Help Me Plan a Last-minute Trip!!!

[nutshell]

I just did my taxes and (WOOHOO!!!!) we're getting a hefty refund. To do my part to stimulate the economy, I want to do a secret weekend trip to DL for me, my DW, and two Dkids. I'm looking at 3/13-3/15. In the past, I had plenty of time to do all my planning. This time, not so much.

Any tips for the last minute traveler? Where should I buy tickets, hotel, air, etc.?

 

[nutshell]

For example, if i want to stay at HOJO, is it cheaper to book everything together through disney.com or aaa.com or to buy tickets separately and book directly with HOJO???

 

[Queenbillabong]

Hojo does not have those nights available with the Entertainment Card discount right now (and I've been waiting for March 4 to open up, darn it!!), but you would still get a DISboard discount if you phone and speak to the in-house reservations at 714-776-6120. I would purchase 3-day park hoppers from Disneyland directly here and get them for $149 (everyone pays the kid's price - and you get one MM). I would look around for a different hotel and see if you can get a better price. Without the Entertainment rate, it's pretty pricy (one day of my upcoming trip I pay with only the AP discount and it's $119 - so not the best rate). Not sure where you're flying from, but there are some really good airfare deals right now....

 

[pixiewings71]

Don't do a package, doing it yourself is usually cheaper. Check with the hotels on Harbor directly for prices and then go to Expedia and see if you can get it for less thru them. Keep checking the HoJo site to see if the Ent Rate pops up, you never know.....

 

[nutshell]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

Question: How much closer to the MainGate is Carousel compared to HOJO?

 

[DangerMouse]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

Question: How much closer to the MainGate is Carousel compared to HOJO?

About 5 minutes walking time.

 

[nutshell]

And is Carousel decent?

 

[SeattleTink]

Nutshell, I just planned a last minute trip too.

I'm not sure where you are coming from, but I find that I can piece together a trip cheaper than a package deal. Of course, if you don't have time to plan, then go with a package.

JetBlue has some great airfares - from Seattle to Long Beach it is only $49 each way. Again, I don't know where you are coming from but I'm sure there are deals out there.

I did have a bit of trouble finding offsite accomodations, but ended up using Orbitz for a good rate at the Carousel.

I know www.getawaytoday.com is having some deals....so you might want to check them out for hotel and park tickets.

Also, here is a link to a map that shows all the hotels/motels surrounding DLR.

http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

Good luck planning.

 

[kiwitravel]

And is Carousel decent?

We liked it in 2006 but has had some mixed reviews of late. We would definitely stay again though.

 

[nutshell]

Thanks, everyone.



What's the disboards HOJO discount if i call?

Is it better than the AAA rate?