I need help with a Disneyland trip

[21yankees]

I've been a long time lurker here and I know you all will have the answer(s) that I need. I'm planning on taking my three kids, ages 5, 3, and 1 this April. I haven't decided whether I want to stay in a Disney resort or a hotel outside (but needs to be close) the park. Also if I stay on Disney, is it worth it to get the meal plan? And with the meal plan, can you get a character meal? And does Disney charge for their internet access in their rooms? Sorry for all of the questions, but I'm a planner when it comes to this stuff. Thanks for listening and taking the time to answer.

steph

 

[MATTERHORN]

The meal plan is not worth it as DL. You do not really come out ahead and you get vouchers that are just like cash, but you get no change so you always have to come out of pocket to go over anyways!!! It is not like WDW's at all!!

We do both onsite and offsite depending on budget at the time. My kids are close in age to yours, 6, 3 and 1, and offsite we like Desert Inn and Suites if we want a little more room/extra bathroom. But we are fine onsite too as they provide a pack and play for free and then with two queen beds, you are set!

I wanna say internet access is $10 a day at DLH. Someone else can probably correct me though!!


Andrea

 

[PattiPB]

Welcome to the DIS!

If you're looking at April, you should make some calls---particularly if you want to stay onsite during the weekend.

Have fun!

 

[silence]

We buy the meal plan when we go, only so we don't have to worry about food costs when we are there. We buy a 3 day plan for our 5-6 day stay in the parks. It's just what works easiest for us.

 

[Twinprincesses]

We stayed at the Best Western which was about a 2 inute walk to the parks. It was around $80 a night. I figure we are not in there long so we would rather spend the money we would hve on the DL hotel on other stuff.

 

[Adi12982]

From everything that I have read (not been to DL, YET) The high speed internet access at the Grand Californian is free.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The high-speed internet is included when you stay at the DLR hotels. I've stayed at all three, and was able to hook up my laptop ... except the time I left the power cord at home when we were at Paradise Pier. I was soooo tempted to go home & get it.

 

[21yankees]

Okay, I'm pretty sure we're staying offsite. I haven't been to DL in years. How convienant is the ART from the park to the hotels?

Steph

 

[tracer]

This link will show you all the hotels within walking distance.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/dl_area/dl_walking_distance_map

Depending on what you need or want and what will work best for you family, you can check out tripadvisor.com to get info on each hotel.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Oh, I guess internet access is part of the resort fee they charge you then, right? I wasn't sure. Sorry OP about the misinformation!


Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

Okay, I'm pretty sure we're staying offsite. I haven't been to DL in years. How convienant is the ART from the park to the hotels?

Steph

Well you could just stay across the street and walk in and skip ART all together. That's my favorite way to stay!!!


Andrea