Best Deals at DL?

[TMoh]

I'm wanting to stay at a hotel already at DL. One of the three, not sure which yet.
But what are the best deals? I hear about dining plans (Are they worth it?), also saw something about free dining with ticket upgrade..

And this may be a dumb question (But I havent been there since I was 11!)
In addition to park hopper or your park tickets, do you have to buy ride arm bands or tickets? And how much are the arm bands if so?

 

[janatmovies]

Hi, I am not completely sure about the DL hotels as I have never stayed in one, but I think the dining plan you are referring to is at WDW in Florida. They sometimes have free dining promotions, not sure about Disneyland though.
If by chance you are going with someone who is in the military, Disney hotels are 40% off. Just call the reservation center, ask for the military rate, and you show your ID upon check-in.
Once you pay park admission you are good to go - no wristband or tickets required for any attractions, just line up and wait to get on

 

[disneychrista]

Disneyland does have a dinning plan but you are paying face value for vouchers and there is NO SAVINGS and possibly a lose of money (if you use a $15 voucher and your meal is $12 you lose the $3).

You park hopper or ticket is all you need for everything with the exception of the Boardwalk games at DCA and the shooting gallery in Frontierland DL.

 

[rtfelt]

No free dining deal--that's WDW.

 

[ValpoCory]

I'm wanting to stay at a hotel already at DL. One of the three, not sure which yet.
But what are the best deals? I hear about dining plans (Are they worth it?), also saw something about free dining with ticket upgrade..

And this may be a dumb question (But I havent been there since I was 11!)
In addition to park hopper or your park tickets, do you have to buy ride arm bands or tickets? And how much are the arm bands if so?

Renting Disney Vacation Club points for a stay at the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian is a great deal for someone wanting to stay onsite.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've stayed at all three hotels. The best way to get a good deal (other than DVC as a PP suggested) is to travel off-season.

The Grand Californian is the most expensive, but with good reason. It's by far our favorite. If you have small kids, they'll probably enjoy the Disneyland hotel with the headboards that light up like fireworks. The Paradise Pier is the least expensive and our least favorite. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

there is a book you should look at. It's great for first timers or folks who haven't been in a very long time. It'll have reviews of hotels by people who stayed there, places to eat and reviews by (again) people who've been there. It's the Unoffical Guide to DL. It'll give tips on things you didn't know about Have fun planning.

 

[DisneytheKid]

Disneyland does have a dinning plan but you are paying face value for vouchers and there is NO SAVINGS and possibly a lose of money (if you use a $15 voucher and your meal is $12 you lose the $3).

You park hopper or ticket is all you need for everything with the exception of the Boardwalk games at DCA and the shooting gallery in Frontierland DL.

Good to know