DL newbie with questions about Nov trip!!!

[Suzanne74]

I just found out my DH has a business convention in San Diego on Nov 9-11th. Our dd and myself will probably join him and we will go to Sea World and the zoo while he is in meetings those days.

dd is 4 and has already been to WDW 2x and loves it so I figure we should head up to DL while we are on the west coast after dh's convention is over. We probably plan on heading there Fri afternoon until Tues late am. I was at DL about 15yrs ago and don't remember too much about. So I am acting like this will be our first time. I am a whiz at WDW resorts, bargains, times etc.. but I need help with DL!!

Questions:
Is the Southern Cali Value Pass worth it? We plan on doing all the places if we go to Knotts Berry - I remember I loved Knotts Berry when I was a teen but is there enought for 4yr old dd?

Is the stay 3 nights, 4th night free a good deal for DL resorts?

What resort do you recommend for 4 nights with a 4yr old dd? We will only be doing the 2 parks and DTD and maybe Knotts Berry, we will have a rental car. Want to stay close to the action.

Any good character meals? - dd loves minnie.

Crowds and approx park times for early Nov?

Do they have kids clubs anywhere if DH and I would want to go out to dinner? My dd loves the clubs are WDW.

okay any info anyone could give me would be great. Feel free to add any comments or recommendations!!!!

 

[Anewman]

Yes get the $185 CITYPASS(.com) DL 3day hopper alone goes for $140, so for another $45 you get San Diego zoo, Sea World and Knotts.

PS Knotts is small but there are lots of LITTLE rides and attractions at Camp Snoopy for your little one. Nov the park will be so nice(empty) that you can do the whole park(small).

 

[iceskatejen]

Weekend hours in Nov would have DL open from 8 or 9 am to 11 or midnight on Fri and Sat, Sun from 8 or 9 to 10 usually. DCA will be open from 10-10 Fri and Sat, 10-8 on Sunday. On weekedays DL will open at 9 or 10 and probably be open until 8. DCA will have hours of 10-6. Weekend crowds at DL/DCA are always big as there is a large local customer base. Weekedays shouldn't be too bad.

The Christmas decorations will be up and so will the holiday fireworks if they do them this year (if not, the new anniversary show is fantastic anyway). Be sure to check out the holiday makeovers of the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World.

 

[Suzanne74]

The Christmas decorations will be up and so will the holiday fireworks if they do them this year (if not, the new anniversary show is fantastic anyway). Be sure to check out the holiday makeovers of the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World.

The decorations are up in early November?? Wow, in WDW they are up right before Thanksgiving only. I would love to see them though.
Thanks

Our 4 days for Knotts Berry and DL/DCA are Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues. What park do you recommend for Sat?

Also we have looked into Grand Californian and really like it but I also took a look at Embassy Suites Garden Grove and I am now tempted to stay outside the parks. Even with the 4th night free, Embassy is cheaper, has a much bigger room, fridge, free full breakfast, manager's reception. What would make me want to stay at a DL resort. I know for WDW we always stay onsite for the extra magic hours and obviously the outside resorts are much further. Is it REALLY worth it to stay onsite??

 

[Dobie]

Suzanne, I, personally, think the Grand Californian is worth it. You are only paying for 3 nights (wiht the fourth free) so the difference in price is going to be relatively small. What you get is true immersion, because you are right in the park, you can come and go all day, you don't need to deal with traffic/parking, etc. I think GC has a club so you can go out to dinner, too.

But, then, I'm biased. If I can't afford the GC, I won't go. It makes the trip for us.

 

[Suzanne74]

thanks - actually even with the 4th night free it is a BIG difference. I was getting a quote of $353 for Sat night at Grand California and high 200's for the other nights. Embassy was only $119 for every night. I didn't realize DL resorts charge higher for weekends because WDW never does. I have to take that into consideration.

I know personally I rather be at the parks, which is why I always stay close at WDW. I have even paid for Poly concierge last WDW visit. I just have to see if 150+ more a night is worth it for DL.

One more thing - I noticed on a website, maybe here? that the kids club, you have to be 5yrs old?? I was very surprised about that since it is 3yrs old on Disney cruises and 4yrs old for WDW kids clubs. I wonder if 5 is correct. That would make a big difference too as dd wouldn't be able to utilize it.

 

[drgalyen]

We are also going that week- Nov. 4-12th. One thing you need to know is that weekend is Veterans Day weekend. I've never been then but from everything I've read on this board be aware that Fri and Sat will be extra busy at DL. I would suggest doing Knotts or DCA on Sat. And leave DL for Sun, Mon or Tues when the crowds are less. If I remember right the fireworks are on Sun night but you can check that out on their website- www.disneyland.com.
Because we are staying 8 nights and I really want to stay at the DLH we are spliting our time- the first 4 nights at the Hojo and the last 4 at the DLH. This worked out good for us because the weekend prices for the DLH are $265 and we just can't afford that. The way it is working we are only paying about $150/night at the DLH because of the 4th night free. Way cool!!!
Have fun!!!

 

[smilingmouse]

I'm going to be at DL from 11/5-8 and I have a related question: How difficult will it be for me to get a good seat for Fantasmic! How early would I need to wait in line? Would it be worthwile to do the preferred seating/dessert buffet?

TIA!

 

[iceskatejen]

There's no line for Fantasmic--the show is on the Rivers of America and people just stake out spots with tarps and blankets several hours before the first showing.

As for the which park on Saturday question, I'd go with one of the DLR parks--all of them, including Knotts get crowded, but at least at the DLR parks there's FP. There isn't any such service at Knotts and the lines get really long.