HELP!!! Never been to DL questions....

Maddie2

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We are contemplating a trip to DL in January. We are planning to go back to WDW in 2011, so I think this would be a great time to try DL. There are deals to be had and I think we are the ones to have them. :goodvibes It may take a bit to convince DH of this, so I need some information.

1. Hotels - looking for budget-friendly. Possibly a HIExpress or the like. Needs to be within walking distance of parks. Where have you stayed? Pros/cons? Are all of the "on-property" hotels/resorts deluxe?

2. Transportation from LAX to hotel and back. DL doesn't have ME, does it?

3. Tickets - will 3 days be enough in the 2 parks?

Thank you!
 
1. Try Hojos (Howard Johnson) very close and you can get the Entertainment Card and get GREAT rates. Yes all onsite is Deluxe.

HOJO Anaheim
Entertainment Rates

3. Most would say 3 days minimum, but you can definitely accomplish DL and DCA in 3 days in January.
 
We went for 3 days with our two kids and we had plenty of time to ride everything at least once, and favorites a few times!
 
There is a Holiday Inn Express on Katella that is about a 15 minute walk to the gates of the parks. But there are lots of other places that are just as good for a similar price that are closer. If you have points to redeem and get it for free than that is a high priority but the following places on Harbor Blvd are all fine to stay at and a 5-10 minute walk to the parks.

HoJo
Fairfield Inn
Camelot Inn and Suites
Tropicana
Best Western Park Place Inn
Desert Inn and Suites
Best Western Anaheim Inn
Ramada Maingate
Anaheim Plaza (I hesitate about this one as I thought it was very dated but people seem to like it and it is less expensive)
Candy Cane Inn

Three days in the parks is just enough time to see most of it at a decent pace. $ days makes it more relaxed with some downtime.
 

We are contemplating a trip to DL in January. We are planning to go back to WDW in 2011, so I think this would be a great time to try DL. There are deals to be had and I think we are the ones to have them. :goodvibes It may take a bit to convince DH of this, so I need some information.
"Great time" is relative. After the first week crowds do go down but so do several rides and shows. Fantasmic and all the Rivers of America rides will be down in January. HM goes down in early January every year.

See What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

1. Hotels - looking for budget-friendly. Possibly a HIExpress or the like. Needs to be within walking distance of parks. Where have you stayed? Pros/cons? Are all of the "on-property" hotels/resorts deluxe?
Lots of options but I do not recall a HIExpress. See the links in this thread:

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

The onsite GCH is deluxe and the DLH and PPH are closer to moderates.

You can see in my signature where I have stayed. We have four kids which has ruled out the 5 person Disney hotels. We usually stay at BWPPI because they have suites with 3 Queen beds. Plus it is the closest.


2. Transportation from LAX to hotel and back. DL doesn't have ME, does it?
Check this link:

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297


3. Tickets - will 3 days be enough in the 2 parks?
Three is considered the minimum. Will you see everything? No. Will you see most everything? Maybe. Four days is usually enough to see most everything. Three may do it depending on how aggressive you are (early rider, etc.)
 
Hotels change in the DL area a lot so I had to look this up. You never know when your favorite place changes it's name.
The HI Express is still there. I have not stayed there but always liked the architecture on that building.

Holiday Inn Express / Express by Holiday Inn
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435 WEST KATELLA
ANAHEIM, CA 92802
UNITED STATES

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1. Try Hojos (Howard Johnson) very close and you can get the Entertainment Card and get GREAT rates. Yes all onsite is Deluxe.

HOJO Anaheim
Entertainment Rates

This trip is looking more like it will be a reality (but still waiting to know for certain we can take the time off work) .... wondering, what is the Entertainment Card and how do I get one? Wow!
Thanks!!

Thank you everyone!! I'm learning so much!
 
You also might want to check out the package deals put out by Getawaytoday.com and Costco.com. I know with Costco, the taxes, hotel fees, and tip for the character meals are included! They have deals for on site and off! Have a great time planning!
 
This trip is looking more like it will be a reality (but still waiting to know for certain we can take the time off work) .... wondering, what is the Entertainment Card and how do I get one? Wow!
Thanks!!

Thank you everyone!! I'm learning so much!

The Entertainment Card comes with the purchase of an Entertainment Book, which is a book of coupons for restaurants, hotels, and local attractions that you can purchase for either where you live or where you'll be vacationing. You can also purchase just the card on Ebay, but be sure to buy from a reputable seller.

With the Entertainment Card, you can get a HUGE discount on rooms at Hojo's. Not all dates are available, but here's a link to what are the current available dates:
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

Hope that helps!
 

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