Best resort rates??

[Frances999]

Hello

We are in the early stages of planning a trip to Disneyland California next year. I am very new to Disneyland, and I am not sure of the best discounts for the resorts.

We are hoping to stay at the Grand Californian. Are the lowest rates usually available though AAA? Are Annual PassHolder discounts generally only available in off-peak times, or is there a chance there could be a discount in early August? Which is usually the better discount - AAA or AP? Are there any other discounts we could be eligible for?

Thanks so much for any advice/help!

 

[Flagger]

Just looking from the outside of the hotels, I personally think they hotels are over-rated. I think the ones across the street are far more affordable and in some cases closer to the main gates of DL and CA.

 

[got2travel]

While it's true there are some great offsite places to stay, I think many first timers to Disneyland really like the idea of continuing the Disney magic by staying at one of the Disney hotels.

AP discounts usually don't come out until 1-2 months prior to the offering. There have been a few discounts offered during summer months. But we haven't seen much at all this year, even in the off season. You get a standard 10% when there are no hot deals going on, but I think I've heard that AAA offers better discounts. I don't have them, so can't comment.

I do know that at times you can get good rates on the travel webistes, expedia and travelocity in particular. I see the original poster is in England, so not sure if you can use them or not. I've seen the Grand Californian go as low at $189 but not usually in the summer. I've also seen deals of stay 3 nights, get the 4th free, or stay 4 and get the 5th free.

 

[Frances999]

Thank you so much for your reply! I guess the AAA discount will work best for us. It probably won't be worth investing in an AP if we can get a better discount through the AAA. I will keep a look out for the 3 nights and 4th free offer as well. Out of interest, do you know how busy the parks will be at the beginning of August? Comaprable to WDW in the summer?

Thanks again!