July 4th week trip - help me DL experts!

[Keri]

So, my family (me, DH, 8 year old son, 6 and 3 year old daughters) will be moving to Singapore in July from the Washington DC area. To break up the loooooong trip, we told them we would take a few days & go to DL/CA "on the way." We've been to DW the past 4 years & they love it, so they can't wait to go see DL too.

So ... help me out! We're looking at flying out on July 3 and being in the park July 4-7, and then flying to Singapore on 7/8. Any ideas on the crowds that week? Where should we stay? Based on a quick trip booking search on the DL site we were looking at the Embassy Suites. Experience?
[ETA: we get 2 rooms at Pop Century at WDW. We'd definitely want at least one "bedroom" with a door that closes or 2 connecting rooms)

We do not plan have a car. Does the hotel offer shuttle service from/to the airport and to the parks? We're likely to have a lot of luggage (to get us through that week plus the first week or so in Singapore) -- is that likely to be a problem with airport transportation?

We are planning on doing some basic version of the dining plan, basically enough to do a few character meals. Is this worth it? What are your "must do" meals? Shows?

And, finally, does anyone know when they usually release deals for summer? I've been looking since December & they still only have deals up through early April.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Steer clear of the dining plan ~ it's nothing like the WDW version and generally not a good deal. Use the search box here to search for recent "dining plan" threads.

We usually don't have a car when we visit DLR - we fly in to LGB airport, SNA is another closer smaller airport - we avoid LAX. We use a car service to get us from the airport to our hotel and then back to the airport ~ $45 each way *we've had as many as 5/6 people. LGB also has taxi/taxi vans for around the same rate.

We visited DLR this past 4th of July weekend ~ we had a fantastic time. Our park dates were 7/3-7/6 *DD's B-day is the 3rd of July. I'd definitely visit during that time again. Get there prior to rope drop, take a mid day break/nap, return in the late afternoon/early evening and use those FPs you collected earlier in the day.

I'm not sure about your hotel choice - it's so worth it to stay within walking distance.

 

[Keri]

I was looking at the hotel pics thread -- is that HoJo one that is walking distance? What else is there that is good & a decent size for our family?

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the Left side of the Disboards Keri.

First things first. Read this thread for WDW veterans. It's essential reading:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

If you enjoy the Pops at WDW, i agree with DisneyMomma that Hojo should be on your short list. (& that list should only include Harbor Blvd hotels that are walkable....or if you want to splurge, one of the 3 DLR hotels).

Other comments below:

So, my family (me, DH, 8 year old son, 6 and 3 year old daughters) will be moving to Singapore in July from the Washington DC area. To break up the loooooong trip, we told them we would take a few days & go to DL/CA "on the way." We've been to DW the past 4 years & they love it, so they can't wait to go see DL too.

They'll love it. (But remember the castle is smaller than you will ever imagine....but the "right" size for most of us. )


So ... help me out! We're looking at flying out on July 3 and being in the park July 4-7, and then flying to Singapore on 7/8. Any ideas on the crowds that week? Where should we stay?

Walking distance....period....close enough that you can be in your room in 10 min. for your mid day break. & with your kid's age, you MUST take a mid day break.


Based on a quick trip booking search on the DL site we were looking at the Embassy Suites. Experience?

If you can't walk to it.....(& you can't).....no way.


[ETA: we get 2 rooms at Pop Century at WDW. We'd definitely want at least one "bedroom" with a door that closes or 2 connecting rooms)

Hojos is the closest to Pops. Cute, but not quite the theming.


We do not plan have a car. Does the hotel offer shuttle service from/to the airport and to the parks? We're likely to have a lot of luggage (to get us through that week plus the first week or so in Singapore) -- is that likely to be a problem with airport transportation?

No free transportation like WDW....reasons why are explained by Hydroguy in the link above.


We are planning on doing some basic version of the dining plan, basically enough to do a few character meals. Is this worth it? What are your "must do" meals? Shows?

Dining plan is NOTHING like WDW. But there are lots of restaurants to enjoy. After you plan & nail down everything else.....THEN decide on your dining schedule.....not a big deal at DLR.


And, finally, does anyone know when they usually release deals for summer? I've been looking since December & they still only have deals up through early April.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Read all of Hydroguy's theads & Mary Jo's sticky up at the top. DLR is very different from WDW, but imo far more magical....especially for a 3-4 day visit.

Remember the time zone difference will be your friend. Plan on touring EARLY to get the most out of DLR. Getting to DL early reaps even more benefits than getting to WDW parks early.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I was looking at the hotel pics thread -- is that HoJo one that is walking distance? What else is there that is good & a decent size for our family?

We love HoJo.