Disneyland planning??

[momtimesone]

Hi there, its official we want to go to Disneyland for our next vacation. I am looking into two different times of the yr to go and would like your input. We are not that much into parades or the fireworks but love the rides. We have always stayed at value resorts and have gone to WDW two times in July so lines and crowds do not ruin our magic. I am still undecided on the hotel as every guidebook i have read has different opinions.I am interested in a hotel that is walking distance to the parks and is cheap so any advice on this front is welcome. Either trip we,( Sister,Me,Son age 9) would be going for 5 days 4 nights and on the 5th day we would be leaving early for a flight out so its not going to be a in park day. The first plan would be to go Jan 2-6th 2010 but the other plan is anytime between late June and Early August of 09. My one big question is how busy is the park the day after New yrs? Does Disneyland and the resorts follow a value/reg/Holiday season pricing? I would love to be able to get a package as I want to get it paid off before we go is this possible? When we decide a date and month how far in advance should I reserve the package? Thanks to all who help, I will be researching hotels more as soon as I get all your first hand knowledge. I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND YEAH!!!

 

[avalon451]

Hi, welcome to the Left Coast Dis! You're going to love Walt's park!

You might want to start by reading Hydroguy's Tips compilation: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 In it, he has several threads for WDW vets about the differences between the two resorts. Also I'd recommend his "high season vs. low season tradeoff rule" in which he discusses the advantages and disadvantages of going during times such as yours. If you go in January, there will be some attractions down for refurbishment or holiday overlay removal, but the crowds will be low. If you go late June to August, it will be hot hot hot and busy busy busy. However there will be full entertainment schedule and longer hours.

As far as booking a package-- I'd look into booking air, hotel and tickets separately, and compare pricing. Most people on the DIS have discovered that you can often save hundreds or even over a thousand dollars by booking separately.

A favorite hotel on these boards is Howard Johnsons, because they have the Entertainment book rate available on some dates, which is $59 a night standard or $74 a night deluxe. They are across the street and up one block, a 7 minute walk. http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

Here's a link to a map of local hotels, which has links to the hotel websites on it: http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

Hope that helps! Have fun planning!

 

[davidsprincess]

Hi! I second the advice on paying for things seperately. getawaytoday.com has good pricing for the tickets.
Candy Cane Inn is also another favorite here as you get breakfast included with your stay and it has its very own shuttle that runs every half hour if you do not wish to walk the 7-10 minutes.

Happy planning!

 

[Marciern22]

Welcome!!!!! You are gonna love DL!!!!!! We can show you all the fun! Having just got back from my first trip to WDW, I was surprised by how different the two are. I'm soooo excited for you!!!!!

 

[Marciern22]

I'd say come in the summer! So much going on and the parks will stay open late.

 

[kkheburn]

We enjoy going in Feb. We stay at the Desert inn. It is a very quick walk and is cheap. Nothing fancy but clean.