Good Neighbor Perks???

[Maddie2]

We are planning a January 2011 vacation to DL and I've been pricing out area hotels. We are a budget-minded family of 4 and I am wondering, is there really a benefit to booking a Good Neighbor hotel?

In the past, I've used Disney-specific TA's, AAA TA's and booked travel on my own - all to WDW. I have found the Disney TA's to find the best deals, but is this true for DL?

Any experience/information you may have booking with a TA or on your own would be appreciated. TIA!

 

[skiingfast]

FYI if you book a good neighbor rate through DL.com you can book a package. You will pay the same rate for tickets. Likely a high rate at the good nieghbor hotel. You will get a better deal looking through all the hotels in the area and choosing the one that fits your needs.

 

[gr8leg8]

Have you considered Howard Johnson (HOJO)?
They offer an Entertainment rate $59 and up.

DD's birthday is in January and it is one of our favorite times to go.
I always book on my own.

Enjoy your trip

 

[wdwfan22]

I was a travel agent for years and always advise people to use them, and packages are almost always less than booking things individually ... however, in this case, after doing much pricing myself, it is much less to book a hotel separate and buy tickets separate.

 

[Maddie2]

Thanks for the replies. That's pretty much what I was thinking too ... but I've contacted my TA and will wait for her reply before deciding for certain. The only perk I see that we wouldn't have with a non-Good-Neighbor hotel is the one morning of early entry. While I'm sure that would be nice, I'm thinking/hoping that weekdays in January aren't going to be doorbusters anyway. Right??

gr8leg8 ... I've read some about that Entertainment book. There isn't one in the area in which I live and other than using it for a hotel discount at DL, I'm pretty sure I would never use it again. But, if we do end up buying the book, is there a promo code for Hojo/Anaheim in the book ... even in non-Anaheim books? Or, do you just have to show the book when you check in?

Any thoughts on the Anaheim Desert Inn? Ramada Maingate?

We have Disney Visa points and Disney giftcards to use, so I'll probably just buy our park tickets at the gate. Does anyone know if the gate park ticket rates are the same as the online ticket rates thru the DL website? Can you use Visa Reward Dollars online? I've used points in the past, but that was through my Disney TA.

I never thought I'd be real excited to go to DL ... but now that I know it's going to be a reality, I CAN'T WAIT!!! We love WDW, but having something new and Disney to experience together as a family is a HUGE plus!!

 

[skiingfast]

We have Disney Visa points and Disney giftcards to use, so I'll probably just buy our park tickets at the gate. Does anyone know if the gate park ticket rates are the same as the online ticket rates thru the DL website? Can you use Visa Reward Dollars online? I've used points in the past, but that was through my Disney TA.

I would never buy tickets at the gate. They are always cheaper to by a Eticket from disneyland.com ahead of time. This will also save time that first day.

Also because of going in January they may have specials going and you might want to wait until December before looking into tickets.

 

[Maddie2]

I would never buy tickets at the gate. They are always cheaper to by a Eticket from disneyland.com ahead of time. This will also save time that first day.

Also because of going in January they may have specials going and you might want to wait until December before looking into tickets.

Good to know. They might have specials for park tickets in January ... even when not part of a hotel/ticket package? Really? Can you use Disney Visa Reward dollars and/or gift cards on the website?

 

[karylrocks]

The prices for tickets are $20-$40 less if you purchase in advance on the website. They all include one Magic Morning (early entry) admission, doesn't matter where you are staying. I believe you can use reward dollars and gift cards.

 

[pixiewings71]

fyi you do not need to purchase an Ent Book itself, you can simply purchase an Ent Card on eBay. We paid $5 for one a couple years ago and it worked just fine.

ETA you also do not need one for Anaheim specifically, you can buy ANY Ent Card for any area and it will still work for the Ent Rate at the Hojo. Also, it's a hotel specific rate so if you want to book it you must contact the HoJo Anaheim and not the 800 # for Howard Johnson. hth!

 

[skiingfast]

The prices for tickets are $20-$40 less if you purchase in advance on the website. They all include one Magic Morning (early entry) admission, doesn't matter where you are staying. I believe you can use reward dollars and gift cards.

You have to have a 3 day or more PH for this. Just wanted to clarify.