Help? Trying to plan trip to DL.

[Eeyorecln]

I am trying to plan 2 vacations to DL this year. The first one this summer with my step-children visiting this summer. We're looking at mid- august or end of june. They're would be 8. My Hubbie, myself, my sons(6,5,4,and 11 month old by then) and 2 step-sons(14 & 12). The second one would sometime in the first 2 weeks December with my DH me & our 4 kids and my sister and her daughter(6). The first trip is a budget one with so many kids along. So we're trying to find a cheap hotel that has a suite for all of us or 2 rooms at a cheap price. Any ideas on how to get the best rate? And will it be so crowded that it won't be worth it? This would be our first big trip with my step-sons and our first trip to DL. In December we're looking at staying on-site by getting an AP and trying to get a good rate at one of their hotels. Does anyone know what the rate would be for Dec. and which hotel PP or DH? GCH is out of our budget. Thanks for any help or insight.

 

[scanmom]

be sure to check out www.mousesavers.com They have ALL the best rates. There is a link on mousesavers to ARES Travel. They had the best rates for the hotels on Harbour that I have seen, and I have been scouring the net. We are staying at the carousel inn with 2 rooms @ $59.00/nite/room! Good Luck and have FUN!!!!

 

[got2travel]

I agree, check out mousesavers, but also, if you have a AAA or Entertainment card, also call the hotels directly. Ofter you can get the best rate that way. I just went a few weeks ago and got the Carousel for $49 using my Entertainment card. (which they didn't even ask to see by the way).

As for Dec, since you said you would visit in the first 2 weeks, then you should be able to get a good AP rate. However, if they end up with larger than usual crowds this year, then they wouldn't offer it. I believe they were offering $179 for weekends at the Grand Californian and $139 for weekends at the Disneyland Hotel.

Hopefully you'll get your APs now for this trip, that way you can get good use out of them. Also, many of the restaurants in the park offer %10 off with your AP.

 

[LucyKate]

Wow - 6 boys! Good Luck!

Mousesavers is good, and got us the best rate at the Howard Johnson - it is a 10 minute walk and a very good budget hotel.

We went in early December and it is the best time to go - no queues for any rides, beautifuly Christmas decorations and parade, and Christmas themes on some of the rides - and the weather was cool, but not too cold. You should be able to get good deals on rooms at that time of the year.