Last minute trip!

[whitneyebz]

So, I am a huge planner. I don't do anything last minute. But...some family members want to go to Disneyland and we decided to go too (at first I thought we wouldn't go this year, too much else going on). Anyway, I started working in January after being a SAHM for a long time, and so we do have the money to go. Just 2 days, October 8 and 9. It's a monday/tuesday, but the crowd calendar says it will be packed. Ugh. No, we are not doing any halloween parties, just happy to be around the Halloween stuff! Any suggestions! Yes, we are getting max pass for sure! Last time we went was November, so less than a year ago Oh, and finding a hotel 3 weeks out was not easy, lol. All our walking distance options were full

 

[ExcitedMama]

If it helps at all did you look further out for hotels with a shuttle? That might cut down on your long walk and you might be able to find a better rate.

I’m a planner too so I get it. I think it helps to have a plan for what you want to do. Have you talked over what your party wants to do and what you and your son want? That might help you plan your MP strategy. What about nighttime stuff? Fantasmic might be an option on your Monday. If it is and you want to do it I recommend a dining package for a good view. The Hungry Bear one is the cheapest and well worth it for great seats. On the other hand if you skips the shows and parades they can be a good time to do other stuff.

I really love MP the only thing you need to watch out for is the rides running out at the end of the day. My DS prefers the Incredicoaster at night, which is what a CM recommended to us to see the effects better so that’s something to consider.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Where did you end up staying?

I highly recommend parkhoppers!

 

[IvyWinter]

Ill be there 7th and 8th! 8th is columbus day, so hence the prediction of packed. I think the 9th is a better day, if i saw touring plans correctly? I am also not doing halloween parties (there arent any the 2 days im there) and doing max pass for sure. I am also a planner, so it was tough for me with DL knowing they release park hours etc so late. Ive been "planning" this trip since like...may. Ha! since I go to WDW a lot (im on east coast) im prioritizing original rides over duplicates, and im also looking to tackle some 3-4 top pick rides and then let the rest of the day fall where it may, so im not disappointed.

 

[lalasmama]

There's an app called Hotel Tonight. Download and check on there. Last time I did it, there were a few within walking distance... It allows you to check several weeks in advance.

 

[whitneyebz]

If it helps at all did you look further out for hotels with a shuttle? That might cut down on your long walk and you might be able to find a better rate.

I’m a planner too so I get it. I think it helps to have a plan for what you want to do. Have you talked over what your party wants to do and what you and your son want? That might help you plan your MP strategy. What about nighttime stuff? Fantasmic might be an option on your Monday. If it is and you want to do it I recommend a dining package for a good view. The Hungry Bear one is the cheapest and well worth it for great seats. On the other hand if you skips the shows and parades they can be a good time to do other stuff.

I really love MP the only thing you need to watch out for is the rides running out at the end of the day. My DS prefers the Incredicoaster at night, which is what a CM recommended to us to see the effects better so that’s something to consider.

We booked the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, which we've been to before- and yes they have a shuttle! The rate was pretty reasonable. It will be me, my husband and our 4 kids (I guess it looks like just me and my oldest son when you see my profile picture, lol!), and then my inlaws, and my husband's 2 sisters and their families. I get along well with all of them, but coordinating what we want to do will be crazy! We don't do dining packages because of the cost. I am thinking we will do pretty much all counter/quick service this time, but hey that's more snack money! I'd love to see Fantasmic but my husband hates stopping for shows.

Also, I just saw that one of the nights we are there it will be open until midnight! Are they doing fireworks and parades at night?? I have not been keeping up with the latest happenings because I thought we weren't going this year!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Since Monday is a holiday maybe they will
Have fireworks? But it’s not a big holiday so maybe not. 6 weeks our you (might) be able to see the schedule.

 

[IvyWinter]

The schedule is out and yes, fireworks and 2 showings of fantasmic on monday. Paint the night definitely happening sunday, i assume monday as well. not sure about tuesday!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Technically, the Majestic Garden is walkable! We've done this walk many times -- takes us about 10+ minutes. You can walk to M&F (south on Disneyland Dr., cross at Magic Way, entrance to M&F right there on the corner), go through bag check there (usually quick and easy), then take the tram. This thread has directions and a map: How to walk to Disneyland from Motels north of Mickey and Friends?. We've always felt safe walking to and from that hotel (used to be the Sheraton Anaheim), even after park closing.

 

[whitneyebz]

Oh I didn’t even realize we could walk. Cool! And yeah it’s only 3 weeks away so duh, I should have just looked at the schedule. Excited for paint the night!