Disneyland half questions

[johde]

I'm 90% sure I'm going to try and do the Disneyland Half this September and have a couple of early logistical question for everyone.

Right now, my hope, if I can get a reservation at 7 months, is to fly in on Saturday from Ohio and spend 6 nights at the Grand California Villa's. Followed by a few nights off site. I own a small Disney Vacation Club contract and have enough point from this year and next year to only need to borrow 3 points for the trip. This would be my first trip to California so I'm planning on doing more than just Disney on the trip.

Question 1 - Is it crazy to consider a 5 hour Airplane ride the day before the Half marathon? Or should I try to fly in Friday, I don't have enough points for another weekend night so it would need to be somewhere like Hojo.?

Question 2 - Should I splurge for the GCV, or should I consider renting out my points and staying off site the entire time? What advantages are there of staying at the GCV over off site for race weekend?

I'm assuming I'll want to stay the same place Saturday night and Sunday night so I won't need to change hotels after the Half. I'm sure I'll have many more questions before race day. I'm just trying to primarily get things roughed in before I get to any banking deadlines with DVC.

 

[jmasgat]

I did DL 1/2 this year and scoped out hotels etc, including Disney. I ended up staying offsite. GCV is VERY pricy point-wise. And unlike WDW, you can walk to DL from loads of local hotels. They can also be had for $100 or nights or so. I stayed at Residence Inn, which was about 1/2 mile or so away. I walked everywhere. It was nice to have a studio suite with Kitchen (not that I cooked!)

As for plane ride...I don't think flying in the day before would be the best, but could be doable. With the time change, you'd probably be up early anyway!


Maura

 

[joan4mickey]

The only worry I have about flying in on Saturday is a plane delay...missed connection. You will have to pick up your bib number too.

 

[JimB.]

Question #1 - Yes you are. Remember you gotta' pick up your packet before race day & if you have flight problems you are (what's the word........? Oh, Yeah) SCREWED! If you have to spend a few $$$ for an off site hotel, IMHO, the peace of mind is WELL worth the investment.

Question #2 - Yes you SHOULD splurge for the GCV. I stayed there this past fall for the DL 1/2 & (IMHO) it is, by far, the BEST DVC Resort I have been to. Once again, IMHO, it sets the standard for DVC hospitality & service. The WDW resorts would be well served to check the level of service at the GCV.

From the GCV it's a 10-15 minute walk to the start area. Same for the DL Hotel. And the "back door" into California Adventure cannot be beat.

The DL 1/2 is a great time! Hopefully I'll be back in 2012 or thereabouts.

 

[mrsxsparrow]

I loooove the Grand Cal, I would for sure stay there. Especially for race weekend... you can walk right to the start and the expo and don't have to worry about taking a shuttle to get there (or back!). And as previous posters have said... I'd fly out a day earlier because it would be crazy trying to fly out and pick up your packet and everything on Saturday.

 

[kim3339]

One thought on the flight~ what about a red eye on Friday night if you have to work Friday? I know it's harder going mid-west to the west coast than west coast back east, but they might have them. That way you don't have to miss work and you'll get in before 8am on Saturday. If they are available, LAX would probably be the better choice than Orange County.

 

[stampingoddess]

As for flying into Califonia the day before the race, I also live in Ohio and the first year I did the race I flew in Saturday morning. With the time zone differences I had more than enough time to get to the expo and still get myself ready/relaxed before the race.

The next two times, I took Friday off mostly so that I'd have an extra day at the park since we fly home on Monday.

 

[johde]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I normally fly South West, and they are not selling for September yet. But, the early flight is scheduled to arrive about noon California Time. So, as long as I can get an early flight I shouldn't have any problem with packet pickup. I teach college and should be done with classes Wednesday of that week. So, I could fly out on Friday. I figured I'd try to use the time change to my advantage, and not even try to overcome the jet lag until after the race. I also wasn't sure about the whole rental car thing. I don't drive in heavy traffic often so LA traffic concerns me at least a little. Right now, I was thinking about renting a car only when I was going offsite and using shuttles the rest of the time.

 

[lap3]

Jeremy, you have very valid concerns about LA traffic. If you fly in on Friday, see if there's a flight that arrives between 10:00AM-1:00PM. This would give you ample time to pick up your bags, get the rental car, and avoid the rush hour traffic. Any time arriving after 1:00, I would say look for a flight arriving after 6:00.

As for the hotel, have you considered the DL Hotel? It is a bit older but they are currently renovating it so by the time the DL 1/2 comes around, the rooms should be complete. Plus, the expo is downstairs in the main tower and the start and finish are right next to the hotel. Just something to think about...

 

[johde]

I have considered both DL Hotel and PP. They use a similar amount of points Friday night and Saturday, but is a lot more expensive Sunday through Thursday. So, If I had trouble getting CGV just for the weekend I might be able to do that then switch hotels. But that would leave me without a room right after the race until check-in time. I'm figuring I'll want the same room Saturday night and Sunday night.

 

[lisah0711]

DLH is very nice especially if you get a refurbished room, but VGC is much, much better IMHO. We used the Disneyland Express on our last trip -- its not like at WDW but a very acceptable substitute and beats dealing with a car and LA traffic. I'm debating a coast-to-coast medal this year and thinking about these same issues! Good luck!

 

[johde]

Right now, I'm hoping to be able to squeeze a 10-11 day vacation, with air fare I've been doing a big trip every other year. So, I'll probably go a few 1 day rentals or a weekend rental. Right Now I'm thinking

1 Day Arrival/Packet Pick up, Grocery Store, etc.
1 Day Half Marathon
3 Days Disneyland/California Adventure
1 Day Knotts Berry Farm
1 Day LA/Hollywood
1 Day Beach
1 Day Six Flags Magic Mountain.
1 Day Departure
----------------
10 days.

 

[FFigawi]

If you fly into Orange County (John Wayne airport), you'll cut down on travel time to DL and traffic hassles too.