First trip since the pandemic and bringing 9 teens

[smiles33]

Our last trip to DLR was before the pandemic (March 2019!) and so much has changed. I've been reading threads about Genie+, ROTR, WS, and getting a bit overwhelmed. I am posting now as I primarily need help managing a large group of teens at DLR.

We don't have our dates yet but I'm thinking of bringing my 2 DDs and 7 of my older daughter's friends. DH went on 4 family DLR trips but he dislikes crowds, rides, and people so he's skipping this one. We will go to DLR when he has scheduled a boys' trip so he is also out of town. If possible, I'm hoping our trip will be in August/September, likely on a weekend as I don't want to chaperone 9 teens for a full week.

I'm assuming their families will be happy to cover the cost of their flights/tickets/food, but I figure I'd cover lodging and local ground transportation.

Questions:

1) Where should we stay? As a family of 4, we previously stayed at the HoJo (2 trips), BWPPI, DLH, and GCH. I love the GCH but I am not going to splurge on that for these teens as we'd need 3 rooms minimum (1 for 4 guys, 1 for 4 girls, and 1 for my youngest DD and me). I know staying within walking distance makes the most sense so the teens can walk back themselves (we don't plan to tour the parks together). Yet it may be more economical to rent an AirBnB that's 10 minutes away as we'll have more space to spread out. Thoughts?

2) We would fly into John Wayne Airport. I found two car services that have large vans that can transport 10 passengers: Anaheim Town Car and AM Limo Services. Anyone have a rec? I'm nervous about renting a Sprinter van and driving it myself as I'd have to figure out parking. I'd rather use 2 Ubers/Lyfts if we decide to stay beyond walking distance and just pay for that to go to DLR and then return home at night. I just don't know if 16 year olds can access those apps (even if the rules say you must be 18, do drivers ever check?).

3) I was thinking of splurging on a VIP tour but the recent thread notes changes that make it seem marginally better than Genie+. I don't want to pay $700/hour and still stand in the LL for the "E-ticket" thrill rides I know we all love (RSR, Space, Incredicoaster, GOTG, etc.) and the new ones we haven't tried yet (ROTR, Falcon, and WS). Bringing the 9 teens with me makes me feel like at least I'm making the most of the VIP tour (compared to when I thought it would only be for 3 of us since my DH doesn't want to return to DLR).

Any other advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Wow! I am speechless, ha ha. Out of curiosity, why so many friends? That’s a lot of teens to be responsible for.

End of August/beginning of September should be pretty nice with school back in session.

 

[smiles33]

Wow! I am speechless, ha ha. Out of curiosity, why so many friends? That’s a lot of teens to be responsible for.

End of August/beginning of September should be pretty nice with school back in session.

Both my DDs have been really patient and understanding with the restrictions due to COVID. DH works in healthcare and we've been especially cautious so he doesn't get exposed through us and have to cancel patients. This meant DD1 missed several Sweet 16 parties because parents hosted them indoors at golf clubs, country clubs, etc. during the Omicron outbreak. Thus, I wanted to "make it up" to her by bringing her closest friends to hang out at DLR. I limited it to 7 of her friends as I told her if we do the VIP tour, we can only have 10 guests max and 2 spots are reserved for DD2 and me.

 

[sophy1996]

I’m not sure that a hotel will let you have 2 rooms with just teens in them. Check their requirements carefully. A house might work better. It would also help with keeping food costs down—teens eat a lot!

Transportation may be an issue. A quick look indicates you have to be 18 to use ride-share services. If outside walking distance, maybe look for something accessible to public transport (like the ART line).

 

[smiles33]

I’m not sure that a hotel will let you have 2 rooms with just teens in them. Check their requirements carefully. A house might work better. It would also help with keeping food costs down—teens eat a lot!

Transportation may be an issue. A quick look indicates you have to be 18 to use ride-share services. If outside walking distance, maybe look for something accessible to public transport (like the ART line).

Thanks so much for pointing out potential complications. I thought if I booked 3 rooms, the hotel wouldn't necessarily know who's staying in what room. I could try to get a 3 bedroom suite but I don't know that *I* want to be in the same unit as I tend to return home by 10 pm and I know these teens will stay out as late as possible (whenever DTD closes?).

I like the idea of renting a house with a kitchen so we can get breakfast and snacks there. I know you mentioned ART but how safe is it? Since I'm responsible for these 7 other teens, I don't want them getting into any situations with mentally ill homeless people or become victims of crime by taking public transit late at night. I know the rule might be you have to be 18, but do Uber/Lyft drivers ever check? I assume once the app is downloaded, they can't tell. Regardless, I am still wary of letting the teens get into Ubers/Lyft even if I insist the the group splits up with an even ratio of guys/girls so it's not 4 girls in one Uber. Thus, it goes back to staying within easy walking distance. By that I mean 5-10 minutes. I do not like the idea of walking 15+ minutes after a long day at DLR. That walk back to HoJo was exhausting (and I was pushing a double stroller both times but I'm also 10+ years older now).

 

[sophy1996]

I think the problem with the hotel is that they will know there is only one adult among the three rooms. So it’s not a matter of them not knowing who is in what room; it’s that they will know two rooms don’t (can’t) have an adult in them. And that might be against their rules. For larger families hotels generally allow kids in a connecting room to adults, but not sure what they would do with your situation. (Which may also be complicated by the fact that 7 of them aren’t your kids.)

As for ride-shares, my impression is that the drivers can (and are supposed to) cancel the ride on the spot if the rider appears to be underage and can’t produce ID.

I’ve never taken ART so don’t know about safety with that. But I would think, not a good idea at 1 am (DTD closing time) anyway.

 

[twodogs]

What about a suite at PPH? That is easy walking distance, so no worries about late night transportation. And if it is a suite, one adult should do the trick to cover all of the teens since they aren’t in a room alone. Agree with OP, you must have an adult be the “lead guest” on any hotel room, as far as I know, and you yourself can only be the lead on one room (but if it’s a multi-bedroom suite, you could be the adult for all of the suite).

As a mom of a 14 yo and 16yo DD, I would not put them in a ride share without an adult, period. But everyone feels differently about that. I would feel better with them walking through DTD and then to the hotel.

 

[twodogs]

Also Hyatt House Convention Center has connecting suites, which have 4 queen beds, 2 sleeper sofas and 2 kitchens.

 

[smiles33]

Thanks for all the great additional ideas. Yes, I'm looking into 3 bedroom suites now, as I think you're right the hotel won't let me get 3 separate rooms with only 1 adult. Or I need to find a hotel that has 3 adjoining rooms. I decided I want to be within walking distance as I just don't like the idea of the teens trying to use public transit or Uber/Lyft late at night.

I have never stayed at Paradise Pier but recall reading complaints that it's still a long walk and not as "Disney" as DLH or GCH despite the high price. We did the Surf's Up character breakfast there on one of our trips and I was not impressed. I generally don't like high-rise hotels and waiting for the elevator. I just put in some random August dates and it was $2500/night for a PP suite. That is more than I want to spend when I assume we're going rope drop until 10 pm or later.

I'm leaning toward a Harbor Ave. motel just across from the Esplanade that offers suites (Desert Inn, Tropicana) or adjoining rooms. I'll continue my research and welcome specific recs. Thanks all!

 

[Pluto468]

Disneyland Hotel has 3 bedroom suites. I'm sure they cost a ton but maybe if it was split between the kids' families it would be possible.

 

[Matrixleos]

Any other parent available to come with you?

As much as they all might be great kids and you think that you might be able to handle 9 teens by yourself, having another adult there to help supervise would take a ton of pressure off your shoulders.

Although if you're set to tackle this by yourself, here's my opinions on your questions.

1) Tropicana is right across the street on Harbor and the most cost efficient option from those close by locations.

Plus you'd only need 2 rooms, as one room sleeps 5 (2 beds and sofa converts to daybed).

2) Go with the service if they can transport all 10 of you at the same time. Trying to coordinate two Uber/Lyft/Taxi's for 9 teens is not worth the migraine that hassle would cause. Easy choice in my opinion going with the car service.

3) Group that large, I'd save the money and just get Genie+, use Lightning Lane several times when needed and splurge on several table service restaurants. Cost wise all that would still be cheaper than one day of VIP service.

Plus since everyone is a teen, talk to the group about taking advantage of the Single Rider options as often as possible. It will cut down on the time spent waiting on lines.

Whatever you decide, wishing you the best!

 

[gelatoni fan]

1. AirBnB is fickle. If you get availability for one, it could work out. I have stayed at a house just south of the Convention Center and the walk is fine for me. But you never know if something close enough will be available so once you factor in transportation, it may not necessarily be cheaper unless you plan to cook meals also. I generally recommend the Hyatt House which is one of the closer hotels that has free breakfast and isn't terrible quality for a reasonable price. A lot of hotels just across the street from the park are overpriced, old motels. You may also have to negotiate with the hotel. With high school conferences, one teacher can take like 30 kids to stay at a hotel but I don't know if hotels will be OK with just you and a bunch of a teenagers in three different rooms. There aren't that many 3 bedroom suite options.

2. A limo may be the best option. You can rent a van or stretch limo but I unfortunately don't have much experience with this.

3. A VIP tour only makes sense if everybody will want to do all the same things at the same time. It's not uncommon for teens (especially boys) to want to do Incredicoaster or other thrill rides multiple times in a row. Is your other DD also going to want to do the same things? I think it's best to just get Genie+ for everybody, let them run off and maybe meet up for meals and the night shows. I've been to the parks with 20 relatives and the only thing we all did together was World of Color.

 

[smiles33]

Any other parent available to come with you?

As much as they all might be great kids and you think that you might be able to handle 9 teens by yourself, having another adult there to help supervise would take a ton of pressure off your shoulders.

Although if you're set to tackle this by yourself, here's my opinions on your questions.

1) Tropicana is right across the street on Harbor and the most cost efficient option from those close by locations.

Plus you'd only need 2 rooms, as one room sleeps 5 (2 beds and sofa converts to daybed).

2) Go with the service if they can transport all 10 of you at the same time. Trying to coordinate two Uber/Lyft/Taxi's for 9 teens is not worth the migraine that hassle would cause. Easy choice in my opinion going with the car service.

3) Group that large, I'd save the money and just get Genie+, use Lightning Lane several times when needed and splurge on several table service restaurants. Cost wise all that would still be cheaper than one day of VIP service.

Plus since everyone is a teen, talk to the group about taking advantage of the Single Rider options as often as possible. It will cut down on the time spent waiting on lines.

Whatever you decide, wishing you the best!

Thanks so much for taking the time to be so thoughtful with your advice. Yes, DD's boyfriend's mom volunteered to come just to drive the kids back and forth between the park and a house rental. However, she's not into Disney so I thought it didn't make sense to have her fly with us.

I pointed out the walking distance motels, Tropicana and Desert Inn, to DD and him and they are happy to go with that instead of a Disney-themed on-site hotel or AirBnB. So I'll likely be the only parent unless one of the others' parents who do like Disney want to fly in, too.

I've known these kids for 5 years now and they're all very responsible and mature. Some of them grew up together and have known each other since kindergarten (so it's more like brothers and sisters at this point). The group is really close and the only couple is actually my DD and her boyfriend (who just joined the group 2 years ago) so I don't have to worry about policing the group (and the other parents won't worry either). I know the group will be fine in the park alone and walking themselves to/from a Harbor Ave. hotel. So I really just need to chaperone on the flights and the car service to DLR. If I splurge on the VIP tour, then they'll join me but otherwise I expect to rarely see them. I'll make sure to communicate this explicitly with the other parents.

Yes, I'm still leaning toward the VIP tour as I love to ride Space, GOTG, Incredicoaster, and RSR multiples times per day. Both DDs are also thrill ride fans (they rode Incredicoaster 3 times in a row one Magic Morning and I had to beg off after the 2nd consecutive ride). Now that MaxPass is gone and LL limits you to one per ride per day, the only way to ride my favorites multiple times is to rope drop and go standby, get one LL, and then go standby again. I don't want to go standby after 10 am as the lines are too long so a VIP tour might be worth it to me (especially if I time it for 1-8 pm on a Saturday).

My DD13 will go on rides with me but I'm not sure if she wants to single rider it. I'll let the teens do their own thing and decide if they want to single rider it. They may not care about waiting in the standby line as they can still chat the entire time.

I am leaning toward Tropicana, too. It looks nicer than Desert Inn. I'm still hoping to get 3 bedrooms as my youngest and I want our own room and bathroom. Maybe they'll have a 2 bedroom unit with an adjoining bedroom? I'll have to call and ask once we have our dates. If the teens were 18, I'd stay in GCH and let them stay in a separate cheaper hotel. I don't want to ask their families to cover an on-site hotel as some may think it overindulgent when the teens will be gone from rope drop to midnight or later.

 

[Jason2015]

I think the problem with the hotel is that they will know there is only one adult among the three rooms. So it’s not a matter of them not knowing who is in what room; it’s that they will know two rooms don’t (can’t) have an adult in them. And that might be against their rules. For larger families hotels generally allow kids in a connecting room to adults, but not sure what they would do with your situation. (Which may also be complicated by the fact that 7 of them aren’t your kids.)

There are plenty of hotels in the area that host all sorts of youth activities (cheer camps, sports tournaments, nation high school science fair) and there are never adults in every room. (Lots of school district policies that disallow adults from rooming with teens that aren't their own children.) You shouldn't have any trouble booking three rooms and having two with only teenage guests.

 

[starlite_]

For the VIP tour, just FYI I think recently you had to go thru the LL, it was not instant access to the ride anymore.

 

[mich311e]

There are plenty of hotels in the area that host all sorts of youth activities (cheer camps, sports tournaments, nation high school science fair) and there are never adults in every room. (Lots of school district policies that disallow adults from rooming with teens that aren't their own children.) You shouldn't have any trouble booking three rooms and having two with only teenage guests.

This is true. When I chaperoned a field trip for my son's band program we all stayed at Anaheim Majestic Garden Inn, with 4 kids per room. They are within walking distance, but it's a little far. (1.3 miles I think) but they have their own shuttle!

 

[smiles33]

Yes, I called Tropicana and specifically asked if it was ok that 2 of my 3 rooms only had teens. She said it's totally fine and was just more concerned about young children being alone.

And yes, I read that recent VIP Tours just stand in the LL line but you can still go to the same ride multiple times with a VIP. I am hesitant because I really don't like the idea of standing in a LL line for an hour while "on the clock" for a plaid at $400-700/hour.