Aussie Disneyland Planners come on in and lets plan together :)

[dave73]

I assume so. It says the first date the voucher must be used by is Oct 29 (luckily we arrive on Oct 27). So I would be a little wary of buying it too far in advance, because of this cut-off date which probably varies according to purchase date.

Thanks again. We arrive on Oct 25th and are there for 10 days so sounds like it should be fine, We plan to order it by the end of this month.

 

[gogo65]

You know what is funny Ms. Shuttergirl, before I got on Dis it never even occurred to me that a plan was necessary in relation to rides I think that I just thought that we would go to Disneyland, decide what we want to go on and just get on them. I figured we would have to wait but I didn't think it would be so crazy that I would need to have a ride plan mapped out.

I am a bit worried actually Kind of wondering if I have made a bit of a mistake. I hope that I haven't spent all this money just to be constantly stuck in frustrating crowds and end up going home having not even gone on the rides we wanted to go on. Just a bit concerned

Anyway, that's my vent for the day. Back to being happy and excited now

xxx

Fastpass, Fastpass, Fastpass
The fastpass system works really well, just be sure to get one as soon as you walk through the gates, then you can get one every 2 hours from that time. It works really well for the major attractions.
We will be there between Xmas and New year when it will be really busy But I will use the fastpass system and hopefully get on most of our must do's.

 

[keptwoman]

Last time we went it was the height of summer. Right around July 4th and right when the 50th anniversary celebrations were on. I had done no research in terms of order of rides. We had an absolute ball. We used fastpass a lot and we very very seldom stood in line. I distinctly remember the longest line was Space Mountain because it had a "soft opening" while we were there after a loooooong closure (years) and there was no fast pass operating and that was fine because we were just so excited to ride it. We had a lovely time and I never felt panicked or anything. Now I know I missed a bunch of stuff but at the time we didn't know or care and we were only there 2 1/2 days so to see everything would have been an absolute mad scheduled rush. We spent lots of time just soaking up the atmosphere. I intend to make a few notes about order of rides for MM and how best to get fastpasses etc but I'm not planning to the nth degree because for me that takes all the fun out of it. For me Disneyland is about magic not about schedules.

 

[gogo65]

Last time we went it was the height of summer. Right around July 4th and right when the 50th anniversary celebrations were on. I had done no research in terms of order of rides. We had an absolute ball. We used fastpass a lot and we very very seldom stood in line. I distinctly remember the longest line was Space Mountain because it had a "soft opening" while we were there after a loooooong closure (years) and there was no fast pass operating and that was fine because we were just so excited to ride it. We had a lovely time and I never felt panicked or anything. Now I know I missed a bunch of stuff but at the time we didn't know or care and we were only there 2 1/2 days so to see everything would have been an absolute mad scheduled rush. We spent lots of time just soaking up the atmosphere. I intend to make a few notes about order of rides for MM and how best to get fastpasses etc but I'm not planning to the nth degree because for me that takes all the fun out of it. For me Disneyland is about magic not about schedules.

I agree

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Last time we went it was the height of summer. Right around July 4th and right when the 50th anniversary celebrations were on. I had done no research in terms of order of rides. We had an absolute ball. We used fastpass a lot and we very very seldom stood in line. I distinctly remember the longest line was Space Mountain because it had a "soft opening" while we were there after a loooooong closure (years) and there was no fast pass operating and that was fine because we were just so excited to ride it. We had a lovely time and I never felt panicked or anything. Now I know I missed a bunch of stuff but at the time we didn't know or care and we were only there 2 1/2 days so to see everything would have been an absolute mad scheduled rush. We spent lots of time just soaking up the atmosphere. I intend to make a few notes about order of rides for MM and how best to get fastpasses etc but I'm not planning to the nth degree because for me that takes all the fun out of it. For me Disneyland is about magic not about schedules.

I totally agree with you Keptwoman, it is absolutely about the magic and not about schedules. With that said, I must see everything whilst I am at DL because I don't know if I will ever get back there. It has been my dream to go and so I need to make the most of my time. With that said, I am kind of doing some rough guides for in the mornings, to make the most of shorter queues etc, and the afternoon's and evenings will be completely fluid and go with the flow. I am just such a planner by nature, I could not just arrive with no plan but using a combination of both will be the best of both worlds for me.

 

[Andona]

For me Disneyland is about magic not about schedules.

If I was travelling on my own that would be my motto - I'd be happy Fastpassing a few rides, and spending my time browsing the shops, eating and soaking up the atmosphere.

However, I'm travelling with my DH who loathes queues with a passion and my DS who would be extremely disappointed if he didn't get to ride as many of his favourites as possible. That's not an easy combination on a crowded day at Disney

So to keep everyone happy it's best if I go with a plan.

From what I've been reading this trip we will probably strike busier crowds than we've had on any of our other trips so I'll have my plan of attack all worked out for the first few hours in the parks. By midday we should have ridden all the favourites and have Fastpasses in hand to hit them again later in the day ( DS would ride Buzz ten times in a row if he could and DH loves Space Mtn)

After lunch , I'll turn off commando mode, and have my turn to soak up as much atmosphere as I can

This worked beautifully last year at WDW - we all had a wonderful time

Andona

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

If I was travelling on my own that would be my motto - I'd be happy Fastpassing a few rides, and spending my time browsing the shops, eating and soaking up the atmosphere.

However, I'm travelling with my DH who loathes queues with a passion and my DS who would be extremely disappointed if he didn't get to ride as many of his favourites as possible. That's not an easy combination on a crowded day at Disney

So to keep everyone happy it's best if I go with a plan.

From what I've been reading this trip we will probably strike busier crowds than we've had on any of our other trips so I'll have my plan of attack all worked out for the first few hours in the parks. By midday we should have ridden all the favourites and have Fastpasses in hand to hit them again later in the day ( DS would ride Buzz ten times in a row if he could and DH loves Space Mtn)

After lunch , I'll turn off commando mode, and have my turn to soak up as much atmosphere as I can

This worked beautifully last year at WDW - we all had a wonderful time

Andona

Exactly. This is my family to a tee. My husband will sook and whinge more than the kids, haha if the lining up is for too long so I would like to minimise that as much as possible. My DD 11 will be fine but my DS 7 will get tired and grumpy if he gets bored so I would like to get as much done in the morning as possible.

 

[Andona]

I must see everything whilst I am at DL because I don't know if I will ever get back there. It has been my dream to go and so I need to make the most of my time.

I had exactly the same feeling before our first trip After we left Disneyland that time I was soooo sad because I really believed I would never get there again.

Then the opportunity came up for a trip to WDW! So excited beforehand and so sad as we left the resort thinking "that's probably the last time I will ever do Disney"

But, then the airfare war came along and DH was keen to visit some of the National parks - so I managed to squeeze in a couple of Disneyland days at the end of the trip.

I'm sure you're going to have an amazing trip, Shuttergirl - and I'll keep my fingers crossed that you do get back there again some day.

Andona

 

[aussiegirls]

I agree with you Ms. Shuttergirl. I want to experience everything at Disneyland because I think it will be a once in a lifetime thing, I don't think we will be going back again (unless a miracle happens at work )

Anyways, I booked October because I thought I would need the extra time to save, but I have all my money already and I want to go NOW!!! Less than 2 months to go


xxx

 

[becpee]

Hi everybody, two and a bit months to go here, and I am trying to decide where we'll stay for the final part of our trip, I have 7 nights to book and I am really divided on the decision.
My DH wants Fairfield Inn (which is costing $148AUD per night inc tax), we were also tossing up Hojo, but I would still love to stay onsite (maybe i'm an idiot).
Has anybody here stayed onsite?? Coming all the way from here, and paying everything in AUD, was it worth the extra money to stay onsite?
I really don't know which way to go with this....

 

[rossip]

Has anyone else stayed at the Desert Palms and Inn in Anaheim? If so, what did you think?

It's been top of my shortlist for a while. Today the family and I attended a one day USA/Canada travel expo and there was a special for Desert Palms (amongst others), which will save us about 50% on the Expedia rate and 60-70% on the travel brochure rates. But I want to make sure it's as good as I think it is before booking.

Hi Dollarmite .

This sounds tempting , have read good reports about Desert Palms , since i didnt go to the show , do you have any further info on this deal ?

PM me if you like I would be interested in seeing what they can do for our family

Cheers

 

[Andona]

Today the family and I attended a one day USA/Canada travel expo and there was a special for Desert Palms (amongst others), which will save us about 50% on the Expedia rate and 60-70% on the travel brochure rates. But I want to make sure it's as good as I think it is before booking.

Arrghh! I considered going to that Expo but DH wanted to do something else yesterday.
I'm currently booked at the BW Park Place Inn but would be happy to switch for a really good deal. Did you have to collect a voucher on the day Dollarmite or is there a discount code for it. Would love some more information if you are able to share ?

Andona

 

[dollarmite]

Hi Dollarmite .

This sounds tempting , have read good reports about Desert Palms , since i didnt go to the show , do you have any further info on this deal ?

PM me if you like I would be interested in seeing what they can do for our family
Cheers

Well. Have just finished speaking to the person I spoke to at the show yesterday.

Turns out the special isn't quite as special as it seems. TA didn't mention yesterday that the prices were per person, not per room. Effectively, this brings it almost back to Expedia rate. So, I'll stick to booking things on my own. I haven't had a good experience with Flight Centre yet, so I don't know why I expected things to change this time.

That's my whinge for the day. Back to perusing the travel sites now.

 

[rossip]

Well. Have just finished speaking to the person I spoke to at the show yesterday.

Turns out the special isn't quite as special as it seems. TA didn't mention yesterday that the prices were per person, not per room. Effectively, this brings it almost back to Expedia rate. So, I'll stick to booking things on my own. I haven't had a good experience with Flight Centre yet, so I don't know why I expected things to change this time.

That's my whinge for the day. Back to perusing the travel sites now.

Oh well , if it sounds too good to be true probably is.....

Thanks anyway

back to our previous booking then

 

[downunder]

Hi All
My name is Jess, i am 28 yrs old and live in sydney. DH and i went to WDW, DL and DCL last year and came home with our own little disney surprise" Matilda" she is 11 months.


i am not going on a trip but i am an Aussie so i thought i could live through all of your holidays!

I have been to DL many times, WDW 3 times (i was a cast member in 2000) and have also been to Hong Kong DL and Tokyo Disney and the DCL.


Are any of you interested in coming to the Disunplugged meet in Sydney? i think it is planned for the 19th of Sep at this stage.

cant wait to here about all of your trips
Jess

 

[jacs1234]

and came home with our own little disney surprise" Matilda" she is 11 months.

I think that would have been the best disney trip ever then

Matilda is such a cute name.

So all you have to do now is the Paris Disney land and you'll be all set. Maybe when Matilda is 3 and then you can bring home another surprise. It wouldn't be fair on baby number two if it wasn't made in Disney :lol:

 

[gogo65]

Hi All
My name is Jess, i am 28 yrs old and live in sydney. DH and i went to WDW, DL and DCL last year and came home with our own little disney surprise" Matilda" she is 11 months.


i am not going on a trip but i am an Aussie so i thought i could live through all of your holidays!

I have been to DL many times, WDW 3 times (i was a cast member in 2000) and have also been to Hong Kong DL and Tokyo Disney and the DCL.


Are any of you interested in coming to the Disunplugged meet in Sydney? i think it is planned for the 19th of Sep at this stage.

cant wait to here about all of your trips
Jess

Hey Jess

How are you??
Isn't it about time you planned another trip.

I could probably find some room for Matilda in my bag

 

[marvel]

hi everyone, we are getting really excited now that our trip is a few weeks away. Love reading all your posts.

I have no time for travel agents from all the bad quotes and experiences I have had. Flight center is no better, the only time they are worth it, is if you have someone that is really good at their job and enjoy it. PRice wise these days they cannot compete.

Andona - I agree with your DH, I cannot stand waiting in line. So I plan everything out but then adjust depending on whats going on and what we feel like doing. but I always make sure i get all the Fastpasses we need for later ! We always travel in April/May or Sept/Oct to avoid crowds. I would really love to hear about your NY and Niagara trip, plan to do that next year or in 2011. We did NY but then drove to Florida.

Hi Jess (downunder), love to hear your advice as well, absolutely love WDW, but have only been once. Could easily spend a month or so in WDW.

I haven't booked any PS yet for anywhere: Probably only want to do BLue Bayou and Goofy's kitchen. But blue bayou is getting very mixed reviews, not sure if it is worth it just to eat inside a ride !!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

hi everyone, we are getting really excited now that our trip is a few weeks away. Love reading all your posts.

I have no time for travel agents from all the bad quotes and experiences I have had. Flight center is no better, the only time they are worth it, is if you have someone that is really good at their job and enjoy it. PRice wise these days they cannot compete.

Andona - I agree with your DH, I cannot stand waiting in line. So I plan everything out but then adjust depending on whats going on and what we feel like doing. but I always make sure i get all the Fastpasses we need for later ! We always travel in April/May or Sept/Oct to avoid crowds. I would really love to hear about your NY and Niagara trip, plan to do that next year or in 2011. We did NY but then drove to Florida.

Hi Jess (downunder), love to hear your advice as well, absolutely love WDW, but have only been once. Could easily spend a month or so in WDW.

I haven't booked any PS yet for anywhere: Probably only want to do BLue Bayou and Goofy's kitchen. But blue bayou is getting very mixed reviews, not sure if it is worth it just to eat inside a ride !!

Wow Marvel, not long to go now.

So do you care to share your touring plans? I would love to hear what you (and other's) are planning to do on your first few days at DL at least.

 

[dave73]

hi everyone, we are getting really excited now that our trip is a few weeks away. Love reading all your posts.

I have no time for travel agents from all the bad quotes and experiences I have had. Flight center is no better, the only time they are worth it, is if you have someone that is really good at their job and enjoy it. PRice wise these days they cannot compete.

Andona - I agree with your DH, I cannot stand waiting in line. So I plan everything out but then adjust depending on whats going on and what we feel like doing. but I always make sure i get all the Fastpasses we need for later ! We always travel in April/May or Sept/Oct to avoid crowds. I would really love to hear about your NY and Niagara trip, plan to do that next year or in 2011. We did NY but then drove to Florida.

Hi Jess (downunder), love to hear your advice as well, absolutely love WDW, but have only been once. Could easily spend a month or so in WDW.

I haven't booked any PS yet for anywhere: Probably only want to do BLue Bayou and Goofy's kitchen. But blue bayou is getting very mixed reviews, not sure if it is worth it just to eat inside a ride !!

We gave up on travel agents too. Just before we head off on our trip I call each hotel and confirm our booking to ensure they have it on their system still, even after I receive email confirmation, just to have piece of mind. If you have a travel agent who has travelled there it can be useful, but if neither of you have been to the place before it can be a risk, especially with accommodation. Sites like this are invaluable for planning, getting reviews etc. We had an agent originally put us in a hotel which looked like it was just around the corner when in reality it was about a 20 min walk away. They also couldn't match the online hotel price so we ended up just booking airfares, this year we have done it all online, so far so good.

We did WDW last year for 10 days, just enough time to do each park (minus the water parks) spend a day or two outside the resort at Universal and shopping also. We went back to Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for a second day and spent plenty of time at Downtown Disney so we didn't rush and saw all we wanted to. I am sure there is plenty we didn't do or experience but that's all the time we had so did what we thought would be worthwhile to us. We loved it.

We were thinking of Blue Bayou as well but again the mixed reviews for us have stopped us booking. I would rather head to Downtown and eat at Rainforest Cafe or House of Blues instead.

We have always gone around April May but looking forward to Halloween. So weather and crowds in an unknown. We are spending 10 days in Anaheim and decided on an Annual Pass. For the price we can go in and out whenever we like, most nights we will head into the parks and spend 2 or three full days in there as well. We have the freedom to go whenever we feel like it plus we plan to be back in Anaheim for a few days within the next 12 months so we can use them again on that trip.

This also doesn't restrict us on what days we go. We considered a 5 day hopper but for the little bit extra we felt it's worth it, plus you get some discounts.