Daughters First Trip - REDO

[Hester]

Some of you may remember that I had originally planned an epic DL trip for my daughters first visit. This all planned before my wife was laid-off (ended up being 6 months) and my business tanked - unfortunately, we had to cancel that February trip all together.

While things have only improved slightly for us, it looks like we'll be swinging a 2 night stay this May 16-17th!

We're still putting the details together, which include my sister "hooking us up" with passes (through cast member friends) ... we'll see. Helping out further are our $350 Disney Reward points we've racked up on our Visa.

Obviously this time, we'll be trying to conserve dough while enjoying the best trip possible. I have a couple of questions for you experts out there ...

1) Is it cool to check in to a DLR hotel with a full ice chest/cooler?

2) Can another AP holder book a room for us (at AP rates)? I assume he/she would have to be present upon check-in ... any other road-blocks here?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, providing we'll be able to pull this off!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I don't really know the answer to your questions. I've never stayed at the DLH, but if I know if I wanted to bring a cooler, I just would.

You might consider staying off site to save money. It would still be cheaper than an AP discount. There are some very nice off site places.

Hopefully you'll get there this time and wishing all the best with you trip planning!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm not sure you could have someone else book your room, unless they we're staying there with you.......
I agree with PP, off site you could get a lot cheaper. We got 5 nights at a Good Neighbor motel for the same price (AP) for 2 nights at the DLH.
As for the cooler, why not......they have a small fridge in the room.

Congrats also on the turnaround.....I've got my fingers crossed that you're able to do this.....I remember how disappointed you were when you had to cancel!!!

Good luck!!!!

 

[pixiewings71]

Take your own food, they won't care. We did that one trip, we took food for all but a few meals and we went back to the Tropicana and ate in our room every time we got hungry.

As for the AP holder getting you a room, they would have to stay in the room, it would have to be under their name and they would have to pay. Otherwise they risk having their AP revoked. Just stay off site, it really isn't that much farther to the Harbor Good Neighbor hotels than it is to the DLH. Try the HoJo and work your way toward the CCI, most of those hotels have really great reviews.

 

[bumbershoot]

FWIW, the discount for May isn't anything beyond the normal 10%. There are no special deals.

I would just stay offsite, personally. The 17th is on the HoJo Entertainment Rate list for as low as $59, they have a great water play area, it could still be epic (especially b/c you wouldn't have to worry about money so much!)!

 

[Hester]

Just wanted to clarify that we're staying at the Grand Californian - we made a reservation yesterday.

Thanks for the info so far! Still wondering if I can check in with a cooler though.

 

[WDWfantasy]

Just wanted to clarify that we're staying at the Grand Californian - we made a reservation yesterday.

Thanks for the info so far! Still wondering if I can check in with a cooler though.

Yep, just did that in March. Cooler on wheels, toted it right through the lobby, no problem. With the DVC wing of GC opening in November, coolers going through the lobby will become the norm. As well as, grocery bags, cases of water, soda, beer, etc. Don't worry....walk through that lobby toting that cooler with your head held high

 

[Hester]

Plans changed again! We'll now be staying at the Disneyland Hotel. I suppose I would have no problem rolling a cooler from my car to the room, eh.

Can or should I request any particular tower, etc.?