Is 4 Weeks Really an Option???

[simba_one]

We're currently planning our third trip to SoCal and the DLR (booking in July ASA dates for summer 2008 go on sale) and are seriously pondering the thought of whether to stay for another week and have a total of four weeks of fun in the sun!!

We've only ever done three weeks before and EVERY day is a JAM PACKED one so an extra week to either have a day or two of doing absolutely nothing to recharge OR just taking things easier, we fell could really make the holiday better - if that's possible.

It wouldn't be THAT much more on the cost of the holiday and the way I look at it is that you're already there so why not take advantage and just pay for hotel and car for another week as flights are the same - and they don't come cheap from the UK. We'll have AP's for both Disney and Universal (which we visit almost as much as Disney - I don't know how... ) so the extra days out won't cost anything but the one thing that obviously will cost the same will be your basics like food and drink everyday.

We'll most probably be staying at the Sheraton Park Hotel and if we do go for four weeks this time, we'll more than likely take advantage of the hotel being just minutes away (and that's walking) from the Resort and head back early evening to have dinner and recharge before hitting the park up again later the same evening.

So, with that in mind, I was just wondering whether anyone can tell me anything about the food situation at the hotel? What do they serve (not ALL theme park food is it?) and rough prices?

If we can stretch to four weeks, I know we'll all be more than up for doing it. Even though three weeks IS a long time and we're all so grateful we've been lucky enough to go for that long before, it does fly when you're there and four weeks would just make it the best holiday EVER!!

Any help, suggestions or tips and tricks for making the most with the same (or little more) money than you'd usually take, that you could supply me with would be greatly appreciated!

 

[nobodies36]

I can't help you with questions about Cali, but we spend four weeks in Orlando last year (can't this year because mum can't get time off so back to three and a week or two at Christmas) and it was the best decision ever. At the end of three weeks you miss home, but you would rather stay longer. But at four weeks it is much easier to go home.

Personally, I don't like doing anything less than three weeks. You can take things so much easier and it really does make the holiday. Travelling from the UK, and with no difference in flight prices, it is a good deal. Not to mention the £v$ situation.

Make a list of what it would cost is you split the holiday and what extra it will cost if you add an extra week. Sounds silly, but when you are costing for a holiday like that the exchange rate plays a big part. You probably didn't know that the £ would be so strong, so you will need less spending money (for food and such) for three weeks (and may cover part of the fourth). It especially works out well if you use the exchange rate to your advantage and remember that the main cost for the extra week could possibly be in $.

Plus, by the name, I imagine the hotel is off-site? Do you know that you can get mothly rates with hotels? It will be cheaper to book everything separately, then add on a monthly rate in $, and you have saved already.

It is so worth it to go for four weeks, but be warned, you may not want to go back to three weeks or two weeks. Hope you have a fabulous trip whatever you decide.

 

[mousecrazy]

I've never been on vacation for four weeks, but your plans sound wonderful! Have you considered accomodations that include a kitchen? The Residence Inn Maingate looks great and gets good reviews here at the DIS. It's within walking distance of DLR - probably closer than the new Sheraton. This would allow you a little flexibility in meals, etc. And the rooms are larger with a separate living space. They also serve a hot breakfast, which will help defray the cost of that extra week! Since they cater to longer term stays, you might be able to get a break on a 4 week stay...I would call the hotel directly.

Whatever you decide, I wish you a Magical time on your Disneyland holiday!

 

[NVDisMom]

I'm jealous A four week holiday would be so much fun.

I was also going to suggest Residence Inn or Embassy Suites South. They have Breakfast included in the cost, Embassy has an evening social gathering with snacks and drinks, and they both cater to longer stays. I think they both have kitchens too. Add grocery delivery from one of the local markets and you could defray alot of food cost by cooking a few meals each week. I would imagine you would get a little tired of eating out three meals a day for a month. So sandwiches and soup at the hotel would probably be a welcome change. The hotels not being within walking distance of DL wouldn't be such a big deal either because you'll be there for so much longer.

 

[Kailua's Belle]

I would just ditto what was said about the Anaheim Residence Inn Maingate. We stayed there in Feb. and were very happy with it. I've never stayed at the Sheraton before, so can't compare, but for a long stay like that the RI would be a smart choice. For six of us we figured we saved at least $45 a day on breakfast alone. Their daily breakfast consists of two kinds of scrambled eggs, make-your-own waffles, home-style potatoes, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, muffins, bagles, and then they rotate between pancakes and french toast, sausage and bacon, biscuits w/ gravy and tortillas and beans.

We never made it to the manager's reception, but that is held every weekday evening.

We didn't use the grocery shopping service either, but we did use the kitchen in our suite to heat up left overs, etc.

Hope you have a fabulous trip!!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I can't imagine taking a 4-week vacation (I'm lucky to squeeze a week out of DH), but it sounds like heaven!

Am I remembering right that your itinerary included stops in San Francisco, Yosemite, Disneyland and...someplace else? And I think there were several suggestions for places to sightsee in the So Cal area: Catalina Island, Hollywood/LA, Santa Barbara, Hurst Castle? It would be so easy to pick up one or more of those things.

I would love to someday visit the beach there, I've heard the sand is very powdery, unlike the very coarse sand in my state! We considered a day at the beach for our first trip to DL last fall, but wound up spending the entire time at DL...and still didn't see it all!

A former coworker grew up in Santa Barbara and had the most beautiful pictures from the city, I'd love to see it in person. Lake Tahoe isn't far, Vegas isn't far. I think the hard part would be deciding which things to add!

 

[simba_one]

WOW!! What great advice from everyone... thank you all so much.

After hearing so many people mention the RI, I think we're going to have to seriously consider it. Thing is, we'd HAVE to book everything separately then (as Virgin don't have the RI as an accomodation option - and I'm not sure fi tehy even have any with kitchen now either! ) and from past experience, we don't seem to save anything doing that. In fact, it becomes more expensive?!?

The RI sure sounds nice though. And from what I've seen, it looks nice too. We'll certainly look into it and do some calculations and if it's within reach, consider it.

Thanks to everyone for their ever so friendly and helpfuss advice. I've printed the thread and will do my best to look into everything mentioned.

I just can't wait to get it booked and know exactly when we're going and know exact costs so then we can finally find the extra money we'll need.

Thanks again everyone!