Doing Disneyland PLUS New York...am I insane?

[elphaba91]

I know it's ages away, but I'm planning a trip for November/December 2014 already. My sister and I (early 20s) are taking Mum as a surprise combination Christmas/birthday/Christmas present. Unfortunately due to uni exams and work being pedantic about holidays in December, we can only do 15 days (Saturday 22/11 to Sunday 7/12).

Anyway, the past couple of days I've been toying with the idea of adding a few days in New York into the trip. So it would be: fly into NY early afternoon on 22/11 and fly to LA in the afternoon on 27/11 (Thanksgiving). We are all BIG musical theatre fans and see every professional show that comes to Melbourne, so seeing some Broadway shows would be a main priority (we'd probably book a couple in advance and wing the rest) as well as seeing the sights and hopefully the Macy's Parade. Disneyland would obviously be the big priority in the LA leg (we'd get 10 day passes, but probably wouldn't go all days, or just go for a couple of hours some days) and I think we'd do a studio tour, a Hollywood sights tour and maybe a tv show taping (sister desperately wants to see Ellen).

I guess my question is: am I totally insane for wanting to fit all this in in this time frame? I know if I asked on the general boards all the Americans would probably say it's too far, but do you think an extra 6 hours travel time each way is worth it when we already have a 20+ hour flight to begin with? Also, for those who have traveled to both places, is it likely to be much more expensive? I'd really appreciate any advice!

 

[ssour]

If you're Broadway fans I'd definitely add a stop in New York, as you say, the 6 hours is nothing compared to the time it took you to get to the States in the first place. I actually find that flying to the East Coast is better for me jet lag wise (although everyone has their personal preferences with this), so I'd head there first like you plan to.

5 nights gives you 4 full days - they'll be jam packed and super busy but it sounds like you know you won't get to do everything, which is realistic (not that you could ever really do everything). I'm not a huge LA fan, so I'd probably extend the time in New York a bit. I think for a girls trip there's plenty of fun to be had in New York. Each to their own here, you'll probably get lots of different views.

In terms of cost, flights could cost you anywhere from $250 to $500 more per person to go to the East Coast depending on the airline and if you get a sale or not. Accommodation in New York will definitely cost more than accommodation in Anaheim (if you're looking at a Good Neighbor hotel).

 

[AussieNSW]

Do it you will not regret it. We flew to NewYork then went to WDW then after a few other things went to Anaheim before we flew home. I was concerned about the long flight and the extra about 6 hours to NewYork but it was no problem. In our case we flew qantas and got out at LAX to go through customs before boarding again on another qantas plane to fly to NewYork. This broke up the journey perfectly as I got to have a walk and stretch my legs. We also had a short time in NewYork 4 nights and managed to do alot in those 4 days. You just have to plan you days very well. We also used the cut price ticket booth in Times Square for broadway shows, it was fantastic.m We ended up seeing Spider-Man but there was a large number of shows to chose from. We decided on it as because of the staging we doubted if it would ever come to Australia.

 

[aussietravellers]

I think you should totally do it and you are not insane at all !

It's not that far, just a few hours by plane and you will absolutely LOVE it. I've done straight through from Brisbane to NY before and yes, we were tired but arrived in the evening, wander around then off to sleep.

Go for it I say

 

[AussieNSW]

Sorry forgot to add the accomadation in NewYork is more expensive but with planning there is always deals to be done. We stayed at the doubletree Times Square in Sept ( which is an expensive time for NewYork ) and it cost us a family of 5 approx $450 a night compared to Doubletree Anaheim which cost us approx $200 a night. The real savings are to be made with shopping especially when you compare makeup prices.

 

[aussietravellers]

Sorry forgot to add the accomadation in NewYork is more expensive but with planning there is always deals to be done. We stayed at the doubletree Times Square in Sept ( which is an expensive time for NewYork ) and it cost us a family of 5 approx $450 a night compared to Doubletree Anaheim which cost us approx $200 a night. The real savings are to be made with shopping especially when you compare makeup prices.

We stayed at Doubletree too and it was awesome! Fantastic position, great sized rooms. Loved it.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Nope; you're not insane. Go for it.

Another vote for the DoubleTree at Times Square.

 

[Michaella]

We are heading off in 17 days!!! LA, then NY then Washington then Orlando.... We are staying at Doubletree Times Square... sooo happy to read these reviews

 

[Franrose]

Definitely go for it! NY is a kind of Disney in it's own right (different, but just as awesome and just as much an experience!).

And yeah-ha DSTS... great accommodation

 

[Toy Story]

Another vote for NY - 4 days will give you a taster.

I would also recommend the Doubletree Guest Suites in Times Square - we signed up to all the Hilton newsletters and booked at $320 a night (two adults and a teenager who slept in the pull out bed).

Just plan what you want to do in those 4 days - and don't walk to the Met! It takes longer to walk there then you think.

 

[elphaba91]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'm definitely going to do it...if my finances will allow it at least! My aunt is a travel agent so fingers crossed she can help me get some good deals. New York here I come...in a year and 2.5 months!

 

[jacs1234]

Last November, over thanksgiving like you, my mum and I did 5 days disneyland and 7 days new york. Totally doable and easy and well worth it. We saw the thanksgiving parade too, it was pretty amazing finally seeing it in real life. If you were spending thanksgiving night at new york I'd have a great restaurant to recommend but it looks like you'll be on a flight. I loved just walking around central park and we saw the Lion King while we were there. Would be great to see the Rockettes and go ice skating in central park. Was so chilly there. We stayed at the Edison hotel, it was so close to the theatres and times square and the cheapest nice place we could find over thanksgiving. The hotels get expensive during that time and busy, so book early.

 

[Marlea98]

I know it's ages away, but I'm planning a trip for November/December 2014 already. My sister and I (early 20s) are taking Mum as a surprise combination Christmas/birthday/Christmas present. That's so sweet to do. Unfortunately due to uni exams and work being pedantic about holidays in December, we can only do 15 days (Saturday 22/11 to Sunday 7/12).

Anyway, the past couple of days I've been toying with the idea of adding a few days in New York into the trip. I am doing NYC for 4 days in December. I believe FranRose will be there too around the same time. If you have any particular things you want to know let either of us know before and we can try and find out when we are there. Otherwise there are plenty of others who have been and can help./So it would be: fly into NY early afternoon on 22/11 and fly to LA in the afternoon on 27/11 (Thanksgiving). We are all BIG musical theatre fans and see every professional show that comes to Melbourne, so seeing some Broadway shows would be a main priority (we'd probably book a couple in advance and wing the rest) as well as seeing the sights and hopefully the Macy's Parade. Disneyland would obviously be the big priority in the LA leg (we'd get 10 day passes, but probably wouldn't go all days, or just go for a couple of hours some days) and I think we'd do a studio tour, a Hollywood sights tour and maybe a tv show taping (sister desperately wants to see Ellen). You should walk around first and look at the tour buses going around first before deciding which one to do, but research possibilities first. I can't remember the name of the Sights tour that we did but the driver/guide was not that great. He tended to follow the TMZ vehicle most of the way and would pull up at the lights next to them when he could and tell us to listen to 'those guys'. And really, the celebrity houses he was pointed out really could have been anyone's for all we knew. We couldn't get tickets for Ellen and were told you need to book at least 4 months in advance. The ticket people said her shows are really fun and because she's also a nice lady there's a big demand for her show's tapings.

I guess my question is: am I totally insane for wanting to fit all this in in this time frame? I know if I asked on the general boards all the Americans would probably say it's too far, but do you think an extra 6 hours travel time each way is worth it when we already have a 20+ hour flight to begin with? Also, for those who have traveled to both places, is it likely to be much more expensive? I'd really appreciate any advice!

My attitude is if you can't see it all, then there's your excuse to come back another time As for price, we are travelling on from NYC to spend Christmas and New Year with family in Montana before flying to Seattle and driving back to LA so I can't help you there. Have fun on your trip but remember there is also fun in the planning

 

[elphaba91]

If you were spending thanksgiving night at new york I'd have a great restaurant to recommend but it looks like you'll be on a flight.

We could stay Thanksgiving night, but I figured the flights might be cheaper on Thanksgiving itself, plus it would be cheaper staying an extra night in Anaheim than New York. But if flight times don't work out then I'll remember to ask you for a recommendation!

We stayed at the Edison hotel, it was so close to the theatres and times square and the cheapest nice place we could find over thanksgiving.

This was one of the hotels I was looking at. What did you think of it?

 

[jacs1234]

I loved the Edison hotel. It is in a fantastic position. We had just stayed at the Grand Californian for 5 nights so when we got to the Edison it felt a bit dated at first but really it was so New Yorky and I liked that about it. It was cheaper than the Double tree guest suites and I would have loved to stay there too but we had to use the cheaper option. Tiny little rooms but there were two joined together, one with a queen bed and one with a pullout couch. I slept on the pullout and it was very comfortable.

 

[Adub]

I'd do the NY trip for sure.

As for a tv show taping in LA, I've tried to get tickets to Ellen on 3 times I've visited with no luck. There is always opps to get tickets on Hollywood Boulevard during the day to tapings of other shows.

 

[elphaba91]

I have done some figures and I think we already have enough saved up for flights, accommodation (Edison Hotel and BWPPI) and Disneyland tickets! And there's still over a year to go! So I think New York is definitely on!


Can you tell I'm excited?

 

[viaggiamo]

How exciting for you! I would say do NYC as well. We love NYC.

But I would try and stay for the thanksgiving parade is you will be there around that time anyway. It would be an amazing American event to see ( I would love to see it one day) and also the Rockettes!

Are you only planning on Anaheim and NY?

If it were me on an adults trip and had 15 nights I would at least do half and half. DL is wonderful but 7 nights (without children) would be enough to see everything and other places around LA too.

7 nights in NYC, on the other hand, will never ever be enough! Especially with the Christmas stuff, Thanksgiving, shopping, shows....etc...

Have fun!

V

 

[elphaba91]

If it were me on an adults trip and had 15 nights I would at least do half and half. DL is wonderful but 7 nights (without children) would be enough to see everything and other places around LA too.

7 nights in NYC, on the other hand, will never ever be enough! Especially with the Christmas stuff, Thanksgiving, shopping, shows....etc...

I think you're right. I think I might change the dates so that we fly to LA on the Sunday. Looking at this year's flights, the timing doesn't really work to see the parade and then fly out that afternoon - we wouldn't be sitting down to a meal in DTD until 8.30pm...11.30pm New York time. Plus, we should then miss the Thanksgiving crowds at Disneyland...I'd much rather be able to soak it all in the first day instead of battling with crowds for Fastpasses. Plus, you're right, there is just SO much to see in New York (especially shows!)

Anyway, I've got HEAPS of time to plan the finer details...it's over 14 months away after all! I'm just so excited that I want to start planning everything NOW!