first time at DL, some questions

[Lisa F]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are taking the 14 day repositioning cruise from FL to CA on the Disney Magic and are planning to spend 3 nights at DL when we get in. Unfortunately, the ship is getting in on Memorial Day weekend so I'm expecting crowds to be heavy. Is most of a Saturday, all day Sunday and all day Monday enough time to feel like we have "done" Disneyland? I would much rather be complete there and see DCA if we have time later.

Also, we want to stay at the Grand Californian since this is a sort of "once in a lifetime" thing. We may get back to DL someday but since we just bought a house and are planning to start a family in a couple of years, I'm not anticipating that for quite some time (being east coasters). I'm a little concerned about waiting too long to book the room because of the holiday and because of all of the people coming off the ship who might have the same idea.

The 50th anniversary package actually works for us since we are staying 3 nights, but I wondered if the price was marked up super high. You get the 3 nights in a standard view, 2 4-day parkhoppers, a walk in walt's footsteps tour and a clock (could take it or leave it) for about $1400. From what I've read, weekend rates are higher at the DL hotels? Is it likely that I will be able to do better by waiting? How hard is it to cancel a package if I find it's better to book things separately? One thing that is weird to me is that the entire balance is due by december, 2004 (for a may 2005 trip).

What are my chances at getting the fantasmic dessert buffet for that weekend? If I call right when they open for reservations is it pretty sure that I'll get it?

What else should we know to make this the perfect end to our dream trip?

Thanks for any help!

 

[iceskatejen]

I would expect the crowds to be extremely heavy that weekend. If you're just doing DL and skipping DCA, I think you'll probably be able to see it all in 3 days. Can't really comment on the hotel package as I'm a local and don't stay in the hotels, but considering it's a holiday weekend and what the rates likely would be, it's probably not too bad a deal. The tour they include is $49 I think, not sure what 4-day hoppers go for these days as I have an AP and don't pay too close of attention to those.

 

[Alice28]

I know those rooms' rack rates are $310 a night; since it's a holiday weekend, I bet that's what you would pay. I think if you skip DCA, that should be enough time to see everything, and you may even have time to hop to DCA to ride Soarin and a few other things. One piece of advice- if you want to see all the rides in Fantasyland, go there first thing in the AM on Sunday. You should be able to go on most of them in rapid succession, starting with the Matterhorn first, then go to Peter Pan. Obviously if it's you and DH you can skip Dumbo, the Carousel, but don't miss Alice, the Matterhorn, and Storybookland Canal boats- some Disneyland classics that aren't at WDW. Pinocchio too! (and that almost never has a line- save that for last)

Another morning (first thing) hit Indy, Splash, Pirates and Haunted and I think you'll be in great shape. They are taking away Fastpass from some of the faster loading rides like Pirates and Haunted (read on MiceAge.com), but it will still be available on Splash and Indy. Have a great time!

 

[only1mouse]

You will have a great time, I'm sure. You should be able to get through DL in 3 days. As for the price, I would say don't wait, the prices will go up as you get closer to the time and with that being a holiday weekend and the first major holdiay weekend during the 50th anniversary celebration it will no doubt fill up. I also don't like package deals and prefer to book everything seperately. I am an AP so that does make a difference, but I think you can get better deals just calling reservations and asking for any specials. The GC is a beautiful hotel. I stayed there in June of 03 and we had a DTD view it was great and I think well worth the money. The access to the parks and DTD is remarkable.

If you call, you should be able to get priority seating for Fantasmic - I have not done this yet, but next time I will make sure I get these reservations.

If you get a chance to get over to DCA I wouldn't miss Screamin or Soarin - they are great rides. If staying at GC you have your own entrance to DCA.

Lunch at Blue Bayou is a must and getting a table on the water is a plus. I'd make sure to make priority seating arrangements as I think they stopped allowing ps at the door.

Have a great time on your cruise, we are going on the final cruise to Mexico before the ship heads back to Florida, but we are not adding a trip to DL as I am down there quite often and the DH will have enough "Disney" with the cruise.

 

[dletz]

Assuming the price is 310 (which looks like unless the prices go up next year (which they might) that will be the price per night)

3 nights 310*3=930
2 4 day hoppers 159*2=318
Walk in wal 49*2= 98
total 1346

Also I haven't included room tax in the 3 nights (I can't remember what it is in anaheim), but what I found says 10-15%, so at 10% that's an additional 93 so the total would be 1439. That's not including any increase in prices between now and then and the clock.

Also do you have to pay the resort fee, because I don't remember what it costs ($7 or 8 maybe), but if that is included in the package then you can add at least $21 to the total.

I'd probably keep the package at least for a while and then compare prices later.

 

[Lisa F]

Thank you so much for all of the help! It's kind of funny because DH would have NEEDED to do the walk in walt's footsteps tour anyway and it's interesting that it was included in the package (though not surprising given the 50th anniversary celebration). I still am hoping that we have enough time to see everything! I guess we will definitely be park commandos, but I'm so excited!

dletz, thanks for the breakdown. It makes me feel better knowing what I am paying for. I am not expecting a bargain that weekend but it's nice to know I'm not paying a premium and it sounds like it's actually a little bit of savings because of the tax (it's actually $1398, so $40-60 savings depending on what the tax is, plus the free clock!) Since we have the 4th day parkhopper we are reevaluating our previous plans to take an earlier flight on the 31st and actually are considering a redeye to give us another day in the parks (maybe it will be a bit quieter on the tuesday after memorial day too!)

Does anyone know how long it takes to get to long beach airport? We will probably be flying jet blue. Also, are there any favored "towncar" services like at WDW?

I'm sure I will have a million more questions. Thanks for all of the other comments about what not to miss and how to approach the parks... We definitely want to try Blue Bayou... any tips for getting a table on the water? Sounds like things are going to be utterly packed and crazy.

Lisa

 

[Firefly777]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get to long beach airport? We will probably be flying jet blue. Also, are there any favored "towncar" services like at WDW?

It takes about 25 minutes to get to the Long Beach Airport from Disneyland.

I'm sure there are towncar services. I think there are some listed at this thread: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=598633.

I'm sure I will have a million more questions. Thanks for all of the other comments about what not to miss and how to approach the parks... We definitely want to try Blue Bayou... any tips for getting a table on the water? Sounds like things are going to be utterly packed and crazy.

The best way to get a seat by the water is to get your reservation at 11:30am or sometime very close to that. That is when the place opens and they seat front (waterside) to back.

If you can't do that. Just ask for a waterside table when you get there. You most likely will have to wait a little longer though.

You can make reservations either 30 or 60 days out for Blue Bayou through the phone. Just call 714-781-DINE .