence Inn at the same time ! LOL ! We arrive 29th Sept. for 5 nights.

The excitement had waned a little at this end because of the wait in being able to book everything, but now that it's all done, I'm starting to bounce off the walls again

We've gone with a 14 day park hopper, as we're spending another 3 days back at DLH after a short stint in Las Vegas.

The kids are going to go ballistic once we tell them.... only about 10 weeks to go until they find out !

Hope all's going well with everyone else.

Cheers,
Sally

 

[ozvisiter]

Hey fellow aussies and other disney fans. I was wondering what number you rang from here to get PS at restaurants etc. I don't know the international codes? How did you go with time differences etc???

 

[kylieh]

Hey fellow aussies and other disney fans. I was wondering what number you rang from here to get PS at restaurants etc. I don't know the international codes? How did you go with time differences etc???

For dining...
The DL website lists For Dining Reservations, please call (714) 781-DINE (3463)†

So from Australia dial 0011 1 714 781 3463 - number works with all Telcos.

I think I have read DL Dining Reservation times are from 8am to 6pm California time, but I will stand corrected.

To work out the time difference, at present, we are 17 hours ahead. So a quick way of working it out is now + 7 hours, then the day before. EG It's nearly 10pm in Sydney, so in Anaheim it is nearly 5am Thursday. Or if I have you completly confused try either world clock http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

White Pages has pretty much the same thing http://www.whitepages.com.au/wp/helpfulInfo.do?category=info&item=worldTime


24 Hour Comparison
Local Anaheim, California, United States of America

Date Time Time Date
15/5/2008 09:58PM 04:58AM 15/5/2008
10:00PM 05:00AM
11:00PM 06:00AM
16/5/2008 12:00AM Midnight 07:00AM
01:00AM 08:00AM
02:00AM 09:00AM
03:00AM 10:00AM
04:00AM 11:00AM
05:00AM 12:00PM Midday
06:00AM 01:00PM
07:00AM 02:00PM
08:00AM 03:00PM
09:00AM 04:00PM
10:00AM 05:00PM
11:00AM 06:00PM
12:00PM Midday 07:00PM
01:00PM 08:00PM
02:00PM 09:00PM
03:00PM 10:00PM
04:00PM 11:00PM
05:00PM 12:00AM Midnight 16/5/2008
06:00PM 01:00AM
07:00PM 02:00AM
08:00PM 03:00AM
09:00PM 04:00AM

 

[aussiemickeys]

Hi,
I haven't been on these boards for quite a while, but would like to help if I can.
I also highly recommend using the AAA for any hotel discount that might get you. We are members of the RAC here in Australia & on the back of that card is a tiny AAA logo & we have used this at lots of hotels in the US (not that many actually bother asking to see the card when you get there though!)
If you are still trying to decide about transport between Airport & Anaheim, can I make a suggestion. We have used "Supershuttle" to do this a few times. There are usually 5 of us travelling & for a few extra dollars (sorry I can't remember the exact amount), we pre book a private van just for us. This is fantastic as you don't have multiple stops (just your own) & if you have a lot of luggage it is a godsend.
I have not looked up the cost of a 14 day ticket compared to an Annual pass but I know that the annual pass gets quite a few discounts on shopping & dining (& you only need to get one in the group if the 14 day passes are cheaper).
Might be off topic, but some of the places that we enjoy to eat around that South Harbour Blvd area are Tony Romas (ribs), IHOP (kids under 12 eat free with an adult before a certain time of day & the menu listings are massive), Dennys (24 Hours) & Millies.
Best tip I have ever received is get to the Parks at least 1/2 hour before opening & have a plan of the first few things you want to do.
Enjoy! (You are going to luv it)

 

[ozvisiter]

kylieh- Thanks so much for the info. Looks like if I want Fantasmic PS it will be a middle of the night call!!!

 

[Jade+3]

I took our RACQ card and was able to get the AAA discount on our dining reservations, so if you are a member, don't forget to take your card.

 

[emum]

Wow ! Great to see this thread pick up with so many tips and suggestions - thanks everyone

Also wanted to say a special thanks to madfelice and negiacian for recommending Dreams Unlimited. I have been very impressed with their prompt and efficient service so far (plus I got a better $$ deal on a concierge room at DLH than I thought I'd get). I'll also ask Katie to do our PS reservations for our Goofy dinner.

That's also a great tip about the a/l pass, aussiemickeys. We've already bought our 14 day parkhoppers - can we upgrade one of those to an a/ pass once we're at DL if we think it'll save us some money on purchases ?

Also, great tip on supershuttle and booking it just for ourselves - I think it only works out at a few extra dollars, given we'll be a prty of 6. The less stops, the better ! I'm assuming they're waiting for you the minute you're ready to leave the airport, or do you need to ring to advise you've arrived ?

Ooooooh, I'm so excited !!!! (I've watched Cat in the Hat too many times -as I read that to myself, I said it in my best "Cat" voice )

Cheers,
Sally

 

[aussiemickeys]

Emum,
Glad to be of some help!
1. Supershuttle: We book over the internet before we go (every transfer we need for the trip, so we don't have to worry about it while we are there). I am pretty sure this is cheaper than just doing it when you get there as well. When making your decision whether to use a private van or not, please factor in the tip to the driver as well (20% usually) - don't want you to have a nasty surprise! From what I remember, if you get the bus you are still expected to tip the driver (but not to that extent).
As for if you do go ahead & get this (& anything to make it easier after that long flight from Aus with kids gets my vote), once you have cleared customs you just walk straight out & directly in front of the arrivals area is an long island type area where all the various shuttles pick up from. Just find the nearest supershuttle guy (you can't miss them) & give him your booking details & tell him right away you have booked a private van. They call through & get the next available van sent up from their parking area. USUALLY this is not too long a wait at all (about 15 minutes max), having said that though, last trip we had our one bad experience & had to wait 45 minutes in Sanfransico for our van to turn up (& of course it was after 3 different flights & about 30 hours of continual travel - Murphy's law!) That has been our only bad experience though & we wouldn't hesitate to use them again. By the way from memory I think theire website is www.bluevan.com or something like that.
2. Annual Passes: I can't seem to find any info on the 14 day passes that you purchased so I am not sure how much you paid for them & what extra perks they may come with (such as the early entry feature & Mickey's Toontown thingy). I did look up the Premium Annual Pass (every day of the year - no blackout dates). Purchased in advance this is USD$379 before tax. If you go to www.mousesavers.com website you can look up the list of discounts that apply to this pass (dining, shopping & hotels). If it all adds up for you, I am almost certain that you can upgrade tickets that are cheaper to an Annual Pass (just make sure you get the right annual pass as there are a couple of options which have different perks).

Our plan for our November trip (8 days - non Disney hotel) tickets wise is to get a Bonus Parkhopper plus ticket in advance off the Disney website. We did this last year & received with them a voucher for each ticket of a one off 20% shopping discount - LOVED that! We will use our one Early Entry feature & then upgrade to an Annual Pass (we hope to go back within a year as well, to get even more value out of doing this.

Hoped this has helped you a bit more with your planning.