Heading back to the 'Land in June - a few questions

[Tyr23]

Hi all-

DS and I took a quick trip in November but this time we're heading down with a few other people at the end of June so I need some advice.

Last time we stayed at the CCI which was very convenient. This time, we're looking at the Hampton Inn in Garden Grove because it's quite a bit cheaper. Has anyone stayed there lately? Does it have a shuttle or is it close to the ART?

Also, we will book Park Hoppers ahead of time and wanted to know what the Magic Morning schedule is for June 09 (We'll be there W-Sat).

Finally, I can't remember if we can make PS's 90 days out or 60.

Thanks!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I can't help with where to stay since I leave nearby.

Also, I have an AP so can't help with MM.

Edited-found this also on allears.

Magic Morning is generally offered every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It allows guests to enter Fantasyland and Tomorrowland one hour before park opening. The following attractions are usually available (subject to change without notice):

Alice in Wonderland
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Monorail
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
During the Magic Morning hour some shops and restaurants on Main Street will also be open.

"Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness - Interactive Guest & Character Experience" is another "extra" type of feature that is offered. Unlike Magic Morning, this feature is only available to guests with certain WDTC (Walt Disney Travel Company) travel packages.

Guests can use this feature on one day of their visit to enter Toontown an hour early. (Toontown typically opens at least one hour after the rest of Disneyland opens.) During this hour there's a Toontown Citizenship ceremony led by Mayor Mickey Mouse, and there's lots of characters around to greet guests, sign autographs, or show off their respective homes. This feature is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

It IS possible to attend "Magic Morning" and "Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness" on the same day, since Magic Morning begins an hour BEFORE the park opens and Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness begins WHEN the park opens.

Here's one I can help on. PS bookings

from allearsnet.com

CAN I MAKE RESERVATIONS?
The answer to that is yes and no. For table service restaurants, Disneyland does not accept reservations, instead they offer something called "Priority Seating." (NOTE: Even though Walt Disney World in Orlando recently switched to the more conventional term "Advanced Dining Reservations," Disneyland still calls them "Priority Seatings.") You are told to check in at the restaurant's podium at least 5-10 minutes prior to your seating time, and will receive the next available table for your party size. Depending on how busy the restaurant is, you may still have to wait 5-15 minutes before you are seated. You can make your Priority Seating for all Disney and Downtown Disney restaurants EXCEPT Rainforest Cafe by calling 714-781-DINE (3463) up to 60 days in advance. You may also make them on-site at Guest Services at the theme parks and the Disney hotels. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pacific time. (For Rainforest Cafe, contact the restaurant directly at 714-772-0413.)

Since we go a lot, I usually make my PS the day of. Works pretty well. I lvoe to be seated in about 5 min. while walk ups are quoted 25 min. or more.

 

[Tyr23]

Thanks so much for the info! I completely forgot about checking allears.net! Great info!

 

[PinkBudgie]

We often stay in Garden Grove. If you will have your car with you, you might consider getting your 3 or more day park hoppers through AAA to get free parking at Mickey and Friends. I much prefer to drive myself than be dependant on a bus.

 

[avalon451]

Magic Mornings are the S & T days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

I'd stay closer, regardless of how nice it is, because I'm a sucker for walking distance... but that's just me. After seeing the crazy crowds waiting and waiting for crammed ART shuttles, or even just for hotel shuttles... I'd far rather stay across the street and be back to my room before those poor people even board their bus. Also because I love to take midday breaks out of the heat and crowds... go back to the hotel and decompress for awhile, then come back fresh for the late afternoon/evening.

 

[Brady's Mom]

I'm with Avalon. We have stayed in Garden Grove at the Holiday Inn Express and really liked the hotel. But after staying at HoJo right across the street - I will always try to stay closer. I love being able to walk back to the Hotel for a rest or swim and when we stayed in Garden Grove it just ate up so much of our time. Even if you drive yourself like PinkBudgie (and we've done it before) it still eats up a lot of your Park time. I much prefer driving myself over waiting for a bus, but I prefer walking from the Hotel in about 10 minutes tops and not having to hike through the parking structure.