Hotel and ride closure questions

[Isabel]

I'm planning our first trip to Disneyland for DH and myself in October 2009 and need some help with two questions (more to follow, I'm sure!).

I'm torn between a Disney hotel and HoJo. The price at HoJo is amazing, but we've always enjoyed the hotels at DisneyWorld. Will we be giving up much by staying off property? We like to use the pools, so that is a factor. (Will October be warm enough for swimming?)

Do rides close for refurbishment around the same time each year? I'm hoping to not miss too much, since this will probably be our only trip to California, and will try to change the date if it looks like the things we want to do might be closed. I'm just too miserable in the heat and crowds of the summer to make it worth going then.

 

[rockstargeisha]

Do rides close for refurbishment around the same time each year? I'm hoping to not miss too much, since this will probably be our only trip to California, and will try to change the date if it looks like the things we want to do might be closed. I'm just too miserable in the heat and crowds of the summer to make it worth going then.

I can't answer your first question but as far as you second question goes the only two attractions that are typically closed at the same time annually would be The Haunted Mansion for the Nightmare Before Christmas theming and It's a Small World for Christmas theming.

It's a Small World is currently closed and will reopen in November. Have fun!

 

[DangerMouse]

I can't answer your first question but as far as you second question goes the only two attractions are typically closed at the same time annually would be The Haunted Mansion for the Nightmare Before Christmas theming and It's a Small World for Christmas theming.

It's a Small World is currently closed and will repen in November. Do keep in mind the official website, http://www.disneyland.com lists ride refurbishment dates and tentative reopening times. Have fun!

Well, I have stayed at both the HoJo and the DLH. You can probably tell by my signature which one I prefer.

The one big benefit to staying on-site is getting MM privileges each day they are offered. If you are purchasing a 3 day or more hopper you will get one MM if you stay off-site. You also have the benefit at the DLH of using the monorail for transportation to/from DL. However, it isn't always the most convenient and if you choose to walk through DTD, the walks from DLH and the HoJo to the front gates are about the same (10 minutes).

Oh, and about the pools, Lorealle, a manager at HoJo, has reported that they are redoing their larger pool area in the very near future to include a pirate theme. It's supposed to be really cool. They are currently redoing their "quiet pool" area and when it is done, they will break ground on the large children's pool area in the front of the property. The weather in October is very good for swimming.

If I were you I'd go ahead and secure reservations at the HoJo (did you get the most excellent entertainment rate?), and the DLH, and as the time gets closer you can check on the status of the pools and make your final decision then.

HMH should be up and running by the first week of October. They close it down shortly after Labor Day to make sure it is running for the Halloweentime season.

HTH.