First Trip to DL How far in advance do I need to book hotel? Other?

[sleepingbean]

Ok, so just found out we'll be going to Disneyland for a short 4 day get away in October, which is RIGHT around the corner. There are no specials posted for our travel time as of today. I am curious if Disney will crank out a discount last minute for early Oct travellers or if that is just not something they do in DL?

Curious if I should wait until the last minute to buy tickets and book a room?

I did book airfare, and that is done. I can book dining (may do that today) but not sure about hotels.

I would love to stay on property, but not at rack rate prices. So, that leaves the Hilton Anaheim and the Anabella as our front runner hotels because they look nice. The pool at Hilton may be more fun for the kids, so that may be the winner. I wish it were a tad closer, as I am not sure if it is really walk friendly?

Anyway, this is all new area to me. Any tips on this booking situation?

 

[HydroGuy]

Here is what I do. Somewhere maybe 6 months out I book hotels - often more than one. All with cancellation policies. And I book them for extra days before and after because our trip dates often do not firm up until 1-2 months beforehand. As the trip gets closer I cancel the reservations and/or days we do not need.

I buy park tickets about 2-3 weeks in advance - unless there is some advance notice of a coming price increase.

 

[Hound 109]

Ok, so just found out we'll be going to Disneyland for a short 4 day get away in October, which is RIGHT around the corner. There are no specials posted for our travel time as of today. I am curious if Disney will crank out a discount last minute for early Oct travellers or if that is just not something they do in DL?

Curious if I should wait until the last minute to buy tickets and book a room?

I did book airfare, and that is done. I can book dining (may do that today) but not sure about hotels.

I would love to stay on property, but not at rack rate prices. So, that leaves the Hilton Anaheim and the Anabella as our front runner hotels because they look nice. The pool at Hilton may be more fun for the kids, so that may be the winner. I wish it were a tad closer, as I am not sure if it is really walk friendly?

Anyway, this is all new area to me. Any tips on this booking situation?

- How many kids & how old?
- Will you be taking a mid day break each day?
- Any reason why you wouldn't want to be near the "crosswalk" (is it because you're attending a convention next to the Hilton or some other reason).

The Hilton is not "walk friendly". I'd read all of Hydroguy's tip threads (see the link in his signature in his post above mine) & also post back with info on the above questions.

Lots of lodging that is walking distance....I'd book one of these hotels on Harbor Blvd. & keep an eye out for DLR hotels "deals". Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[sleepingbean]

Kids are 11 and 8.

Yes, we take breaks in the day. If we don't want to leave the area, sometimes we take a break in the form of a long, leisurely meal and drinks/play time some low key spot. Other times, it is back to the hotel for a swim. We tend to be ready for break mid day because we start our day early! BUT we have never been to DL CA and we only have 1 park day each, so we may opt to hang around and do more, depending on how we feel.

I don't understand your question about being near the crosswalk/convention? The reason we narrowed down to those hotels is because they look nicer than the hotels that are right across from the main gate. If I am mistaken, please let me know! As I said, i have not stayed there and I am basing this by online and book research. Those looked like the nicest hotels for the price and distance. They claim to be in walking distance, but I doubt that when I look at the map?

I'll take a look at the threads you recommended. Thank you!!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Kids are 11 and 8.

Yes, we take breaks in the day. If we don't want to leave the area, sometimes we take a break in the form of a long, leisurely meal and drinks/play time some low key spot. Other times, it is back to the hotel for a swim. We tend to be ready for break mid day because we start our day early! BUT we have never been to DL CA and we only have 1 park day each, so we may opt to hang around and do more, depending on how we feel.

I don't understand your question about being near the crosswalk/convention? The reason we narrowed down to those hotels is because they look nicer than the hotels that are right across from the main gate. If I am mistaken, please let me know! As I said, i have not stayed there and I am basing this by online and book research. Those looked like the nicest hotels for the price and distance. They claim to be in walking distance, but I doubt that when I look at the map?

I'll take a look at the threads you recommended. Thank you!!!!

They are nicer. And much further away from the parks. Folks need to make a trade-off between quality and proximity. Some hotels have a shuttle to DLR and that gives them an advantage over those that don't.

FWIW see "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[sleepingbean]

I am reading through it now! Thank you (But...I don't WANT to give up on nice hotel and I want the walking distance....If only Disney would offer me SOME discount on their hotels ... I would book it in a heartbeat!)

 

[HydroGuy]

I am reading through it now! Thank you (But...I don't WANT to give up on nice hotel and I want the walking distance....If only Disney would offer me SOME discount on their hotels ... I would book it in a heartbeat!)

Nice upscale hotel
+ walking distance
+ non-Disney

= DOES NOT EXIST. Pick two of those three.

 

[Hound 109]

Given your (logical & intelligent) desire to take a mid day break. & given the fact that you've stayed at Mods at WDW, I'd definitely stay on Harbor Blvd. near the crosswalk (unless you get a "deal" on-site). Most of the hotels are near (or at) the quality of the WDW moderates and YOU'RE A 5-7 MIN. WALK FROM THE TURNSTILES. (making them far superior to any MOD or Value at WDW).

Read all of HGs tip threads (starting with his "DLR for WDW Veteran" thread & then his "Hotel" thread). 24 hours from now, you'll know enough to be dangerous.

Other comments below:

Kids are 11 and 8.

Yes, we take breaks in the day.

It's much easier to take a break at DLR than at WDW......especially if you stay "on-site" or near the crosswalk. Plus....the strategy of getting to the turnstiles early & then taking a break "works" perfectly with what is the best way to tour at DLR (works much better at DLR than at WDW, imo).


If we don't want to leave the area, sometimes we take a break in the form of a long, leisurely meal and drinks/play time some low key spot. Other times, it is back to the hotel for a swim. We tend to be ready for break mid day because we start our day early!

Man....you're gonna love touring DLR.


BUT we have never been to DL CA and we only have 1 park day each, so we may opt to hang around and do more, depending on how we feel.

After reading the tip threads, you'll see that it makes sense to Park Hop each & every day. It's what cool Dis'ers do.

Why only "2 days". You mentioned 4 days? (You'll need at least 3 days at DLR (imo). 4 days would be better.)



I don't understand your question about being near the crosswalk/convention?

Me neither. I fixed the question in my post above. (crosswalk is NOT next to the convention center. (the hilton is).


The reason we narrowed down to those hotels is because they look nicer than the hotels that are right across from the main gate. If I am mistaken, please let me know! As I said, i have not stayed there and I am basing this by online and book research. Those looked like the nicest hotels for the price and distance. They claim to be in walking distance, but I doubt that when I look at the map?

Hopefully others will comment on the Annabelle. (it would require a walk thru the GCH & DTD....probably a mile each way).

DO NOT go by the mileage on the websites or brochures. Ask questions here regarding the walking distance. & imo (because of the reasons mentioned at the top)....if you don't stay onsite....then stay on Harbor....no further than the CCI at one end of Harbor or Hojos at the other end....nothing further than them.


I'll take a look at the threads you recommended. Thank you!!!!

Have fun.....& if only 2-3 days & wanting to stay onsite.....I would start a new thread & state the dates & ask point blank what's the best "deal" you can get staying at the Paradise Pier......maybe there's a deal out there you haven't been made aware.

 

[sleepingbean]

Thanks!!!
I'll try that for the dates and deal, too