March or June? Booking secrets?

[HeatherAnn23]

We just finished our taxes, and thank goodness it looks like a road trip to DL is in our future. I'm a teacher, so it either has to be March 25 - April 1 or June 17 - 24. I know that we will not be hearing the crickets chirping either time, but with a 11 month old and 5 year old we'd like to not have to actually drive the stoller over people to get to rides!

I'm very interested in March because of kids play free, and the $150 gift card for 4 nights on property. The catch, it doesn't look like there is any room left on property anyway! I also feel like the early entry is a must with this age group. Should I be checking with AAA or other travel groups to see if they have rooms left?

Also, any tips on the drive down from Oregon would be appreciated. My husband says no problem, while I'm a little more concerned.

Thanks!

 

[LindaR]

We're checking out colleges on our spring break and wanted to get a little Disneyland time in there, too. It didn't look as if we would be sucessful. I kept trying to book online (25 Mar-29Mar) and the three DL hotels were booked. I tried calling. No luck.

There are different phone numbers for different "agencies". I finally had luck with Central Reservations and was able to get a standard room at Paradise Pier (along with that $150 gift card!). You just have to try ALL the different phone numbers til you have luck.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

I can't give you any tips on when to go since we are planning our first trip to DL in June.

Keep in mind if you book a Disney hotel package through AAA you can get the enhanced Fast Pass which really helps with the touring when the park is busy. THe March deal sounds pretty good but I heard they are booking fast so if you want those dates you may want to try to book soon.

 

[oregondisneyfans]

The drive is about 16 hours. We have done it once straight through and are thinking of driving again but breaking into a couple days. I personally didn't like driving for 16 hours straight. Hope you find your package for your dates. Have you contacted AAA?

 

[victorandbellasmom]

We just changed the date of our trips (was in April now in late March early April) and was having difficulty finding rooms at DL Resort. Expeida was booked, disney was booked. We finally got the dates we wanted via getawaytoday. The $150 giftcard sure made it affordable.
We'll be driving from Washinghton, Seattle area. We've never driven that far and are looking forward to it. The last roadtrip we had was 4 years ago and that was to Salt Lake City.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Getawaytoday has some room at the grand left for the March dates. However, it will run you about $2400. Personally, I would stay off site before I would pay that! With two small children for that many days I think I would want to find an offsite hotel that offers suites with at least one bedroom. A regular room at the Grand with two small kids for a week is going to feel very small!

As for early entry, staying off site you will get at least one day. Being there for a week, one day of EE is going to be plenty. Unless you are going to be in the area for a week, but only at the park 2-3 days. Personally, if I was staying that close for a week, I would get a 7 - 8 day park hopper so that even if you do something else (knotts, universal, etc) you can still spend a little time at the parks- watch the fireworks, have breakfast at riverbell terrace, etc. The price of a 8 day vs a 5 day is really nothing.

 

[Texasfan]

We went the same week in June in 2002 and 2004 and the crowds were not that bad at all. We are planning on going that same week again this year.

 

[doodlebug]

We will be doing the drive down in under 2 weeks from Seattle and have done it a couple times before.. We leave late afternoon, the kids sleep thru the night and arrive in Anaheim mid afternoon.. It takes us about 22 hours with stops for the bathroom, eating and stretching our legs... It is a long haul but we could not find any reasonable fares for the four of us so driving is much cheaper!!!

Also word on the street is if you are staying on a DLH property you get to use EE all the days that you are staying.. I hope this still is true!!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Also word on the street is if you are staying on a DLH property you get to use EE all the days that you are staying.. I hope this still is true!!

All of the days it is OFFERED while you are there. Its currenly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

I didnt think we were going to be able to go because of the cost of airfare. I found some open flights, in early March, on the kids fly free special flying in to Long beach. Direct flights on Alaska air, about 2 1/2 hours each way. Our airfare for 2 adults and 2 kids was only about $620. Can't beat that!

 

[victorandbellasmom]

Direct flights on Alaska air, about 2 1/2 hours each way. Our airfare for 2 adults and 2 kids was only about $620. Can't beat that!

That's a great rate from Seattle. The best we've ever booked was last Oct for $610 using 4 $25 ecertificates from the entertainment book. We're driving this time around. dd loves to complain about her ears hurting when flying. I guess we'll hear her complain now about what a long drive it is. LOL.

I'm just a little leary of flying with Alaska out if Seatac with all their ground maintenace problems with their airplanes. Have a safe trip.

 

[hlbtimes2]

I would rather fly out of Seattle on Alaska, then drive through the mountains in N. CA. Those roads scare me to death. Especially this time of year.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

HeatherAnn have you thought of breaking up your stay (off site and onsite). We're doing 2 nights at Tropicana since we'll be arriving late at night and the last 4 nights at DLH. PPH is available for 4 nights (march 25-March 29) and is $766 +$150 gift card (does not include park hoppers but getaway will sell you the #days you need.) You can stay across the street on harbor for the following 3 nights.
We actually broke up our stay on our last trip. We originally booked 4 nights at GCH, then realized we wanted more time there. By the time we wanted to add on days, GCH was all booked up as well as all other DLR properties so we ended up staying at BWPPI. It worked out great for us. We were at the parks open to closed for the 1st 2 days (BWPPI) and hit all the rides we wanted. By the time we checked into GCH, we were able to take a more relaxed pace at the parks and were able to enjoy all the amenities the hotel had to offer.

 

[being-dragged-to-DL]

We are going the first week of march from Boise. Here's what I had to do to finally get this all worked out through my AAA guy. First, AAA couldnt get our package together (rooms/flights etc) for any of the dates we kept throwing at him. I finally called disney reservations myself, and there was NO PROBLEM getting what I wanted!! Then, I called AAA and told him how to call DL and take over my reservation number, and then sell it back to me. What a hassle! But, we are getting an awesome package. Mulit use fast passes, two different early entires, $150 card, free refillable mugs (drinks the entire week will be free!) parade/fireworks view seating (whatever that is) and some kind of discounts to shows or something that we wont use, free stroller rentals (becasue we are using the disney visa) and maybe a couple more small perks. Oh, the lanyard and pins for everyone also. 10% off some food with the visa card use. We basically got some of the AAA deal, some of the DL deal and some of the Visa card deal. I am afriad that you may be too late for any rooms except maybe at the most expensive for March (is that the grand californian?) But, being a teacher, as you say, you are limited in time. Maybe just splurge?? (kind of an oxy-moron huh... teacher/just splurge! I am one of those who think (good) teachers should get paid 3X what they do!)
A question for YOU: You are a teacher. We decided to allow our 1st grader to miss three days of school to do this trip.(we've never been before) She is way above grade level and her teacher assured me not a big deal. I am, however, taking some work for her on the airplane and she will be journaling the trip. Your opinion... three days off for DL ok?? (it was going to be a full week, but I fanagled things to reduce the time she'll miss.) I am telling myself, she'll have her first airplane ride, first cab ride, the trip, she'll journal and use her own dig camera, etc etc etc. BUT still there is the slightest parental/educational guilt!!! Part of me says, "oh, what the heck!" and part say, "yea, but, it's almost a whole week!" (and no. She is not an only child. I have an adult son and a four year old also.
(do you know the airlines are doing the kids fly free thing??)

 

[Pir8girl]

I grew up in OC so I've made this drive so many times I've lost count. I won't do it with my kids, we fly. But you're a braver woman than I so here's how I do it. Ymmv:

I leave Portland as early as possible around 5:30- 6 a.m. Stop for breakfast somewhere around Lake Oswego to eat and stretch my legs. Since you're farther south, maybe you could eat in the car or stop around Corvallis. Then I drive straight through and usually stop in Medford for lunch. I take the Siskyous in full daylight and drive until tired. The farthest I've made it is to Fresno. Stayed the night, headed into Orange County the next day.

This schedule of course depends on your kids. If they can sit in the car for long stretches it would work. If you have stop a lot (and with an 11 month old you may have to) then I'd leave in the afternoon, get through the pass and stay in Redding or farther south. Head to DL the next day.

My friend did this drive with her dd4 & ds 2. It was hell. Her son will not sleep in the car and he cried and whimpered until they finally pulled over and slept in a motel. They were frazzeled when they arrived. My dd5 & I flew in and were refreshed
Good Luck!

 

[Churro]

We have driven to Disneyland 5 times now...so I am seasoned veteran at it. It is a 14 hour drive for me from the coast and down I-5. We leave very early in the A.M.(like 4:00) and are usually there for check in time that day. We have broken it down into 2 days before, but ended up thinking it was a waste of time and extra hotel money. We take a small cooler in the car for cold drinks and snacks, and always stop for a short lunch and a long dinner somewhere. Kids do not seem to mind too awful much because we bring movies for them to watch and of course headphones and hand held games. It is not so bad unless you are stopping every hour for breaks. We are going in June this year right after the POTC reopens and spending 8 days.
I cannot stress enough that the difference between a 5 day park hopper and an 8 day park hopper is soooo minimal it is worth it! You can always pop into the park for a short ride or dinner after spending the day somewhere else! It was only 60.00$ more TOTAL for the 3 of us. Hope you book soon and enjoy your trip!

 

[Churro]

OH I forgot to say we used Dreams Unlimited to book. I really like them!

 

[Alice28]

I grew up in OC so I've made this drive so many times I've lost count. I won't do it with my kids, we fly. But you're a braver woman than I so here's how I do it. Ymmv:

I leave Portland as early as possible around 5:30- 6 a.m. Stop for breakfast somewhere around Lake Oswego to eat and stretch my legs. Since you're farther south, maybe you could eat in the car or stop around Corvallis. Then I drive straight through and usually stop in Medford for lunch. I take the Siskyous in full daylight and drive until tired. The farthest I've made it is to Fresno. Stayed the night, headed into Orange County the next day.

This schedule of course depends on your kids. If they can sit in the car for long stretches it would work. If you have stop a lot (and with an 11 month old you may have to) then I'd leave in the afternoon, get through the pass and stay in Redding or farther south. Head to DL the next day.

My friend did this drive with her dd4 & ds 2. It was hell. Her son will not sleep in the car and he cried and whimpered until they finally pulled over and slept in a motel. They were frazzeled when they arrived. My dd5 & I flew in and were refreshed
Good Luck!

When you say OC, do you mean Oregon City? That's where I live!!! You don't come across that often here on the DIS. I live in the older McLoughlin District.

Anyway we just decided last night we are driving to Disneyland June 27th. We're going to leave before the throngs of 4th of July week people come, but I'm sure it will still be crowded. DH and I are seasoned DL visitors (used to live in the Bay Area and would go 1-2 times a year), so we know how to navigate. We've only driven to DL once and that was breaking up the drive with a 2-3 day 'layover' in San Jose to hang out with our parents. This time I think we will leave on a Sunday or Monday, spend the night in Sacramento with some friends, and drive the rest of the way to Anaheim the next day. I know my two boys (who will be 5 and 8) can deal with it, but now we have my 1 year old daughter in the mix. Oh boy....we've done plenty of drives to San Jose when the boys were that young and it was barely tolerable. Several stops to McDonald's play lands to run off the wiggles!

I'm REALLY excited to be able to see the 50th stuff (we made it to WDW last year, so I wasn't sure if we could do DL this year or not), the boys are excited to ride Buzz & Monsters, and I can't wait to ride ToT and Screaming- the last two times we went I was either pregnant or sat out with a baby. WooHoo!!!!!!! DL, here we come!

 

[HeatherAnn23]

[/QUOTE]
A question for YOU: You are a teacher. We decided to allow our 1st grader to miss three days of school to do this trip.(we've never been before) She is way above grade level and her teacher assured me not a big deal. I am, however, taking some work for her on the airplane and she will be journaling the trip. Your opinion... three days off for DL ok?? (it was going to be a full week, but I fanagled things to reduce the time she'll miss.) I am telling myself, she'll have her first airplane ride, first cab ride, the trip, she'll journal and use her own dig camera, etc etc etc. BUT still there is the slightest parental/educational guilt!!! Part of me says, "oh, what the heck!" and part say, "yea, but, it's almost a whole week!" (and no. She is not an only child. I have an adult son and a four year old also.
(do you know the airlines are doing the kids fly free thing??)[/QUOTE]


I wouldn't worry too much about her missing school - but you're probably asking the wrong teacher! I think if you've spoken with her teacher, and plan on getting some reading and writing in you'll be fine!

Thanks so much for all of the replied. I went on and booked for March! I found the Grand Californian still available through getawaytoday, so I think I might just get over my dissapointment at not getting into the Disneyland Hotel.

Thanks again, and keep the driving tips coming!!

 

[Alice28]

We just finished our taxes, and thank goodness it looks like a road trip to DL is in our future. I'm a teacher, so it either has to be March 25 - April 1 or June 17 - 24. I know that we will not be hearing the crickets chirping either time, but with a 11 month old and 5 year old we'd like to not have to actually drive the stoller over people to get to rides!

I'm very interested in March because of kids play free, and the $150 gift card for 4 nights on property. The catch, it doesn't look like there is any room left on property anyway! I also feel like the early entry is a must with this age group. Should I be checking with AAA or other travel groups to see if they have rooms left?

Also, any tips on the drive down from Oregon would be appreciated. My husband says no problem, while I'm a little more concerned.

Thanks!

I would also double check some of those prices with the kids fly free & $150 gift card....I plugged some numbers in on the DL website with that, and they inflate the prices BIG TIME to do those 4 nights. I think I plugged in 4 nights at the DL hotel (kids fly and play free AND the gift card) and it was $2300 or something like that....3 nights was over a thousand dollars less! Now I know 1 night at the Disneyland Hotel and $150 gift card does not equal $1,000! And I know with the kids fly free you are paying for the most expensive flights. It never seems like the best deal for me.

I just booked the Hilton Anaheim at $100 a night! DH just got back from Iraq & is still in the Nat'l Guard. We realized a couple of summers ago, we are eligible for the government rates...I checked that box on the Hilton website and it came up only $100 a night! YES! I'm so excited. So we're going to stay an extra night instead of cramming everything all together. More pool time for the kiddoes.

As far as driving, as I said, we have done the Portland---> San Jose drive a million times. We usually stop in Roseburg or Grants Pass for a late breakfast or early lunch...we try and leave by 7AM (from OC). Although it's NOT our favorite, we often do McDonalds because they often have the indoor playlands and the kids run around and play while we eat, and then we just let them finish their burger or nuggets in the car. Let's see, DO NOT GET GAS IN THE SHASTA AREA---the prices are WAY WAY inflated! Get gas in Yreka or Weed or Ashland. We often stop for lunch in Redding- there are many restaurants to choose from at the southern exit- I think it's called Cypress Exit. BK, Carls Jr., McDonalds, KFC, Wendys, Taco Bell, etc. There is also a big drugstore like a Kmart or a Rite Aid to go in and buy some other snacks, drinks, batteries for Gameboys, etc.

Also be sure you time it so you are NOT going through Sacramento at rush hour....I-5 can get really nasty through that area at traffic time. Further down I-5, we always seem to stop in Kettleman's City for a meal break- it's about 2-3 hours from Disneyland and it's a good place to stop between the Bay Area/Sac & DL. There is a plethora of fast food and gas stations.

I recommend gameboys for the kids, Disney music, and maybe books on tape for the adults to listen to. Bring lots of little snacks that the kids will enjoy, but pace them! My oldest barfed on our first road trip cause I kept giving him treats to pacify him. Now as I seasoned mother, I know better! I also might buy them a new book or sticker book or two to bring out halfway through the trip. Maybe I will look for a new Gameboy game this time as they are really good about sharing the chips...

I'm just so excited to have a trip to plan!

 

[Kat in WA]

We make an annual trip every June (I'm a teacher in Eastern Washington). Since this is our 6th visit, we have it down to a science. We leave Saturday at 3:30 a.m. and drive until about 4:30 p.m. We spend the night in a little town just past Stockton called Paterson. There is a Best Western called the Villa Del Lago that serves a continental breakfast. Our girls (ages 15 and 12) swim while Mom and Dad "Wash the trail dust out of our craw" with a few well earned rips by the pool. We leave Sunday morning after breakfast about 7:00 a.m. and eat lunch at In and Out burgers at Valencia about 11:30. This gets us to the Candy Cane Inn at about 1:15 or so. Our girls do really well if we push it hard the first day, and then we only have a few hours in the van on Sunday. We take lots of rest area breaks (we've got our favorites) and we take a HUGE box of snacks to make the drive more bearable. It is about 1076 miles one way from Sunnyside to Anaheim.
Usually we just push it all the way home (think 3:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). We leave that early to avoid LA rush hour and we are anxious to just get home. Our girls were 7 and 10 the first year we did this type of trip, and they are great travelers. Each has a seperate seat in the van, and the snacks, books, and CD players help. We all take naps to make the time go faster. Some of our friends think we're crazy for driving each year, but it really makes our trips special. Family road trips can be a blast!!!