Lodging help!

[GretaAnn12]

For the past few years, we have gone to WDW but now with Cars Land open, planning a trip to DL is a must for my 6-year-old DS. I'm thinking about Spring 2013.

I need some advice about where to stay - on or off-site. If on-site, where's the best place to stay (and why)? We are military, if that matters (I don't even know if they offer a military discount for lodging?)

I read some good reviews about the HoJo but don't know much about on-site resorts. Obviously I don't want to spend a small fortune, but I also want to have a great experience.

It's been about 30 years since I've been to DL so I'm excited to go back.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Susannajean]

Everytime my family and I go we have stayed at the Fairfield Inn by marriott, and when I go with my boyfriend we are going to stay there too. Its nothing too extravagant, but its comfortable, clean, and you feel safe! Theres a little gift shop on the bottom floor with snacks, toiletries, and little souveniers. Its easy walking distance. There is a family restaurant called millies kitchen in the parking lot, and also a mcdonalds. The hotel itself has a place that sells pizza, sandwiches, and salads to go. Oh and you can see the fireworks from the balcony

 

[Susannajean]

AND I forgot to mention that it is about 180$ a night! CHEAP!

 

[Flynn_Rider]

For the past few years, we have gone to WDW but now with Cars Land open, planning a trip to DL is a must for my 6-year-old DS. I'm thinking about Spring 2013.

I need some advice about where to stay - on or off-site. If on-site, where's the best place to stay (and why)? We are military, if that matters (I don't even know if they offer a military discount for lodging?)

I read some good reviews about the HoJo but don't know much about on-site resorts. Obviously I don't want to spend a small fortune, but I also want to have a great experience.

It's been about 30 years since I've been to DL so I'm excited to go back.

Thanks in advance!

If you're not trying to break the bank, there's lot of good options. And several threads. HoJo is a fine place.

But it seems like you're asking about on-site. Right now Mousesavers is reporting Military Discounts through select rooms through the end of September. Assuming they continue this type of discount, you'd probably want to work with a Disney Travel Agent so they can book you in the moment those discounts are available.

All 3 on-site resorts are great. Grand is the flagship and closest to the resorts, DLH just got a great remodel and Trader Sam's and a crazy fun pool, and Paradise Pier has a theme park view that is spectacular.

 

[GretaAnn12]

Everytime my family and I go we have stayed at the Fairfield Inn by marriott, and when I go with my boyfriend we are going to stay there too. Its nothing too extravagant, but its comfortable, clean, and you feel safe! Theres a little gift shop on the bottom floor with snacks, toiletries, and little souveniers. Its easy walking distance. There is a family restaurant called millies kitchen in the parking lot, and also a mcdonalds. The hotel itself has a place that sells pizza, sandwiches, and salads to go. Oh and you can see the fireworks from the balcony

Thanks - I'll have to check it out, although I think if we stay off-site, the HoJos might be best for us.

If you're not trying to break the bank, there's lot of good options. And several threads. HoJo is a fine place.

But it seems like you're asking about on-site. Right now Mousesavers is reporting Military Discounts through select rooms through the end of September. Assuming they continue this type of discount, you'd probably want to work with a Disney Travel Agent so they can book you in the moment those discounts are available.

All 3 on-site resorts are great. Grand is the flagship and closest to the resorts, DLH just got a great remodel and Trader Sam's and a crazy fun pool, and Paradise Pier has a theme park view that is spectacular.

I was emailing someone at Small World Vacations but she wasn't really giving me much information or advice/answers to my questions. She just kept sending me links. As far as military discount, she didn't say when they would be available. Obviously it would be awesome to save money and get a military discount but we're limited on when we can travel due to DH's job and mine, so I can't wait around forever to find out when they would release those dates/rates.

I guess I'm wondering if it's worth it to stay on-site. The more threads I read, the more confused I get.

 

[interstate70s]

Right now there advertising a military rate through Sept 2012, and its 30% off Paradise Pier, 35% off Disneyland Hotel, and 40% off the Grand Californian. Nobody knows if they will continue this offer. You definately can 't book these rates through the website though. You have to call. I 've booked this rate as late as 3 weeks before we left in 2011( of course that was before carsland) Have fun planning!

 

[skiingfast]

During Spring Break it will be busy. There will be great advantage to staying onsite.

There may not be the same military offer, but Disney will probably offer some discount.

It's not likely but it's possible Hojo will have the Retro or Entertainment rate for some of your nights. Check this link often if you see your dates reserve them ASAP. http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

 

[Flynn_Rider]

Worth it? What are you looking to get for you money? Proximity to the parks? Yup! Early entrance to both parks? Yes!!! Well appointed rooms with great pools? Yes!

But how much is that worth to you?

I did 5 trips to Disneyland and did PPH twice because it's worth it it me when I've got the cash. Other times, I want to go on a budget and the hotel is the first place I look to save money.

But even with a 30 to 40% off, you're talking over $200 a night for standard views. You can get a lot of hotel and food for that much money off-site.

As it sounds DLR is not a frequent vacation spot, and you are going for Carsland, you may go for an on-site hotel just to make it extra special and get into DCA early for RSRs!

 

[interstate70s]

If you go with Hojo's make sure you book early. They seem to book up really fast. I have friends that love it but I never stayed there, as a military family I also never know my DH schedule far enough in advance and its a little farther than I 'm willing to walk.

 

[WDWaddictsx4]

for the past several years disney millitary discounts have been very deep. hell i even thought of enlisting just for the rates. lol. I'm too old. the great thing is, you can book and apply the discount after. it's safe to say you're looking at 30 to 40 percent discount.

 

[GretaAnn12]

So I could go ahead and book, and then when the military discount comes out (hopefully!) they can make the adjustment - I don't have to wait?

I don't plan on going at spring break - definitely before or after, based on DH's work schedule.

 

[interstate70s]

Yes you can book and have a discount applied to your reservation later. Be aware though that Disney charges your card for the first night when you reserve your room, but as long as you book room only (which I assume you will since the tickets you purchase at MWR will be much cheaper) you can cancel as late as 5 days before. Heck, you could reserve the Hobo too until you decide! I don 't think I ve been on vacation where I didn't 't have two sets of reservations at some point, but I always have a hard time making a desision!

 

[skiingfast]

I don't plan on going at spring break - definitely before or after, based on DH's work schedule.

I'd aim for after Spring Break. Mainly for nicer weather and fewer major rehabs.

 

[GretaAnn12]

Maybe around April 20th.

If I'm doing military do I need to book through a travel agent or just call some 800 number (anyone have it - lol)? Since I'm getting park tickets through MWR I don't need them for that.

What's a decent number of days to stay? Five? More? Less?

Thanks for all the help - I really need it! LOL

 

[skiingfast]

Maybe around April 20th.

If I'm doing military do I need to book through a travel agent or just call some 800 number (anyone have it - lol)? Since I'm getting park tickets through MWR I don't need them for that.

What's a decent number of days to stay? Five? More? Less?

That's a nice time to go, the crowds are lower.

Book direct with Disney. (714) 956-6425

3-5 days.

Include a day or two from Friday-Sunday when the hours are long and full entertainment is running. During the midweek the hours can be short and there may be no night shows. It's busy on the weekend so nice to have the slow weekdays too.

 

[GretaAnn12]

That's a nice time to go, the crowds are lower.

Book direct with Disney. (714) 956-6425

3-5 days.

Include a day or two from Friday-Sunday when the hours are long and full entertainment is running. During the midweek the hours can be short and there may be no night shows. It's busy on the weekend so nice to have the slow weekdays too.

If you were picking the days of the week to go during that time, what days would you choose?

What airport is best to fly into?

I'm wondering if we should do about 4 days at DL then spend a few more days and sightsee. That would mean getting a car though.

 

[sahlink]

As it sounds DLR is not a frequent vacation spot, and you are going for Carsland, you may go for an on-site hotel just to make it extra special and get into DCA early for RSRs!

I'm a newbie Disneyland-er. Can someone help me with these abbreviations?
What is a DCA for RSR's?

Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

Ideally I would go Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday ending a vist at Disneyland Resort or. Start on a Thursday, Friday tour elsewhere on Saturday, finish in the parks on Sunday and Monday. This way you end going to DL on slower days so no need to rush. You get your night shows in on the weekend with a second chance to see them.

It's possible that night shows and longer hours may exist at that time, it's hard to tell but that's right around when they cut thing for the offseason. This year Easter is earlier so they may not happen that late.

John Wayne Orange County, SNA, is the best, because it's close, and small. Often you may want to choose on price or where airlines fly to. Along with SNA, LAX and LGB(Longbeach) are other options.

There is a lot to see and do. Universal Studios, San diego Zoo, Hollywood..... some things you can get to with public transit some with tour packages, some you really need a car.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm a newbie Disneyland-er. Can someone help me with these abbreviations?
What is a DCA for RSR's?

Thanks!

Disney California Adventure
Radiator Springs Racers


DLR abbreviations and accronyms
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784