Help a WDW vet, DL newbie out please... questions, questions, questions!

[MomRN]

I am googled out. I have went in circles and came back to the same place. I am drained.

We have went on 4 WDW trips in the last 3 years. I have done all the planning and preparation, and have it down to an art. I love WDW. I love these forums for all the advice I have received over the years.

However, planning a DL trip seems to be a whole other issue. Here's the thing. My ds really, really wants to see CarsLand. I really, really want to be able to take him.

That being said (and I have looked up these questions on the forum and through google, but would still like some feedback)...

1. I want to be there during his actual birthday- June 29. We have never done WDW during the summer because of the crowds and heat, but I would like this to be a birthday trip. I understand the weather will be good, but I'm sure there will be crowds. How bad?
2. The reason I ask this is largely due to the fact that we cannot afford to stay on-site. We may be able to swing a "Good Neighbor" hotel, but aren't against staying elsewhere either. Suggestions? It appears being able to enter early is a huge benefit with CarsLand, and it looks like those benefits are available with the Good Neighbor hotels? We live in Indiana, and would like to keep the cost of the trip (airfare, tickets, hotel) below $3,000 and stay around a week. Is this possible while being able to enjoy vacation?
3. Dining Plan? Is there one? I cannot find out any information. Are there places to eat close to the park and not in the park? (When we do WDW we do ME and use their transporation and stay in the parks... no driving is a huge benefit to a Disney vacation to me).
4. Speaking of transportation... it looks like there are shuttles that go from the airport to your hotel. If one were to visit the beach during their stay, it appears the only option is taxi and city bus. (Correct?) What if you were to get a beach hotel that offered shuttles to DL... is that a smart choice (again, see question 1)
5. Finally (or until I see that there are kind hearted people willing to humor me and think of other questions), if I book through Disney, using a Good Neighbor hotel, is there the option of putting $200 down and paying on it- which is what I have done with WDW?

This will likely be our only trip to DL. I want it to be worth it, but don't want to go broke doing it.

 

[lcasa]

Look at the stickies at the top of this forum for a lot of excellent general info.
June 29th will be getting crowded - all the local schools will be out by then as well as the ones in other states. But if you plan carefully you'll be ok - and it shouldn't be overly hot yet ( June gloom keeps it cooler in the early morning/evenings).
Just make sure you're at the gates 30 min or so before opening. Check the carsland specific strategy threads around here - you'll want to make sure you go on a day that's not an early morning entry for the hotels, and do the 'wide right' technique you'll see in those threads.

There are some local shuttles - Anaheim has one. Again, check the main stickies. I'm a local so don't have to deal with hotels

 

[yaya74]

First of all, if you haven't had a chance to read this wonderful guide written by Hydroguy, please do!!!!

I am googled out. I have went in circles and came back to the same place. I am drained.

We have went on 4 WDW trips in the last 3 years. I have done all the planning and preparation, and have it down to an art. I love WDW. I love these forums for all the advice I have received over the years.

However, planning a DL trip seems to be a whole other issue. Here's the thing. My ds really, really wants to see CarsLand. I really, really want to be able to take him.

That being said (and I have looked up these questions on the forum and through google, but would still like some feedback)...

1. I want to be there during his actual birthday- June 29. We have never done WDW during the summer because of the crowds and heat, but I would like this to be a birthday trip. I understand the weather will be good, but I'm sure there will be crowds. How bad? The crowd predictor has not been very accurate since the opening of Carsland. But for sure weekend will be packed whereas weekdays will not be as busy.
2. The reason I ask this is largely due to the fact that we cannot afford to stay on-site. We may be able to swing a "Good Neighbor" hotel, but aren't against staying elsewhere either. Suggestions? It appears being able to enter early is a huge benefit with CarsLand, and it looks like those benefits are available with the Good Neighbor hotels? We live in Indiana, and would like to keep the cost of the trip (airfare, tickets, hotel) below $3,000 and stay around a week. Is this possible while being able to enjoy vacation? Magic Morning may not be offered in 2013 when staying at Good Neighbor's hotel. I don't see it included in 2013 package. But there are plenty of nice and affordable hotels nearby DLR to keep within your budget. Again, since you play to be there for a week, you will DEFINITELY be able to see a lot. DLR/DCA is very compact in comparison to WDW. Strategies that work now may not be applicable next year.
3. Dining Plan? Is there one? I cannot find out any information. Are there places to eat close to the park and not in the park? (When we do WDW we do ME and use their transporation and stay in the parks... no driving is a huge benefit to a Disney vacation to me). Yes, there is a Dining plan at DLR but it does not save you money like that one in WDW. It is dollar for dollar prepaid meal plan. There are tons of restaurants nearby DLR, especially along Harbor. There is also the Garden Walk which has many restaurants. Also there are restaurants in DTD. If you want to venture out a bit but does not want to hire a taxi or rental car, there is ART (anaheim resort transit) that you can take.
4. Speaking of transportation... it looks like there are shuttles that go from the airport to your hotel. If one were to visit the beach during their stay, it appears the only option is taxi and city bus. (Correct?) What if you were to get a beach hotel that offered shuttles to DL... is that a smart choice (again, see question 1)Popular transit options from airport to DLR are Supersuttle, Disneyland Resort Express, towncars, taxi, etc. If you plan to go to the beach, you should consider renting a car to give you more flexibility
5. Finally (or until I see that there are kind hearted people willing to humor me and think of other questions), if I book through Disney, using a Good Neighbor hotel, is there the option of putting $200 down and paying on it- which is what I have done with WDW?Yes. $200 down and rest is due in 30 days. Just like WDW. If you have Costco membership, check it out because the price is the same as from WTC but includes premium character dining voucher.

This will likely be our only trip to DL. I want it to be worth it, but don't want to go broke doing it. You won't go broke because of the lovely people on Disboards.

 

[disneybaker]

Why don't you look on ebay for someone renting out their disney vacation club points, and rent them from them for use on your trip, I just rented out 400 points, or I would help you on your stay for a good price.

 

[mouseymommy]

I am googled out. I have went in circles and came back to the same place. I am drained.

We have went on 4 WDW trips in the last 3 years. I have done all the planning and preparation, and have it down to an art. I love WDW. I love these forums for all the advice I have received over the years.

However, planning a DL trip seems to be a whole other issue. Here's the thing. My ds really, really wants to see CarsLand. I really, really want to be able to take him.

That being said (and I have looked up these questions on the forum and through google, but would still like some feedback)...

1. I want to be there during his actual birthday- June 29. We have never done WDW during the summer because of the crowds and heat, but I would like this to be a birthday trip. I understand the weather will be good, but I'm sure there will be crowds. How bad?
2. The reason I ask this is largely due to the fact that we cannot afford to stay on-site. We may be able to swing a "Good Neighbor" hotel, but aren't against staying elsewhere either. Suggestions? It appears being able to enter early is a huge benefit with CarsLand, and it looks like those benefits are available with the Good Neighbor hotels? We live in Indiana, and would like to keep the cost of the trip (airfare, tickets, hotel) below $3,000 and stay around a week. Is this possible while being able to enjoy vacation?
3. Dining Plan? Is there one? I cannot find out any information. Are there places to eat close to the park and not in the park? (When we do WDW we do ME and use their transporation and stay in the parks... no driving is a huge benefit to a Disney vacation to me).
4. Speaking of transportation... it looks like there are shuttles that go from the airport to your hotel. If one were to visit the beach during their stay, it appears the only option is taxi and city bus. (Correct?) What if you were to get a beach hotel that offered shuttles to DL... is that a smart choice (again, see question 1)
5. Finally (or until I see that there are kind hearted people willing to humor me and think of other questions), if I book through Disney, using a Good Neighbor hotel, is there the option of putting $200 down and paying on it- which is what I have done with WDW?

This will likely be our only trip to DL. I want it to be worth it, but don't want to go broke doing it.

1: It may be crowded, but not too bad. I was there in June and July this year, and both times were very manageable. Just have a loose plan for the day.
2: We have never been able to stay onsite. We always stay at the Best Western Park Place Inn. It is closer than the DLH, and they have a fridge and microwave. Also free breakfast. If you don't have a car they have special rates.
3: I have never used a dining plan, but I have heard they are not worth the money, and they can actually COST you money. To keep costs low on food we bring in our own water bottles and snacks. We also get waters from the counter service meals for free. We usually share some meals too. Plaza Inn is a great place to share. They have great fried chicken!
4: If I just needed the car to go to the beach one day I would just rent it for a day or two. Actually, the BWPPI has a car rental location right in the lobby
5: I have always booked everything separately, so I can't help with that. Sorry!!

You will have a great time. I would like to recommend Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for your son's birthday. My kids love it there, and the food is great.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As mentioned above by yaya74, please read Hydroguy's thread on DL for WDW Vets. It will answer so many of your questions and help give you a place to start planning your trip.

 

[sheetz]

But for sure weekend will be packed whereas weekdays will not be as busy.

Actually, for various reasons this doesn't appear to be true during the summer. In fact this past summer Saturdays were typically observed to be the slowest day of the week.

 

[MomRN]

Thank you very much for the advice given so far. I had not have the chance to read the guide, not sure how I missed it! I will be looking into that today. This board is such an awesome place for all things Disney.

 

[sechelt]

1. Sorry. Never been there in June.

2. Don't be afraid to stay in a hotel/motel that itsn't walking distance to DL. It will save you a ton of money to be a bit farther away. Just make sure it is on the ART route so you have transportation available.

3. When our kids were small, we never ate in the parks. Just couldn't afford it for 6 people. Choose a hotel/motel that includes breakfast. Some include more options than others.

Dedicate one suitcase for snacks, etc. that you know your DS will eat, and bring them with you. Even if you want to go shopping, it's nice having favorites close at hand.

There are lots of places to eat on Harbor, a short walk (5-10 min) from the DL esplanade. These include McDonald's, Denny's, and IHOP, and most hotels have corner stores in them.

Dining plan is basically just coupons to pay for your meals. There's no savings.

4. If DL is your primary destination, I wouldn't commute from the beach. Traffic can be nasty at times. If the beach is a must-do, rent a car for the day. But, keep in mind that although things look close on a map, actually getting around can be a challenge if you aren't used to driving in such a large, busy city.

5. We've booked a package through Disney in the past and I believe it's the same as for WDW. It's been about five years though so don't know if it's changed.

 

[lsulindy]

I'm a newb too, but I started with Hydroguy's tips. They're very helpful.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

We stay offsite at WDW, but I know I'm definitely staying right by DL. Leaning towards Best Western Park Place or HoJo. I want to be to the parks at opening with as little hassle as possible. Will probably rent a car for the second half of the week when we venture away from DL.

 

[MomRN]

When is the best time to reserve the hotel? Is what you see, what you get pretty much the way it is since I will be traveling in the summer, or will rates go down in the spring? Should I gamble and try to reserve something a week before? Any travel sites with well known discounts for this area?

 

[mouseymommy]

I have found that the rates start out low and go up. I always book out as far as possible.

 

[disneybaker]

Check out www.airbnb.com great site

 

[madigraham]

I am googled out. I have went in circles and came back to the same place. I am drained.

We have went on 4 WDW trips in the last 3 years. I have done all the planning and preparation, and have it down to an art. I love WDW. I love these forums for all the advice I have received over the years.

However, planning a DL trip seems to be a whole other issue. Here's the thing. My ds really, really wants to see CarsLand. I really, really want to be able to take him.

That being said (and I have looked up these questions on the forum and through google, but would still like some feedback)...

1. I want to be there during his actual birthday- June 29. We have never done WDW during the summer because of the crowds and heat, but I would like this to be a birthday trip. I understand the weather will be good, but I'm sure there will be crowds. How bad?
2. The reason I ask this is largely due to the fact that we cannot afford to stay on-site. We may be able to swing a "Good Neighbor" hotel, but aren't against staying elsewhere either. Suggestions? It appears being able to enter early is a huge benefit with CarsLand, and it looks like those benefits are available with the Good Neighbor hotels? We live in Indiana, and would like to keep the cost of the trip (airfare, tickets, hotel) below $3,000 and stay around a week. Is this possible while being able to enjoy vacation?
3. Dining Plan? Is there one? I cannot find out any information. Are there places to eat close to the park and not in the park? (When we do WDW we do ME and use their transporation and stay in the parks... no driving is a huge benefit to a Disney vacation to me).
4. Speaking of transportation... it looks like there are shuttles that go from the airport to your hotel. If one were to visit the beach during their stay, it appears the only option is taxi and city bus. (Correct?) What if you were to get a beach hotel that offered shuttles to DL... is that a smart choice (again, see question 1)
5. Finally (or until I see that there are kind hearted people willing to humor me and think of other questions), if I book through Disney, using a Good Neighbor hotel, is there the option of putting $200 down and paying on it- which is what I have done with WDW?

This will likely be our only trip to DL. I want it to be worth it, but don't want to go broke doing it.

hi!
1. the weather will be extremely hot!!! in the 90-100+. Keep that in mind. As for the crowds; expect lots of them. 60+ mins for E ticket attractions. Utilize FP early in the day
2/3. i think you will be able to stay under $3000. SKip the dining plan since there are not many restaurants out side the parks like there is at WDW. Quick service runs about 14$ full mean. $35 for goofys kitchen.
4.its such a hassle to stay off property/ outside the perimeter of DLR. There are many surrounding hotels that are reasonably priced that offer shuttles to the park. Anything further than 3 miles out, i wouldnt trust for transportation.
Take a cab to the beach, itll be pricey though. But the busses are a hassle.I live in the area and dont like the bus system.
5. Im not sure if you can do payments, like WDW. I would assume so if you book though disneyland.com. I would call the resort hotline and just ask.

 

[damiel]

We visit DL at least once year and WDL every few years. I love them both but they are very different. Keep that in mind, don't compare the two. With that being said we always stay on property at the Poly at WDW but when we do DL our favorite hotel is the Ho Jo just a few blocks from the park. We can walk over in less that 10 min. Great rates and the rooms are large. The childrens pool is awsome!
A week at DL is more than enough time. With that much time you will want a car and plan on visiting the beaches and maybe San Diego. (Zoo, Wild Animal Park) Lego Land is great for young children. Stay away from Knott's Berry Farm, it is run down and full of gangs. We love to take in a baseball game while in So. California.
I agree with everyone else, the dining plan is a waste of your $ at DL.

 

[mellers]

I am googled out. I have went in circles and came back to the same place. I am drained.

We have went on 4 WDW trips in the last 3 years. I have done all the planning and preparation, and have it down to an art. I love WDW. I love these forums for all the advice I have received over the years.

However, planning a DL trip seems to be a whole other issue. Here's the thing. My ds really, really wants to see CarsLand. I really, really want to be able to take him.

That being said (and I have looked up these questions on the forum and through google, but would still like some feedback)...

1. I want to be there during his actual birthday- June 29. We have never done WDW during the summer because of the crowds and heat, but I would like this to be a birthday trip. I understand the weather will be good, but I'm sure there will be crowds. How bad?

The weather could be anything at that time of year, from very pleasant to oh my God. However, this is definitely a better time to visit than later in the summer/early in the fall. The crowds are always bad at Disneyland, but they're worse during the 4th of July. I would avoid that day if you can. The end of June is crowded, but usually not as horrible as other times of year, and even given the crowds, if you plan carefully you'll do fine--my family and I did Christmas week last year at Disneyland, and we still had a very good time.

2. The reason I ask this is largely due to the fact that we cannot afford to stay on-site. We may be able to swing a "Good Neighbor" hotel, but aren't against staying elsewhere either. Suggestions? It appears being able to enter early is a huge benefit with CarsLand, and it looks like those benefits are available with the Good Neighbor hotels? We live in Indiana, and would like to keep the cost of the trip (airfare, tickets, hotel) below $3,000 and stay around a week. Is this possible while being able to enjoy vacation?

I think you could probably keep things below 3K for the week if you're careful. There are a lot of Good Neighbor hotels that are very nice, and some (like the Park Place Inn) are closer to the parks than the Disney hotels--something pretty foreign to WDW park visitors.

If you have a little one, the pool area at HoJos is wonderful, and it's a great choice for a Good Neighbor.

A couple of considerations:

I'd suggest getting 5-day hoppers and spend your first and last day eating character meals and hanging out at Downtown Disney. Be sure to check for employer discounts, and check for discounted packages through your airline. You might get some good deals. That said, even given the cost, you might want to consider have one of you get an annual pass. Not only will you have your admission covered both years, they offer good discounts on food, merchandise, and Good Neighbor hotels--check the AP rates at HoJos, Park Place Inn, Del Sol Inn, and others in the area. One person can get the dining and hotel discounts for everyone.

While you can't get Early Entry to Disney's California Adventure, you can get it for one day to Disneyland with many hopper passes. Generally, if you hit DCA on non-EE days, you ought to do fine.

3. Dining Plan? Is there one? I cannot find out any information. Are there places to eat close to the park and not in the park? (When we do WDW we do ME and use their transporation and stay in the parks... no driving is a huge benefit to a Disney vacation to me).

Don't bother with a dining plan--it isn't worth it. We love Mimi's on Harbor; it's a quick walk from the park. There's also a McDonald's and a pizza place nearby. There's a buffet called Captain Kidd's right across from the entrance--it's awful, avoid it like the plague. IHOP and Denny's are also nearby, but they tend to be more expensive than your hometown restaurants. There's also a Tony Roma's

There's no need to drive on a Disneyland vacation. We never do.

If anyone is having a birthday before, on, or within 45 days before your trip, sign up for a Simply Patina Birthday Gift promo. It's a great deal, and Tortilla Jo's and Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria in Downtown Disney will take them.

If you have children between 9 and 12, and they don't mind ordering off kids menus, you'll get a better deal from the Rainforest Cafe than the Disney restaurants, because their kids menus stop at 12, whereas Disney's stop at 9.

If you want to get a quick bite, White Water Snacks in the Grand Californian is a very pleasant, peaceful spot, and they tend to be a little bit cheaper than the parks for a quick service meal.

4. Speaking of transportation... it looks like there are shuttles that go from the airport to your hotel. If one were to visit the beach during their stay, it appears the only option is taxi and city bus. (Correct?) What if you were to get a beach hotel that offered shuttles to DL... is that a smart choice (again, see question 1)

Particularly as early as everything opens now, I would strongly recommend staying on Harbor, near the Disneyland entrance. However, you are right, you would have to take a taxi or city bus, or rent a car, to go to the beach as far I know.

5. Finally (or until I see that there are kind hearted people willing to humor me and think of other questions), if I book through Disney, using a Good Neighbor hotel, is there the option of putting $200 down and paying on it- which is what I have done with WDW?

I'll have to leave this for someone else to answer. I've never done it.

This will likely be our only trip to DL. I want it to be worth it, but don't want to go broke doing it.

I think you'll do okay. Don't be afraid of the Good Neighbor Hotels. Have a great time!