Disneyland newbies: August, are we crazy? Also help on hotel.

[tarheelalum]

That is probably the case if you're booking from within the US, but as i mentioned above, I've crunched the numbers and it's actually coming out pretty much the same, which did actually surprise me.
And at least this way, I don't have to deal with the Expedias of the world if something went awry.

Well I agree with you on avoiding expedia. But when you travel here, you can get a great deal if you book directly with the hotel. So if you want to book a room with a Hilton hotel, go to www.hilton.com. Or with the hotel indigo go to the intercontinental hotel group, www.ihg.com. Also booking directly with the hotel forgoes many of the problems people experience with orbitz or expedia.

 

[Princess Jes]

Well I agree with you on avoiding expedia. But when you travel here, you can get a great deal if you book directly with the hotel. So if you want to book a room with a Hilton hotel, go to www.hilton.com. Or with the hotel indigo go to the intercontinental hotel group, www.ihg.com. Also booking directly with the hotel forgoes many of the problems people experience with orbitz or expedia.

Again, I agree except that because of exchange rates, it's not working out to be very different at all.
The big national travel agency here in Australia has a price beat guarantee so I always check through a search engine site (like momondo, kayak etc) then check with the hotel directly and have our agent match it.
It helps when you're traveling internationally to have someone back home you can contact if anything goes awry.
Similarly, at least if I book through dreams, I have someone in the states who can help me if I need it.
Traveling overseas has slightly different needs than if I was traveling domestically here, and for the sake of AUD$47 (at the HoJo) and actually AUD$13 cheaper at the Sheraton, I am happy to have the added convenience of an advocate if need be

ETA:

Package cost through Disney: USD$1,469 incl 5 day adult park hoppers x2
Cost for 2 adult 5 day PH tickets: USD$700
Cost of hotel: USD$769

Cost to book directly with Sheraton: USD$887

 

[aussie shaz]

Hmmm. In all of my overseas trips (USA, Japan, Fiji, Thailand, Bali, all multiple times) I have never had a travel agent quote me cheaper than I can get myself.
Yes, we travelled to the US when the dollar was Ahhmazing, which may have made a difference, but I also find that the hotels I choose, based on TripAdvisor and other forums, are often not offered by Australian travel agents.
We stayed at the Park Vue Inn in 2011and it was great. So close to the entrance, standard but good rooms. We stayed at Hojo in 2013 in a Kids Suite. It was nice and all, but would always choose closer over "better".
All of this is coming from an ex travel agent.

 

[deetman]

I'm a big fan of HoJo's. It's a very easy walk, it's very clean, and if you spring for a theme park view room, you can see the Matterhorn (and the fireworks!) from your room!
You don't mention a car, so perhaps it won't matter, but HoJo has free parking as well. It gets my vote!
Have a great trip!

 

[Princess Jes]

Hmmm. In all of my overseas trips (USA, Japan, Fiji, Thailand, Bali, all multiple times) I have never had a travel agent quote me cheaper than I can get myself.
Yes, we travelled to the US when the dollar was Ahhmazing, which may have made a difference, but I also find that the hotels I choose, based on TripAdvisor and other forums, are often not offered by Australian travel agents.
We stayed at the Park Vue Inn in 2011and it was great. So close to the entrance, standard but good rooms. We stayed at Hojo in 2013 in a Kids Suite. It was nice and all, but would always choose closer over "better".
All of this is coming from an ex travel agent.

totally hearing you on it all, but I've tried and tried to find it cheaper than what Disney is offering, but am coming up short.
If anyone can find it cheaper (in AUD) id gladly book that way, but I just cant find it.

I'm a big fan of HoJo's. It's a very easy walk, it's very clean, and if you spring for a theme park view room, you can see the Matterhorn (and the fireworks!) from your room!
You don't mention a car, so perhaps it won't matter, but HoJo has free parking as well. It gets my vote!
Have a great trip!

No, not hiring a car.
I think given that we will want to hit up Garden walk, the extra 3 minutes walk from the Sheraton (Vs the HoJo) is probably overall more convenient.