Help planning DL trip leaving on 18th!

[Ellowan]

I can't believe I've never heard of this forum and am so glad it is around! Thanks for all the great info posted everywhere!

I'm in a mad rush becaue of the way I was (or was not scheduled to work) to plan a trip for my small family to go to DL from the 18th and to return on the 22nd. We'll drive, so airlines aren't a problem; but all of the hotels have only partial reservations. Can I plan this in one day and really make it happen? Help!

E

 

[tinkermell]

Hi and welcome to the DIS!!!!!!

I don't know about your question about the hotels. Did you call them direct?? Somethimes that works, because the internet only has so many alloted. I've especially heard this for the DLR hotels.

Ummm!!!.......did you know you are going to be there over Pirates Premiere????? Or maybe that was the plan?

Anyways, I think you can do it just fine. You will be there over a few days, so you won't have to pack everything in one day like alot of folks do.
We always do Ridemax.com for help in the itinerary. I think you might have time to do that yet. It's a program that helps put the attractions you want to see, in the best order possible for the least amount of wait time. It works suprisingly well! And it's only like $13.00 or so. If you get it today, you would have 2 days to fool around with it. One thing fun about it, you can change things around as much as you want, and it will keep making plans for you everytime. I usually print each one, and compare them after.

Anyways, after Sunday things should settle down again, and hopefully you might be able to enjoy the parks without so many crowds.

Have a great time!!!!!!

 

[WDWLinda]

I'd recommend ridemax too. Its easy to figure out and will help you deal with the crowds. I'd try to make your priority seating arrangements for meals now. Its better to have the "reservations" and not use them than to be standing there getting turned away from restaurants.

Have a great time!

~Linda

 

[Ellowan]

I just called the resort directly and they say they and all the good neighbors are full. So I am just finding out about The PofC premiere and the park will apparently be closed at 5 on the 19th because of it. All traffic pushed to CA. Course, I wouldn't mind seeing Orlando or Depp in person.... But what do I do now?? Any info about the other resorts nearby and whether they are bug-free? Or is it going to be even worse than summer crowds if I go now and wait instead?

 

[zukeeper]

Embassy Suites South Garden Grove has avaialbility at $229/nt. They have a lovely breakfast included. Go to Tripadvisor and plug your dates in. They'll give you available hotels, you can read reviews, then book however you want.

Another option if you want to skip the craziness of DL on the 19th would be to go to another park altogether that day. We stayed in Buena Park at the Radisson Suites $125/nt (I'm not raving about it, but it was ok). They had a shuttle to DL and Knotts. We went to Knotts on Mother's Day to avoid Disney crowds and the place was deserted. We walked right on the rides. Lots to choose from for toddlers to adults. We like to repeat our favorites, so we kept busy all day. The Knott's resort hotel also offers free shuttle to DL. Find a coupon for Knott's at any DelTaco location.

 

[Ellowan]

Yay!! It's all set! I'm not staying at the other hotel, but price is an issue for us. We are off to have fun and see the stars!!

It's so sad though, that Fantasmic won't be playing until the end of June. I'm sure that we'll find other things to hold our interests.

 

[bjsmom]

hAVE FUN!!!

 

[Ellowan]

Oops!! And thank you all for all your help. That is how I ultimately found it.