Help with Disneyland Planning - September

[mysteriouspnai]

I am currently planning on a 5 day 4 night trip to LA for 2 people. We're having trouble deciding where to stay, and what activities to do. Our normal trips are typically 2 day 1 night or 3 day 2 night trips (DLR or DLR and Uni). We're staying a little longer this year because he's graduating from college.

We're going from Sept 12-16 to at least get onto some of the rides that will be closed that week. So many refurbs! Last year, it didn't feel like there were so many. Or maybe I'm just grumbling over the loss of PoTC and BB too much. Does anyone think there are going to be any fall discounts or should I just start booking now? Both hotel and Disneyland ticket wise?

we want to make this trip as cheap as possible so we're staying at Anaheim Quality Inn and Suites since we've stayed there the last 3 times we went to Disney. Can anyone find better rates than $57 per night that's walking distance? We'd love to try a new hotel if possible. We're visiting Universal Studios on Tues, Sept 13, Knott's on Wed, DCA on Thurs, and Disneyland on Fri, with Saturday reserved for driving home and around LA. Any recommendations to changes in plans?

We'd also like some recommendations on things to do around the LA area before we have to make the 3 hour drive back up north. Something that wouldn't take TOO much time, since we'd like to get back at a decent hour. I'm fine with doing everything myself, but since there's a lot planned, should I be going through a travel agent? Thanks for all your help!

 

[sonnyjane]

we want to make this trip as cheap as possible so we're staying at Anaheim Quality Inn and Suites since we've stayed there the last 3 times we went to Disney. Can anyone find better rates than $57 per night that's walking distance? We'd love to try a new hotel if possible. We're visiting Universal Studios on Tues, Sept 13, Knott's on Wed, DCA on Thurs, and Disneyland on Fri, with Saturday reserved for driving home and around LA. Any recommendations to changes in plans?

I wouldn't do one day at DCA and one at Disneyland but would buy a 2-day hopper pass so you can bounce back and forth between the two. You'll be getting more for your money (and time) that way. I'd normally push for more days at DL/DCA, but it sounds like you live somewhat nearby and this isn't your first visit, so a 2-day hopper should be fine if you want to explore other things in the area as well.

 

[skiingfast]

You might wait about a month to book, but I doubt you will get a deal on a two day ticket. Agree with SonnyJane that you should make it a hopper.

Might look at the Anaheim Plaza Inn to get a better hotel rate.

I would keep that order in particular because you will want to be in DL that Friday.

Going north maybe walk around Hollywood BLVD or Beverly Hills, they aren't too far from the 5.

 

[mysteriouspnai]

I'm actually closer to the 101. I was thinking the Aquarium of the Pacific or maybe Santa Monica Pier. Does anyone have any opinions?

I'm also considered a socal resident so I was hoping for some sort of Socal discount. Has anyone had any experiences with Wildatwork.com? When I was searching for past years with September discounts, I came upon that website and was wondering if it was legit. Thanks for all your help, and I definitely will take the park hopper into consideration since Screamin' is down (OR I could just play Toy Story Mania all day, but that's just me )

 

[MenchieMan87]

I'm actually closer to the 101. I was thinking the Aquarium of the Pacific or maybe Santa Monica Pier. Does anyone have any opinions?

I haven't been to Aquarium of the Pacific yet, but the GF and I did spend a very nice day in that area, lots of stuff to do! We got a kick out of the arcade, and there is also a ferris wheel with no line! We are eager to go back and check out the aquarium and ride the paddle boats by the Hyatt.

We also enjoy the Santa Monica Pier and the 3rd Street Promenade, (it's closer to where we live so we're there quite a bit) but I don't think it's quite as much fun as the Long Beach area by the aquarium. There are rides at the pier too but that area is always so crowded so I've never been on them.

There's always the Disney Soda Fountain in Hollywood too!