How can I do this trip any cheaper?

[kkmcan]

We are going to Disneyland in March but I really want to go in Nov to see the Christmas decorations and the Parade. I'm trying to convince my dh we need to go for a quick trip. I've come up with $655 for 4 nights plus 3 day hoppers for 2 adults and 2 children staying at the Castle Inn. This is thru getawaytoday.com. I can't seem to do this any cheaper. Any other ideas?

By the time we add in gas (from Az) and food and a souvie for each kid we are up to $1000 for a quickie trip. Seems undo-able for this much $$$$.

BTW, we usually take in a few snacks, eat the continental breakfast at the hotel so we don't spend a fortune on food. Not much else we can do to pare that one down. I guess I'm just looking for a super duper deal on tickets and hotel.

What do you think?
Thanks,
Kelly

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Maybe you can try Super 8, or another less expensive hotel? Katella Palms? Bring a cooler & your own breakfast of cereal, & make sandwiches for the day. Eat a meal outside the park, or split a meal w/the kids. Some hotels have the 4th night free & that would save money, too. Good luck.

 

[cstraub]

Doesn't sound like you can do much better than what you have. I priced that on Expedia and came up with about $822.

You are not specific about your dates but I know at WDW value season starts on Nov 27. Maybe it is the same for DL.

 

[cstraub]

Have you tried the Anaheim Plaza Hotel? It is a two star as is the Castle Inn and is right across from the main entrance to DL. I found it for Nov. 27 through Dec 1 (4 nights) for $50 a night.

Here is the Expedia discription:

This conveniently located hotel is situated opposite Disneyland’s main entrance and 1.5 blocks from the Anaheim Convention Center.

Accommodations range from standard guestrooms to family suites and include balconies or patios and cable TV with free Showtime.

The business center offers complimentary high-speed Internet access, and the large outdoor pool features a sundeck and spa tub.

 

[kkmcan]

Thanks for the responses. All great ideas. Now off to plan some more.

Kelly

 

[kmsandrbs]

If you are going again in March, have you considered Annual Passes? Depending on how many days you are going for, and/or whether they are blockout days, and depending on the age of the children, this could give you a savings on the tickets over the course of the two trips, plus add in a few other modest benefits. And if you ever thought you might come back in the summer or next fall, it could really save a bundle. Plus, if you are doing four nights, you can go for a short period (like going to just watch the fireworks or something) on the first night, but have it not cost any extra.

 

[denyd]

kmsandrbs beat me to my main suggestion (annual passes).

You might want to check out the Extended Stay America in Anaheim. It's a couple of blocks away (they have a shuttle). I think it's about $80 a night. I has a kitchen with full size fridge, 2 burner stove & microwave. Limited amenities, but you'll be able prepare a couple of meals (breakfast & sack lunches) and have a place to store leftovers. Most rooms have 2 queen beds.

 

[laura&fam]

I looked at getawaytoday.com also, but I found it was cheaper to plan our November trip by buying everything seperately.

I bought the tickets from Costco (CityPass), the hotel directly from the hotel (be sure to use any triple A other discounts), and the airfare and plane from expedia.com.

I also suggest a hotel with complimentary breakfast and fridge and microwave to cut down food costs.

 

[jencav5]

The cheapest way to do DLR is to buy the tickets separately and use Priceline. Priceline will get you a 3* hotel for about $40 per night. The drawback is that you don't get to pick the hotel, so you will most likely have to use the shuttle or drive. If cost is an issue, though, it is your best bet. You may even get a cheaper price. We have been using Priceline for years in the Anaheim area and have always done great. We also have AP's, so we get free parking. AP's are a good way to go if you're going more than once, as previous posters suggested. You also get discounts on your food and merchandise with AP's. If you are interested in using Priceline, though, I would learn about it first-don't just go and start bidding! There are a few tricks. There's a website called www.biddingfortravel.com that has a lot of information about bidding on Priceline. Also, you have plenty of time to bid on Priceline, so if you have a cancelable back-up hotel booked, you can always decide to try Priceline out, after you've learned a bit more, at a later date.

 

[NancyIL]

I second Priceline!

 

[kkmcan]

Ok- I always forget about Priceline. We've used them once before and was absolutely thrilled with what we got. So, I'll take a look again at biddingfortravel.

Secondly, a few of you mentioned the annual passes. We probably would do those except that we bought the Costco citipasses to use in March and they have the 3 day park hoppers. So I thought we could go for a quickie trip between now and then since I'm having a hard time waiting so long and for the holiday decorations as well.

I'm trying to find out some info on tickets available at my local Safeway grocery in Az. I see those gift card looking passes but I do not know how much they are and if they are 2 or 3 days. They might work out well with the priceline hotel. Hmmmmm....

Off to check some things! Thanks so much for the ideas!!!

Kelly

 

[jencav5]

Ok- I always forget about Priceline. We've used them once before and was absolutely thrilled with what we got. So, I'll take a look again at biddingfortravel. Secondly, a few of you mentioned the annual passes. We probably would do those except that we bought the Costco citipasses to use in March and they have the 3 day park hoppers. So I thought we could go for a quickie trip between now and then since I'm having a hard time waiting so long and for the holiday decorations as well.
I'm trying to find out some info on tickets available at my local Safeway grocery in Az. I see those gift card looking passes but I do not know how much they are and if they are 2 or 3 days. They might work out well with the priceline hotel. Hmmmmm....Kelly

I'm not sure what you paid for your tickets from Costco-I've seen them there but we have AP's, so I've never checked the price, but if you decided to change your ticket plan, I would bet that Costco would return the ones you bought. They are pretty good at returning anything. I would ask at customer service the next time you're there, anyway, just to see, if you can return them.

I think Safeway is the same price as online. I know before the 50th they had the get 5 days for the price of 3, but they don't have that anymore. I would still definately check, though. I would also check www.mousesavers.com. They usually have some sort of deal you can get. You can also try AAA, if you're a member-not sure if they discount just tickets. I think, for the most part, the tickets aren't discounted much more than the DL online prices.

 

[yeartolate]

Between priceline and AP's you should be able to do well.

The AP's will make you split the cost of the trip with the next one. If your children are 9 or under - the kids could get hoppers and the grown ups get AP's.

I have only tried 3 star selections for priceline - I would be too nervous about less than 3 star.

Buy fruit, instant oatmeal, etc.

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

Just a note on Priceline> We did this for a July stay and got the Hyatt Regency for $43.00 a night + another $12.00 a night for self parking. The hotel was wonderful and there is a Red Robin, Joes Crab Shack, and Outback steakhouse within walking distance.

 

[kmsandrbs]

Another option (since you have your Costco passes) would be to upgrade to annual passes FROM your Costco tickets. I would check with them first about this, because I understand that their policy changes from time to time. They credit the actual cost of the passes (I am not sure how they figure that out for Citypass ... we had a DTC package and received the Disney online discounted price for ours). If you are going to go twice, at least wait to purchase your second set of tickets until after you have gone, because you can always check into upgrading there. Or buy them from some place you can return them.

For example, right now, the discounted online rate is $139 for a 3 day park hopper. If you bought two of those (one for this trip, and one for the next, that would be $278. The Deluxe AP is $229. That means that if Disney will give you $90 credit (or more) for your Citypass passes, you might as well upgrade to an AP (after you have used your early entry and other hopper ticket bonuses). For your children, it probably won't work out in your favor (kids APs are the same price as adults, but hoppers are less).

If you decide to try this, check their upgrade policy on just before you go (if you are thinking about going to Disneyland an extra day, especially).

Also, make sure you are not going on blackout dates (in March, they are the 11th, 18th, and 25th; in Nov. only Thu., Fr., and Sat. of Thanksgiving weekend).

Not a huge savings, but if you are goiong for a longer stay in March (which, if you have the Citypass, I am guessing you are), you also would be able to do extra days at Disneyland, and have Disnelyand as a 'backup' if your day planned at another attraction ends early.