First Timer to DL Questions

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

We are vets of WDW and will be going to DL for the first time in June.
We are a family of 6. Me, DH, DS 11, DS 8, DS 4 and DS2.

What are the occupancy rules for the hotels on site? Do they count DS2 as a person or not because he is under 3 like at WDW? I know codes vary from state to state.

Does DL ever offer pin codes for discounts like they do at WDW?

We have our GAD tickets to redeem. We are going to use them and then upgrade the ticket to a multi day ticket. If we use our GAD ticket and then upgrade to a 3 day hopper pass, does that mean we have 3 more days? Just want to make sure the GAD used ticket doesn't count towards the new 3 days. I have never upgraded tickets before.

Thanks!

 

[clairabell29]

If you have used your day then yes it counts, your 3 day will be a 2 day. If you want 4 days in the park you need to upgrade to a 4 day pass. Do not know about pin codes, but at DL you don't have to stay on site like at DW. There are no huge perks. There are however nice hotels in walking distance for 1/2 the price. The HOJO across the street is highly talked about on here and has a great kids pool play area your kids would love. If you are going for the Disney atmosphere then go for a DL hotel. Hope that helps!

 

[poohnpigletCA]

Hi we just did the opposite of you. We know DL so well and just took our first trip to the DW. At DW we stayed at WL and POFQ.

For Disney Hotels there are 3, yes only 3.
The Grand Californian, Although it has the same architect as WL it has a different feel. This hotel typically runs $200 more a night then the other 2 hotels and they are all extremely close. We loved WL but for some reason GC seems oddly laid out and darker. It is fun to walk through the lobby and maybe a meal.

Paradise Pier, It is across the street from the GC you can walk directly across the street and through the GC and you are in the park. This is one of our favorites. It has 2 Queen beds and a couch which is a daybed. My SIL got her rooms there in October and paid $110 a night from Expedia. Mousesavers.com usually has all of the different rates.

Disneyland Hotel, the original. It is the furthest walk through downtown Disney. They have the same room layout as PP but have just refurbished some of the rooms. The pool has a neverland theme and is our favorite pool of the 3 but is often the most crowded.

From what I understand you can not apply the GAD to multi day tickets. You would get your one day ticket for free and then buy a 3 day ticket. However, you can apply the GAD to the price of an AP. This would make your AP $210. It might be worth it to at least have one person in the group get an AP to get the AP rate at the hotel.

Good luck!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

What are the occupancy rules for the hotels on site? Do they count DS2 as a person or not because he is under 3 like at WDW? I know codes vary from state to state.

Everyone counts towards occupancy and maximum occupancy is 5 in all rooms but suites (which are ridiculously pricey). Definitely stay off site within walking distance. ART works for many people, but it's definitely a hassle with a stroller or worse yet a double stroller and 2 sleeping kids.

Does DL ever offer pin codes for discounts like they do at WDW?

They do. I've never received one. I have registered for everything and then some on Disney's sites and have not been lucky enough to be a "chosen one" yet.

We have our GAD tickets to redeem. We are going to use them and then upgrade the ticket to a multi day ticket. If we use our GAD ticket and then upgrade to a 3 day hopper pass, does that mean we have 3 more days? Just want to make sure the GAD used ticket doesn't count towards the new 3 days. I have never upgraded tickets before.

If you upgrade a ticket, you pay the difference between the GAD value ($72 for adults) and the cost of the ticket. You replace the old ticket with the new one so yes you'd get 3 days TOTAL with a 3 day PH. If you want 4 days, upgrade to the 4 day PH.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

From what I understand you can not apply the GAD to multi day tickets. You would get your one day ticket for free and then buy a 3 day ticket. However, you can apply the GAD to the price of an AP. This would make your AP $210. It might be worth it to at least have one person in the group get an AP to get the AP rate at the hotel.

Good luck!

Actually you can. From the website FAQ's regarding the GAD vouchers:

May I upgrade my free one day ticket to an Annual Pass or multi-day ticket?

Yes, you may upgrade the free ticket to another ticket type of greater value within the applicable upgrade window. However, you are responsible for the incremental cost and the new ticket may only be used by you. No changes or refunds will be given. The value of the free ticket may not be used to combine or upgrade with a separate single or multi-day ticket.

 

[poohnpigletCA]

Actually you can. From the website FAQ's regarding the GAD vouchers:

May I upgrade my free one day ticket to an Annual Pass or multi-day ticket?

Yes, you may upgrade the free ticket to another ticket type of greater value within the applicable upgrade window. However, you are responsible for the incremental cost and the new ticket may only be used by you. No changes or refunds will be given. The value of the free ticket may not be used to combine or upgrade with a separate single or multi-day ticket.

Awesome.

I was looking at the section that if you already had an AP or multi-day ticket then you had your choice of a pin or fastpass instead or donating the ticket. That is good to know.