Assistance appreciated!

[suedaisy]

I am new to Disneyland. I have been researching and I hope that I have figured it out.

Background-

We scored a deal on a Panama Canal Disney Cruise in December. It leaves on Sunday, December 9th.

Our flight arrives around noon on Friday, December 7.

We plan to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on December 7 (Friday) and December 8 (Saturday).


Question #1) Since we will be heading to Carsland as early as possible on Saturday morning, it seems that "Magic Mornings" and "Extra Magic Early Hour for on-site resort guests" will not help us as Saturday is for Disneyland only- Is this correct?

Question #2) If I understand #1 correctly, then I am not sure that staying on-site would be "worth" it to us- UNLESS, there are other resort benefits. We are interested in attending the Candlelight Processional. We will not be passholders. I know that Candlelight Processional dining packages will be announced, but in the past has this ever been open to on-site resort guests as well? I am making my hotel reservations soon and currently with Nana's senior discount- Paradise Pier for $221 plus tax. Fairfield Inn is over $100 less per night and we could use the money for the candlelight processional dining package.

Question #3 We will be up early. Am I permitted to book a Saturday Ariel breakfast early (if the park opens at 9, could I make an 8AM reservation?) From my understanding, I can make reservations 60 days out.

Question #4 If we do end up staying onsite and use the Grand California park entrance- We have non-expiration Disney World tickets that we intend to use for this trip. Is this entrance a proper ticket booth that will be able to "handle" such a request? These World tickets are hoppers- so will we be given a hopper ticket?

Thank you for any assistance or recommendations. I am reading the information for the Disneyland newbies, but I became a little confused!

 

[hollyshoffbrau]

From what I understand from all the dland vets on here there are some reservations for the character meals that are before dland opens so if you called 60 days on the day you may be able to score one of those few spots for your character breakfast.

Hopefully some of the vets on here will give you more insight!

 

[suedaisy]

Thanks for the information. I will plan on making a character breakfast for Saturday. I too hope that some of the experts will help me with the other questions. I have read a little more about the Candlelight Processional at Disneyland and it seems that this year is a "new" approach where it will be running for many nights. Since this is new, maybe no one knows if tickets will also be allocated for on-site guests or if only passholders and dining package people will be permitted to attend.