How early can/should I book everything? (Tickets, dinner reservations etc)

[Smokering]

I know it's generally best to book flights as early as possible, but what about Disneyland tickets? It's May now and we're going next March or April. If I booked 5-day Park Hopper passes now, would there be any advantage? Or should I wait for a special? If I booked them early and then a special came up, could I cancel the original tickets and get the special ones instead?

Also, how early can you make dinner reservations? I'm guessing they'd laugh at me if I booked a meal at the Blue Bayou ten months in advance, right? I want to ask for special dietary accommodations (grass-fed, pastured, non-CAFO meat), so I don't want to leave it until the last minute. (Side note, do you think they'd accommodate my request about the meat? I'm planning to mostly eat vegetarian meals in the parks, or leave the parks to eat, but I really want to dine at the Blue Bayou and have something non-vegetarian. If the Blue Bayou wouldn't do it, do you think Napa Rose would?)

We're currently thinking of staying at the Anaheim Plaza Inn (I think it's called!) Again - best to book ASAP, or wait? What about Medieval Times, Universal Studios and so on? What about tickets to see a show like Wicked or Beauty and the Beast - how far in advance can you book them? (I REALLY don't want to miss out on those - we don't get a lot of Broadway in NZ!)

Basically, I'd like to take advantage of our long planning time, and I'd like to pay for as much of the trip as we can now; but I don't want to miss out on any specials or promo deals. Any tips?

 

[Lights_Out]

I think you can buy Disneyland tickets whenever (unless you're shipping or something, then you want it to arrive before you leave obviously )

They take priority seating reservations 60 days in advance.

Your dietary concerns can be answered by giving them a call (same line when you make your reservation)

As for hotels, I like to book them asap with my flights.

For the "broadway" shows best to book them before the seats fill up, no?

 

[farmfresh]

Hi there

You have plenty of time to book. Hotel plus flights are a good idea - But check out Easter dates and Spring break dates - these will push up crowds and prices, and you can probably work around them. Make sure you include a weekend in your plans - sometimes entertainment like fireworks can be limited to weekends in quieter periods

Ticket prices for DL are generally cheaper on line (and the time frame really doesn't make much of a difference). You're too early yet - the online offers only run to Jan 2011

One option is to talk to a (good) travel agent, because there are very reasonable flight.accommodation.ticket deals sometimes. They will also let you know when bookings open.Otherwise, just keep your eyes out esp with Air NZ - we booked very cheap LA fares for the sept school holidays, and now they're back to regular pricing. They are much much tighter with fare management, and so you'll probably get a better fare earlier, rather than at the last minute. (Current fare in the period you are looking at are around $2000 return...so not specially discounted, I'd watch them for a bit. Also, you might just hit the new seat /sky couch upgrades!)

Dining is 60 days out, but some entertainment in Dl is 30 days (exactly, US dates , and you'll need to get on the phone 8 am West Coast time to book these) - fantasmic for example. Not sure what the lead times are for WOC yet! again, if you go a the less popular times, you should have no problems securing reservations.

As for Universal etc, just buy tickets on line before you go -( there are some combo Southern Californian style tickets which get you into Seaworld etc at a lower price. )

Another thing to think about though is the exchange rate, which is currently very favorable, and probably can have more imapct on your trip pricing than just about anything!

Most of the shows etc have online booking - if they'll let you buy a ticket that far in advance, go for it.

 

[Lissame]

This is just a guess, you will have to call, but I'm thinking your dietary requests will probably not be met at the Blue Bayou. Maybe napa Rose, but again, you never know.

 

[Smokering]

I hadn't even considered the exchange rate! Good point.

I need to get our dates firmly fixed ASAP, and then get onto booking hotels and such. And then remind myself to book seats at the BB or NR 60 days in advance, Google calendar-style!

I've seen flights to LA for just under $1400 - not with Air New Zealand though. DH says we can afford to get the tickets next month.

 

[farmfresh]

Yes - the exchange rate can be a killer! Sometimes it's 70 cents, sometimes its 50... right now is looking pretty good.

Once you have flights, work it from there.

Maybe ask here when spring break will be - it's worth avoiding it if you can.

Also - should have said, for regular dining reservations there isn't really the same need to hit the phones right at 8 am. That 's really just for seated Dessert at Fantasmic (and probably WOC), both of which you can see for free.

Also - final irritating thing...Disney doesn't put up their scheduled opening closing hours, or entertainment until about 6 weeks or so out. Not much help for longer term planning. However, there are resources around which give you previous years' info, which can help.

Have a great trip