I have a few questions...

[ixadorexpink]

My family and I are planning on going to DL in June (our first time going). It's my DH, DS (2 yrs. old), BIL (13), maybe my sister(21), and I. We've been looking at hotels and have cut it down to 2 hotels but can't decide which one to go with. The hotels are Ramada Maingate and HoJo. I've read good reviews and seen pics of the HoJo but haven't seen any pics of the Ramada Maingate here on the forum. Anyone stayed at that hotel? Would it be better/cheaper to stay at a hotel that offers breakfast (like that Ramada) or a hotel without breakfast (HoJo)? If you have any recommendations, please feel free to do so. Are 3 days at DL enough to do a lot of things at both parks?

Also, apart from going to DL, my family and I are planning on going to Universal Studios and Six Flags. Anyone know if they sell those tickets in a "package"? My DH was looking around and found a website that offers them. It's called smartdestinations.com. They have a Los Angeles Card and it offers a "package" of the tickets we need. Anyone ever buy tickets from that website? Thanks in advance to all those who help me.

 

[clairabell29]

We stayed at the Ramada Maingate last summer. It was clean, comfortable, and a little closer then the HOJO. It had a great pool for little ones, only about 18inches deep, so they could play. I hear they are putting in a new pool, not sure when they'll be done. Breakfast was mostly sugar, donuts, pastries, fruit, cereal, juice, coffee and milk. There was always a line and the room was TINY to get breakfast. Be sure to take the tray from your room, if you stay here. I would go back there, no problem. My DH and DS2 and DS5 went back every day for a nap during our 6 day stay.

If you stay at HOJO you can always have VONS deliver grocieries to you, this is the cheapest eating option at disney. I always make PB and J for lunch and take the fruit from breakfast, depending on the hotel, for snacks.

I think you can get the city pass from several sites, haven't heard of that one in particular.

As for 3 days, it always feels rushed to me if we don't have at least 4 days, but I have 2 little ones and things do take longer with them.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Dramamama]

I've stayed at the Ramada Maingate 2 times and I'm staying again in Feb. I love it there. And they just remodeled all their rooms. Their breakfast isn't anything special, but with the fridge and microwave you can always add to it. I love the location. It is so easy to come back for a nap or a sweater.

 

[clairabell29]

repost

 

[ixadorexpink]

Thanks ladies! I'm hoping the website I mentioned is legit.

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks ladies! I'm hoping the website I mentioned is legit.

Haven't heard of that site but it looks just ok for your agenda, not great.

Citypass might work, but it is better if you are going to San Diego too and doesn't have anything for Magic Mountain.

Speaking of Magic Mountain I would suggest going to Knott's instead if you need to get coasters in. It's just a nicer park in general.

 

[dptabrown]

I have not stayed at either, but have had some conversations with the staff regarding our trip in June. I have a few diff ressies right now and one of them is at the Ramada Maingate. They are in the process of remodeling their pool. Sounds like it's going to be pretty fun for the kiddos! And yes, they are keeping their sloped entry into the pool.

I've stayed at the Ramada Maingate 2 times and I'm staying again in Feb. I love it there. And they just remodeled all their rooms. Their breakfast isn't anything special, but with the fridge and microwave you can always add to it. I love the location. It is so easy to come back for a nap or a sweater.

And just a quick FYI... they have not remodeled ALL of the rooms. You need to book a premium room to be sure to get a remodeled one. However they are also in the process (and will be for a while) of remodeling the interior of a handful of rooms at a time.
They do have plans to do a major remodel of diff buildings, but Jessica there told me they will likely start after the summer season. This is not set, so that is one reason I have multiple reservations (that can all be canceled).
Hope this all helps!

 

[chrissiecutie]

I vote for the CityPass!

You can buy directly online or maybe even Costco? I saw them there around Christmas time but not sure if they are still available. However, CityPass is easy to come by and usually offers a decent discount.

If you have concerns about the particular website, I would say just stay away...I always try and buy my vacation packages/tickets, etc from reputable, well known sources. There's lots of good reviews on this board for Get Away Today travel, Last Minute Travel and of course AAA and the entertainment card might offer those discounts too!