Help?

[alisonh]

So my dh, ds, and I will be heading out to DL as a part of a trip west in a few weeks. We will have only 1-2 days I think, maybe 3 if I push for it. But I think it will be 1 and if I am lucky 2. I have not been to CA and DL has been several years. We just went to WDW in march for 7 days. I have been reading the "UG to DLR" and many websites as well as around the boards. I know I cant make all the attactions, but what should I really make sure to ride, see, visit? (DS is 3) Also, where can we get the best price on tickets? Should we buy ahead online, at the Disney store, or somewhere out in cali? My parents are in Cali for the summer and might be meeting us and can pick up tickets too if that is the way to go. And how far is the airport (LAX) from DLR as dh will be flying home the night we are FOR SURE going to disney on a red eye (12:30am) flight. Since we will be bringing him to the airport does anyone have any recomendations for lodging that way? We will also stay at least 1-2 nights near disney if we can. Lots of things are still getting worked out but I am looking for help in the planning. Thanks!

 

[scooter15]

I would definitely go on attractions that are not in WDW such as the Matterhorn, Nemo and Indiana Jones. Also do not miss Fantasmic or the fireworks. DLs Fantasmic is soooooo much better than WDW even with the missing dragon. As far as Magical the new fireworks, I personally do not like it as much as Remember but being able to see how Tinkerbell and Dumbo flies is worth it.

 

[Brady's Mom]

You can also check out the So. Cal. passes - our friends mom gets them the 2fer tickets - which get you into one park one day and the other park the other day. You do not get to park hop with these tickets.

Sometimes you can get a summer fun pass for 3 days for $99 and you pick these up at local grocery stores in So. Cal. I don't know if you have to show ID or not??

Our must dos - Toy Story, Screamin', ToT, Soarin', GRR, Alladin (if it is running), and Muppets in CA.

DL must dos - Pirates, BTMR, Buzz, Matterhorn, Small World, Peter Pan, Pooh, Space, Jedi Training and fireworks (if they are running)

Anything else is gravy to us, or we do our faves multiple times - but our minimum stay is usually 3-4 days in the parks. Our DS 4 is not tall enough for all of the rides, or doesn't like some of them, so we will switch off who rides the faves and take him to do something he likes/can ride.

 

[alisonh]

Thanks!

So... does anyone know, since I am not a S Cali resident myself if I can get the 3 days for 99 deal? Even if we only use 2 it would be a savings right? My cuz is a resident in LA, can he pick them up for us or would our ids be checked at the gate?

I am getting so excited for our trip... in my eyes there could never be enough disney magic! I had hoped to go back to WDW this fall, but I think this trip is going to take all the cash away from that one. Lots of firsts, we will be doing and if you have any tips (even not disney) I would love the input! We will be flying from MN to AZ we have a few days in Ph. and then we will do the Grand Canyon for a few days. DS wants route 66 so we will hit a part of that, Las Vegas for 2 nights, then Cali for about 5 days before dh flies home and ds and I drive back with my parents to MN, stopping along the way. Should be exciting! And expensive, thus my reason for looking to find the absolute best rates on hotels and admissions to things. Thanks again!

 

[disneynerd420]

Well as a arizonan, I say I hope you enjoy your stay when you come out our way. While you are out here in Phoenix, dress lightly. If you are coming in a few weeks, temps will be around 105 to 115 degrees. You will want to spend as little time as possible outdoors while you are here. Also remember to put on lots of sun block, the desert sun is brutal. Night time is much more comfortable than the day, and there is nothing like an Arizona sunset. Also, once you go to the Grand Canyon it will be much cooler.

What are you plans for your visit while you are here?

 

[alisonh]

Well as a arizonan, I say I hope you enjoy your stay when you come out our way. While you are out here in Phoenix, dress lightly. If you are coming in a few weeks, temps will be around 105 to 115 degrees. You will want to spend as little time as possible outdoors while you are here. Also remember to put on lots of sun block, the desert sun is brutal. Night time is much more comfortable than the day, and there is nothing like an Arizona sunset. Also, once you go to the Grand Canyon it will be much cooler.

What are you plans for your visit while you are here?

Thank you. My husband's grandparents live in Surprise, apprently it is just outside Phoenix. He has not seen them in 10 years, I met them at his high school open house when we were only friends 13 years ago, and they have obviously never met our son. This is a miracle of sorts, and a definate answer to prayers as my husbands parents and grandparents had a falling out in the late 90's that resulted in things such as christmas gifts being sent back "refused" and our wedding invite was returned with "congratulations to your daughter, we will not be able to see her wedding" no metion of their own grandson! Anyhow... about 2 years ago they finally answered a letter I sent and since then we have been building a relationship with them (although his parents are still not speaking) so this visit is to see them. I am not sure what there is to do in the area and have made no plans for our time there other then to visit them. In terms of the grand canyon, I am very excited because I love to visit amazing natural wonders like that and have yet to see it. I am not sure what to expect, and due to the time of year, and our son being only 3 I am not sure we will do much hiking so I am wondering how much time we will really need. In terms of the reason we are headed to California, my dad is in cancer treatments there and we wanted to see him so we will get there at the end of his treatments (we hope) and then my husband will fly home and my son and I will travel with them on their schedule. I am a teacher, so as long as I make it home before Aug 30 I am fine. Thanks about it. We are trying to squeeze everything in. I am so excited about each part of the trip. We had planned to do Free Dining this fall in WDW but then dad got cancer and so our trip $ is in this vacation instead, good thing he is close to DL!