DL Questions for Oct. 2005

[GailIL]

I just found out that we have the opportunity for a DL trip this Oct. Although I am very excited, I feel way behind in my planning. I relied heavily on these Boards for planning a wonderful WDW trip several years ago, and hope you can help me get caught up. We will be going the first week in Oct., probably the 4th - 7th after driving up from a weekend in San Diego. First, we are trying to decide between DGC and DLH. It will be me, my husband and our two daughters (ages 3 and 5 at that time). DH and I have both been to DL, but never with kids. I know it is the 50th Anniv. celebration. Are there any special offers I should know about? Also, what is the best deal for tickets? We have AAA. Any advice would be welcome! Gail

 

[marvel]

Funny, we are going exactly the same time, 3rd - 8th Oct. Having trolled this forum form some time decided on the GCH over the DLH, mainly for the location. We are from AUstralia so cannot take up the AAA offers which I understand are pretty much as good as it gets for both rooms and park tickets. If you want any other info that I have found, PM me. Cheers.

 

[tinafromidaho]

Our family will be there the 3rd thru the 8th of October as well. As far as AAA discounts, you have to be a member then you can either look online or just go into your local office and see what kind of a deal they can give to you.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

Ok, looks like a picked I popular week to go to DL, too. In my research I found that in addition to room discounts, AAA members may also receive the following "Show n' Save" discounts (someone correct me if I'm wrong):

-- 20% off the Welcome to Disneyland Tour and A Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour

-- 10% off food & beverages at
-- Plaza Inn
-- Wine Country Trattoria
-- Ariel's Grotto (now something like Capn' Mickey's, I think)
-- PCH Grill
-- Goofy's Kitchen

-- According to my AAA office, discounted AAA tickets may be bought from any CA AAA office (apparently there is one in Anaheim)

www.mousesavers.com has a great Disneyland section listing the various discounts for the resort, too. Good luck!

 

[crazymomof 4]

I am a AAA memeber and usually plan with them. However if you are staying more than three nights it is a better deal with WDTC this year because of the free night offer. AAA does not offer 4th night this year. I have stayed at both hotels and GC is much nicer. It is also much closer. The rooms are not as big as DLH but who cares. I personally do not like the DLH. My kids liked GC better. October is a great time to go. Have fun!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

I do believe that you can still get the buy-3-nights-get-1-one-free promotion with AAA. I was given a quote through my AAA agent that included this offer and was able to price it through AAA's website. The AAA website shows the exact same screen as the Disneyland site but with AAA at the top and includes the 4th night free if it is available during your travel dates. Interestingly enough, the AAA rates are $4 more for any package I priced out - don't know why though. I think the unlimited fastpasses is worth $4 but I still find it strange especially since I had hoped there might be an actual discount with AAA rather than an extra cost.

 

[marvel]

Is there a link or website for the WDTC?? I would love to get a quote from there as well, as we cannot get the AAA deals from Australia.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

The disneyland.com website is actually WDTC (Walt Disney Travel Company). If you check rates through the website and the fourth night free offer is available, it will show up with the package details. It is, however, only available with packages (meaning you must at least buy tickets) - you cannot get this promotion with room-only reservations.

Hope this helps!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Expedia also offers the fourth night free option. We are using it for our September 8-12 trip. We always use Expedia because we have annual passes so don't need the tickets/package.