Disneyland...HELP!

[FutureDisneyEventPlanner]

So I need ANY Disneyland advice you guys can give! Cheapest time to go, cheap but good hotels, how many days to stay in the parks, etc, etc...

I am going next year so I have a lot of time to plan but I want to start thinking about it now!

 

[KBinCO]

I'm not sure about the cheapest, but we like to go during the week when school is in session to avoid crowds. Our first time was the week after Halloween and it was pretty low crowds. As far as keeping it cheap, stay off site within walking distance- a half mile or less, and a hotel with free parking if you have a car and free hot breakfast. The Disney hotels are not necessary at Disneyland and very pricey.

We've always done 3 days at the parks and it's a nice amount of time. And I always recommend park hopping.

 

[Geemo]

So I need ANY Disneyland advice you guys can give! Cheapest time to go, cheap but good hotels, how many days to stay in the parks, etc, etc...

I am going next year so I have a lot of time to plan but I want to start thinking about it now!

Least expensive time to go??? I'm not sure there really is one for Disneyland.
I do know booking a room WAY in ADVANCE... Will generally save you $$.

Pick a hotel and book NOW. Many of the places on Harbor have their reservations open for next year.
Like I mentioned... The rate is generally lower the farther out you book.
I like the Tropicana or Desert Inn & Suites, for the location and price.
The Desert Inn & Suites most of the time is the least expensive, again the farther in advance you book.
The Tropicana has a 5 night discount offer you'll see on the website.

I like 5 days with Hopper Tickets.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

Since you have lots of time to plan, I would just spend free time reading these threads!

 

[PairOfDice]

Do you have a price range in mind for a hotel? One person's idea of cheap might be very different than another person's.

Last year we spent three days in the parks. I think four would be ideal for my family. That's enough time to sit down, rest, and relax for lunch. We felt rushed on our day at CA. We're going next week for a quick two days in the parks and expect it to be fast and busy. Hopefully we'll go again in April for four days and it'll be a slower pace and more relaxed. My teens can go all day but my husband and I need a little more down time during the day.

As far as cheapest time to go, you can check the Disneyland website to find out what the value days are. You might be better off deciding whether or not you want entertainment, longer hours, or lower crowd levels. It's all give and take.

Have fun planning!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Desert inn &suites is cheapest if you book 9-12 mos early.

 

[Kdbruin]

Last year we went in mid September and it was great. Perfect weather and manageable crowds. I like hotels over motels and find good rates (better than the motels across the street from the park) near the convention center. You can walk to the Toy Story parking lot and take the shuttle for free.