first time Disneyland goer HELP

[MinnieMommy4]

I am thinking of going to Disneyland either the first or second week in may or september sometime or October. I have a 2 and 4 year old so I am mostly concerned about finding a lower crowd time with decent weather (hopefully not too hot, but I know you can't be sure on weather)

Anyway I am also hoping to find a hotel within walking distance, we would spend 4 nights and so Disneyland for 3 days or possibly 5 nights and 4 days at Disney. What are the best hotels close?! (Clean etc) but budget friendly?! We are trying to do this trip as cheap as possible...we dont have cards with points so it will all be done with cash, any helpful hints\tips are appreciated, we already know that we can bring food in the park and plan on doing so (our kids are picky anyway and we would rather splurge on a few special treats).

Any who what are the best ways to get hotels\tickets?! Also are there any horrible hotels to avoid?! And once again what are generally the least crowded times to go?! (Is there a better time than those I have chosen beside jan\feb?)


Thanks all!

 

[HydroGuy]

I am thinking of going to Disneyland either the first or second week in may or september sometime or October. I have a 2 and 4 year old so I am mostly concerned about finding a lower crowd time with decent weather (hopefully not too hot, but I know you can't be sure on weather)

Anyway I am also hoping to find a hotel within walking distance, we would spend 4 nights and so Disneyland for 3 days or possibly 5 nights and 4 days at Disney. What are the best hotels close?! (Clean etc) but budget friendly?! We are trying to do this trip as cheap as possible...we dont have cards with points so it will all be done with cash, any helpful hints\tips are appreciated, we already know that we can bring food in the park and plan on doing so (our kids are picky anyway and we would rather splurge on a few special treats).

Any who what are the best ways to get hotels\tickets?! Also are there any horrible hotels to avoid?! And once again what are generally the least crowded times to go?! (Is there a better time than those I have chosen beside jan\feb?)


Thanks all!

The week after Labor Day tends to be very low crowds and I would think would be a great time for a 4 and 2 year old. October tends to be a bit busier than September because of HalloweenTime.

Best Western Park Place Inn (BWPPI) is a good bet for you. It is the closest hotel to the parks aside from GCH. There are other reasonable options there along Harbor Blvd. One hotel that gets mixed reviews and I would avoid is Park View Inn next door to BWPPI. This map shows you your options:

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

You can get tickets a little cheaper than DLR from AresTravel.com

 

[sherilaine]

As far as weather goes - September can be the hottest time of the year there, so might want to keep that in mind. Although that is a great time to go for crowds while your kids are still not in school.

We went the very first week of May last year and it was not too bad - grad nights do not start now until May 16th so I would try to go before that begins especially with young kids.

There are plenty of hotels within walking distance which can be affordable. I am sure you'll get plenty of great suggestions. We stay in the Kids Suites at the HOJO but they are not that cheap and they have bunk beds which might not be ideal for younger kids. If you are looking for 2 queen configuration then there is a tonne to choose from.

There is also a budget board on the DIS if you are looking for ideas on how to save money on your trip.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

Have fun planning.

 

[awinangie]

If you want a hotel within walking distance, then I would heartily encourage you to stay on Harbor Blvd between 1460 S Harbor (Fairfield Inn) at the north end of the block and 1650 S Harbor (Ramada Inn Maingate) at the south end of the block.

Take a look at Google Maps and zoom down to almost street level. Each of the hotels are labeled at that view. The crosswalk onto the Disney property is at IHOP (1560 S Harbor).

As far as I've seen, all of the hotels on that strip are reviewed well, though you'll surely find someone with bad experiences everywhere. I've stayed at several of the hotels over the years, but have only stayed at Desert Inn & Suites since my first stay there. It's consistently the cheapest on the block and is one of the closest to the crosswalk. In my opinion, the worst part of the Desert Inn & Suites is the pool, an indoor small thing that's not much to speak of... But, my daughter tells me, "We're not going there to swim!"

Most, though not all, of the hotels have microwaves and fridges in the rooms. That's important to us, as we eat both breakfast and lunch (before nap) in the room. Most also provide a free continental breakfast, of varying reviews. I always use the continental breakfast and then supplement the meal with boiled eggs that we bring (from a local friend's house).

There are a few cheaper hotels farther away, that may be easier on your budget, but I'm not sure the distance is worth your trouble. I cannot emphasize the value of being able to head back to the hotel for a nap. Makes for a much more pleasant vacation! My nieces/nephews (& now daughter) have all taken naps when they've gone to Disneyland with me... From age 1 through age 11. It's an exhausting place. And you can have so much more fun when well-rested!

In my experience, it's easiest to reserve directly with the hotel. Sometimes package deals will be cost effective, but I think that most of the time they add on things you don't need to pay for. (Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.) I've also found that rates are best when you reserve early!

Others will know much more than me about good travel dates, but I suspect you're right in your thinking...

And here's an unsolicited opinion... Others will disagree, I'm sure...

If you're going to Disneyland mostly for the kids and won't be able to go often, then you might consider waiting until they get older... I always thought that about age 6 was the perfect age to go for the first time. That was before motherhood when I was going with friends and nieces and nephews. Everyone, including babies, always had fun, but it just seemed to me like they could more fully benefit from the experience when they had a bit more stamina and maturity. And if it's a rare experience, then it wouldn't hurt to wait.

That said, my mother took our family when my own daughter was 4.5. She definitely had less stamina than her cousins, but she had a blast and remembers it more than I ever expected, six years later. Now that we're planning our second trip, the earlier experience will surely enrich the joy of this one...

And... if you're going to Disneyland because YOU want to experience it with your children, then don't hesitate!!! You'll have a blast!!

 

[Cubicleprisoner]

I went to DLR for the first time 9/9/12 - 9/15/12. The crowds were low but it was hotter than expected. There are no fireworks at DL from Mon-Thurs in Sept. I just got back from my second DL trip 12/14/13 - 12/20/13. The weather was nice but the crowds were heavy. They have fireworks scheduled every night at DL, but they were cancelled on three nights due to the high Santa Ana winds. I'll probably be taking my next DL trip the first week in May 2015. I stayed at Paradise Pier in 2012 (too expensive). This time, I stayed at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott across the street and half a block over from DL and it was nice (especially to save over 50%). Two other hotels you my want to investigate include The Howard Johnson and The Candy Cane Inn. You will love DL and California Adventure. DLR is smaller than WDW but it is more magical and the quality of just about everything is higher.

 

[mrsw94]

Traveling with younger kids is always harder, but they will LOVE it! I'd recommend the Ramada Inn Maingate. We just stayed there and it was great. The pool is nice with a cute little splash area. So walkable it's not even funny. DD11 and I walked hubby and her little brother back to the room one night, then headed back to the park. We left the hotel at 8pm, we were entering Adventureland by 8:13. So easy!! They also have free parking and a complementary breakfast. Nothing fancy, but it will get food in your tummy and get you out the door. (Also a money saver) They also have fridges and microwaves in the room.

The weather will fluctuate, but if you are staying somewhere with a pool it's not too bad. I'd also recommend having your stay include a weekend night or two. Fantasmic and the Fireworks are fabulous, but will only run on the weekends that time of year.

We did our last trip (Early Dec.) on a tight budget, so if you need more sugestions, I have them!

 

[MinnieMommy4]

Thanks everyone for the input so far! I think we would be at the park wed, Thurs, Fri so we wouldn't miss fireworks. is two weeks really a big difference in crowds in sept? If we went in sept I was contemplating doing the first trick or treat party... Is that one usually really crowded?!


Mrsw94, I would LOVE any budget tips you have. Its our first family trip period so everything is new to me! (And a little overwhelming)

Also its for us and the kids. We hope to go over 3 years or so. We waited this long so the kids would be older

 

[mrsw94]

Thanks everyone for the input so far! I think we would be at the park wed, Thurs, Fri so we wouldn't miss fireworks. is two weeks really a big difference in crowds in sept? If we went in sept I was contemplating doing the first trick or treat party... Is that one usually really crowded?!


Mrsw94, I would LOVE any budget tips you have. Its our first family trip period so everything is new to me! (And a little overwhelming)

Also its for us and the kids. We hope to go over 3 years or so. We waited this long so the kids would be older

Here goes!

For the dates, I think most of the dates in Sept aren't too bad, although I seem to recall that the first party can be pretty busy. Some things to consider...

-if you think you want to do the party, check out the fireworks show on youtube. My kids (5 year old boy and 11 year old girl) HATED it. Scared the crap out of them. (Excuse my language, it was rough!) If they scare easily, it might not be the best choice. Also, if they are having the party on Friday, then they won't show the regular fireworks, just the Halloween ones.

-The party is a GREAT way to get autographs, TONS of characters out. That being said, and knowing you are on a budget, it might not be worth it, especially if they won't like the fireworks. My FIL paid for our tickets and I was SOOO thankful we hadn't!

-They call the 'parade' a Cavalcade because it's much shorter than a regular Disney parade. Cute, but not earth shattering.

-Also, the kids can dress up anytime, but if you adore the idea of dressing up at DL, then go, because it's the only time you can come in full costume.

Ok, those are my Halloween Party and dates thoughts.

Now, a couple of question for you...
Are you flying or driving?
Are character meals a must-do?
Anything you or the hubby(I think?) dying to do?

I'm happy to help!!

 

[LisaT91403]

I'm a local with an annual pass, and my two cents...September can be really hot. This will give you an idea of what the temperatures were like this year:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/anaheim-ca/92805/month/327150?monyr=9/01/2013

So if you are looking at September, maybe consider late in the month.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm a local with an annual pass, and my two cents...September can be really hot. This will give you an idea of what the temperatures were like this year:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/anaheim-ca/92805/month/327150?monyr=9/01/2013

So if you are looking at September, maybe consider late in the month.

LisaT91403 --

I totally agree about the weather -- September is one of those months that can trick people into thinking it is going to be cooler simply because Fall starts in September. And sometimes it may be a reasonable 75 degrees but it can also soar into crazy high temperatures (in 2010 -- 113 degrees in L.A., for example). This past year we also saw a bit more humidity than we usually see, so that was a joy to deal with on top of the heat. Even October can get really hot sometimes.


MinnieMommy4 --

As for crowds, yes, the first Halloween party of the season is always busy, and always ends up selling out. Plus, it would be a Friday night and Fridays are always going to attract lots of people. Most of the parties sell out these days. It won't be insanely crowded to the point of not being able to move, but most folks agree that the parties are beginning to get more crowded than they used to be -- it seems that Disney sells too many tickets to what should feel more like an exclusive event.

Also, one thing that seemed to be taking place in 2013 was a shift of the balance of crowds during certain time frames. There were times in which crowds used to be a bit lower in the past, but in 2013 those time frames suddenly got busier. Meanwhile the times that used to be (predictably) really busy were not as busy as expected.

Post-Labor Day and pre-Halloween Time in September would probably be the least crowded time frame.

 

[MinnieMommy4]

Here goes!

For the dates, I think most of the dates in Sept aren't too bad, although I seem to recall that the first party can be pretty busy. Some things to consider...

-if you think you want to do the party, check out the fireworks show on youtube. My kids (5 year old boy and 11 year old girl) HATED it. Scared the crap out of them. (Excuse my language, it was rough!) If they scare easily, it might not be the best choice. Also, if they are having the party on Friday, then they won't show the regular fireworks, just the Halloween ones.

-The party is a GREAT way to get autographs, TONS of characters out. That being said, and knowing you are on a budget, it might not be worth it, especially if they won't like the fireworks. My FIL paid for our tickets and I was SOOO thankful we hadn't!

-They call the 'parade' a Cavalcade because it's much shorter than a regular Disney parade. Cute, but not earth shattering.

-Also, the kids can dress up anytime, but if you adore the idea of dressing up at DL, then go, because it's the only time you can come in full costume.

Ok, those are my Halloween Party and dates thoughts.

Now, a couple of question for you...
Are you flying or driving?
Are character meals a must-do?
Anything you or the hubby(I think?) dying to do?

I'm happy to help!!

Thanks so much! sounds like it may be best to wait until they are older for the Halloween party! I don't mind the language haha trust me I have heard worse!

as for your other questions... im not really sure if there is anything we are dying to do lol, we have never been to DL or WDW

I am planning on driving (we live in Utah so its cheaper) unless jet blue does one of their special cheaper flights for the time we decide... then I might fly, but still there is a good chance driving would be what we would do.

I think a character meal sounds like it fun (from the name) I don't really know what they are though. lol I feel dumb! maybe you can explain them a bit? have you done them?


I guess really my all time biggest thing is trying to find a low crowd time, and not waiting a year to go. (I prefer to not wait until nov, dec, or jan/feb of next year. if we go in may it would need to be more "budget friendly" than fall since we obviously wouldn't have as much time to save, plan, look for deals etc.

anywho that's a little more of how much I really don't know yet haha thanks for all the help everyone so far!!

 

[mrsw94]

Thanks so much! sounds like it may be best to wait until they are older for the Halloween party! I don't mind the language haha trust me I have heard worse!

as for your other questions... im not really sure if there is anything we are dying to do lol, we have never been to DL or WDW

I am planning on driving (we live in Utah so its cheaper) unless jet blue does one of their special cheaper flights for the time we decide... then I might fly, but still there is a good chance driving would be what we would do.

I think a character meal sounds like it fun (from the name) I don't really know what they are though. lol I feel dumb! maybe you can explain them a bit? have you done them?


I guess really my all time biggest thing is trying to find a low crowd time, and not waiting a year to go. (I prefer to not wait until nov, dec, or jan/feb of next year. if we go in may it would need to be more "budget friendly" than fall since we obviously wouldn't have as much time to save, plan, look for deals etc.

anywho that's a little more of how much I really don't know yet haha thanks for all the help everyone so far!!

I think September or Early October would be great. You can go ahead and book the hotel now and then keep looking for a better price. Often, the further you book, the cheaper the price.

I prefer to drive (we are in the San Francisco Bay Area), mostly because I bring so much stuff! One of my biggest money savers is that I bring food with us. Disney allows you to bring food into the parks without hassle. (as long as there is no glass). So we bring tons of snacks, water bottles, and even our lunches. We stay at a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast. That way, our main food expense is dinner and some special snacks. I even buy the 20oz bottles of soda when they go on sale at the grocery store and then pack them in the a cooler. That way, when hubby and I need a pick me up, we are paying $3 plus for a soda.

As for the character meals. The tend to be a bit pricey, depending on if your littlest is 3 or not $75-$100 or so. (Possibly a bit more). They are basicall a buffet meal, but then the characters come up to your table, sign autograph books, and interact with the people at the table. If characters and autographs are important, it can be really fun.

As for low crowds, it's honestly a crapshoot, but with some preparation, you can still have a great time. We went in October a couple of times, and then in 2012, because of Carsland, it was SUPER busy while we were there, not what I was expecting, but we still had fun. Even with crowds, if you can get there before rope drop (if the park opens at 8, be to the gates by 7:30), you can get quite a few rides in, even during busy times. Go back to the hotel in the afternoon for naps and a swim, then back to the parks for dinner and enjoy the evening shows and maybe a few more rides.

Hope that helps! Let us know if there are any other questions we can answer!