Look out California! My spontanious plans:

UtahMama

Wakey, wakey, Eggs and Bakey<br><img src=http://ww
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Jul 4, 2006
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We're planning a road trip in August, the 12th-the 15th...renting a mini-van in Salt Lake with our 4 kids from Salt Lake City.

In one hour's time, I compared AAA, Costco.com and "a la carte" pricing, and found the Costco deal to be the most desirable.

Here's my plan so far:

Day one, Aug 12: drive straight through (being WELL prepared with DVD's, activities, snacks, etc). Check in to hotel (still haven't nailed hotel suite for 4 kids/2 adults) then go do Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. I chose GK because our little man is 4 and I really want the classic characters, not Pooh, Princesses, etc. Then maybe swim then sleep.

Day two, Aug 13: Disneyland day. Matterhorn first! (hee hee, the kids have voted). NO hopper pass, if I can swing it.

Day three, Aug 14: California Adventure- I want to do the preferred seating/picnic dinner for World of Color. Again, straight pass, no hopper this day.

Day four, Aug 15: "Park Favorites"/Rope Drop. This day will be the only park hopper day.

Day five: high tail it out with a Vegas breakfast as the goal...a lofty goal, I'm sure.


Misc. money savers and ideas/thoughts....
1. I once heard of a company that prepares really cool baskets that are in the hotel room when your kids arrive. I would LOVE to do this but think I can do it "cheaper"...light up parade toys, stuffed animals, pins/lanyard, etc. bought on e-bay or with coupon codes on Disneyshopping. I'll take them with us and sneak them in whilst my DBF distracts the kids. :cool2:

2. AP blackout days that weekend, yes, but I worry about crowds still.

3. My new man (of nearly 2 years..."new", LOL) and I want to do a "He said/She said" trip report. I'm all pie-eyed and pixie dust, and he's more...reality based, but VERY funny. This man, I kid you not, in the beginning of our relationship, once said, and I quote: "What? we can totally "do" Disneyland in half a day!" :eek: I stared at him blankly wondering if that was a deal-breaker moment...right before I laughed till I pee'd :rotfl2: Love him as he is slooooowly absorbing my "magic".

4. My biological kids are boys, ages 13 and 11 (at the time of this trip) and one girl age 6...have been a dozen times each. My DBF's son is 4 and he just loves Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan and Bambi and has NEVER been :lovestruc Imagine the MAGIC he'll have (nothing better!!!). Hence the wanting of a suite at a Good Neighbor hotel. The list is short on Costco.com, but I'm contemplating the Embassy Suites Anaheim South due to the free breakfast and the 4th night is free. :thumbsup2

5. I can not wait to see The World of Color in person! I've watched it a dozen times on You Tube and find a big lump in my throat each time. MAGIC :wizard:
 
Sounds like a great plan! Just know you guys will have a blast!

Cheyenne
DLR July 2011
 
Just love the plan!

Homewood Suites is also a good neighbor with hot cooked breakfast, eve meal Mon -Thurs including free happy hour for over 21's!
Large rooms as compared to Embassy Suites I have stayed in.

Wishing you most magical memories!
 

Just to be sure you're aware -- if you get 3 day passes, they will be park hoppers. At no extra charge. There's no reason to plan not to hop. It literally takes 3 minutes from one park entrance to the other. And the FP systems are disconnected. That means you can gather FPs at one park, then hop to the other and get a new set.

Hope you have a magical trip to Walt's park!

-Bob
 
I don't understand why you are avoiding hopping. . .when you get a multi day pass it will be a hopper pass and hopping is so very convenient and fun...
 
Misc. money savers and ideas/thoughts....
1. I once heard of a company that prepares really cool baskets that are in the hotel room when your kids arrive. I would LOVE to do this but think I can do it "cheaper"...light up parade toys, stuffed animals, pins/lanyard, etc. bought on e-bay or with coupon codes on Disneyshopping. I'll take them with us and sneak them in whilst my DBF distracts the kids. :cool2:

Did this for our trip next week. Picked up dollar bin/dollar tree items, including packs of glow sticks and shopped the B1G1 stuffie sale at the Disney Store, etc...now have a nice little stash of goodies
for my 6yo princess:...even made some invitations and pressed penny tubes thanks to the Disigns board...
 
Just love the plan!

Homewood Suites is also a good neighbor with hot cooked breakfast, eve meal Mon -Thurs including free happy hour for over 21's!
Large rooms as compared to Embassy Suites I have stayed in.

Wishing you most magical memories!
Oh Good! I'll look in to this one. Thanks for the recommend!

Just to be sure you're aware -- if you get 3 day passes, they will be park hoppers. At no extra charge. There's no reason to plan not to hop. It literally takes 3 minutes from one park entrance to the other. And the FP systems are disconnected. That means you can gather FPs at one park, then hop to the other and get a new set.

Hope you have a magical trip to Walt's park!

-Bob
I thought this was the case but wasnt sure. Thanks for clarifying. I love FPing and ride sharing.
My concern is: we're taking a 4 yr old that walks slowly taking everything in (I wish I was more like this!). Not sure if he's too big for the rental strollers.

I just realized either I or his dad will be taking him to the hotel for a daily nap making it possible for me (or DBF) and my experienced DIS-kids to park hop and go on the more height-appropriate rides. When the 4 yr old is with us, we need to ride "his" rides. My older boys can go off and ride whatever they want if we have cell phones.

I don't understand why you are avoiding hopping. . .when you get a multi day pass it will be a hopper pass and hopping is so very convenient and fun...
Yeah, you're right. I thought it would be more practical (and cheaper, LOL) but I see the value.

Did this for our trip next week. Picked up dollar bin/dollar tree items, including packs of glow sticks and shopped the B1G1 stuffie sale at the Disney Store, etc...now have a nice little stash of goodies
for my 6yo princess:...even made some invitations and pressed penny tubes thanks to the Disigns board...
COOL! I notice our Dollar stores have Disney goodies that will make mileage milestones fun and make fun goodie baskets. This part of the planning is gonna be fun!
 
If I had a four year old and tweens, what we might do is go to Fantasyland together as a family, first thing, and then do some of the calmer rides (Buzz, Pirates if he would be in to that) together. Let the tweens and one parent collect fastpasses for nap time and ride the wilder rides, while the parent and four year old explore some of the other Disney experiences, like Tom Sawyers Island, ToonTown, and Bugs Land.
 
I thought this was the case but wasnt sure. Thanks for clarifying. I love FPing and ride sharing.
My concern is: we're taking a 4 yr old that walks slowly taking everything in (I wish I was more like this!). Not sure if he's too big for the rental strollers.

Your 4 yr old should be fine in the DLR rental strollers - my son was in them up until about 6 and it really helps to speed things up!
 
If I had a four year old and tweens, what we might do is go to Fantasyland together as a family, first thing, and then do some of the calmer rides (Buzz, Pirates if he would be in to that) together. Let the tweens and one parent collect fastpasses for nap time and ride the wilder rides, while the parent and four year old explore some of the other Disney experiences, like Tom Sawyers Island, ToonTown, and Bugs Land.
My thoughts exactly (similarly). I think he'd dig Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Nap time will be put to good use, for sure.

Your 4 yr old should be fine in the DLR rental strollers - my son was in them up until about 6 and it really helps to speed things up!
Yup, DD (the infamous Norah) did strollers last time too and she was a tall 3 (the size of a 5 yr old). I definitely think that is the ticket. This little guy did NOT want the wagon at our zoo visit last Summer, which worries me a little, but I think it'll be fine. If not, my GO GO GO style can use a little humbling. I have to remember it's his first trip and I want it to be led by him for the most part.
NICE dog! We have a Golden too. Love the breed. :cloud9:
 
I have an odd question, maybe one of you know the answer to:

Background info: I'M FRUGAL. (LOL, ok, "cheap")

Question: Would it work to book everything through Costco.com as planned BUT replace one of our adult passes with one booked through AAA so we can get the free parking? I don't think so. But is it possible? :hippie:

If not, Are hotel shuttles timely?
 
I have an odd question, maybe one of you know the answer to:

Background info: I'M FRUGAL. (LOL, ok, "cheap")

Question: Would it work to book everything through Costco.com as planned BUT replace one of our adult passes with one booked through AAA so we can get the free parking? I don't think so. But is it possible? :hippie:

If not, Are hotel shuttles timely?

You would run into a big problem trying to leave one person off the Costco package to get the AAA tickets. They wouldn't be on the hotel reservation or have the character meal tickets or the other perks. It's possible to do and save some money but could get very awkward.

So if you use the shuttle will it be perfect and fast? No. But not a big waste of time. It would otherwise take some time to drive into the parking lots and get on thier shuttles. If you make the common mistake and drive to M&F you will waste a lot of time. If you make the good decision and use the Toy Story Lot, you might save time.
 
Windy! Yay! a trip!
I've never been to California, so I can't speak for the actual hotels, but in general, homewood suites are better for kids. Embassy is a little stuffy, homewood is more homey.
They're both Hilton properties, so the level of service is good in each, but as a general rule, Embassy suites cater to business people, have marble floors in the foyer and have a cocktail hour (free hard liquor at most).
homewood suites is good for business people, but can handle kids better - carpeted lobby with fireplace and a full meal on most weeknights. They also usually have free wine and beer as well.
Their breakfast is good too - embassy's is better, but the stuffiness is not worth a better omelet.

I'll be staying at the homewood across from Universal Orlando in one week! :banana:
 
Windy! Yay! a trip!
I've never been to California, so I can't speak for the actual hotels, but in general, homewood suites are better for kids. Embassy is a little stuffy, homewood is more homey.
They're both Hilton properties, so the level of service is good in each, but as a general rule, Embassy suites cater to business people, have marble floors in the foyer and have a cocktail hour (free hard liquor at most).
homewood suites is good for business people, but can handle kids better - carpeted lobby with fireplace and a full meal on most weeknights. They also usually have free wine and beer as well.
Their breakfast is good too - embassy's is better, but the stuffiness is not worth a better omelet.

I'll be staying at the homewood across from Universal Orlando in one week! :banana:

I've read similar information a few times in the last few days. Duly noted. You're going to Harry Potter, aren't you????Thanks Celery!
 
You would run into a big problem trying to leave one person off the Costco package to get the AAA tickets. They wouldn't be on the hotel reservation or have the character meal tickets or the other perks. It's possible to do and save some money but could get very awkward.

So if you use the shuttle will it be perfect and fast? No. But not a big waste of time. It would otherwise take some time to drive into the parking lots and get on thier shuttles. If you make the common mistake and drive to M&F you will waste a lot of time. If you make the good decision and use the Toy Story Lot, you might save time.

Good point, I didnt think so. :sad2: I forgot about the Toy Story parking.
 
We live in Northern California and my kids go to a regular (not year round) school and they will be back in school for your dates.

In the morning when you are doing things nice and easy for the youngest stockpile fastpasses for when he goes down for a nap.
 
Hey chickie poo! Ye Haw for you and your trip, and I new he'd come around!

The basket maker lady I think retired on the dis a few years ago.

But I'm sure that you can make up some amazing yet frugal gift bags yourself.

Can't wait and so excited to be a part of this trippie!
 





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