Disney Trip plans- need advice/suggestions....

[jmac323]

Hey everyone- We took our oldest DD to Disneyland in October 2008 and had the most wonderful time and it was in thanks to this wonderful disboard community!!! We have just now decided to go again this year as my DD will be entering Kindergarten this year and who knows when we'll have the time to go again anytime soon. She was 2 1/2 last time and is now almost 5 and 44 inches so I think she can go on most rides now!!! We also have a new DD who is almost 1. It's kind of short notice as I usually plan much in advance but we have 2 weeks where our daycare is closed and plan to take a vacation so our options are listed below. Any and all advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

**Time to go**Spring Break: 4/18-4/22.
Summer- first week of August
We'd probably do a Sun-thurs like we did last time. I understand it will be much busier than when we did Halloween, but any other opinions on these dates? Preference of one over another with the fact we'll have a baby with us and probably do nap times, etc. Heat an issue in Aug I'm assuming?

**where to stay**
- We have time share points we can use at Peacock Suites, but I hear mixed reviews and quite far and navigating with a stroller and baby I'm not sure I'm up for on the trolley.
- We stayed at hojo's last time and enjoyed it, so that's always an option if they have rooms avail.
- Disney resort (we're thinking of splurging a bit thanks to my bonus this year and stay at a Disney hotel). Preferences on which is better for families with little ones, closer? views? construction? worth the extra money since we'll be in the room a bit more than families with older kids?ETC...

Well I still have my LGMH on my stroller so we're set there .
Thanks all!!!

 

[skiingfast]

I would stay closer. If you have concerns about pushing the stroller that far it should be worth looking at somewhere closer.

I think your days will be fine. Maybe hotter but Socal has a very hot fall too so it should be close.

 

[jmac323]

Thanks for the response. Would you pick spring break or summer time? I think both will be about the same busy wise?? Also, we were there Halloween 2008 and wow it was hot!!!! So I know what you mean about hot falls.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the response. Would you pick spring break or summer time? I think both will be about the same busy wise?? Also, we were there Halloween 2008 and wow it was hot!!!! So I know what you mean about hot falls.

Firstly, the first week of August is not necessarily busier than October and is frequently less busy. It depends on the specific day.

Second, Spring Break is usually much busier than summer as well.

Finally, summer has the advantage that you will have Splash Mountain back open (it is closed until May 26), the new Little Mermaid ride open, the updated Star Tours open, Goofy's Sky School open, and the new Soundsational parade running (which might also show in April).

Put all that together and August is a better choice IMO. However, it is likely to be hotter of course.

And I would always choose a closer hotel over one further away. Hojo's is a better option IMO.

 

[jmac323]

Hydroguy-
Great info on going in August. I just assumed it would equally busy since it was the 1st week and before most schools start again. It was cheaper to book a disney resort at that time too. We're from Northern California so the heat wouldn't be too bad, just want to be prepared for a hot, cranky baby LOL.

I see you are also going in August. Do you know of certain dates in August to avoid because of events or conventions? Or have a link to that info? Thanks so much again!

 

[skiingfast]

Hydroguy-
Great info on going in August. I just assumed it would equally busy since it was the 1st week and before most schools start again. It was cheaper to book a disney resort at that time too. We're from Northern California so the heat wouldn't be too bad, just want to be prepared for a hot, cranky baby LOL.

I see you are also going in August. Do you know of certain dates in August to avoid because of events or conventions? Or have a link to that info? Thanks so much again!

1st week should be good.

http://www.anaheimconventioncenter.com/events.cfm

 

[DahliaRW]

We just went and stayed at the DLH with our 3 kids (6, 3 1/2, and 1 1/2). By August, the construction shoudl be done, except the smaller Neverland Pool but it should still be open. My kids LOVED the light up fireworks headboards and all the Disney pictures/themeing in the hotel. And the princesses reading goodnight stories on the TV was a huge plus. I loved how close it was, being able to monorail to the park instead of walk (or take it back towards the hotel). It was close enough we could send a runner for coats or an extra stroller as needed. The rooms are good sized too (and there was a pack and play in our closet as well!) I can't imagine staying offsite now that I've stayed on, and I really did love the DLH, barring the construction. So if you want to splurge, that would be my recommendation.

 

[jmac323]

skiingfast- Thanks for that link. Looks pretty good the 1st week in Aug!! I've think I've settled on that time.

Dahlia- I was just looking at DLR and GCH and there is a $650 difference between the two. I'm thinking the GCH would be awesome but would love to keep the extra $$ in pocket for fun stuff and still be pseudo clse to the park. Your post confirmed that. Do you know if pack-n-plays are standard there? It would be great to not have to pack ours! Maybe I can request it. Thanks for the info!!

 

[jmac323]

another ?? for those who have stayed at a Disney resort: is concierge worth the extra $$? I think we would get snacks, drinks, and a separate checkin? Anything else?

 

[DizNee Luver]

We had a great time the first part of August......we found the crowds much easier to work with then any of our spring break trips!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I see you are also going in August. Do you know of certain dates in August to avoid because of events or conventions? Or have a link to that info? Thanks so much again!

Yes, the D23 Expo is Aug 19-21. I will be at the Expo those days and DLR probably Aug 17-18. Otherwise I would not go that late in August under normal conditions...

 

[DahliaRW]

skiingfast- Thanks for that link. Looks pretty good the 1st week in Aug!! I've think I've settled on that time.

Dahlia- I was just looking at DLR and GCH and there is a $650 difference between the two. I'm thinking the GCH would be awesome but would love to keep the extra $$ in pocket for fun stuff and still be pseudo clse to the park. Your post confirmed that. Do you know if pack-n-plays are standard there? It would be great to not have to pack ours! Maybe I can request it. Thanks for the info!!

We didn't request a pack and play (even though we were traveling with a 1 1/2 yo) and there was one in our room. I don't know if they are standard, but I would bet if you ask you will get one.