Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[mom2rtk]

Not that I have come across. Although when the rates first came out for yesterday morning I went on and the Standard was showing $240 a night but when I went back last night there was nothing showing up. However for my dates Nov 30- Dec 5 a Premium view room has the AP Fall Package rate of $262 a night which is cheaper the a DLH Standard room.

Hmmmm..... we're already committed to a standard room for our last 3 nights because of the deal I got on Orbitz. I wonder if I should consider moving to get a premium view our earlier nights.....

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

Hmmmm..... we're already committed to a standard room for our last 3 nights because of the deal I got on Orbitz. I wonder if I should consider moving to get a premium view our earlier nights.....

If you dates are included in the AP Fall Package price. I do love the Premium view though.

 

[pattyduke34]

Just got back! 3.5 days with temps over 100!!! Sunday it was 104! I do not think I will ever go again this time of year!1 I do not like Hot at all!!!!!! So here are a few of this weeks theme from me! I am thinking cool temps at Disneyland:!! Now I can not wait to go back Nov 20th!!!

 

[marlana323]

I wasn't paying enough attention and called yesterday on the rates specials. Our dates are blacked out (7-13). The lady I talked to was very friendly and helpful and told me all 3 hotels were completely booked for that time except the suites. I couldn't believe it....can that be right?

 

[Sherry E]

I wasn't paying enough attention and called yesterday on the rates specials. Our dates are blacked out (7-13). The lady I talked to was very friendly and helpful and told me all 3 hotels were completely booked for that time except the suites. I couldn't believe it....can that be right?

marlana323 --

It could be right, but my personal belief -- and this is based on years of stalking the various discounts that pop up and watching the AP hotel calendar -- is that it is actually too early for rooms to be booked up now. I truly believe that more dates will open up at the discounted rate -- not the Fall rate with all of the blockout dates, but at the AP rates.

At WDW, yes, it could be possible for a bunch of hotels to be booked 3 months in advance. At DLR, though, because there are soooooo many people who stay off-property, and these discounts were literally just announced, it is highly unlikely that everything is truly, actually booked for December in September.

I have seen blocks of rooms open up at discounted rates in the past, even after the hotel was showing no availability. If the rooms are being held back for some reason, the reservations system will show that the rooms are booked (even if they are not), and the CM on the phone will be none the wiser.

My guess is that some other December dates will open up with AP Fall Package discounts in late September, October or even early November. Weekend dates will never get the best discounts, but I at least expect that a few more dates at the PPH will open up.

I think that Disney is holding some rooms back right now, probably trying to book up the higher value rooms first. I may be totally wrong, but I have watched these hotel discounts for a while and have seen these sorts of things happen.

That doesn't mean that I think everyone should wait to book a room in hopes that more dates will open up at the AP discount, but you may be able to reserve a room now and then apply the discount later if it becomes available.

​

Okay... can I just say that I am just about sick of this stupid Disneyland Annual Pass Hotel Calendar? The rates are changing before my eyes.

I just looked up my potential dates (PPH/standard view) AGAIN (12/7-12/10) -- after getting a $271 rate yesterday for the same dates -- and now it says $244 ("Passholders Save 10% on Disneyland Resort Hotels")???

If I choose (Sun) 12/7 - (Thurs) 12/11, nothing...

When I choose (Sun) 12/14 - (Wed) 12/17, it says $297.

When I choose (Mon) 12/15 - (Thurs) 12/18, it says $248.


Seriously, this is one of the most annoying and confusing discount situations that I've ever seen at DLR. I have no idea what's going on, but it is obnoxious.

 

[marlana323]

Thanks Sherry E.

That's what I figured when I talked to the CM yesterday. She was extremely nice but I just could not believe they were fully booked besides suites. LOL.

Just saw your second post pop up. That is extremely frustrating! I don't really know what to think.

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

Okay...can I just say that I am about sick of this stupid Disneyland Annual Pass Hotel Calendar? The rates are changing before my eyes.

I just looked up my potential dates (PPH/standard view) AGAIN (12/7-12/10) -- after getting a $271 rate yesterday for the same dates -- and now it says $244 ("Passholders Save 10% on Disneyland Resort Hotels")???

If I choose (Sun) 12/7 - (Thurs) 12/11, nothing...

When I choose (Sun) 12/14 - (Wed) 12/17, it says $297.

When I choose (Mon) 12/15 - (Thurs) 12/18, it says $248.


Seriously, this is one of the most annoying and confusing discount situations that I've ever seen at DLR. I have no idea what's going on, but it is obnoxious.

That is what I saw this morning was different prices I did see your dates drop, very odd

Thanks Sherry E.

That's what I figured when I talked to the CM yesterday. She was extremely nice but I just could not believe they were fully booked besides suites. LOL.

Just saw your second post pop up. That is extremely frustrating! I don't really know what to think.

PPH is only showing suites for your dates but DLH Standard is Passholder 10% and is $328.50 USD Avg/Night Excl Tax
DLH Deluxe View $361.50 USD Avg/Night Excl Tax

GCH Premium View is the only room type available and is Annual Passholder Fall Package 435.67 a night

I would just keep checking back each day though.

 

[Luisa]

Louisa they were worth the wait. Especially the one of the castle at night.

Thankyou so much, that's very kind. I have to admit the night castle is one of my favourites too.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I have another character related question. I know that characters like Mickey, Minnie and Goofy have special holiday outfits, but are the princesses ever out in their winter outfits?

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

marlana323 --

It could be right, but my personal belief -- and this is based on years of stalking the various discounts that pop up and watching the AP hotel calendar -- is that it is actually too early for rooms to be booked up now. I truly believe that more dates will open up at the discounted rate -- not the Fall rate with all of the blockout dates, but at the AP rates.

At WDW, yes, it could be possible for a bunch of hotels to be booked 3 months in advance. At DLR, though, because there are soooooo many people who stay off-property, and these discounts were literally just announced, it is highly unlikely that everything is truly, actually booked for December in September.

I have seen blocks of rooms open up at discounted rates in the past, even after the hotel was showing no availability. If the rooms are being held back for some reason, the reservations system will show that the rooms are booked (even if they are not), and the CM on the phone will be none the wiser.

My guess is that some other December dates will open up with AP Fall Package discounts in late September, October or even early November. Weekend dates will never get the best discounts, but I at least expect that a few more dates at the PPH will open up.

I think that Disney is holding some rooms back right now, probably trying to book up the higher value rooms first. I may be totally wrong, but I have watched these hotel discounts for a while and have seen these sorts of things happen.

That doesn't mean that I think everyone should wait to book a room in hopes that more dates will open up at the AP discount, but you may be able to reserve a room now and then apply the discount later if it becomes available.

​

Okay... can I just say that I am just about sick of this stupid Disneyland Annual Pass Hotel Calendar? The rates are changing before my eyes.

I just looked up my potential dates (PPH/standard view) AGAIN (12/7-12/10) -- after getting a $271 rate yesterday for the same dates -- and now it says $244 ("Passholders Save 10% on Disneyland Resort Hotels")???

If I choose (Sun) 12/7 - (Thurs) 12/11, nothing...

When I choose (Sun) 12/14 - (Wed) 12/17, it says $297.

When I choose (Mon) 12/15 - (Thurs) 12/18, it says $248.


Seriously, this is one of the most annoying and confusing discount situations that I've ever seen at DLR. I have no idea what's going on, but it is obnoxious.

Did you book?

 

[dizneekrazee]

I wasn't paying enough attention and called yesterday on the rates specials. Our dates are blacked out (7-13). The lady I talked to was very friendly and helpful and told me all 3 hotels were completely booked for that time except the suites. I couldn't believe it....can that be right?

We've been booked Dec 10-13 for months at GCH

 

[Sherry E]

New:


"Disney Parks After Dark: Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 18th, 2014 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort

​

Did you book?

Jenny --

No. I figured a discount would come out in September (though I thought it would be later in the month), but I knew I wouldn't be in a position to book anything this month anyway. I figured I'd have to wait until October and see what is still available.

 

[KCmike]

New:


"Disney Parks After Dark: Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 18th, 2014 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort

Thanks for the link. That was cool.





Sleeping Beauty Christmas by KC MikeD, on Flickr


Rope Drop Gear/Random Guest by KC MikeD, on Flickr


Disneyland Fire Engine by KC MikeD, on Flickr


Christmas in Black and White by KC MikeD, on Flickr


This is all I can do for now as I'm out of town in Seattle.

 

[rentayenta]

New:


"Disney Parks After Dark: Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 18th, 2014 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort

​

Jenny --

No. I figured a discount would come out in September (though I thought it would be later in the month), but I knew I wouldn't be in a position to book anything this month anyway. I figured I'd have to wait until October and see what is still available.

Thanks for the link! Halloween is such a fun time at the DLR. I just love how HMH allows for some of the Fall fun throughout December.


The AP discount looks good. I received a Disney Visa discount- the one you posted. Looked decent. I'm not familiar with the Orbitz one but people seem to be getting a good deal there too.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

so we had to change something around. We are not doing the F desert apparently after talking long and hard we decided the extra cash would be better spent else where. My cd for the race pics, and some extra spending cash for snacks and food and new running shoes to brake in before the race.. So we all made the choice. I'm a little sad but also excited we wont be as stressed now with extra food money.
Still will be a good trip no matter what.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thank you for the heads up on the new AP rates. We were able to rebook at the new rates - only saved us $30, but we upgraded from a standard view to a deluxe

 

[PHXscuba]

Well, since Photobucket has finally decided to cooperate I will post some pictures!


Can you tell I like the winter castle? The first is actually my favorite shot.

​

And, Main Street!

I have spent much of this week helping my sister plan her trip. She is going in two weeks and suddenly has a million questions. The good news: her kids are early risers, they are going at a slower time, and they are getting in free with an extended family member who works for part of the Disney Co. The bad news: they are staying with my parents 45 minutes away and commuting for 3 days, her kids aren't great at waiting, and she is super-frugal. So I am hoping they have a good trip ... and preparing to get text messages with more questions while they are there.

PHXscuba

 

[DizMe]

Sherry, I am so with you on being frustrated with this stupid ap hotel calendar!! This morning I put in my dates, and a fall ap package rate came up at gch for the standard room at $313. There was also a premium room for $406 again (it jumped up to $487 or something yesterday). But I was on my way out the door to take kids to school and when I got back, the standard room at the ap fall package rate was gone and the premium had gone back up. Crazy!! Guess I'll just bide my time and if the standard shows up again, I'll switch. I honestly don't care too much at GCH about view; I'm much more interested in room location!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, I am so with you on being frustrated with this stupid ap hotel calendar!! This morning I put in my dates, and a fall ap package rate came up at gch for the standard room at $313. There was also a premium room for $406 again (it jumped up to $487 or something yesterday). But I was on my way out the door to take kids to school and when I got back, the standard room at the ap fall package rate was gone and the premium had gone back up. Crazy!! Guess I'll just bide my time and if the standard shows up again, I'll switch. I honestly don't care too much at GCH about view; I'm much more interested in room location!

DizMe --

Oh no! So I'm not the only one frustrated with that dumb calendar!

Since DLR changed the layout of its entire website, including the AP section, a lot of things went haywire.

I don't like the layout of the discounted rates section this year, and I hate that the rates keep changing from day to day. (My 12/7-12/10 time frame went from $271 to $244 to $271 again, and then at one point there was no rate showing at all.) While I can see what Disney is doing -- when the AP holders log in to find out hotel rates, Disney wants to make sure we see whatever "the best rate" is that's available, even if it's not a rate we want -- that rate may be a totally separate non-AP discount.

However, I think it could possibly be easier to keep up with if they kept the non-AP discounts in a separate part of the DLR website and the AP discounts in the AP section, to cut down confusion.

I know what you mean about the GCH -- the view is nice to have, but it probably means ending up down one of those never-ending corridors, miles away from the elevators. At the GCH I'd rather have a room closer to the elevator and skip the great view.

 

[dec2009mama]

due to photobucket issues i can only upload two photos