lots of questions - crowds, military discount, package deals

[sacteach]

I'm planning a trip to DL for this December. I've been many times, but my boyfriend has never been there, so this would be his first trip (we're both 30 if that makes a difference).

We are planning on going near the beginning of December (probably the week after Thanksgiving). We want to go to the parks for three days, then spend a few days in San Diego with friends. We will be driving down from Sacramento.

Even though I've been a lot, I've never been the one to book the trip, so I have some questions:

1) Are the parks crowded during early December?

2) Is it in full Christmas mode - parades, decorations, etc

3) Any idea of what will still be closed (my friend just went and said that a lot of things were covered up or closed)

4) Is it cheaper to book a package through AAA (I have a membership and just picked up the booklet) or try to do it on our own

5) Are there military discounts? My bf is active duty in the Air Force. If so, how do we find it and would he be able to purchase tickets for me at a reduced rate?

6) What would be some fun "adult/romantic" things to do - I've only been with family or friends before, never a boyfriend.

Thanks in advance!

~Misty

 

[iceskatejen]

1. During weekedays the parks won't be crowded, but they will be more so on weekends.

2. It sure will be. It's gorgeous at Christmas. Plus you'll have the Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday.

3. Space Mountain, the Tiki Room, Snow White all for sure since they all have 05 reopen dates. The castle should be uncovered by the end of Nov.

4. Can't help there.

5. Don't know this either.

6. How about a meal at the Blue Bayou?

 

[LuvTigger]

I might be able to help with #'s 4 and 5...

When I go to DL, I actually like to get a package. You may not save tons of money, but I find that I generally come out a little ahead. (Are you planning to stay onsite, or off?) For the onsite hotels, I'm not sure how long the promo is on, but they have a pay for 3 nights get the 4th free on hotel packages. I've also found good packages at offsite hotels as well. Sometimes there are really good rates offered on the DL hotels on sites like Expedia, but they're not offered until maybe 1-2 months ahead, and they might not be offered at all the DL hotels.

I'm not sure about hotel discounts for the military, but I do know they sell discounted park tickets. Actually, my BF is in the Navy Reserves, and we go to the MWR office here in Hawaii and order tickets. Last year we got a one day DL ticket and saved a little (maybe $5 or $10?). If you book your hotel separate, I would definitely have your BF buy tickets thru the military (I would guess you could get the tickets at the gate with his ID). I didn't have any problem using the discounted ticket. I believe they're allowed to buy a certain number of discounted tickets, but I think that technically they're supposed to accompany you, which isn't a problem for you since you're going together.

And ditto the suggestion for Blue Bayou! If you decide to do that, make sure you make your reservations early, preferably for the first seating.

Another suggestion if it fits within your budget is the Fantasmic dessert buffet (there's a very informative post on that here). BF and I have yet to do it, but surprisingly, he is the one who REALLY wants to do it -- usually I am the one who wants to do those things!

 

[NancyHawaii]

The MWR office sells the 5 day hopper tickets for $97.50 (adults). Aloha from Hawaii