Help-Planning Questions for the DL Experts

[keishashadow]

Preliminary planning stage (if we can get the vacation time) to use up a SWA credit & re-visit DL. I'm heading out to buy a guidebook & going to dig around here later today, but hoping for some assistance from seasoned DL vets please to get me rolling.

1) Looking at Tuesday to Saturday, either the last week in January or 1st week of February. Would miss both MLK & President day, thought it'd be a low attendance time. Not sure of any local events that'd affect attendance.Would either week have an advantage over the other?

2) This year's park hours ran until 8 pm, do you think it'd be the same for '12?

3) I'm not getting a 'straight' answer from DL as to exactly what the construction impact/schedule for these dates. Anybody know if it'd be a good idea to skip DLH & book another onsite property? I had suggested the HoJo but mr really loved the DLH.

4) I noticed that Paradise Pier is far less expensive, but i never did figure it out exactly where it was located and if it was 'walkable' to the parks ala the other 2 properties.

5) When checking historical temps, appears as though while rainy (7 inches or so) the avg temp is 70 degrees. Balmy enough for me to want to brave a dip in whichever DL resort pool we happen to land at if open, are they?

Any hints most appreciated, our only other trip was the end of June/early July a few years ago.

 

[christine*]

1) I think both weeks would be similar.
2) I would predict it would be simialr.
3) I believe they've completed all the room remodels for DLH, so you should be fine.
4) Yes it is walkable. Here's a link to a map someone else posted http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp
5) Last time I went in January, it was cold most of the day. There might have been a small window of time mid-day that I might have considered swimming.

 

[keishashadow]

christine* thanks for the link

 

[skiingfast]

1. Agree either week would be fine, super low crowd period.
2. Nothing happening that should effect hours so they should remain short.
3. DLH will be completely done, may be a great time to revisit it. It will be wrapping up all work in November.

In DCA the entrance is rerouted which it's very likely to be the same when you are there since they are redoing all of the buildings there. In the parks DL will have a quarter of Mainstreet closed down as they renew dining areas. As it a slow time major ride and minor ride rehabs are common too.

4. PPH is closer because you can cut through the GCH.
5. The pools are heated and all stay open onsite, so if you can brave the cool air you might enjoy them. As you may of notice that is the peak of the "rainy" season so might bring a rain coat or umbrella and check the forecast before you leave.

 

[specialks]

1) Looking at Tuesday to Saturday, either the last week in January or 1st week of February. Would miss both MLK & President day, thought it'd be a low attendance time. Not sure of any local events that'd affect attendance.Would either week have an advantage over the other?
There is a brand new half marathon taking place Jan 29th. It includes a 5k and kids race during that weekend. The 1/2 marathon is sold out.
2) This year's park hours ran until 8 pm, do you think it'd be the same for '12?
I would guess yes, but who knows.
3) I'm not getting a 'straight' answer from DL as to exactly what the construction impact/schedule for these dates. Anybody know if it'd be a good idea to skip DLH & book another onsite property? I had suggested the HoJo but mr really loved the DLH.
Everything I've read shows the pool construction not being complete until summer 2012. I think all the rooms ae upgraded but the pool construction might still be unsightly and noisy.
4) I noticed that Paradise Pier is far less expensive, but i never did figure it out exactly where it was located and if it was 'walkable' to the parks ala the other 2 properties.
I've always thought that the DLH is the farthest. Many PPH guests cut thru the GCH to enter the parks.
5) When checking historical temps, appears as though while rainy (7 inches or so) the avg temp is 70 degrees. Balmy enough for me to want to brave a dip in whichever DL resort pool we happen to land at if open, are they?
Can't help here, but do know that the resort hotels are heated.

 

[skiingfast]

Everything I've read shows the pool construction not being complete until summer 2012. I think all the rooms ae upgraded but the pool construction might still be unsightly and noisy.

Please take it from me, all DLH construction was planned to be done by 2012. And it is now official from Disney that it will be done somtime in November.

 

[specialks]

Please take it from me, all DLH construction was planned to be done by 2012. And it is now official from Disney that it will be done somtime in November.

Probably explains why the OP is not getting a definite answer from Disney. . That construction co must have a completion bonus written in the contract...because really, when is construction EVER done early?!!

 

[Keurigirl]

Paradise Pier is ABSOLUTELY walkable. We just did it for the last week and I found it a very easy walk "home". It's right through Downtown Disney, through the Grand Californian and across the street. 5-7 minutes, maybe?

 

[Scribble Kitty]

When I stayed we always used the side entrance, near the parking garage and walked through DTD. The only street we crossed was the round-a-bout circle for people to turn around in. Would it be faster to go out the main entrance?

It didn't feel like it took long at all. But maybe other ways are faster?

 

[skiingfast]

When I stayed we always used the side entrance, near the parking garage and walked through DTD. The only street we crossed was the round-a-bout circle for people to turn around in. Would it be faster to go out the main entrance?

It didn't feel like it took long at all. But maybe other ways are faster?

I think you mean from PPH? Is that correct?

If so, if you exit and go along Disneyland Dr. to the first intersection which is near the northeast corner of the PPH, cross Disneyland Dr. there. Follow the sidewalk into the GCH resort and go in the front doors. After you enter make a left along the registration desk. Go strait past there and out into DTD and make a right to get to DL. If going to DCA follow the signs which say go right along the GCH's grand lobby, this will take you to the special entrance of DCA. When you walk this way the PPH is closer than the DLH.

 

[Scribble Kitty]

I think you mean from PPH? Is that correct?

If so, if you exit and go along Disneyland Dr. to the first intersection which is near the northeast corner of the PPH, cross Disneyland Dr. there. Follow the sidewalk into the GCH resort and go in the front doors. After you enter make a left along the registration desk. Go strait past there and out into DTD and make a right to get to DL. If going to DCA follow the signs which say go right along the GCH's grand lobby, this will take you to the special entrance of DCA. When you walk this way the PPH is closer than the DLH.

Yes, I was at PPH, I should have specified. Thanks for the walk through. I'm staying there again this November, so I'll have to try this way and see if I like it better.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks all! I'm taking notes, did stumble upon the marathon info last night, all hotels still open for my dates.
1 more questions please.

hadn't considered the PP hotel last visit, but i saw pics on tripadvisor of views from the theme park rooms that are mighty impressive! I could be wrong but it appears as though the PP upper park view rooms have a better view of the park than GC!?! or am i missing something?

 

[rramstad]

Thanks for the explicit directions on how to go from PP to GCH to DTD, DL or DCA. I hadn't really been able to put 2+2 together until now. It seems that this is really walkable.

 

[disneychrista]

Make sure you get the 2012 guidebook. They are released this month and worth the wait.

 

[skiingfast]

thanks all! I'm taking notes, did stumble upon the marathon info last night, all hotels still open for my dates.
1 more questions please.

hadn't considered the PP hotel last visit, but i saw pics on tripadvisor of views from the theme park rooms that are mighty impressive! I could be wrong but it appears as though the PP upper park view rooms have a better view of the park than GC!?! or am i missing something?

Yes and no. The higher PPH park view rooms all have really good views. The GCH has some great views but it's really hit or miss if you get the right room or one that has an obstructed view or a bad angle. So a true risk only at the GCH compared to the PPH.

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks for the explicit directions on how to go from PP to GCH to DTD, DL or DCA. I hadn't really been able to put 2+2 together until now. It seems that this is really walkable.

It is no problem and I'm glad to share because it saves a lot of time and you will enjoy it more on the long walk back at night.

If they seem complicated don't worry, it's pretty simple when you do it, and once in the GCH it's well marked. Just look behind you as you go so you know how to get into and through the GCH when you go back.

 

[keishashadow]

Make sure you get the 2012 guidebook. They are released this month and worth the wait.

Unofficial Guide or Passporter?

Yes and no. The higher PPH park view rooms all have really good views. The GCH has some great views but it's really hit or miss if you get the right room or one that has an obstructed view or a bad angle. So a true risk only at the GCH compared to the PPH.

thank you

 

[disneychrista]

Unofficial Guide or Passporter?

Unofficial Guide is released on September 21st & Official Guide is released on September 27th. I don't see a current passporter being offered. Even on their website the last edition seems to be 2006, so I would skip it as it is WAY out of date.

 

[keishashadow]

Unofficial Guide is released on September 21st & Official Guide is released on September 27th. I don't see a current passporter being offered. Even on their website the last edition seems to be 2006, so I would skip it as it is WAY out of date.

i have the '06's of both books, time to upgrade

ordered the '12 UG on amazon for less than $11, supposed to have it by wednesday, probably will get email saying it's delayed

 

[larina]

The walk from the PPH is easy once you do it the first time. It's also fun. We came to enjoy it. And we love the PPH view suites. More spacious than the other Disney properties, but lots of fun and all the Disney service!