Many ?????

[chip64]

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've been on this particular discussion board!! We just got back from WDW and really had a great time and we were just thinking about booking a trip to the DL resort for a stay between Jan. 10th-14th. It's been a while since we last visited Disneyland, I think the last time being around Feb. of 2000 while the 40th celebration was going on but the new California Adventure had not yet opened. I honestly have a few ??? LOL!!!! We have stayed at the DL hotel as well as the PP hotel, but have yet to stay at the new hotel in California Adventure. Even though we both smoke, we could forgo smoking to stay at the new hotel if it's honestly worth a stay. Any tips?? Also how would the crowds at the parks be during our stay? Also any rehabs for 01-10-03-01-14-03?? How is the weather during that time, it's been a while since our last stay. Any not to be missed attractions? Also is the new California adventure worth a visit? If all goes well, I may go ahead and book a room because of the great prices on another website and also the great airfare out of Nashville through Southwest to Lax. Thanks for any tips or help. Chip.

 

[LuvTigger]

I personally love GC! Since I'm not a smoker, I can't really give you an opinion on whether it'd be worth the sacrifice, but I will say that if I could afford to, I'd stay at GC every trip!

DCA may not be quite up to par with other Disney parks yet, but I believe it is definitely worth visiting. There are many attractions there that are worth trying. The absolute best, not-to-be-missed ride there is Soarin' Over California, which is unlike anything I've ever been on. They also have a great coaster, California Screamin', and I like the Sun Wheel, which is like a gigantic ferris wheel, except some of the cars move! The Maliboomer is also great, which is a freefall ride. They also have Grizzly River Rapids, a raft ride.

They also have some attractions from WDW such as It's a Bug's Life and Muppet Vision.

So while DCA may not be an all day park, I think it is definitely worth visiting.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I must agree with all of the comments luvtigger made - We stayed at the GC and it was wonderful!!! If you stay, you must get a park view room! The hotel is just beautiful and my whole family really enjoyed staying there.

The weather will be a bit of a question - Some days it might be really cold (by cold I mean high 50's, low 60's) or there have even been times it has been in the 70's - I would just check the weather forcast right before you come out - but I definitely would not plan on going in the swimming pool -

The crowds will be ideal for you! It is a great time to be there!

by the way, which web-site are you getting good deals on DC rooms?

Enjoy your trip!

Karen

 

[hookedup]

I ditto the GC Hotel - it is a wonderful resort. To me the theming ranks up there with the properties at WDW (in a lot smaller space). I too am not a smoker but I know I have seen people smoking on their balconies (although I don't know if it is offically allowed).
It is really cool how you can walk right out of the hotel into DCA. It is also a much shorter walk to DL than the other 2 hotels as well. The resort is in the heart of Downtown Disney too so that is pretty neat as well.
Not sure about rehabs yet - that is the "quieter" time of year so there may be a few but Matterhorn (still I think), Carousel, not sure what else too. The others on this site are pretty much in the loop on things there.
Concerning the weather - it could be very nice or wet - who knows! It will be cool that time of year but for some folks Southern Cal cool is still warm in comparison!

Have fun & enjoy your trip!

 

[chip64]

As always thanks everyone for the great information, As far as the website on good deals. To KaitlinsMom: I called Disney Travel and also the reservations # at the Disneyland Hotels which if I recall was something like 1-714-956-Mickey. I was told the Holiday getaway Pkg. was only good thru 01-07-03 and that my dates wouldn't work. So after getting the cheapest price of $190.00 per night at the PP I went to expedia .com and punched in my dates for a stay between 01/09/03-01/14/03 and found some pretty good rates such as a standard view at PP for $136.00 per night versus $190.00 per night which I was quoted from Disney Reservations. Also the Grand Californian was going for $236.00 for a standard view through Expedia. Just by what I looked at the prices on Expedia were far better than Disney Travel or the Disney Hotel resevation#. I just wish I could get the Holiday Pkg. because in my opinion that really is a GREAT deal. It's just that my dates are not flexible and I couldn't beat the deadline!! Oh well, sorry so long but thats it. Hope this info. can also help someone such as you all helped me!!! Thanks, Chip.

 

[tink2dw]

I would have a problem with your dates and all the things on the refrib list!!
borrowed from Mouse Info

Closing: -| Opening: | Attraction:

10/07/01 | TBD ---- | Sleeping Beauty Castle - Attraction Walkway
01/07/02 | TBD ---- | King Arthur Carrousel
01/10/02 | TBD ---- | Superstar Limo
09/03/02 | 02/11/03 | Matterhorn Bobsleds
09/30/02 | 12/21/02 | Monorail Purple
11/04/02 | 04/11/03 | ABC Bistro Changeout
11/12/02 | 11/22/02 | Jungle Cruise
01/06/03 | 01/24/03 | Haunted Mansion holiday removal
01/13/03 | 02/07/03 | "it's a small world" holiday removal
01/06/03 | 01/24/03 | Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (rope bridges being replaced)
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Fantasmic! River Show (Last show of season Nov 2nd. Show should return by Summer '03)
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Tom Sawyer Island
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Mark Twain Riverboat
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Sailing Ship Columbia
01/06/03 | 03/28/03 | Rivers of America
02/03/03 | 02/21/03 | Splash Mountain
02/03/03 | 02/21/03 | Hungry Bear Restaurant

 

[Krisj]

We really liked DCA. There wasn't as much to do for my 4 and 2 yr old but my 6-10 yr olds loved it. The crowds were so much smaller than at DL that it was much more enjoyable. I liked the atmosphere too. I really don't know why people don't like it as much.

 

[mousecrazy]

chip64,
Have you considered getting an AP? You might call Disneyland Reservations and ask them if they have any AP specials during your dates. You can book an AP rate without having the pass in hand until you check in. You can get an AP for as little as $105 (So Cal with lots of blackout dates) and it can save you lots of $ on Disneyland hotels.

Just a thought...
Lisa