Help! Need advice about DL... have been to WDW many times but never DL???

[princessLoLo'smom]

Hi all- I am new to Disboards and have never been to DL! I grew up in St Pete Florida so I'm a WDW veteran, but now living in AZ and contemplating a trip to DL for either Halloween or Christmas. I received a postcard pin code offer the other day and was wondering if anyone could help me decide which Holiday would be more fun, more decorative, a better value given the $259 rate for the Grand Californian??? I have two daughters that will be 4 and 2 by October and they LOVE Halloween... candy corn is aavailable all year round in our house! I've seen the many pics online for both Holidays and just can't decide, because I'm sure they are both just ridiculously fun with all the decorations. I know I'm lucky to have gotten the elusive postcard and hate to not take advantage of the offer so please help me decide and any advice is greatly appreciated!


P.S. It would also be really terrific if you all could give me advice about the differences with DL as far as how many days we really need. My DH of course doesn't want to spend too much $ on this because we went to WDW in late May for 4nights/5days and payed top dollar for the Polynesian!!! We have spent more than we had planned to, but we had such a wonderful time!!! If anyone needs any info or advice about WDW parks or resorts, whatever, please contact me I'd love to help out!!!
THANK YOU!

 

[Capt.Bane]

First off Welcome to the boards and to AZ (wheres its 110 in the shade and climbing) and now to the good stuff...

I wouldnt do any less than two or three days to see DL and DCA. If possiable get a character meal (if your into that) Do the Early Entry or Magical Mornings (whatever its called now) and just take day to enjoy the feel of the Park.

WDW is wonderfull but it doesnt have the same feel as Disneyland,I think thats because Walt himself his had his hands on that park...I always stop by the firehoues to pay see the light thats always on to honor Walts spirit...I would say dont miss the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln but its not there right 50 magical years which is also a good show with Steve Martin and Donald Duck...a good place to sit down and think what your gonna do next.

So I would say that at least 3 days given your time to just take in the park and enjoy the feel of what Walt wanted. Thats my advice hope it helps...lol

 

[jlmarr]

Be sure to read Hydroguy's tips at the top of the page. In particular this one will help: DL for WDW Vets.

I was going to recommend the Haunted Mansion with the holiday makeover, which you'll be able to see in both Halloween and Christmas seasons, but then I noticed your kids are 2 and 4 so it might be a bit scary for them (dark, loud, etc). I'd vote for Christmas season with the snow effects and more decorations.

 

[Leofoenget]

Hi all- I am new to Disboards and have never been to DL! I grew up in St Pete Florida so I'm a WDW veteran, but now living in AZ and contemplating a trip to DL for either Halloween or Christmas. I received a postcard pin code offer the other day and was wondering if anyone could help me decide which Holiday would be more fun, more decorative, a better value given the $259 rate for the Grand Californian??? I have two daughters that will be 4 and 2 by October and they LOVE Halloween... candy corn is aavailable all year round in our house! I've seen the many pics online for both Holidays and just can't decide, because I'm sure they are both just ridiculously fun with all the decorations. I know I'm lucky to have gotten the elusive postcard and hate to not take advantage of the offer so please help me decide and any advice is greatly appreciated!


P.S. It would also be really terrific if you all could give me advice about the differences with DL as far as how many days we really need. My DH of course doesn't want to spend too much $ on this because we went to WDW in late May for 4nights/5days and payed top dollar for the Polynesian!!! We have spent more than we had planned to, but we had such a wonderful time!!! If anyone needs any info or advice about WDW parks or resorts, whatever, please contact me I'd love to help out!!!
THANK YOU!

Refer to the stickey at the top of the board here, Hydroguys tip. One link is Hydroguys guide for DL for WDW Vets. Great info. Early December is great for Christmas mid week (I think cast parties are 8-9 close @ 6 check schedule) It gets pretty packed later in the month like WDW Halloween starts last week of Sept (I will be there too) also an excellent time to go.

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Thanks for the input! I will read Hydroguys suggestions. I wasn't sure if the "Nightmare Before Christmas" decor would make the Haunted Mansion even scarier or actually less scaryand more silly??? So you think 3days/2 nights is a good trip length? I know that would be easier on our bank account than a 4 night trip! I have found that airfare is about $140 roundtrip from PHX to OC in Oct and $150 the second week in Dec, but higher in Nov and the rest of Dec. That is also a factor in whether to go for Halloween or Christmas. The cost of the flight can really make it an expensive trip depending on when you book. Do you think the $259 for GCH is a "great" rate?

 

[Disney-Kim]

Thanks for the input! I will read Hydroguys suggestions. I wasn't sure if the "Nightmare Before Christmas" decor would make the Haunted Mansion even scarier or actually less scaryand more silly??? So you think 3days/2 nights is a good trip length? I know that would be easier on our bank account than a 4 night trip! I have found that airfare is about $140 roundtrip from PHX to OC in Oct and $150 the second week in Dec, but higher in Nov and the rest of Dec. That is also a factor in whether to go for Halloween or Christmas. The cost of the flight can really make it an expensive trip depending on when you book. Do you think the $259 for GCH is a "great" rate?

$259 is a FANTASIC rate. We are paying $405 per night next week.

 

[bethy]

Wow! I would die for a $259 rate! I have never heard of PIN codes for the DLR resorts - only for WDW. Wow - I wonder I could get on that mailing list.

 

[annieb727]

Thanks for the input! I will read Hydroguys suggestions. I wasn't sure if the "Nightmare Before Christmas" decor would make the Haunted Mansion even scarier or actually less scaryand more silly??? So you think 3days/2 nights is a good trip length? I know that would be easier on our bank account than a 4 night trip! I have found that airfare is about $140 roundtrip from PHX to OC in Oct and $150 the second week in Dec, but higher in Nov and the rest of Dec. That is also a factor in whether to go for Halloween or Christmas. The cost of the flight can really make it an expensive trip depending on when you book. Do you think the $259 for GCH is a "great" rate?

We found that the Nightmare b4 christmas theme makes it LESS scary than the normal haunted mansion. My boys (who were 3 & 5 on our trip last year) loved the HM - with the halloween/christmas decor.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

$259 is an awesome rate!!!!!! Take it and run!!

When my DS was younger, he would only go on the HM overlay! It is sillier and more fun.

Both holidays are fun! I'd lean more toward Christmas, personally. Plus, IASW should be re-opened by then.

 

[tinkermell]

Christmas all the way!!!

So many decorations, and both the HM and It's a Small World will be redone. The HM will be less scary for sure. Woody's Reindeer Roundup is decked out, and the New Orleans Sqaure is beautiful then too. And at DL, you get the Christmas parades, fireworks and snow without a hard ticket like WDW. The Castle is all decked out too!

The Grand Califonia will have a huge tree in the lobby with visits from Santa Claus in front of it. Also period themed carolers sing in the lobby too. There is a big fireplace where stories are told to children. I love it there for the holidays!!

Have fun no matter what you choose!!

Oh and welcome to the DL DIS!!!

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Well after calling Disney the best I can do is $269 and then there is a $12 per day resort fee for the gym, parking, and internet access??? Why is this an extra fee? I don't remember getting charged an extra fee at the Poly in May for resort amenities. We weren't planning on renting a car, we won't have time for the gym or the internet... so I'm not really getting that great a deal after all! GCH will cost $562 for 2 nights and that doesn't include tax.

Flights while cheapest in Oct will cost $636, because my youngest turning 2 on Oct 3rd will now require a seat (4 people on Southwest from PHX to SNA).

Tickets through ARES travel would be $462 for 3 day tix for 2 adults and 1 child, and the Disney Express shuttle would be $76 if purchased online at a minor discount.

So we are at roughly $1700 for a 2 night trip!!!!! We may actually have to calculate the cost to drive. I was completely shocked when I tallied it all up, and then to add food and souvenirs... YIKES! Living on one income really hurts when it comes to things like planning a Disney trip. I am in serious need of a legitimate work from home opportunity! I really want us to be able to enjoy vacations with our kids while they are still young... without acquiring a mountain of Disney debt!

I think that it is terrible that Disneyland doesn't offer free service to and from the airport in Orange County. I really can't believe that they also charge a fee for the amenities at the hotel! I just hate feeling nickeled and dimed, and Disney is such an expensive trip no matter how you do it.

Now that I am completely discouraged about our probability of going for either Holiday I guess I'll go do some more laundry. Does anyone know how much it would cost to drive from the Phoenix area? What is the distance like 300 miles or something? I'll have to figure that out later. I guess I can look into the other 2 hotels, but really wanted to be as close as possible to the parks since we aren't going for a long time and our kids need naps. I also was really looking forward to the GCH since it seems completely different from the types of resorts(tropical feel) I usually like to stay in.

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

I forgot to say congratulations to those of you who've already booked a Holiday trip and a special congrats to Bethy on your upcoming anniversary trip! Thanks to all of you for making me feel welcome. I really wish we were in the financial position to go for both holidays as well as for a few days in the summer. I am so jealous of those who get such an opportunity to build special memories.

P.S. I have no idea how I got the postcard, except that I followed the advice given by many about signing up for everything Disney and making sure I'm on mailing lists and have a login at any and all Disney sites. Maybe it was the ridiculous amount of money we spent in May at WDW or maybe I just got lucky for once... I am really hoping that we can make it to DL for Halloween or Christmas and I really appreciate all the input!

 

[Wavy Blue]

It's a Disney trip. What do you expect? Of course its gonna be expensive. And it doesn't help that you're staying at the MOST expensive hotel. If you're looking to cut costs, drive (which would save LOTS of money since you aren't that far and have four people, better per person value than flying), look into other hotels. There are MUCH cheaper hotels out there if you can compromise and stay off property. To save money sacrifices have to be made...

 

[avalon451]

Princess: GCH is fabulous, but if cost is your concern, you can stay offsite for MUCH less! How does $59 a night sound, for a standard room? or $74 a night for a deluxe room with a balcony, with a view of the park and fireworks? There are a lot of fans of the Howard Johnson's, across the street and up one block, and you can get the Entertainment book discount on certain days. http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14 You can get an entertainment book for October for $10 right now (expires Nov. 1); if you go in December you'll need the 2009 one. HoJo's a very nice hotel, and they just put in a new kid's water playground.

DL is very different from WDL, in that some of the offsite hotels are right across the street, and many of them are as close, or even closer, than the 3 onsite hotels.

If you will be there for 2 Magic Mornings (early entry, on Sun, Tue, Thu. and Sat) buy your tickets through GetAwayToday for the same price as the DL travel online. They give 2 MMs with their parkhoppers, instead of just one. Use discount code "podcast" and they will waive the $10 processing fee.

Please reconsider! There are lots of ways to go budget at DL!

 

[Leofoenget]

If you want to cut costs stay at a hotel on Harbor. Desert Inn or Best Western or Anaheim Plaza or the newly re-done pool at HoJo's. Half the cost of GCA and no resort fee. Just something to consider

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

The pool situation really isn't a concern since I doubt we'll have time for swimming since it will be a short trip. I have considered staying "off property", which is a totally different concept at DL. I was just really excited to get the postcard and wanted to take advantage of the offer since I'd prefer to stay at a Disney resort. We'll have to seriously consider driving, but I really dislike lengthy car trips. The trip down to Rocky Point, MX is not bad at 4 hours so we'll see.

How much more walking/travel time is involved in staying at the DLH vs the GCH? Is it really that much of a difference in convenience, because that is my main reason for wanting to stay there? Time saved with small children=happy mommy

Thanks again for all the advice on this matter!

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

By the way I do expect Disney to be expensive... after 32 years in Florida and numerous WDW visits I'm very familiar with the cost associated with a Disney vacation. I am just really shocked that there is an additional charge on top of the room rate for what are listed as "ammenities." I've stayed in some really nice hotels across the country and was never charged extra for parking, internet, and gym admittance! I was surprised by the discrepancy between WDW and DL in this regard. The lack of free airport shuttle service on top of the "additonal fees" was surprising... why would Disney be more accomodationg of their guests in FL than CA? Just doesn't seem like a good move considering attendance is down.

 

[bethy]

I think the reason those extras are not included is because the room rates would theoretically have to be higher to cover those costs. I think for marketing purposes the lower the room rates look, the more enticing they are. And heaven knows they are already high enough as it is - esp compared to Florida and WDW resorts.

Also, 75% (not exactly sure - but a lot) of DLR attendance of any given day is comprised of locals - many of whom drive to the resorts but do maybe stay in the hotels. They don't need airport transport. And those who do need airport transportation might be coming from 4 different local airports. Alternatively, a significant percentage of WDW guests fly into Orlando. And if they don't rent a car then they are stuck on WDW property the whole time - and sitting ducks for spending money at restaurants and more time at the WDW parts etc.

 

[DisSarahK]

Some of the offsite hotels actually are closer to the gates than the DLH is--or at least that is what I read about here over and over again. Of course the offsite hotels don't have the benefit of the special GCH entrance.

People here rave about the Howard Johnson--especially now that they have an amazing waterpark area. We're not staying there because the walk is a bit much for us with two small children...but hopefully on our next trip (in a few years) we'll be able to stay there. Instead we're staying at the Desert Inn and Suites which is RIGHT across the street. It is bare bones compared to the GCH.

Still, my theory is that I'd rather be able to bring my children to Disneyland and stay somewhere bare bones rather than not go at all. I think my husband still is in shock that I came up with this plan seeing as I'm usually a Marriott or nothing type of girl.

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

You know I guess that is why the airport transfer is free at WDW... they don't want you to leave and spend money elsewhere!!! Conversely it would cost them too much to be running to and from numerous airports in CA. I didn't realize that there were so many airport options in CA. I guess I just thought people flying in for DL would fly to the closest airport. I guess OC isn't an option for everyone depending on the carriers routes and the fact that they are all supposedly scaling back flights.