First time visit. Need help planning

[rainmancp]

Planning on going the 2/4-2/7
3 days park 4 night hotel

I wanted the DLH but they are sold out of Standard Rooms
The GC is available but at substantially higher rates
I was told they had a convention thus reason why DLH is booked up.

Question is should I reschedule my trip because of this convention or just book with GC and have a crowded weekend?
Does it mean a convention will be crowded in the parks?

Reason I rather stay at a resort is because will be DGF's first ever visit to any Disney park and my first visit to DL (been to WDW before). And I want both of us to get the full experience of Disney plus it's her bday that weekend so it's a present as well.

 

[tinkcollector]

There are so many conventions that go on in the area, that I really do not think that should matter. In fact if the convention goer's are at the convention then the park should be less crowded. Just a thought. As for which hotel. I have never stayed at the GC as cost has always been a factor for me. But, if I could afford it I would stay there at least once.

 

[rainmancp]

thanks for the advice tink

 

[szubieta]

We love staying there. Really if the cost is workable, I would say you really have to try it. Don't get me wrong we also like DLH, but GCH is right there and rustic. We love camping and live close to Yosmite, it really feels like we're staying in Yosemite. When your in DCA your room is right there. Even when your at DL you feel like your steps away from your room. But all the resort hotels are within walking and there are a lot of hotel within walking distance too. They are as close as DLH and PPH. But in our book nothing compare the the GCH.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Spent most of. my life 20 minutes away from the parks and always had an ap. Personally, I would not spend the money on GC. There are literally hundreds of hotels and motels within walking distance of the parks

Here is what I would do. . .unless I could get my choice hotel, I would stay offsite at HOJOs or the Portofino. Walk to the parks every day and if I needed a nap I would be close enough. The Portofino is closer than the walk between Boardwalk and DHS at WDW. . .

 

[rainmancp]

okay so i decided to extend our trip for 5 days/nights to take advantage of the 2 day free since GC is so expensive. I will pay more but per night it will be less overall.

I also want to upgrade the 5 day park hopper to an AP once I get to DL. I can do that right? Hopefully they'll let me keep my souvenir ticket as well.

I'm considering booking through Costco because it includes the character dining and $20 gift card. Does anyone else know if there are any better additions/freebies that would make my trip better? I'm not too concerned with whom I book with.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Yes you can upgrade your hopper so long as it didn't cost more than your AP will ~ I find it incredibly annoying and unbelievable that 2 APs cost less than a 3 day hopper! No, I don't believe you'll be able to keep your souvenir ticket. BTW I've stayed at each of the 3 onsite hotels and GCH is my least fave. I prefer DLH and PP over GCH ~ anybody can sit and enjoy the lobby (which is lovely) but the room, is dark, woodsy and small. If Costco is the same or better in price + a character meal ~ go with them!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Yes you can upgrade your hopper so long as it didn't cost more than your AP will ~ I find it incredibly annoying and unbelievable that 2 APs cost less than a 3 day hopper! No, I don't believe you'll be able to keep your souvenir ticket. BTW I've stayed at each of the 3 onsite hotels and GCH is my least fave. I prefer DLH and PP over GCH ~ anybody can sit and enjoy the lobby (which is lovely) but the room, is dark, woodsy and small. If Costco is the same or better in price + a character meal ~ go with them!

We have always been able to keep the souvenir ticket! We did Costco last year for August at the time it was better than any ala carte I could do. We loved the GCH.

Jack

 

[rainmancp]

Yes you can upgrade your hopper so long as it didn't cost more than your AP will ~ I find it incredibly annoying and unbelievable that 2 APs cost less than a 3 day hopper! No, I don't believe you'll be able to keep your souvenir ticket. BTW I've stayed at each of the 3 onsite hotels and GCH is my least fave. I prefer DLH and PP over GCH ~ anybody can sit and enjoy the lobby (which is lovely) but the room, is dark, woodsy and small. If Costco is the same or better in price + a character meal ~ go with them!

yea i rather stay at DLH too but they are booked up. I guess I can keep checking until we get there.

We have always been able to keep the souvenir ticket! We did Costco last year for August at the time it was better than any ala carte I could do. We loved the GCH.

Jack

Good because the DGf loves to keep everything and will scrapbook this trip.