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

[lovintheland]

I really hope your hubby comes around! I know the "flat" feeling having come home from our trip last week. I seriously feel depressed and I can hardly bare to come back on the Dis and read about everyone's plans when I don't have any. Planning is half the fun, and the worst part is I want to go again so bad. There is nothing quite like looking forward to a trip to Disneyland. Friends and people I work with don't get it (this was our second time there in 2 years) they assume we must've gone to different places. Yes, some, but I LOVE Anaheim & Disneyland and if I could work out a way to get back there again in another 2 years I would.

We drove to Vegas from Anaheim (easy drive) We had 3 nights in Vegas just so we could do the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The drive there was only a little over 2 hrs, but we did stop at Lake Mead & Hoover Dam on the way. The Canyon was definately a highlight and worth the drive. The whole family loved it. Didn't love Vegas so much. Found it a bit overwhelming and not child appropriate. some of the hotels were lovely though and I think if you can stay somewhere nice it would make all the difference.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I really hope your hubby comes around! I know the "flat" feeling having come home from our trip last week. I seriously feel depressed and I can hardly bare to come back on the Dis and read about everyone's plans when I don't have any. Planning is half the fun, and the worst part is I want to go again so bad. There is nothing quite like looking forward to a trip to Disneyland. Friends and people I work with don't get it (this was our second time there in 2 years) they assume we must've gone to different places. Yes, some, but I LOVE Anaheim & Disneyland and if I could work out a way to get back there again in another 2 years I would.

We drove to Vegas from Anaheim (easy drive) We had 3 nights in Vegas just so we could do the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The drive there was only a little over 2 hrs, but we did stop at Lake Mead & Hoover Dam on the way. The Canyon was definately a highlight and worth the drive. The whole family loved it. Didn't love Vegas so much. Found it a bit overwhelming and not child appropriate. some of the hotels were lovely though and I think if you can stay somewhere nice it would make all the difference.

I totally agree about the planning being half the fun. Don't laugh but I am almost thinking to myself that 3 months won't be enough time to thoroughly enjoy the planning process, I am a little mental with that stuff, I enjoy the planning and decorating and lead up to Christmas alot more than I actually enjoy Christmas day. Weird I know.

Your right, Canyon day trip is a must, although the Skywalk, no way, we are a family who don't do heights

 

[lovintheland]

My god I think we are twins!!!!!! I totally get the whole planning and Christmas thing. That is exactly what I am like. So reassuring to know I'm not the only one. re the skywalk. We had seen it on the t.v but about a month out from the trip I said I don't think I will do it. When we got there you had to actually buy the tickets to do it before you actually got to the skywalk which didn't give us the chance so size up how scary it actually was and we said "bugger it!, we're here, we'll all do it ". Well DS 11 has an extreme fear of heights and hubby and I moderate to extreme fear. Two DD's were fearless and jumping all about on it. Let me say to start with we were scared but about half way around a one of the Indian tribe, came up to my husband and held his hand and told him not to be afraid etc etc, it was amazing how he put us all at ease. By the end we had an amazing sense of accomplishment. I can't explain how great it was to do it and not nearly as scary as it looked on t'v as the walk actually comes out from a building and not the rock face as I thought it did.

Happy planning!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay, so guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[melbarkwith]

Okay, so guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay! Time to start planning...

I've just realised that I'll probably see Fantasmic for the first time, so it's party time here too

Mel

 

[kylieh]

Okay, so guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yippeeeee Good work.

 

[gogo65]

Okay, so guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok all we have some planning to do

Just had an email from bestflights, flights to the US for $959 with Qantas, might be worth a quick look http://www.bestflights.com.au/cgi-bin/202/flights?maindetails=2563. Just remember to check the qantas website before you book.
A stopover anywhere included.

Oh and as for the planning thing I agree 3 months is not enough time, of course everything can be planned in that time, but not fair only 3 months to get excited I like at least 12 months

I always start planning my next trip before I have even left for the last one.
I am thinking Africa, just working how to get to Africa with a stopover in the US on the way OR maybe HK Disney

 

[marvel]

I would definetly advise against doing 2 days SF and 2 Vegas. I never count the first day anywhere as you just don't know what can happen with flights etc and as you cannot check in till 2 or 3pm it makes very stressful trying to fit in seeing everything in two days. Unless you really really really want to see both regardless of how long. Grand Canyon is at least a 3hr drive closer to 4hrs so really you are looking at committing a whole day of only 2 days, just for that. WE did a helicopter flight with lunch in the grand canyon that only took probably 3 or 4 hrs in total and was fantastic. A bit pricey but we thought it was worth it. This will be our 5th trip to Vegas and we have never stayed less that 5days. When you factor in catching domestic flights you do need more than 2 days. It is one of the reasons we drive whenever possible, lets you see more of the country for generally the same amount of time spent at airports.

Agree with booking alcatraz, we know of plenty of friends that did not do this and could not get on there. It is a really great experience. Wow, just thinking of how great SF is, we won't get there this time, but really love it.

I know what you mean about light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know what I would have done without our trip this Sept. Sorry to hear about your family health issues, it gives you a real sense of what is important in life. ALways helps me when I sometimes worry about the amount of money we have spent on travel, life it too short. Do what makes you feel good and helps you enjoy life. For us, that is traveling to the US.

Our kids are even pre-planning a trip in 2011, they want to go to NY again!

I know what you mean gogo, my problem is I talk about going somewhere else, and end up go to the US again.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay peeps, I hope you are all ready to help this nervous excited newbie.

So some background, I had emailed my husband my plea for taking the holiday during the week, outlining my case and arguments for going as often my husband hears me better when it's in writing then when I say it to him. He has time to digest all I am saying before responding, and I usually get a more positive response. I had emailed him during the week but he works such long hours and my emails are often the last ones he reads haha. Sometimes i think he doesn't read them in case I might be whinging about something and that is often the case

So he finally read it today and when I got home from being out for most of the day he said YES we could go, but the amount of time I was suggesting was not long enough.

SAY WHAT?????????????

Here i was thinking he wouldn't want to even go and now he is saying we need to go for longer, haha. He said if we are spending this money to go over there, we will be having at least 3-4 weeks. I think 4 weeks is too much for the kids so we have compromised on approx. 3 weeks.

Just incase his beloved Western Bulldogs get into the grand final (umm yeah right), we plan to leave Monday 28th September but could leave the following day if there was a better deal to be done.

So we want to leave 28.9.09

Basic itinerary is:-

Depart for LA 28.9.09

Spend 5 nights at DL - prefer DLH, definitely staying on site

3 nights in LA

3 nights San Francisco (I would probably prefer 2 here but DH has heard it's beautiful so I could probably give him an extra day here)

3 nights Las Vegas (one day spent on a day trip to the Canyon, DH thinks it would be nice to stay at the Canyon overnight and really explore but to be honest we aren't outdoorsy and if it's hot he'll sook, hehe)

5 nights New York

Home


So my first question is, what day do I book our return flight. I get so confused with the time difference for the return part???? I am going to go to two agents on Monday morning but may very well end up booking the flights online and don't want to muck up that return date.

I feel at this point my priorities are to book the flights, the internal flights (we definitely don't want to do any driving on this trip but would be keen to try it another time) and we think we need to get DLH booked before they run out of rooms.

The other accom I will get onto very soon.

What other things do I need to organise asap? Travel insurance? Travel card?

Thanks guys, I feel like I am in good hands, hehe. I am ridiculously excited but stressed how and have so many planning ideas i need to get down on paper and out of my head.

 

[kylieh]

So we want to leave 28.9.09


So my first question is, what day do I book our return flight. I get so confused with the time difference for the return part????

These are rough times...

On the way there you land the same day you take off, if you have the 10am flight with Qantas, you arrive LAX normally around 7am same day.


But on the way back, say you want to arrive in Sydney (or Brisbane or Melbourne...) on Sunday morning. You need to take the Friday night flight, LA Time. I think it was 10pm Friday night LA arrives Sydney 6.30am Sydney.

Do the travel insurance next, remembering that pre-existing conditions are really important to note and get coverage for, if relevant. A trip to your GP may be needed, forms to fax, etc. Read the fine print.

 

[melbarkwith]

That's great that your dh agreed to go!

We are flying home from LA at 11.30pm on a Thursday night and get home at 9.30am on Saturday morning. Not too sure about flying from NY though.

I would sort out the date you want to be in various cities, then start looking at the airline websites yourself. Usually you'll be able to book it cheaper yourself by doing it directly with the airline.

Other things to think about: Airport transfers/car hire, sightseeing tours, travel insurance, passports if anyone needs those, making advance dining reservations at Disney (can do that 90 days out I think, which would be pretty soon for you going in school hols).

Have fun!
Melissa

 

[melbarkwith]

Do the travel insurance next, remembering that pre-existing conditions are really important to note and get coverage for, if relevant. A trip to your GP may be needed, forms to fax, etc. Read the fine print.

I second this big time!

My dh has had a DVT twice (not flying related), and the number of forms we had to fill in last time was horrendous. But totally worth it, just in case. If I recall correctly, the premium was no more expensive just a few more hoops to jump through.

I'll be organising our travel insurance this week - thanks for the reminder!

Melissa

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Ok all we have some planning to do

Just had an email from bestflights, flights to the US for $959 with Qantas, might be worth a quick look http://www.bestflights.com.au/cgi-bin/202/flights?maindetails=2563. Just remember to check the qantas website before you book.
A stopover anywhere included.

Oh and as for the planning thing I agree 3 months is not enough time, of course everything can be planned in that time, but not fair only 3 months to get excited I like at least 12 months

I always start planning my next trip before I have even left for the last one.
I am thinking Africa, just working how to get to Africa with a stopover in the US on the way OR maybe HK Disney

Thanks for that Bestflights link. The price wasn't as good as what I've managed to find on Expedia flying V Australia.

It looks like the 4 of us could fly for a total incl. taxes of $4215

Does that sound like a good price, it looks pretty good. It's the best one I've found for the past week or so, however it has gone up $100 over say 2 weeks ago and there are less flights to choose from. I guess it's a busy time due to school holidays.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

That's great that your dh agreed to go!

We are flying home from LA at 11.30pm on a Thursday night and get home at 9.30am on Saturday morning. Not too sure about flying from NY though.

I would sort out the date you want to be in various cities, then start looking at the airline websites yourself. Usually you'll be able to book it cheaper yourself by doing it directly with the airline.

Other things to think about: Airport transfers/car hire, sightseeing tours, travel insurance, passports if anyone needs those, making advance dining reservations at Disney (can do that 90 days out I think, which would be pretty soon for you going in school hols).

Have fun!
Melissa

I have to say that I am nervous about booking the internal flights myself. I guess if I did a bit of research, it just seems alot more complicated because it is quite a few flights. Would I be better to buy an airpass with an American airline? Does anyone know about this and how did it work?

 

[keptwoman]

Ideally you will likely get a flight to NYC with a stopover in LAX in one direction and in San Francisco on the return. Your date to leave the US for home would be 16 October. And hey! we will be at Disney for 5 nights from the 28th too, just it's our last nights of the holiday instead of the first.
Have you thought abotu leaving Disney until last, last time I found everything was an anticlimax for the kids when we did Disney first.
I'd suggest you do it in this order with Disney first
Disney
LA
LV
NY
San Fran
Home

And this with Disney last:

San Fran
NY
LV
LA
Disney

That way you don't have the hell East-Coast to home trip. But in the end personally I'd be looking at the dates I could get the flights cheapest and basing the order of the cities on that.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Is anyone else staying in the DLR and if so, did you book directly with the hotel and include your tickets?

A quote on the Disneyland site for DLH for the dates I am there comes to $2364US for 5 nights and includes a 6 day park hopper. So I guess with the conversion that's around $2,800ish. I haven't looked at the price without the tickets because I figure it would be cheaper to book them together. What do you think?

 

[keptwoman]

Don't forget that those dates will give you Stay 5, Pay 3 (Just !!!)

 

[melbarkwith]

Is anyone else staying in the DLR and if so, did you book directly with the hotel and include your tickets?

A quote on the Disneyland site for DLH for the dates I am there comes to $2364US for 5 nights and includes a 6 day park hopper. So I guess with the conversion that's around $2,800ish. I haven't looked at the price without the tickets because I figure it would be cheaper to book them together. What do you think?

Maybe you could look at buying one person an Annual Pass and using that to get a discount on the DLH? Might work out cheaper in the end.

 

[marvel]

Personally I don't think that DLR is worth the difference over the other close hotels like HOJO's based on what all the reports are on DIS. Looking at double and more per room per night.

I agree with keptwoman's itinerary. You might find internal flights in the US pricey though depending on your travel dates. I have seen SF to NY for $360US, but there is no issue with booking internal flights yourself. WE booked via American Airlines website with no issues at all.

Have a look at the aussie travel links sticky on DIS it has all the links for insurance and travel card. I just got insurance from travel insurance direct after actually ringing around all the major providers regarding the swine flu issues.
I totally agree with your husband about the time issue. if you are going to go, adding a few nights here or there is not much of an issue, compared to the effort and expense of actually getting there.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

It seems that you don't get the 3 for 5 deal because some of the dates aren't in September. I've tried playing with the dates and if all of the stay is completed in September it applies. I pointed out to my DH that it will probably cost $1k more to go after the grandfinal and he said well we'll go earlier then but I couldn't do it. He's waited his whole life for his team to be in the grand final and even though they probably won't be, I'm not prepared to risk it, it would ruin the holiday and even though 1k is alot of money, it's just not worth it to me.

Okay I just tried the DLH with just the hotel, no tickets and it came up as $1350US for 5 nights. Would I be able to get a 6 day hopper for the 4 of us elsewhere for less than the difference of the combined price quote I shared earlier?