help! first Disneyland trip!

[Aubin4]

Hi guys! This will be my first every trip to Disneyland! We're from Florida so we have WDW down! I'm planning on going March 15th-17th, and everyone is telling me that The Grand Californian books up fast. Since I have no idea exactly what that means, how fast are we talking? I've been checking daily for rates to come out and so far nada. I chatted with a cast member and she said the rates would be out on the 29th. I live in Hawaii and I am pretty terrified that by the time I get up on the day the rates are posted that everything will be booked! Calm me down! Thanks!

-Blair

 

[mgd]

Unless it is a special discounted rate or event happening the time you are going, I don't think you have to worry about booking until a few months before, but no harm booking early if everything is refundable. But since that may be near spring breaks, that may justify booking earlier than usual. But I doubt it will be gone in 1 day after coming up though. Not that many people jump at $500 night 250 sq ft rooms.

 

[ADLFAN]

The GCH is huuuuge, I think you'll have plenty of time before it fills up. If the rates go down after you book, you can call Disney and they'll apply the discount to your reservation. We did that with our Disneyland Hotel stay and it was around Spring Break, too. Just keep checking the website after you book. Have fun planning!

 

[valiamo]

You will be OK, unlike WDW, where you have to book everything WAY in advance, the DLR is more laid back and easier to get your bookings. If you are looking to book for a trip in a couple of weeks, then you may have trouble finding a great room, but not everything will be sold out.

We are going in December, and still have not yet booked our rooms, have booked our flights, but not the hotel.

You do not have to book 180 day in advance for dining, in most cases, a week or two in advance is more than OK (except of course for special holiday dinners, Mothers Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc).

Edit, just did a fake booking for a week in August (peak season) and there are many room options available at the GCH

 

[Aubin4]

Thanks everyone! We booked yesterday but we're military. The cast member said that the military discount would go up in about a week and to call back and get my pride adjusted!