Last Minute Disneyland

[danceintherain]

My grandparents have an anniversary coming up and they want to spend it at Disneyland (without me )

I've never been before, but they want my help planning the trip. I thought I'd come over here and ask the experts to point me (and them) in the right direction.
They, of course, saw some commercial on TV that advertised a few days for only $399, or something like that. I imagine it will be difficult to convince them that they can't actually get that.
I did see a deal for 3 day park hoppers for $199/person, but does anyone have hotel recommendations.
I priced a trip on the website through a Room Only Special Offer and added extras at the Paradise Pier-Standard View for $1556, including 3 night hotel stay, 3 day tickets, and 3 days dining. Does that sound like the best deal possible, or am I missing something?
I plan on calling them to find out more specifics about what they want, but I want to have some of the research done in advance, so I can make suggestions.

Their dates are flexible, though I think they want to actually include their anniversary - March 22nd. They'll likely drive from the Phoenix area.
They would qualify for the Senior Discount.
I imagine they won't do much park hopping.

Any guidance would be much appreciated!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Skip the dining plan. From all reports it's not worth it. They may want to make some dining reservations though. Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, or Steakhouse 55 although pricey can be nice for a romantic dinner.

Onsite is good for a special occasion but obviously isn't going to come out at the price point your grandparents are talking about. If they can't afford onsite or don't want to, there are a number of nice offsite hotels and motels. You might want to only consider ones that are in walking distance or have dedicated shuttles. Everyone has their favorite. One place to look at for a couple is Candy Cane Inn. You'll get other suggestions too.

March 22 is during spring break season. Prepare them for the idea of the parks and hotels and restaurants being somewhat busy.

Do your grandparents have mobility issues? How old are they? You might be surprised about the parkhopping issue. The park gates are right across from each other, so they may want to parkhop some, maybe at least once a day. Since the parkhopper tickets are at the promotional price you mentioned, you should get those.

 

[farmgirljen]

check out getawaytoday travel.....you can get more of an idea what a trip will cost wiht them, and they do more than just good neighbor and park hotels... We have booked 2 of our trips through them, and were very happy

 

[danceintherain]

I haven't seen them in almost a year, but both have declining health, so their mobility isn't what it once was. I can't imagine them spending more than a few hours in the parks during the day, and would sooner expect them to go back to their hotel than hop. It is possible that I may be underestimating it though.

I'll mention the crowded nature during their projected time.

The Candy Cane Inn looks lovely, so I'll suggest it to them. They have the money to afford a stay on the property, but I'm not sure how much they're willing to spend.

Thanks for the opinion about the dining plan. I wasn't sure if it was for them anyways. I will make the suggestion about the dining reservations.

Getaway Today definitely has reasonable prices.

 

[squirrel]

I stay at the Best Western Park Place Inn. It's closer to the parks than 2 of the onsite hotels.

BWPPI includes a continental breakfast buffet or a breakfast in the restaurant (does not include a beverage).

The rooms are quite large and have a fridge and microwave.

Not sure how much more the hopping feature is over not hopping, but the parks are very close and it's easy to hop. The parks will be open late so they could easily go back for a nap/rest and then go back in the evening.

 

[starshine514]

I haven't seen them in almost a year, but both have declining health, so their mobility isn't what it once was. I can't imagine them spending more than a few hours in the parks during the day, and would sooner expect them to go back to their hotel than hop. It is possible that I may be underestimating it though.

I'll mention the crowded nature during their projected time.

The Candy Cane Inn looks lovely, so I'll suggest it to them. They have the money to afford a stay on the property, but I'm not sure how much they're willing to spend.

Thanks for the opinion about the dining plan. I wasn't sure if it was for them anyways. I will make the suggestion about the dining reservations.

Getaway Today definitely has reasonable prices.

Even if they do decide to stay onsite, price the tickets and hotel separately (it's often cheaper). If either of them needs an ECV, look into renting it offsite (they'll have it all the time, it will be delivered to their hotel, and it will be cheaper).

Try to convince them that they need to be there at park opening (my mom only comes into the park in the afternoon when it's 'warm' ). Talk to them about what they want to ride and make sure they get to the long line, no FP ones first. Explain the FP system (it took a while for my dad to understand it).

Make sure you understand what they want from a hotel. Onsite may be worth it to them.