It is Official . . .

[Adi12982]

DH and I had enough airline miles, so flying roundtrip to LAX in June from DC cost us $10 ($5 each!!!).

The flight was a major concern because most flights, including taxes, were about $400 per person. . . but we checked and since it is months before – free (basically) AND direct flights!!!

Our first night we will be arriving at 2pm, hoping to get to the hotel around 3pm and we are staying off property that night. We will be taking an LA night tour (since neither of us have ever been to Cali – any tips would be appreciated – this is the company I looked at, let me know if they are good or if you recommend others: http://www.allanaheimtours.com/Body.asp?tour=ANA-B0001&page=TourDetails )

The tour should put us back in the hotel around 10pm and off to bed. . . .

Next morning we will check into the Grand Californian for 4 nights – we leave at 9pm our last day (we will get to enjoy the parks for 5 days because of this) and get in at 5am EST the next day.

I cannot wait!!!! We have never been and are both soooo excited – and since the flight isn’t costing us, even better!!! Any tips, hints, anything will be greatly appreciated. We are going in June, which is busy, but with 5 days we hope to see all we can!!

Adding this here, in case no one sees my extra post below:
Dining and tour reservations can be done 60 days before??

Also, how far ahead can/should you order the birthday buckets?

 

[MATTERHORN]

We will be there in June also and have been the last two years in a row! You will have longer hours to take advantage of and the GC pool is great to take a break and have lunch delivered to you while you lounge!

You should be able to do almost everything atleast twice with 5 days there. Have a great time and awesome score on that airfare!!!

Andrea

 

[Adi12982]

Dining and tour reservations can be done 60 days before??

Also, how far ahead can/should you order the birthday buckets?

 

[amw]

Dennis and I had enough airline miles, so flying roundtrip to LAX in June from DC cost us $10 ($5 each!!!).

The flight was a major concern because most flights, including taxes, were about $400 per person. . . but we checked and since it is months before – free (basically) AND direct flights!!!

Lucky you We're flying "free" too on Air Canada points. However, the way it works up here is the ticket is free, but the airport surcharges, taxes, and fees to fly out of Toronto are $150 each ticket! The only way for Canadians to save these kind of fees is to drive over the border and fly out of a US airport. But, then we can't use our points. On top of that, we have to book those free tickets a year in advance if you want more than one seat. Aahhh...the red tape.

Well, we're getting our hotel stays for free on Hyatt points so I can't complain too much. The only thing we had to really pay for is the park passes.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Congrats on the airfare deal! Very cool. You will have such a blast there.

I cannot comment on any tours as we know LA pretty well and have never had a need for them. Hopefully someone else can help you out.

We just order the birthday buckets when we check in at the restaurant, not ahead of time.

5 days should be plenty of time to enjoy everything! Have a great trip!

 

[lulubelle]

I live here too, so cannot comment on the LA tour, but I am a big fan of narrated touristy bus tours when experiencing a major city for the first time - I think you will enjoy it As far as Birthday Buckets and dining ressies, 60 days before is correct. I know it is hard to wait, but the time will go fast and you guys are going to absolultely love, love, love the Grand CA Hotel! Excellent choice.

P.S. Us Disneyland DizBoard regulars will be here to chat with you as you wait for the days to go by