Group of 7 - Disneyland - Any tips?

[nutshell]

My family is planning on going to Disney next August and I'm hoping to get some tips here. There are 5 adults, two children. Here are my specific questions:

1. Is it better to book as early as possible or to wait and hope for some deals?

2. Are the good neighbor hotels always cheaper than the Disney hotels?

2a. Right now I'm considering the Staybridge Suites. Anyone been there?

3. I want to fly into a different airport, but LAX seems to be the cheapest. Is that the general rule?

4. If I fly into LAX, what's the best way to get 7 people to Disney?

I think that's all for now.

Thanks!!!

 

[safetymom]

moving to Disneyland board

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Here is a great tip for you - go to the DISNEYLAND board and ask all of this! You will get tons more answers over there!

 

[nutshell]

moving to Disneyland board

Thanks!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Is it better to book as early as possible or to wait and hope for some deals?

In the summer it is better to book as early as possible. Better deals are not likely.

2. Are the good neighbor hotels always cheaper than the Disney hotels?

For the most part, yes. But there are some nicer hotels nearby as well. So it depends on how upscale you want to go.

3. I want to fly into a different airport, but LAX seems to be the cheapest. Is that the general rule?

No it is not. You have four reasonable choices. LAX, SNA, Long Beach and Ontario.

 

[ctamama]

2a. Right now I'm considering the Staybridge Suites. Anyone been there?

We stayed there last month. Other than having to drive every day, it was perfect for our party of 7. We chose the Staybridge because we needed 2 separate bedrooms and bathrooms (we had 4 adults, 3 kids.) In my research, I didn't find much out there that offered this same set-up, without booking 2 separate rooms (and a higher hotel bill.) It worked out perfectly space-wise. The set up is one room has 2 queen beds, one room has a king bed, and the living room sofa can be made into a fold-out bed.

We would stay there again. They offer breakfast, and the beds were comfy, and it was clean!

 

[blackjackdelta]

You can also try Residence Inn Maingate. The suites are nice and lots of room.

Jack