Be Excited with ME! I just booked our first trip to DL!!

[w8ting4pooh]

I booked New Year's Eve thru 1/5/03. I know I'm probably nuts for attempting to go to DL for the first time around a major holiday but it's the only time we can go. Couldn't believe there was still availability!

I don't think we'll go on 12/31 as I've heard it's crazybusy! Am I right? Is there somewhere to go and see the fireworks outside of the park or should we try to brave it only to see the fireworks and look around? We have to pay for 3 but get 5 day passes. We will only need them for 4 days so I don't mind "burning" a day to just look around. Is it worth the effort or should we stay away?

The hours say 8 am - midnight everyday. Does Main Street open early? What time should we get there? 7? 7:30?

We're staying at the Hawthorne Suites. Anyone have experience with this hotel? I hope it's nice.

One last question - which tour is better the Welcome to Disneyland or Walt's Tour? Would these be doable if we decide to go on 12/31?

Thanks SO much for any help that you can provide!!

Laura

 

[Pixie glitter]

I'm afraid I can't help with your questions, but I can certainly join in your excitement---woo hoo!! I'm always happy to hear about someone making their first trip to a Disney park; what an utterly magical time you will have!

I have heard that the period immediately after New Year's is a really good time to go. I'll bet by the 2nd or 3rd you'll find very few lines. You might also check out the discussion boards over at laughingplace.com. There seem to be more Disneyland (versus Disney World) posters over there.

Congrats on booking your trip--I hope it provides a lifetime of happy memories for your family!

 

[Texan]

I can't help you with the timeframe for when you are going, but we went to DL in April 2000. You are going to have fun no matter what. It was a complete blast for our family. We stayed at the Fairfield Marriott but all of the hotels on the "strip" there looked good. The restaurant in front of the Fairfield serves great breakfast for a good price and the wait is worth it. The restaurant inside DL (I can't remember the name) in Port New Orleans right near the Pirates of Carribean ride also had a great breakfast with Mickey Mouse pancakes. We had crowds at that time too, but just go with the flow. Have fun!!!