Birthday trip 12/08-13/2010!!! or maybe not?

[Markie Mouse]

Hey everyone. I am hopefully going back this Dec and had some questions

1)I am looking to stay at either the Hilton Garden Inn or the Portofino Anaheim Inn. Any suggestions as which one is better?

2)I may be able to stay at my DW's grandparents house near Venice beach. Would it be better to save the hotel money or is the convenience really worth it with a near by hotel?

3)I may also look into postponing the trip to Jan-Feb for my kids B-days due to the fact we'll have more money (but I have managed to save $1,200 in a couple months and will have close to $2,500 by 12/08) near tax time and we might want to stay at the DLH instead. My only reason for going on my birthday is A) I have never been to DLR during xmas and B) I work for Sony and they are giving me a NEX-5 and a55 DSLR to use and demo but only till mid Jan. So I would like to have those 2 cameras for this trip. So is making quick plans worth it for these 2 reason?

I would have used the search feature for the hotels but it wasn't functioning at the time.

Thanks!!!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I can't help with the hotels you're looking at but I do recommend a hotel in the area instead of staying in venice beach. The drive probably wouldn't seem like a big deal for one day but you will probably get tired of "commuting" to DLR every day.

And if you've never been at Christmas time you should go if you're able to. I love all the Christmas stuff at DLR!

 

[ter-moo]

In my opinion, it's worth staying close by--particularly in a hotel that you can walk to the parks from.

Hilton Garden Inn is too far to walk. Portofino is walking distance, but I have never stayed there. It seems to get uneven reviews.

There is a Fairfield Inn within walking distance (on Harbor) if you like the Hilton Garden Inn type of place...

My favorite walking distance place to stay is the Candy Cane Inn:

www.candycaneinn.net

Yes, it's just a refurbished motel, but they've done such a great job of making it lovely and well-maintained. Service is fabulous, the free breakfast is very good and parking is free (quite an unusual feature around here). Even though it is a very easy walk, they also have a free dedicated shuttle that runs every half hour, which is a nice option when you're tired at the end of the day.

I definitely would NOT stay in Venice Beach and have to battle the traffic every day! It's a long drive from there.

As far as going in early December, I would highly recommend it! Crowds are light, the parks look so pretty and everything is open. I say go for it!

 

[Markie Mouse]

Thanks guys. I keep hearing disney holidays are awesome. Christmas is my favorite time of year so Im sure I'll really enjoy along with my 3yr old DD. I've stayed in venice last time I went in March but it was only for 3 days not 5. I think having those cameras is the bigger factor. I guess my tax return can be used for a future trip or something else. I'm so excited to make the reservations Friday. Thanks again guys.

 

[Spixydust]

And your pictures will be amazing! I would love to try out either one of those!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks guys. I keep hearing disney holidays are awesome. Christmas is my favorite time of year so Im sure I'll really enjoy along with my 3yr old DD. I've stayed in venice last time I went in March but it was only for 3 days not 5. I think having those cameras is the bigger factor. I guess my tax return can be used for a future trip or something else. I'm so excited to make the reservations Friday. Thanks again guys.

The holidays at DLR are, indeed, awesome and I really think you should take that opportunity and go in December!! If you love Christmas anyway - and it sounds like you do - you will not be disappointed if you go in December.

If you've been following along with our "Disney at Christmas" superthread, you've seen the absolutely amazing photos provided by DIS'ers and read all the wonderful reasons why we adore the holiday season at DLR. To say that it's pretty is an understatement of epic proportions.

For example: IASW Holiday is absolutely stunning - especially at night. The colors are mesmerizing! Haunted Mansion Holiday is alternately creepy and glorious all at once. The nighttime Winter Castle glows incandescently throughout the park, and is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The giant tree on Main Street is completely aglow in blue-ish LED lights, giving it the appearance of being freshly coated in icicles. Carolers stroll the resort and take requests by the huge tree in the GCH lobby, and when they leave the guitarist by the fireplace takes over and strums some holiday favorites. Santa appears in 5 places around DLR, including the charming Reindeer Round-Up. "Snow" falls on Main Street, in New Orleans Square and in front of IASW Holiday. The characters are out for photo ops in their cute winter sweaters. The treats - such as peppermint ice cream, peppermint cupcakes and fudge, gingerbread men with Mickey ears - are delicious. There is holiday music playing in many of the lands, staying within that land's theme, i.e. "Jingle Bells" calypso-style in Adventureland, a jazz-influenced version of "Deck the Halls" in New Orleans Square, and a country & western version of "Winter Wonderland" in Frontierland or Critter Country.

And in front of DCA you will find the LAST APPEARANCE EVER of the clever candy cane-striped letters, which will be retired after this year...forever!

Basically, Christmas time at DLR is feast for all the senses. It's total immersion, everywhere you go in the Resort. Every restaurant, shop and hotel is decorated. Both parks are decorated. ToonTown, New Orleans Square and A Bug's Land all have their own special decorations unique to their themes. Downtown Disney is festive and lively, and the trees along the walkway are draped in colored lights.

So needless to say, I thing you should go in December!! You will love it!!

 

[Markie Mouse]

Oh thank you Sherry. You managed to make me even more excited now. Your words literally made me feel like I was there for just a second. I didn't even know Santa was there. This is a surprise trip for my DD so she will be even more surprised when I tell her Santa is there. I will definitely check out the Christmas thread now. I am gonna have to learn how to post pictures on here too. Any threads for that?

It's kind of funny, I can mic and mix audio, dial in eq's and fx for audio; yet I can't post pictures on an internet forum. Kind of embarrassing.

 

[Sherry E]

Oh thank you Sherry. You managed to make me even more excited now. Your words literally made me feel like I was there for just a second. I didn't even know Santa was there. This is a surprise trip for my DD so she will be even more surprised when I tell her Santa is there. I will definitely check out the Christmas thread now. I am gonna have to learn how to post pictures on here too. Any threads for that?

It's kind of funny, I can mic and mix audio, dial in eq's and fx for audio; yet I can't post pictures on an internet forum. Kind of embarrassing.

You will have a great time and will not at all be sorry you went in December!! And I think you'll love the Disney at Christmas thread! Even if you don't read through the whole thing, you will probably enjoy scrolling through all the lovely photos.

Santa apears at all 3 Disney hotels - usually at the PPH sometime in the morning, at the DLH in the late monring/early afternoon-ish and at the GCH in the evening. Even though I think the Christmas trees might be more colorful in the DLH and the PPH, I really love the elegantly rustic setting of the GCH lobby/hearth area. The carolers perform on one side of the tree. Santa poses for photos (with a PhotoPass photographer) on the other side of the tree. The pianist entertains off and on through the night, and the guitar player sits by the fire. Everyone curls up with treats and beverages in hand on the comfy chairs and sofas - and even on the carpet, in some cases. It's just a really nice, cozy environment.

And then of course, Santa will be at the Reindeer Round-Up in Disneyland, and in the Paradise Pier area of California Adventure.

As for the posting of photos - there is a way to do it directly on this board, though I actually find Photobucket to be easier for me. If you don't already have a free Photobucket account, set one up. Upload your photos to your account there. Each photo will have its own series of 4 or 5 codes somewhere near it - either underneath or to the side of it. You want the "IMG code." Simply click on the IMG code for each photo to highlight it. Then copy it (Ctrl C), open up a post here and paste it (Ctrl V) right in the post. Voila! Photo appears!! Make sure you copy the entire IMG code - don't leave any part of it out, or the photo will not appear.

 

[Markie Mouse]

Wow, Thanks. That seems easier than I thought. Im guessing its the same with video. Or is video not allowed. Anyways, I really, really, really appreciate your help Sherry!

 

[Sherry E]

Wow, Thanks. That seems easier than I thought. Im guessing its the same with video. Or is video not allowed. Anyways, I really, really, really appreciate your help Sherry!

You're welcome! It's no problem at all to help!

Yes, video is allowed. I've never posted a video here - only photos - but I'm sure it works the same way.

When you post the code here, you can use the Preview Post feature before you actually submit it so you can be sure the image is visible. If it is not showing, then you know to go back and re-copy the code from Photobucket. But it is really easy!

 

[merrrydeath]

Wow, Thanks. That seems easier than I thought. Im guessing its the same with video. Or is video not allowed. Anyways, I really, really, really appreciate your help Sherry!

Sherry is FULL of useful information! Please please please post pictures when you get back, especially if you get the use of some great cameras.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry is FULL of useful information! Please please please post pictures when you get back, especially if you get the use of some great cameras.

I'm probably full of useLESS information, too, but at least the Disney stuff is relevant here!

 

[merrrydeath]

I'm probably full of useLESS information, too, but at least the Disney stuff is relevant here!

It's good to have both!

 

[Markie Mouse]

Sherry is FULL of useful information! Please please please post pictures when you get back, especially if you get the use of some great cameras.

I agree, she is very helpful. I promise I will post pics. These cameras are pretty user friendly so someone like me who hasn't taken photo classes will be able to get near professional pics.

Does it get pretty cold? I am from AZ and 70ºƒ is pretty chilly to me. Is it best to take a change of clothing? BTW has anyone used getawaytoday.com? I am looking to go through them because of the deal they have for a 5 night vac. w/ 5 day park hopper and at the hamptons w/ shuttle, free breakfast buffet, free parking, and a bunch of other cool items. But it all seems too good to be true. Any thoughts?

 

[merrrydeath]

I agree, she is very helpful. I promise I will post pics. These cameras are pretty user friendly so someone like me who hasn't taken photo classes will be able to get near professional pics.

Does it get pretty cold? I am from AZ and 70ºƒ is pretty chilly to me. Is it best to take a change of clothing? BTW has anyone used getawaytoday.com? I am looking to go through them because of the deal they have for a 5 night vac. w/ 5 day park hopper and at the hamptons w/ shuttle, free breakfast buffet, free parking, and a bunch of other cool items. But it all seems too good to be true. Any thoughts?

As a spoiled Californian, yes, I think it's cold in December. It can be pleasant in the day and colder at night. Layers, layers, layers. I like to get a small locker off of main street and then I can stow some extra cold weather items in there until it gets dark.

I just used GAT to book my upcoming trip, and I think it's widely used around these parts. I'd go for the good deal. I also used promo code "blog10" and got an extra $10 off, if that code is still active. Another thing, if you can pay with an "online check"(basically where you fill in the information from a check of yours and it processes like that) then they will take an additional $10 off.

 

[Markie Mouse]

Thanks. I guess the only thing holding me back is time now. Will let my DW to pack for the cool weather. You guys have been very helpful and I look forward to posting my trip now. I would have posted pics from my last trip but it was pretty bad and my pics could have been better. I have video of the train ride but we talk a lot so its a little more personal. Can't wait for my b-day now!!!

 

[Markie Mouse]

I guess the Hilton was booked, and money issue came up. Changed date to one less night as well. Looking into staying at the Castle Inn & Suites, any thoughts/warnings?

I stayed at the Anaheim Plaza next door before so not expecting much. Planning for trips can be stressful but I cannot wait till we are there and all my stresses go away. Can't wait to add to the Disneyland at Christmas thread!