First DLR Trip was magical! TR (3/09) Heading back for more magic! TR w/pics (4/10)

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Welcome to our little corner of the DIS. You have a lot of good advice already on this thread, and it looks like you will have a fantastic time on your trip. I bet you fall in love with California and DISneyland

 

[wdhinn89]

We stayed at the Bahia resort. Our room was in the First 3 story building and had a full kitchen it was huge. We overlooked the bay and could see the seaworld tower from the room. It was close to the beach and shopping to get groceries.

We were thinking the Dana on Mission Bay. Didn't book yet. Still deciding.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I forgot to add Mr. Toad's Wild Ride on our DLP itinerary How could I forget that ride?????? People at WDW are still mourning the loss of that ride (and the submarine).

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

After looking at the calendar, I called and changed our DLR dates. We will be at DLP the following: June 22nd - June 26th

I am hoping that by going during the week, the crowds will be a little better (crowd-wise).

Does anyone have past experience booking a package through Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc.? Initially, I had a hotel reservation with a AAA discount and then added the four-day Park Hoppers. However, when I called to change the dates, the CM asked me if I wanted access to MM and MTTMM. I thought they were included in my other park tickets since I purchased more than three days. So with the CM's advice I changed our package scared: more $$$$$). Did the CM give me bad advice? Did I already have MM and MTTMM access with my initial tickets/reservation? Just curious. I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I got off the phone, like I had been scammed.

Thank you in advance for any comments on this matter.

Jennifer

 

[wdhinn89]

After looking at the calendar, I called and changed our DLR dates. We will be at DLP the following: June 22nd - June 26th

I am hoping that by going during the week, the crowds will be a little better (crowd-wise).

Does anyone have past experience booking a package through Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc.? Initially, I had a hotel reservation with a AAA discount and then added the four-day Park Hoppers. However, when I called to change the dates, the CM asked me if I wanted access to MM and MTTMM. I thought they were included in my other park tickets since I purchased more than three days. So with the CM's advice I changed our package scared: more $$$$$). Did the CM give me bad advice? Did I already have MM and MTTMM access with my initial tickets/reservation? Just curious. I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I got off the phone, like I had been scammed.

Thank you in advance for any comments on this matter.

Jennifer

If you stay on property, which looks like you are staying at DLR, you are supposed to have access to ALL MM. The CM either didn't know what he/she was talking about or something has changed

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I'll call them again and try to speak with a different CM. However, the kids are like magnets. They sense when I get on the phone and are glued to me. I have tried to call back a few times. But, I was on hold way too long. So, I had to hang up. I'll try again.

Thank you for your reply.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Now that the DLR portion of the trip is planned/booked, I am now working on San Diego.

I need some hotel/resort recommendations for a "family". We love the water. So, being close to water is a plus (but not a must).

So far, I've seen the following hotels mentioned:
Bahia resort
Dana on Mission Bay

For giggles, I priced Hotel del Coronado. Has anyone stayed there? Are children welcome? We're from Texas. But, we are not hillbillies, drive a pick-up truck or have a horse in our backyard (Even though DD6's begs for a horse most every day. Her robotic horse Butterscotch will have to suffice.). Our children are pretty well-behaved for their respective ages. With that said (written), would children be out-of-place at Hotel del Coronado. Same for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Any opinions welcome.

Jennifer

 

[wdhinn89]

Now that the DLR portion of the trip is planned/booked, I am now working on San Diego.

I need some hotel/resort recommendations for a "family". We love the water. So, being close to water is a plus (but not a must).

So far, I've seen the following hotels mentioned:
Bahia resort
Dana on Mission Bay

For giggles, I priced Hotel del Coronado. Has anyone stayed there? Are children welcome? We're from Texas. But, we are not hillbillies, drive a pick-up truck or have a horse in our backyard (Even though DD6's begs for a horse most every day. Her robotic horse Butterscotch will have to suffice.). Our children are pretty well-behaved for their respective ages. With that said (written), would children be out-of-place at Hotel del Coronado. Same for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Any opinions welcome.

Jennifer

I have read GREAT things about Hotel del Coronado and Loews Coronado but they are out of our price range. We booked the GC for our DL part of vacation and can't swing both.

We did just book the Dana on Mission Bay with the AAA discount. I heard you must book the Bay View to get the newer building. The Marina View is the older building and is a little worn.

 

[wdhinn89]

I'll call them again and try to speak with a different CM. However, the kids are like magnets. They sense when I get on the phone and are glued to me. I have tried to call back a few times. But, I was on hold way too long. So, I had to hang up. I'll try again.

Thank you for your reply.

Jennifer

Did you ever get through?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Did you ever get through?

I have sent the kiddos upstairs and am now on hold with Disney. I am determined to get through this time. Am I the only one who feels the hold time is too long????

Update:
My initial reservation had a AAA discount on the room and the 4-day Park Hopper tickets added on by themselves. So, we were only eligible for the MM. However, the CM I spoke with the other day told me we weren't eligible for MM. So, that is what started this whole "new" reservation. So, I was a little mislead by the other CM. However, I am now "over it" after speaking with the CM today.

With my "new" package I lost the room discount , but gained a few "perks":
4-Day Park Hopper Souvenir Ticket (1 per person)
One Magic Morning
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness
Downtown Disney District Fun Card (I'm not 100% sure what this is????? I need to look into it. We have a AAA card. I know we can get some dining discounts with it at DLR.)
Pin & Lanyard (1 per person) (The kids will like this. Are the lanyards like the ones you purchase at WDW?)
Disney's California Adventure Preferred Seating (We'll probably use it for Aladdin. I hear they just started back up. I really want to see this.)

Being our first DLR trip, I am now fine with the extra expense for a few perks. However, next time (I assume there will be a next time.) I will book the type of package I initially booked.

The pricing at the Hotel del Coronado was surprising reasonable. However, DH always tells me my "normal" hotel rates reasoning has been skewed by over-paying at WDW for so many years. Nowhere but at Disney would I ever think to pay more than $200 for a hotel room.

Thank you for all your input. It has helped immensely.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Is the Tinker Bell Meet and Greet at Pixie Hollow part of MTTMM? We didn't even attempt it at WDW this past winter. Being so new, the line was crazy long.

Jennifer

 

[DangerMouse]

Is the Tinker Bell Meet and Greet at Pixie Hollow part of MTTMM? We didn't even attempt it at WDW this past winter. Being so new, the line was crazy long.

Jennifer

No, sorry, it's in a completely different area of the park. I don't believe they have it open for MM either.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

No, sorry, it's in a completely different area of the park. I don't believe they have it open for MM either.

Okay, back to the drawing board. Thank you for the info!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I spoke with my Aunt (Mom's brother's wife) yesterday. They live in CA. They are going to meet us in Vegas! They go often. So, she told me tell them whatever show we want and they can have their concierge contact get the tickets. Does anyone recommend any Vegas shows? I plan to get an in-room sitter for the kids. So, we can have an adults-only night. I can't wait! I don't know if I ever mentioned it, I am a Stay-at-Home Mommy and homeschool DS8. DD6 goes to a Charter Elementary School. DS8 will be going there next year too. Needless to say, I NEED this vacation just as much as DH.

I wish I spoke with her before making my DLR reservation. Her sister works for Disney and could have got us discounted park tickets. There's always next time. I assume with the love we have for "anything" Disney, we'll be back.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I am 99% sure we are going to stay at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I just received an email from Club Corp. We are social members of the country club in our community (due to the POA bylaws), which makes us members of Club Corp. We receive a 20% discount at Hotel del Coronado. When I saw that, it made staying there even more enticing.

Has anyone stayed at Hotel del Coronado?

Jennifer

 

[mariezp]

We have never stayed there but I always wanted to! You will have to give a report back so I will know what I am missing!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I finally found a ticker for the trip! I love seeing everyone's tickers in their signatures.

Even though I have posted on the DISboards numerous times, my computer knowledge is limited. I was so excited the other day when I linked my pre-trip report to my signature without the whole link showing.



Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We have never stayed there but I always wanted to! You will have to give a report back so I will know what I am missing!

I will make sure to give a full report when we get back.

DH has been talking about going away for Christmas this year. I loved reading your TP and it has me interested in visiting DLR during the holidays too. My children would love Santa's Reindeer Round-up. Besides the HM being decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas decorations, do they do anything else special for the holidays at DLR? Do they have any special parties (like MVMCP at MK)?

Jennifer

 

[Hound 109]

I am 99% sure we are going to stay at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I just received an email from Club Corp. We are social members of the country club in our community (due to the POA bylaws), which makes us members of Club Corp. We receive a 20% discount at Hotel del Coronado. When I saw that, it made staying there even more enticing.

Has anyone stayed at Hotel del Coronado?

Jennifer

Check out KC Mike's trip report. Lots of info & cool pics.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1864064

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Check out KC Mike's trip report. Lots of info & cool pics.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1864064

Thank you for the link. I'll check it out.

Jennifer