Lots of questions about going to DL...

[GinRob]

I have a few questions..and could use all the help I can get..

My dh is military and we are thinking of trying to get to DL in November.. (we are def. going to WDW in July)

we have 6 kids and none of them or my dh has ever been to DL.

I went when I was very young, and dont remember a lot of it, but the one thing I do remember is staying in the DL hotel. I couldnt tell you specifics, but I remember the rooms had desks and they had light blue pencils in there with DL on them LOL

Anyways, my kids are 13 down to 6 months.. 2 of them being younger than 3.

1. I need to know what hotels would be good for me to check into.. we would be driving, but I would prefer to not have to drive into the park every day.. so shuttles or walking distance would be good.

2. price is a major consideration.. I need as cheap as possible while still being in a nice hotel.. we do like Holiday Inns because the kids eat free, but will consider other places too!

3. are any of the on site hotels able to give me a room big enough?? at a good price??

4. we are going in November.. needs to be around Thanksgiving because of school, so while I understand it will be more crowded, would it be better to go into the park on Tuesday Nov 25, 26, and 27 (TG day)... or Nov 26, 27, and 28.. or the 27, 28 and 29 and lastly, the 28, 29 and 30?? with Thursday being TG day and then the weekend after that, Im wondering if it would be better to go the 3 days before the holiday...

5. if we do go on TG day and either the day right before and or the day right after, are the crowds really super awful or just a little more than on a non holiday?

thank you for the help!!! Im clueless as you can tell LOL

oh and how far from DL is sea world and Legoland?

Thanks!!

Ginger

 

[LeftCoaster]

On thanksgiving weekend, the parks will be CROWDED. If you can go earlier in the week, I'd do it.
Disney is offering the military salute right now and it is available for your time frame. Check out Mousesavers.com for more information. The quick rundown is that your hubby (if active duty military) can get a free 3 day park hopper and he can buy additional 3 day park hoppers for $39 each. I can't remember what the limit is on the # of parkhoppers.
With the military salute, Disney is also offering 40% off the hotels. At the DLR, that would be Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, and Grand Californian.
There are also plenty of hotels across the street on Harbor Boulevard that are in walking distance. Go to Travelaxe.com and download there search engine. it'll search ALL the major travel sites for you at the same time and give you the best price listed for the area hotels.
Disneyland is about 75 minutes to Legoland and almost 2 hours to Sea World. Your time will vary depending on time of day and any accidents ont he freeway.

 

[ilovemky]

Military Discounts

RKH was kind enough to forward me the following press release from Disney - note how the discount offers are a bit more enticing at the harder hit Orlando resort, it shows how difficult things still are at Walt Disney World:

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Salute U.S. Military With Free, Multi-day Admission Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., and ANAHEIM, Calif., -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts officials announced today a special opportunity to honor America's servicemen and women. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute," beginning now through Dec. 19, 2003, offers active U.S. military personnel a chance to enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks and discounts for Disney Cruise Line, with additional special offers for family members and friends.

"Our company has a longstanding tradition of supporting our armed forces -- even as far back as World War II -- and today we continue that commitment by honoring these men and women who have served their country," said Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We believe this offer will allow our troops to create some wonderful magical memories with their friends and family."

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" is offered through Dec. 19, 2003, by both Disney vacation kingdoms in the United States -- the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida -- and June 19 through Dec. 18, 2003, by Disney Cruise Line. Active U.S. military personnel, with proper U.S. military identification, are eligible, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" is part of a larger Walt Disney Company effort to support United States troops at home and abroad. The scope of Disney's efforts includes several initiatives through ABC, Inc., ESPN, Disney Channel, Disney Consumer Products and The Walt Disney Studios. The Walt Disney Company and ESPN are USO World Sponsors, providing more than $1 million in financial aid, in-kind support, outreach and marketing efforts on behalf of the USO and its programs. Over the next several weeks, Disney will present "Armed Forces Sneak Peek PremEARS" at various military bases beginning May 17, National Armed Services Day, through June 10.

In addition, DisneyHand has donated more than 200,000 videos and DVDs to families and personnel on U.S. military bases around the world and provided a combination of first-run movies, library classics, and ESPN The Magazine for troops. Further, ABC-TV's Drew Carey, star of "The Drew Carey Show" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and former member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has visited and entertained troops several times over the past two years.

The Walt Disney Company employees continue the tradition of running Disney's Operation Uplift, through which employees send messages of support and thanks to U.S. servicemen and women.

At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

During the offer period, each active member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary 3-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks through Dec. 19. Additionally, active U.S. military personnel may make a one-time purchase of 3-day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets during the offer period for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for a special price of $39 each.

Disneyland Resort Hotels are offering room rates for active military personnel at a 40 percent savings per night, based on the non-discounted price of the same room. This offer is available most nights through Dec. 19, and the number of rooms available at this savings is limited.

For general information regarding "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Information is also available at www.disneyland.com/military

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

Each active member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket during the offer period, valid for admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, two Disney water parks, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and more, through Dec. 19.

During the offer period, active military personnel may make a one-time purchase of this same ticket for $99, plus tax, for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends.

Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels also are offering room rates for active military personnel at a 40 percent savings per night, based on the non-discounted price of the same room. This offer is available most nights through Dec. 19, and the number of rooms available at this savings is limited.

For more information on "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Walt Disney World Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 407/939-7424. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military

Theme Park Offer Details:

* "Disney's Armed Forces Salute' tickets can be obtained only at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows.

* Active military personnel (or, if they are not present, their spouses) must present proper military identification.

* To purchase the tickets for family members or friends, the service member must show the complimentary ticket issued to them.

* Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (or, if they are not present, their spouses) will also need to show active duty orders.

* Tickets for family members or friends may be purchased only by the active service member or spouse, not both. No more than one ticket may be purchased for any family member or friend.

* Last day of use on "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" theme park tickets is no later than Dec. 19, 2003.

* A valid ID may be required for admission.

* This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

* Walt Disney Parks and Resorts ticket information is available at military base ticket offices.

Aboard Disney Cruise Line:

Disney Cruise Line is also extending special rates to active military personnel on most of its vacations between June 19 and Dec. 18, 2003.

Disney Cruise Line offers seven-night cruise vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean, and three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas. Approaching its fifth anniversary this summer, the line features new itineraries to tropical ports of call, renewed age-specific activities that interest not only children, but also teens and adults, and expanded dining experiences.

On select sailings from June 19-Aug. 24, "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" rates start at $379 for a three-night cruise, $429 for a four-night cruise and $799 for a seven-night cruise. On select sailings from Aug. 28-Dec.18, rates start at $349 for a three-night cruise, $399 for a four-night cruise and $599 for a seven-night cruise. All rates are valid for standard inside staterooms. The number of staterooms available at these special rates is limited.

For more information or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, military personnel can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500.