DL hotel prices...Help!

[Captain Crook]

I'm trying to plan a trip to the 'original' in late summer but am finding a hard time getting competetive prices at the DL hotels...especially the GC. Are the DL hotels just always more expensive than WDW? We can often get AKl for 129-189 but the GC seems mid 200's always. Any hints?

 

[goofyfordisney]

Try calling the hotel direct and ask for the AP rate or "the best rate". We plan on upgrading our park hopper pass to an AP before we check in--so we got the AP rate.

They were running a special "Super Sunday Rate". We got the DLH for $99/nite--June 16th-18th. I think that the rate for GC was $149. These rates were supposed to end on June 30th--but someone posted that they were able to get these rates in July. It's worth a try!

 

[Captain Crook]

Thank you! That sounds like a good idea...I don't suppose they have toll free numbers (we're on the other coast)...Anyone?

I don't suppose being a WDW AP holder means anything does it? If not are there any 'rules' on breakevens in upgrading to AP's at DL (other than possibly a beneficial hotel rate - which appears that it could be substantial, btw)?

 

[Michelle]

You definitely need to have a DISNEYLAND AP to get the AP rates, so don't ask for those rates unless you have one.

The "breakeven" is really different on Disneyland APs as compared to WDW ones. There are three AP levels here, Southern California, Deluxe and Premium. The So Cal and Deluxe ones have blackout dates, and the Premium one is valid 365 days a year. The discounted hotel rates typically only are offered if you have a Deluxe or Premium AP. I'm not sure it would be worth it to purchase one unless you were planning on a visiting Disneyland for at least 7 days. Anything less than a Premium AP would require that you purchase "blackout day" passports if you want to visit on a Saturday and that is not usually the case for the leisure traveler. The APs are really geared towards the locals.

Oddly enough, the best deals at Disneyland are often found with PACKAGES. Right now they are offering the KIDS PLAY FREE promotion for the summer, which includes free kid's passes (one for one for adult passes) in the package. If you have kids with you that may be the best deal.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[LuvTigger]

I agree that it is harder to obtain a discount at DL hotels that WDW. I also agree with WebmasterMichelle that DL packages are much better than WDW. They usually at least break even than if you were to do it yourself, or often you come out ahead, especially in the off-peak seasons.

I've read of people having luck getting pretty good rates on sites like Travelocity and Expedia, but I have a feeling you'll have to be flexible with your dates. It also seems like GC is the most popular and that discounts are harder to come by there.

But, don't give up, check out all your options! You might want to request a quote with Dreams Unlimited too, that's where I got my Fall Fantasy package last October and the package was more than worth it!

 

[honeymom]

I'm a Disney Club member and I have found some pretty good rates for my dates in August. Plus, although I will check one more time, the packages are still seem hundreds of dollars more expensive compared to doing it on my own. For dates 8/19-8/23 I have been offered a nightly rate of:

PP - $136
DLH - $162
GC - $225

Tax is additional. I'm only going into the parks 3 days so I am looking at 3 day park hoppers. I am going to try to take advantage of the buy adults at child's prices for the adult passes - $90 each. For the kid's passes, I am going to use a DC discount. I think that is 10% off the kid's passes. I may also still be able to get kids in free passes with the adults special even though i am not on a package. Disney has given me some conflicting info, which I will make enough calls on to straighten out sometime this weekend.

 

[Captain Crook]

Do all DL Resort Hotel rates come with tickets? The Disney website doesn't seem to want to let me book a room only.

I just saw that one special being offered is the 'childs ticket price', i.e. all tickets for (a 4-day hopper) $111.00. Also, in this realm an AP is only $150.00. If the AP discounts were substantial enough would it not be advantageous to buy 3 tickets @ $111.00 and one @ $150.00 to get the AP savings? Also, they offer the AP Sunday special...Man, I'm confused

Also confusing is the current buy one ticket get a childs ticket free promo. It seems DL has no qualms about 'stacking' discounts as they do at WDW. Any further suggestions?

BTW, I have requested a quote from Dreams Unlimited (awaiting its arrival)...

 

[azlaura]

We leave tomorrow for DL and here is what we did.
I got the Deluxe Annual Passport and got rooms for $99 at DH. They allow two rooms per pass. My sister is coming along so she needed passes and I still needed one for my daughter. So we went to Getaway Today and I was able to buy two additional adult 3 day hoppers for $114 a piece but we also got two child tickets free. NO package to buy!
It was the cheapest way to do it for our party!Let me know if you need help!
There is an 800 number but I can't remember it!
Good luck!

 

[Michelle]

Disneyland doesn't book room only reservations online, only the packages, but you CAN get the room alone without the passes if you prefer.

Just FYI on your quote, Disneyland's reservation system is down for maintenance this weekend, so it may be Sunday or Monday before you get it back.

 

[Peter Pan Fan]

I'm in the minority, but I don't think packages save you any $$. If you are going in the off-season, I find the best thing is to call reservations directly and ask for the "best rate" as goofy for disney suggested. I also find that it helps to call back and speak to different people (just like at WDW). You will get a different answer, some people are more helpful than others. Buy your tickets separately. They will tell you the AP rate if you askand then you have to do the math. Would buying one adult AP save me so much on the room that it would be worth it?

If you are going in regular or peak season then I would check out www.getawaytodayvacations.com. Several people on this board have used them (you could so a search to check out posts about it) and 2 people from my office used them and enjoyed them very much. With getawaytoday you get a slightly discounted room in regular/peak season, at least that has been my experience.

Also check out Mary's site: www.mousesavers.com and go to the Disneyland section. She has tons of great tips.

 

[funnygarcia]

I think this all sounds confusing when it really isn't!!
Here's the deal:
Tickets:
You can buy pkg deal thru Disney Travel and get free kids ticket - or- contact dreams unlimited to get kids free ticket without a pkg - OR- I have heard Disney Store also carries a deal... OR AAA has discounts OR Disney Club has discounts...

As for Disneyland Hotel - you CAN book reservations at Annual Pass rates (call them directly) without having an AP yet ask for Super Sunday rates or any other best rates available , **********you will need the AP at check in***.

Deluxe AP is $159, if you are buying 4 day passes anyway this is only a difference of $18... with the amount of discounts on restaurants, souveniers, Super Sunday Disneyland Hotels rates ($99 Sun- Thurs, $129 weekends, $129 if stay starts on weekend ** unless you get a nice CM that helps you with this), etc... this may be worth it to you.....If you plan on returning next year come back a little earlier and use the same pass! Exple: we got APs in May , next yr we plan to go in March using the same pass

Deluxe has some block out days (Saturdays in summer, a few days around the major holidays) and does NOT offer parking pass. The Premium pass is no block out days and has parking pass included - it is also more expensive at $219, you can get $20 off w Disney Club card ... I know a lot of people say go withthe premium as you get more discounts but I did not feel it was worth the extra cost for someone who only visits twice a year and will not need parking.
** Kids are charged full price for AP * they do not have a lower cost AP for children ....

Something to consider - On my recent trip we booked part of our stay thru Disney Travel to get the pkg deal w the free kid passes as well as upgrading at low cost for Character breakfast and getting the pins/lanyards, Espn Zone point passes (arcade games) - staying at a good neighbor hotel - FairfieldInn- then switched hotels to Disneyland Hotel for the last half of our time w AP rates.....
I know this might not work for everyone but it added to our adventures this yr in a very affordable way.

 

[Captain Crook]

I assume that the AP's are the same as at WDW, in that in order to get the hotel discounts, etc. only one of our party would have to purchase this? That's what you did Laura, right?

Our current plan is staying sun, mon & tue night at the DL hotel and wed & thur night at the GC. We are three adults (one a 13 yo) and one child (9). Itseems I may be able to mix and match the discounts taking advantage of the buy one (maybe the AP?)and get one child free promotion...Then use the AP for discount room rates...Then how to purchase the other two 4 day passe? Anyone see any flaws here?

Thanks guys...