Can I get some expert advice?? Trip planning

[TheChapman6]

I am taking my boys who will be 8 and 9 this summer. My Mom and I will be going along. I have been to Disneyland, but not for like 15 years

Where can I figure out what the best times are to go? I need to go sometime between May 30th and Aug 12 or so when school starts again.

Where are the best places to Stay for my buck? I'm not opposed to eating in or out but I'm trying to keep costs down to spend more on the things that will create memories.

We are driving from Colorado, but stopping in Vegas to pick up my Mom. We could bring some snacks and food with us too. We will need parking at the hotel but we would like to walk into the parks and avoid parking.

What attractions would you plan out?? Rides, shows and such? I want see and do as much as we can. We plan to spend 2 days in the park/parks maybe..3 I don't think they want to do any character meals or anything like that. My kids have never been and don't really know what to expect.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I am taking my boys who will be 8 and 9 this summer. My Mom and I will be going along. I have been to Disneyland, but not for like 15 years

Where can I figure out what the best times are to go? I need to go sometime between May 30th and Aug 12 or so when school starts again.

Where are the best places to Stay for my buck? I'm not opposed to eating in or out but I'm trying to keep costs down to spend more on the things that will create memories.

We are driving from Colorado, but stopping in Vegas to pick up my Mom. We could bring some snacks and food with us too. We will need parking at the hotel but we would like to walk into the parks and avoid parking.

What attractions would you plan out?? Rides, shows and such? I want see and do as much as we can. We plan to spend 2 days in the park/parks maybe..3 I don't think they want to do any character meals or anything like that. My kids have never been and don't really know what to expect.

First off, this thread is full of wonderful tips & knowledge that can answer some questions for you: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

Going during the summer means bigger crowds but it also offers the longer hours & all the entertainment!! The first part of June Star Tours will be reopening as well as the new Little Mermaid ride will be opening......crowds during this time will probably be huge!!

I'd push for later in the summer. We went at the end of July last year into the first part of August & it was perfect!! The So-Cal AP's were blocked during this time & we really didn't feel the park was overly crowded. We arrived early, gathered FP's, ate lunch & then took a break back at the motel returning for dinner & the evening.

The motels across from Disneyland are all pretty equal, some offering continental breakfasts, some with free Wi-Fi, some with free parking.....others charge for parking & Wi-Fi. We've found the HoJo to be very comfortable & an easy 8 minute walk. We've also stayed at the Carousel Inn, Tropicana Inn & Desert Inn & Suites. Carousel bed was very comfty, Tropicana was ok & Desert Inn wasn't our favorite, but had huge suites for families.

There are restaurants all around the resort area, as well as lots of choices in the parks & DTD. A great website to see what is offered is allears.net: http://allears.net/dlr/din/dining.htm

We look thru & chose our restaurants & are able to budget costs.

We don't tend to plan out our rides, but do take advantage of Magic Mornings to get rides done in Fantasyland. We also get there before opening, as the crowds are at their smallest. We gather FP's for the bigger rides & then use them after we take our afternoon break.

We plan out when to see the entertainment~~~fireworks, Fantasmic, WoC & parades....other than that....we just go with the flow!! Have fun planning!!

 

[skiingfast]

Remember when you bring snacks with you, you will go through a check point when you enter California and they will ask if you have any fruits or vegatables and you will need to through them out.



As for time to go to beat crowds. It's really tough to say this summer since new attractions are opening at the beginning of summer. If it was me, I would expect crowds and go late July early August and make the best of it. Also late August may work out to be less crowded but it's risky because maybe a bunch of people will come at the end for those new rides.


Maybe in your case it would be best to go right after Frontier Days.

Look at the hotels near the park. Withing a block so you can walk to the parks. You will find a lot of choices $75-$150. Better prices midweek. I'd also aim for 3 days about in a month Disney should announce its ticket specials for the summer.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am taking my boys who will be 8 and 9 this summer. My Mom and I will be going along. I have been to Disneyland, but not for like 15 years

Where can I figure out what the best times are to go? I need to go sometime between May 30th and Aug 12 or so when school starts again.

Where are the best places to Stay for my buck? I'm not opposed to eating in or out but I'm trying to keep costs down to spend more on the things that will create memories.

We are driving from Colorado, but stopping in Vegas to pick up my Mom. We could bring some snacks and food with us too. We will need parking at the hotel but we would like to walk into the parks and avoid parking.

What attractions would you plan out?? Rides, shows and such? I want see and do as much as we can. We plan to spend 2 days in the park/parks maybe..3 I don't think they want to do any character meals or anything like that. My kids have never been and don't really know what to expect.

Maybe this will help:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

You may want to go after June 3 because of the new rides opening then (Star Tours and Little Mermaid).

Learn how to use FASTPASS. And use it.

Arrive early each day.

Stay close.

If you need help with rides look into RideMax www.ridemax.com.

HTH

 

[TheChapman6]

Thanks for the links!! I have been reading all of them and still have a ton to read. Can someone explain to me where you store your stuff? Like do you carry a purse? backpack? do you ziplock your stuff so it doesn't get wet? what about on water rides where do you put your stuff when you go?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the links!! I have been reading all of them and still have a ton to read. Can someone explain to me where you store your stuff? Like do you carry a purse? backpack? do you ziplock your stuff so it doesn't get wet? what about on water rides where do you put your stuff when you go?

It depends on your style.

1. Lockers - you can rent lockers either outside the parks or inside

2. Grizzly River Run lockers - free for 2 hours - you can put anything here you want to keep dry

3. Backpacks, baggalinis over the shoulder, waterbottle waist packs, etc. - take your stuff with you