First vacation at DL

[danica]

Hi everyone! I am planning our very first family trip to DL. We plan to be there 8/15 - 8/18. It would be me, my DH, and our 2 yo DD.

I am learning so much reading on this forum, big thanks to everyone for being very helpful. I have some newbie questions...

I have not booked anything yet...we are on a tight budget so it's important that I keep the costs to a minimum. I have looked at packages at getawaytoday.com and I've requested a quote from Unlimited Dreams. Is it better to do packages versus buying separately?

Here are the items important to me:
1. clean and safe hotel
2. shuttle to DL resorts (or very short walk as we have a toddler in tow)
3. cheap

Thanks in advance for the tips

 

[Sydnie]

Hi, welcome to the DISboards. I am pretty new here myself but have found it to be a great resource.

We just got back from Disneyland a couple weeks ago. My sons are 1 and allllmost 3 and they had an absolute blast.

Some places you must do with with a 2 year old would be

-A Bug's Land in Disney California Adventure (the splash pad is a huge hit on a hot day, make sure she has water shoes though or they won't let her in.)
-Fantasy Land (some rides are a bit dark, so if she is scared stick to things like Dumbo, the carousel, Storybook Land, Teacups.)
-Small World. Omg we had to ride it about 8 times since my kids were so entranced.
-Soundsational Parade-so much fun!
-World of Color show- don't miss it.

We stayed on site but I think that the Howard Johnson gets the best reviews here from everyone. It's literally across the street so you won't need a shuttle. Unfortunately it is the most expensive time of the year, but there are deals to be had. My sister in law booked through Costco and got a great deal. I am pretty sure your best bet is always to book as a package.

I hope you have a truly "magical" time!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Welcome, you may also want to look at the Park View Inn, Candy Cane or the Best Western Park Place Inn for starters. Most of the times alacarte is best but if you do your research you will get some good numbers.

Jack

 

[danica]

Thanks so much for all the tips...now off to research those properties

 

[HydroGuy]

Welcome, you may also want to look at the Park View Inn, Candy Cane or the Best Western Park Place Inn for starters. Most of the times alacarte is best but if you do your research you will get some good numbers.

Jack

I agree booking everything separately almost always comes out cheaper and gives you more flexibility. But do the numbers.

 

[SlpgBty]

I'll be there the same time as you and I made reservations at the Candy Cane Inn (where I've stayed many times) just this morning. Their rates were $139 per night. They are right across the street and they also have a shuttle if you
just

can't

make it

back!!

 

[danica]

I'll be there the same time as you and I made reservations at the Candy Cane Inn (where I've stayed many times) just this morning. Their rates were $139 per night. They are right across the street and they also have a shuttle if you
just

can't

make it

back!!

Ya know I was just reading about Candy Cane Inn and I want to stay there, BUT $139 per night is a little too steep for me (x3 nights). I found a package on getaway.com for 3 nights and 3 day tixx for about $500, but the hotel is not CCI. I'm skeptical about cheap hotel rates, but at the same time I can't afford the nicer ones

 

[HydroGuy]

Ya know I was just reading about Candy Cane Inn and I want to stay there, BUT $139 per night is a little too steep for me (x3 nights). I found a package on getaway.com for 3 nights and 3 day tixx for about $500, but the hotel is not CCI. I'm skeptical about cheap hotel rates, but at the same time I can't afford the nicer ones

To make an apples-to-apples comparison, be sure to include breakfasts and parking costs (if you have a car). Also, transportation costs (CCI has a free shuttle).

 

[sophies*mom]

-A Bug's Land in Disney California Adventure (the splash pad is a huge hit on a hot day, make sure she has water shoes though or they won't let her in.)

I'm glad I saw that! When we go next year I was hoping to take my LO and the other kids there. Is it JUST water shoes that they can wear? Like, no sandals or regular shoes?

OP, I'm in the same position as you as far as keeping a tight budget. Unless you want to pay for over $100/night, keep in mind a lot of the cheaper hotels get pretty mixed reviews. If it's worth it to you to pay more, then go for it. We don't plan to do much of anything but sleep at our hotel, so as long as it's clean it'll work for us. And I'd much rather walk than park there or take a shuttle. Even at the end of the day. But that's just me.

 

[Sydnie]

I'm glad I saw that! When we go next year I was hoping to take my LO and the other kids there. Is it JUST water shoes that they can wear? Like, no sandals or regular shoes?

OP, I'm in the same position as you as far as keeping a tight budget. Unless you want to pay for over $100/night, keep in mind a lot of the cheaper hotels get pretty mixed reviews. If it's worth it to you to pay more, then go for it. We don't plan to do much of anything but sleep at our hotel, so as long as it's clean it'll work for us. And I'd much rather walk than park there or take a shuttle. Even at the end of the day. But that's just me.

Any shoes are fine, but they will get soaked so make sure you have a spare pair for afterwards. And I am not sure if you have a girl or a boy but your child also has to have a top on at all times. I was a little grumbly because I thought I had planned sooo carefully since I brought DS's towel, bathing suit and water shoes but not 30 seconds after he went in I was tapped on the shoulder by a cast member and told he needed to wear a shirt to play. For what reason I have no idea, but I ended up putting his shirt back on him and buying a Disney shirt to change into (the one spare item I didn't have!) I didn't mention this to the OP as I am sure her daughter will be wearing a bathing suit with a top

ETA: Ok after writing that whole long spiel I see you have a daughter anyway

 

[danica]

Thanks again everyone

I may have narrowed it down to 2 hotels: Park Vue and Candy Cane Inn

Question on the 3 day park hopper tixxs...do they have to be used 3 consecutive days?

 

[Sydnie]

Thanks again everyone

I may have narrowed it down to 2 hotels: Park Vue and Candy Cane Inn

Question on the 3 day park hopper tixxs...do they have to be used 3 consecutive days?

They do not, but they do expire 13 days after the first use

 

[danica]

They do not, but they do expire 13 days after the first use

Thanks so much Sydnie! And yes dd always wears a top everywhere...no nude beach for her at all

 

[sophies*mom]

Any shoes are fine, but they will get soaked so make sure you have a spare pair for afterwards. And I am not sure if you have a girl or a boy but your child also has to have a top on at all times...

ETA: Ok after writing that whole long spiel I see you have a daughter anyway

ha ha, yup, I have a girl So boys need a shirt and girls are just okay in a swim suit? Not like at church camp where the girls have to wear a tshirt over their bathing suit?

 

[KCmike]

Hi everyone! I am planning our very first family trip to DL. We plan to be there 8/15 - 8/18. It would be me, my DH, and our 2 yo DD.

I am learning so much reading on this forum, big thanks to everyone for being very helpful. I have some newbie questions...

I have not booked anything yet...we are on a tight budget so it's important that I keep the costs to a minimum. I have looked at packages at getawaytoday.com and I've requested a quote from Unlimited Dreams. Is it better to do packages versus buying separately?

Here are the items important to me:
1. clean and safe hotel
2. shuttle to DL resorts (or very short walk as we have a toddler in tow)
3. cheap

Thanks in advance for the tips

1. Hojo
2. You can walk it.
3. Buy online at Disneyland.com for tickets.

Do you have AAA? Call the hotel and ask for their best rate and compare that to the online rate.
I agree with booking everything separate. Sometimes the good neighbor hotels offer a free night if your staying a fourth night. Book three get one free. Not sure if your staying that long.