First Disney Trip - Need Help - Info overload :)

[Rose2]

Hi, this will be my first Disney trip. My husband has gone before (as have my two older boys) but he is not much help in planning and we are doing this short notice We have 4 children - 2, 3, 5, 9. We are looking to go mid June or mid July (we are open to whichever time may be less crowded). We are going to spend about 6 days in southern CA, we will be driving there so will have our own transportation. I have read so much information that I do not even know where to begin at this point, I may just be better using a travel agency but wanted to get thoughts first.

We are going to do the Southern California CityPass so from what I gather we get a park hopper and then one day for UStudios, SeaWorld, and the Zoo. How many days is appropriate for Disney? 2 or 3? And which places do you suggest we do first?

My second problem is hotels - I realize we want to be close so we can go back with the younger kids if needed. We need a suite due to there being so many of us - what are good hotel choices, close? Is it best to book a package including the CityPass and the hotel or book each item through the place directly?

I appreciate your time and any guidance you can give us for this family trip. I will continue reading through the boards for now

 

[PirateFish989]

As for hotels, there are a lot of good, cheap, clean options on Harbor Blvd. right across the street from the entrance to the parks (ranging from a 4-10 minute walk). I've also been looking for suites for my September trip and have found good deals (however, my trip is in September so pricing I'm sure is different) for the Best Western Park Place Inn mini suite, Park Vue Inn & Suites, Desert Inn & Suites (they have several different suite options at what seems like great prices, at least in September), and Anaheim Plaza Hotel. Hojo's also has suites that are kid friendly that you might want to look into, however the walk to/from the parks is a little longer than the others I've mentioned.

A lot of these hotels offer complimentary breakfast and a few have free parking. The Park Vue also offers a complimentary "light dinner meal" every night that I've heard is nice.

It can be very overwhelming, I know - there is so much information! Hang in there and I hope you have a great trip!!!

 

[Hound 109]

You all will have a blast.

Don't worry. You'll read ALOT of posts & threads over the next few days & a week from now you'll have a real good handle on all that is Disneyland.

First off, have a map of Disneyland/DCA handy. Also have a map of hotels near Disney & also a SoCal map with the other places you'll be visiting. Refer to these as you are reading posts & threads.

Other comments below:

Hi, this will be my first Disney trip. My husband has gone before (as have my two older boys) but he is not much help in planning and we are doing this short notice We have 4 children - 2, 3, 5, 9. We are looking to go mid June or mid July (we are open to whichever time may be less crowded).

Both will be crowded at night and on weekends. Best to visit DLR during the week & be at the park at rope drop to be most productive (w/o crowds).

We are going to spend about 6 days in southern CA, we will be driving there so will have our own transportation. I have read so much information that I do not even know where to begin at this point, I may just be better using a travel agency but wanted to get thoughts first.

I wouldn't. Read alot here, then ask alot of questions here when you know enough to "be dangerous".

We are going to do the Southern California CityPass so from what I gather we get a park hopper and then one day for UStudios, SeaWorld, and the Zoo. How many days is appropriate for Disney? 2 or 3?

4 is better than 3....but 3 is DEFINITELY better than 2.

And which places do you suggest we do first?

I'll let others answer.....but if you can do Disney on Tue-Wed-Thur, that would be preferable.

My second problem is hotels - I realize we want to be close so we can go back with the younger kids if needed. We need a suite due to there being so many of us - what are good hotel choices, close?

"Good Hotel choices" given your crew & your need to take a mid day rest each day should be a Harbor Hotel (within walking distance) WITH A SUITE. (unless you want to splurge & stay on site).

I'd ask this one question again....create a new post.....(mentioning you want a hotel for 2 adults & 4 small children on Harbor.....WALKING distance from the turnstiles. You'll get lots of opinions. Plus opinions from regulars on value tips.

Is it best to book a package including the CityPass and the hotel or book each item through the place directly?

I'd book everything separately.


I appreciate your time and any guidance you can give us for this family trip. I will continue reading through the boards for now

Here are some other threads that may be helpful:

HydroGuy's DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699


Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084



& KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718 (see my post #4 in that thread)


"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


& read the rest of HG's tip threads as well.

Are any of your kids into Star Wars?


Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[pinktink83]

I like this map to see what hotels are close by, and which ones offer suites!

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

Desert Inn and Park Vue are the cheapest that I've found so far.

 

[Hound 109]

I like this map to see what hotels are close by, and which ones offer suites!

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

Desert Inn and Park Vue are the cheapest that I've found so far.

Great map.

To the OP.....follow the recommendations of pinktink & piratefish. DO stay on Harbor Blvd. walking distance to the turnstiles.

DO NOT stay an a suite hotel that you have to take a bus to get to parks....one of the many benefits of a DLR visit is NOT having to ride a stinkin' bus to go to the EITHER of the parks or to visit DTD.

Have a great time.

 

[HydroGuy]

FWIW the Best Western Park Place Inn has mini-suites with two queens and a roll-out queen. Plus mini-fridge and microwave. We have four kids and have stayed there a few times. Plus it is the closest good neighbor hotel to the parks.

Also, I would choose mid-July over mid-June. No grad nights. And SoCal AP holders are blocked. And I too would do Tue-Thurs