July 2012 Who's Going Thread

[andee2000]

We will be there July 18th -20th. Staying a RI Maingate. I am so excited about this trip but so worried about crowds. We went during this week in 2008 and it was busy but we didn't use the Fastpass system so I'm set for that on this visit. We used the City Pass last time as well and had MM, but we are using the 3 day military tickets this time that do not include MM. I'm trying to figure out what parks on which days. I am thinking DL Wed, DCA on Thursday and DL on Friday. Despite no MM with our passes I want to get there early as possible to get the most out of our visit. I hope they do NOT start enforcing FP return times because this is going to be part of our strategy this trip. Also no waiting for the Nemo ride. We spent over an hour in that line as well as about 1.5 hours just for Splash last time. Not time well spent at all!

My mistake last time was going back to the hotel to let the kids nap. They wouldn't nap and it just ended up a mess. Well my daughter did nap but it was because she was so upset leaving the park that she ended up crying herself to sleep. So much so that she slept until the next morning. This time we are going to just guage the kids (ages 8 and 10) to see how they feel instead of scheduling a break. That way if they want one and they want to swim we will see. With only three days for both parks I really want to ride things and still see the shops and details. We will see.

 

[Nintfamily]

My mistake last time was going back to the hotel to let the kids nap. They wouldn't nap and it just ended up a mess. Well my daughter did nap but it was because she was so upset leaving the park that she ended up crying herself to sleep. So much so that she slept until the next morning. This time we are going to just guage the kids (ages 8 and 10) to see how they feel instead of scheduling a break. That way if they want one and they want to swim we will see. With only three days for both parks I really want to ride things and still see the shops and details. We will see.

Last year we were there about this same time and my kids were 12, 10 and 9. We left the park for lunch and a swim. That helped cool them off and recharge for the night. It really helped them and us. There was no set time to go back, but we just watched them and followed their ques. One day they were doing great and having fun, so we didn't leave the park at all. You know your kids best just watch them and do what works for you.

 

[Momof4gr8boys]

I just booked a surprise trip for my DS6's birthday! We will be staying at the DLH July 27-29. I am so excited - I've never been able to keep a secret long enough to surprise the kids. Wish me luck on that! DS14 will be surprised too (hopefully). DS17 and his GF know about it because we had to get the ok from her parents. It will be her first time ever going to Disney. We will be staying in a suite for the first time.

 

[hjgaus]

I didn't see any threads for July 2012. It may be user error on the search engine however. Anyway, I thought I would start one off and since I liked Dizzy4DL's February thread so much I thought I would use her line of organizing (imitation is the highest form of flattery).

We will be at the DLR from July 8 - 14 staying at the DLH. It's our first trip to DLR after many many trips to DW and we are super excited. We are going into this as a new adventure and are trying to ignore all comparisons of the two parks and treat this as a totally new experience. I have always wanted to see Walt's Disneyland.

I will keep a running list of who is going in post two of this thread and try to give some vital statistics for our month in post three.

Everyone jump in and share their advice, tips, hopes, dreams and fears.

We will be there July 4th & staying @ Paradise Pier Hotel concierge level. I've never done this & hope it's worth the little extra $. We had such a nice time last holiday we thought we do it again!! Does anyone know if hotel guest get magic morning hours for California Adventure or is it just for AP holder? If it is for just AP holders do we have to sign up for that given time? (Premium holders)

 

[DizFan13]

We bumped our trip one day out; we will now be there from July 21-28. Still at the HoJo.

 

[annmarieda]

So excited! Taking our first trip back in almost 6 years. We will be staying at Anaheim desert suites. (7/6 to 7/11) It was going to be my dh and 3 of our kids, but our oldest son is in the military (national guard) and learned he will be taking a full time position once he gets back from AT. (he is there now). Sadly his airfare and my youngest son's are linked so if he doesn't go, they told me that my younger ds can not either (unless we basically buy a new ticket). So unless something changes for my oldest ds we will only be bringing our youngest dd (age 7). So even though, that is kinda sad... We will have a good time.

 

[CamoMama]

So excited! Taking our first trip back in almost 6 years. We will be staying at Anaheim desert suites. (7/6 to 7/11) It was going to be my dh and 3 of our kids, but our oldest son is in the military (national guard) and learned he will be taking a full time position once he gets back from AT. (he is there now). Sadly his airfare and my youngest son's are linked so if he doesn't go, they told me that my younger ds can not either (unless we basically buy a new ticket). So unless something changes for my oldest ds we will only be bringing our youngest dd (age 7). So even though, that is kinda sad... We will have a good time.

Congrats to your son for the full time position, they're not easy to get. I should be starting mine soon, but we've been waiting for my orders since early May. Have him check with his unit and see when his orders begin. Will you get a refund for the unused tickets? If not, just don't cancel them. I've never heard of tickets being linked like that, so I'd definitely call the airline and try to figure something out if he can't make it and a refund can be had for his ticket.

 

[annmarieda]

Congrats to your son for the full time position, they're not easy to get. I should be starting mine soon, but we've been waiting for my orders since early May. Have him check with his unit and see when his orders begin. Will you get a refund for the unused tickets? If not, just don't cancel them. I've never heard of tickets being linked like that, so I'd definitely call the airline and try to figure something out if he can't make it and a refund can be had for his ticket.

Thanks! I realize it is a big deal...which is why he jumped on the chance and is willing to forgo the trip with us.

We had a companion ticket to use so we purchased ds1 and ds2 tickets, one is the companion. I am not 100% sure if ds1 was listed as the primary due to his age or if I, as a matter of course, just entered ds1 first since he is the eldest. In any case, that made ds2 the companion... and he can't fly if ds1 doesn't check in. Seems silly to me. I mean... we bought one seat at full fare. It seems like ds2 should be able to travel alone because essentially then we have paid extra for the one seat we will use. I don't know... maybe they assume we would cancel.... But... in my mind they overbook flights and there is that empty seat they will be banking on. I did call the airline I was told basically, both tickets would be credited back to each passenger. A new flight could be booked then. The cost of the new flight would be current fare + $100 change fee - credit. Since the companion ticket was only worth $100 there is no point in getting a credit for it since the change fee will eat it up. DS1 will have a bit of a credit, but not a lot. Basically, half of what I paid gets eaten by the change fees.

All of this being said... my DS1 texted me this evening. (he is still at AT, so contact is minimal) His text was vague and a bit hard to understand. The first part of it though said he can go. However the next part was broken up and I am not sure if it was a stipulation or (like how I tend to do) just a bit of rambling.

 

[CamoMama]

All of this being said... my DS1 texted me this evening. (he is still at AT, so contact is minimal) His text was vague and a bit hard to understand. The first part of it though said he can go. However the next part was broken up and I am not sure if it was a stipulation or (like how I tend to do) just a bit of rambling.

Yay! I hope. Text messages are horrid for major communication. Hopefully he'll be able to call soon. I'll totally keep my fingers crossed for you, as I totally know the feeling of not being sure whether you can go due to a military commitment.

 

[annmarieda]

Yay! I hope. Text messages are horrid for major communication. Hopefully he'll be able to call soon. I'll totally keep my fingers crossed for you, as I totally know the feeling of not being sure whether you can go due to a military commitment.

Thanks! It is something I am just starting to wrap my head around. We are not a military family...so this is new. It is totally suited for my ds. He loves it! He is just going to have to be ready to miss things. Last year, he missed his sisters wedding.

 

[Lm3js]

We just made the decision to go and I can't wait! July 4 - 8. Staying at Tropicana and 3 day park hoppers. This is our annual trip and I thought we were going to have to miss it this year. Yay!

 

[pixiemomof3]

Going july 21-28
Staying at PVI 21st-26th
The the Disneyland hotel the 26-28th

Can't wait!!!!

 

[CamoMama]

Thanks! It is something I am just starting to wrap my head around. We are not a military family...so this is new. It is totally suited for my ds. He loves it! He is just going to have to be ready to miss things. Last year, he missed his sisters wedding.

That happens. I missed my oldest daughter's 16th birthday last year, two of my Soldiers missed the birth of their children. It's the sacrifice we and our families have to make. Sometimes we can find ways around it, others we just have to make it up later.

 

[Csgrandma]

New to Dis board but so grateful for it. Our vacation will be so much better thanks to all of you. July 28-Aug 1 at GC.

 

[wdhinn89]

July 13-July 20 at the GC

 

[annmarieda]

We just made the decision to go and I can't wait! July 4 - 8. Staying at Tropicana and 3 day park hoppers. This is our annual trip and I thought we were going to have to miss it this year. Yay!

We will be there shortly after you..but plan to be in the parks on the 7th and 8th. I had considered the Tropicana... I keep thinking I need to change where I booked.. but nothing seems to have anything available now. Did the Tropicana?

That happens. I missed my oldest daughter's 16th birthday last year, two of my Soldiers missed the birth of their children. It's the sacrifice we and our families have to make. Sometimes we can find ways around it, others we just have to make it up later.

Yup... and he is all aware of it. I am trying to get use to it too.

 

[Lm3js]

We will be there shortly after you..but plan to be in the parks on the 7th and 8th. I had considered the Tropicana... I keep thinking I need to change where I booked.. but nothing seems to have anything available now. Did the Tropicana?

Yes. We are in a double queen. I booked with AMEX points. Also available was BWPPI (King w/sofa), Del Sol (double Q), Camelot, Fairfield and a few others nearby. We stayed at the Tropicana last year and it was comfortable and very close. We have also sayed in a mini-suite at BWPPI and liked that too. We are budget travelers who spend all our time at the park so just need comfortable beds and clean rooms...nothing fancy. Prices are expensive now, but since I was paying with points, it didn't matter as much.

 

[annmarieda]

Yes. We are in a double queen. I booked with AMEX points. Also available was BWPPI (King w/sofa), Del Sol (double Q), Camelot, Fairfield and a few others nearby. We stayed at the Tropicana last year and it was comfortable and very close. We have also sayed in a mini-suite at BWPPI and liked that too. We are budget travelers who spend all our time at the park so just need comfortable beds and clean rooms...nothing fancy. Prices are expensive now, but since I was paying with points, it didn't matter as much.

for paying with points!!! And thanks for the heads up on what is still available. I am just concerned that the room is going to be too cramped if my 2 sons go along... However, I am sure we can make it work....

 

[gochief58]

July 15-22....only 29 more days!!!

 

[MNRMommy]

The Who's Going is updated and I'm working on the park hours. I can't believe we are 3 weeks from my families trip

So far almost 90 families have jumped on board for July!!