Making Our Return To DL In July!

[NostalgicDad]

Well, I wasn't sure if we would be able to make a trip to DL this year but it appears to be happening. We've made some huge changes in our budget and are totally abandoning the use of any credit cards for any reason. Switching to a cash only system after growing comfortable with plastic over the years definitely takes some adjusting so our vacation plans for this year have been uncertain. But, with the help of Dave Ramsey and hammering everything out over the past couple of months, things have become much clearer now. The best part is that our airfare for the 5 of us won't cost anything since I've got the air miles to cover it.

And, to top it off, the first day of our trip will be on my birthday. We didn't really plan it that way but our available dates this summer just had it working out like that. So, I'll be trying to decide on which gift option to chose since I won't be using the free entry due to our purchasing hoppers in advance. Oh, and we'll be taking advantage of the 5 day for 3 day price as well. We'll be using GAT again but haven't yet decided on a hotel. We've been die hard CCI fans but want to try something different this time. Possibly Hojo's, but I'd still like to cut the cost a little more. If anyone can recommend another nice good neighbor place, feel free to let me know what your thoughts are. Being able to walk to the park is a must and anything similar to the CCI walk is just fine.

Anyway, I just wanted to share the excitement we had in our home tonight when we told the kids.

 

[tinkerbelt]

Awesome!! And kudos on the no credit cards!

I'm just selfishly excited to see all of the great pictures you're going to take!

 

[Gisele]

That is so nice that your trip happens to coincide with your birthday! What fun! And Happy Birthday too!
I can so relate to the subject of C/C usage! UGH! I have one account that is out of control, oh how I so love getting a call everyday from the collections dept. but you know if you cannot pay at the time, that is the way it is. Anyway, good for you for harnessing the power of credit. I like to watch Dave too. I have been missing his shows lately though.
Have a wonderful visit to the land,and please do BBQ for me. I so wanted to be there for my birthday, but it just could not happen after all. Oh well....

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I am also excited for your pictures! They are amazing! DH and I have decided to transition away from CC's and yes, old habits...it's tough but we are determined! Good luck to you on that!

I bet your kids were just thrilled! Mine are still too young to understand but it's alright...mommy is excited enough for them

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Good for you Danny! I can't wait to see your photos! I've been trying hard to reign in the CC spending. It's tough; we live in such a credit driven society. Dave Ramsey is awesome. Now I just have to get back on track with using his system to pay off my debts once and for all!
ETA: I am so kicking myself in the rear that I didn't book a 'just in case we go' reservation at Hojo Ent rates when they first came out! After I missed the boat on the Ent rates, I was looking at Fairfield for my June trip and procrastinated trying to get the best price/deal/location and now even that has gone up as did the Paradise Pier! My DH is not happy with me for waiting too long and having to pay higher prices. But on the other hand we got a decent deal on our airfare!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Danny - we'll definitely have to meet when you are here. I'll even go as far to ask you for an interview on DL and theme park photography tips for the DIS Unplugged podcast.

How does that sound?

 

[mechurchlady]

I cannot wait to see your newest DLR photos a you always have such great photos. If you need anything just holler. You are a nice person and a great photographer.

I did an even last month and then went off spending only to see the credit card get out of hand. It is nice for emergencies but I got 18 Disney REwards which means $1800 spent in the first month. I was offered a B of A card and never sent it in, saved by my procrastination quirk, lol. I do not want to be paying for something 10 years after it was junked.

He is to hoping you have a great trip and get lots of deals for your trip.

 

[NostalgicDad]

Thanks for all the responses folks and the very nice comments. Now, I get to wait about 3 months but the planning is nearly as much fun as the trip anyway. I think one of my photography goals this trip will be to find things that I've never taken a picture of. (yeah, right )

Danny - we'll definitely have to meet when you are here. I'll even go as far to ask you for an interview on DL and theme park photography tips for the DIS Unplugged podcast.

How does that sound?

YellowMickeyPonchos........Well, that sounds absolutely like a plan. We'll be spending 5 days in the parks between 7/11 and 7/18. You name the time and place and I'll be there!

 

[Disney Princess]

What a fun surprise for you fellow Metroplex-ian, Metroplex-ite, DFW-ian? I don't know what we are, but we are close enough to be from the "same" place.

I hope you and your family enjoy your trip to DL. We'll look forward to more pictures. Congrats on getting away from the credit cards! What a great thing to celebrate - along with your birthday. I hope you have a wonderful time planning!!!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Danny,
How cool that you get to go back. I have always been amazed at how many photos you have for your one trip. Too bad you can't ask for your bday prize to be an hour in the parks alone! I would go for the gift card if I was you. Surely you already know how to work the fast pass system that is free

We have stayed at the HOJO twice now, and love it. We have a Dec trip planned with the King/Kid Suite for $107 a night with AP discount.

I am considering a room at Super 8 for a very short trip that I am cooking up (3 days)with their amazing special it comes out to about $40 a night (all taxes included), and it seems to pass all the requirements except location, and it appears to be about two blocks further than HOJO. That is okay for 3 days in the parks, but I know we could not last 5 or more days.

All of the other places that I would consider, I would only consider for better location than HOJO, but the pricing is all the same or more. To get lower than HOJO, you have to sacrifice location. If I was going to do that, I would probably go for Embassy Suites. (I think ES South is part of one of the specials?) I like the atrium plan, the breakfast and the evening cocktail thing, and it sounds like you will have a few days not in the parks. At least one of the Embassy Suites has a dedicated shuttle, so you are not relying on ART, although some folks love that.

One other idea: If Costco still has the AP special with the $50 gift card, it may be worth getting one of those. It will cost you about $90 more than a 3 day hopper, but you get the $50, so net cost is $40 more. But...for my family, we saved at least $10 a day in discounts (sometimes more, like with character meals!) and at HOJO for sure, you do get a 20% off of rack rate for your room, which can really bring the rates down.

If you really want to book a package, then you might consider Costco. They give you a character breakfast in addition to all the other goodies (for a family of 4, worth about $120) and a $20 gift card.

Here is the info:

http://www.costcotravel.com/#15_disney_disneylandResort_DLR5FOR320090306

To stay at Courtyard Marriott it July 11-July 18 and get 5 for 3 tickets , assuming your kids are 9, and 11, prices out at $1610.

Or you could get really creative and book two 5 day packages for 1 adult and 1 kid each (they send you your packages early and your tickets are valid at anytime) Then you could stay for a total of 10 nights instead of 7 for $1790 again, at Coutyard Marriott which just happened to be the one that would come up.

Sorry, can't help it. I am always finding ways to make my vacation be a little longer

I do hope you have a wonderful trip!
Tracey

 

[NostalgicDad]

What a fun surprise for you fellow Metroplex-ian, Metroplex-ite, DFW-ian? I don't know what we are, but we are close enough to be from the "same" place.

I hope you and your family enjoy your trip to DL. We'll look forward to more pictures. Congrats on getting away from the credit cards! What a great thing to celebrate - along with your birthday. I hope you have a wonderful time planning!!!

Just call me a fellow Texan! I've lived in enough places in this state to really be considered a Texas mutt. Thanks for the nice comments!

Hi Danny,
How cool that you get to go back. I have always been amazed at how many photos you have for your one trip. Too bad you can't ask for your bday prize to be an hour in the parks alone! I would go for the gift card if I was you. Surely you already know how to work the fast pass system that is free

We have stayed at the HOJO twice now, and love it. We have a Dec trip planned with the King/Kid Suite for $107 a night with AP discount.

I am considering a room at Super 8 for a very short trip that I am cooking up (3 days)with their amazing special it comes out to about $40 a night (all taxes included), and it seems to pass all the requirements except location, and it appears to be about two blocks further than HOJO. That is okay for 3 days in the parks, but I know we could not last 5 or more days.

All of the other places that I would consider, I would only consider for better location than HOJO, but the pricing is all the same or more. To get lower than HOJO, you have to sacrifice location. If I was going to do that, I would probably go for Embassy Suites. (I think ES South is part of one of the specials?) I like the atrium plan, the breakfast and the evening cocktail thing, and it sounds like you will have a few days not in the parks. At least one of the Embassy Suites has a dedicated shuttle, so you are not relying on ART, although some folks love that.

One other idea: If Costco still has the AP special with the $50 gift card, it may be worth getting one of those. It will cost you about $90 more than a 3 day hopper, but you get the $50, so net cost is $40 more. But...for my family, we saved at least $10 a day in discounts (sometimes more, like with character meals!) and at HOJO for sure, you do get a 20% off of rack rate for your room, which can really bring the rates down.

If you really want to book a package, then you might consider Costco. They give you a character breakfast in addition to all the other goodies (for a family of 4, worth about $120) and a $20 gift card.

Here is the info:

http://www.costcotravel.com/#15_disney_disneylandResort_DLR5FOR320090306

To stay at Courtyard Marriott it July 11-July 18 and get 5 for 3 tickets , assuming your kids are 9, and 11, prices out at $1610.

Or you could get really creative and book two 5 day packages for 1 adult and 1 kid each (they send you your packages early and your tickets are valid at anytime) Then you could stay for a total of 10 nights instead of 7 for $1790 again, at Coutyard Marriott which just happened to be the one that would come up.

Sorry, can't help it. I am always finding ways to make my vacation be a little longer

I do hope you have a wonderful trip!
Tracey

Well, I do take a lot of pictures but they haven't all come in one trip. I have probably close to 10,000 from our previous 3 trips since 2006 as well as 2 solo trips (while on business) and one anniversary excursion with my wife while we were staying in Vegas.

Thanks for all of the great information. That gives me a lot to consider for sure and I'll add it to my fun list!

 

[pixiewings71]

Woo Hoo for July bdays!! Our July trips starts on DD12's (soon to be 13!!!!!) bday. We will be there the 8-12, maybe we will bump into each other. either way I can't wait to see your pics, they are amazing!!!!! And congrats on the CC's, we are trying to make that change as well...it's harder than someone might think.....

 

[Disney Princess]

Just call me a fellow Texan! I've lived in enough places in this state to really be considered a Texas mutt. Thanks for the nice comments!

I suppose Texan is much easier - can you tell my brain wasn't fully functional yet when I wrote. Have fun!!!

 

[Kauinohea]

Congratulations!
We are going will be in DL - July 24-Aug 1 staying in HOJO's Kids Suite.
I wish the reate were a little better, but with the 15% off it came to $134.
Its really spacious with 2 rooms (1 room has bunk beds and sofa pullout with bathroom & TV, other room has King, bath room, tv, refrig and micro.

Hope you find a room that suits your family. Since you already have passes, it mught be better if you call the hotels directly.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Just call me a fellow Texan! I've lived in enough places in this state to really be considered a Texas mutt. Thanks for the nice comments!




Well, I do take a lot of pictures but they haven't all come in one trip. I have probably close to 10,000 from our previous 3 trips since 2006 as well as 2 solo trips (while on business) and one anniversary excursion with my wife while we were staying in Vegas.

Thanks for all of the great information. That gives me a lot to consider for sure and I'll add it to my fun list!

Oh gosh, don't know why I was thinking you had just gone one time and gotten all of those amazing pics. Must be my old age setting in!

Anyhoo...not to throw in a CC wrench or anything...but Disney Visa just sent an offer for 35% off of Resort Properties when you use your Disney Visa, of course! Your trip would be $1377 at Paradise Pier for your 7 nights, plus your tickets of $360 for two adults and then whatever your kiddo tickets would cost you. $150 per 5 for 3 deal. For resort properties it is a big savings over package pricing.

 

[azdisneylover]

Hi Danny,

If you really want to book a package, then you might consider Costco. They give you a character breakfast in addition to all the other goodies (for a family of 4, worth about $120) and a $20 gift card.

Here is the info:

http://www.costcotravel.com/#15_disney_disneylandResort_DLR5FOR320090306

To stay at Courtyard Marriott it July 11-July 18 and get 5 for 3 tickets , assuming your kids are 9, and 11, prices out at $1610.

Or you could get really creative and book two 5 day packages for 1 adult and 1 kid each (they send you your packages early and your tickets are valid at anytime) Then you could stay for a total of 10 nights instead of 7 for $1790 again, at Coutyard Marriott which just happened to be the one that would come up.

Sorry, can't help it. I am always finding ways to make my vacation be a little longer

I do hope you have a wonderful trip!
Tracey

With the Costco booking, you also get a character meal, and a gift card.....lanyards, and a Downtown Disney Giftcard. The cost that is provided at Costco booking includes taxes. Glad to read you will be able to go to Disneyland! I am trying to figure out a way to make it work here too! ( I am not having any good luck....

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

QueenDoOver & azdisneylover: quick question (sorry to hijack your thread Danny!)
How long are the 5 for 3 PH passes good for? I already have APs, so I was thinking of maybe buying a package and holding on to the hoppers for my trip after AP expires -- which would be Jan of 2010. Is that possible? TIA for any responses!

 

[Brady's Mom]

We are going in July, too. Celebrating DH's 50th B-Day on July 16. We will be there July 16-19. Hopefully we will meet some Dis'ers. What a great way to spend some time!! DLR and really cool people!

Congrats on your trip, Danny! I am really looking forward to some more pics!

 

[NostalgicDad]

QueenDoOver & azdisneylover: quick question (sorry to hijack your thread Danny!)
How long are the 5 for 3 PH passes good for? I already have APs, so I was thinking of maybe buying a package and holding on to the hoppers for my trip after AP expires -- which would be Jan of 2010. Is that possible? TIA for any responses!

No worries, DSF. The more info the better!

We are going in July, too. Celebrating DH's 50th B-Day on July 16. We will be there July 16-19. Hopefully we will meet some Dis'ers. What a great way to spend some time!! DLR and really cool people!

Congrats on your trip, Danny! I am really looking forward to some more pics!

Would be cool to meet you. Maybe it could work out. And, I'm not far behind your DH.......

With the Costco booking, you also get a character meal, and a gift card.....lanyards, and a Downtown Disney Giftcard. The cost that is provided at Costco booking includes taxes. Glad to read you will be able to go to Disneyland! I am trying to figure out a way to make it work here too! ( I am not having any good luck....

Thanks azdisneylover. Keep plugging away as everything goes in cycles. Your luck is bound to change soon!

 

[QueenDoOver]

QueenDoOver & azdisneylover: quick question (sorry to hijack your thread Danny!)
How long are the 5 for 3 PH passes good for? I already have APs, so I was thinking of maybe buying a package and holding on to the hoppers for my trip after AP expires -- which would be Jan of 2010. Is that possible? TIA for any responses!

I don't know but I would assume that it is like most promo tickets and the first day of use must be before the last day of the promo, in this case by Sept 30.