Need to rebook trip ASAP, advice needed on park days

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

Long story short, we were supposed to leave on a 3 week trip through the west to sight see National Parks, travel Route 66 and (most importantly) end with an amazing week at Disneyland including pool days at the GCH. Due to certain circumstances, we now have to cancel the majority of our trip. So I have a few options to salvage some form of a trip:

Option 1: Travel to Anaheim through Utah and Arizona, stopping at National Parks when we can. Arrive in Anaheim for park days on Aug 15- Aug 18th. Staying at the Camelot Inn and Suites in a Family Suite.

Option 2: Skip the National Parks completely and head straight to Anaheim. Arrive in Anaheim for park days Aug 11- Aug 15. Staying at the Residence Inn Convention Center.

We have stayed at the Residence Inn before and really liked it, but I don't know if I would like walking 4 days to the park from there with my little kids. My big thing is I know lately weekend days have been less crowded (at least seemingly?) then weekdays. Plus, I thought some Magic Keys become unblocked on Aug 15. Do you think going Aug 11-15 vs. Aug 15-18 will make a huge difference in crowds? I should say we are early risers and plan on purchasing Genie+.

 

[Skip Coffee for Rope Drop]

I think the schools will be back in session in mid Aug in California. You may have light crowds. Check the park times for each day and see if they close earlier in mid august, that is sign that schools are back in session. Ok I just checked, most schools in LA area start week of Aug 16 but MK Disneyland is midnight or 11 each night in August. Check undercover tourist.com for crowd levels at theme parks around the nation.

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

I think the schools will be back in session in mid Aug in California. You may have light crowds. Check the park times for each day and see if they close earlier in mid august, that is sign that schools are back in session. Ok I just checked, most schools in LA area start week of Aug 16 but MK Disneyland is midnight or 11 each night in August. Check undercover tourist.com for crowd levels at theme parks around the nation.

I checked that site and the days are virtual the same ratings. I might do the second week just so we can do the Grand Canyon. Thanks for the help!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

If you can go before August 15, do it. Magic Key holders are unblocked on 8/15 after being blocked all summer. They will flock to the parks school or no school.

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

If you can go before August 15, do it. Magic Key holders are unblocked on 8/15 after being blocked a summer. They will flock to the parks school or no school.

Thats what I was afraid of. Thanks.

 

[gelatoni fan]

My guess is that night shows will be packed when the Magic Keys are unblocked but the ride wait times in the morning will be better than the week before due some schools still being on summer break. I do think it'll be a bit more crowded after the 15th but the crowds may not affect ride wait times until the afternoon.

I don't think you can get similar quality to the Residence Inn any closer to the parks without paying a whole lot more. I guess the Courtyard and Howard Johnson may come close without free breakfast and the Grand Californian would be an upgrade.

 

[evilmommie]

I checked that site and the days are virtual the same ratings. I might do the second week just so we can do the Grand Canyon. Thanks for the help!

I would still try to do both. The memories we have as a family, at the National Parks are amazing and unique. I mean, so are the DLR ones....I just really like that you are incorporating some our nation's incredibly beautiful areas. I love Bryce Canyon maybe even more than the Grand Canyon. I think on the DLR days, rope drop and G+ will definitely help you all accomplish a fun Mouse House trip. Either choice you make, I hope you have a wonderful family trip!

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

I would still try to do both. The memories we have as a family, at the National Parks are amazing and unique. I mean, so are the DLR ones....I just really like that you are incorporating some our nation's incredibly beautiful areas. I love Bryce Canyon maybe even more than the Grand Canyon. I think on the DLR days, rope drop and G+ will definitely help you all accomplish a fun Mouse House trip. Either choice you make, I hope you have a wonderful family trip!

Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon are my must do! I think we are going to go for it and do some National Parks on the way down and Disney will just be what it will be. Thank you so much for your input!

 

[Pluto468]

Bryce Canyon is amazing. So is the Grand Canyon, of course, but I just love Bryce and also Zion.

What is it that you're looking for in the hotel? Some of the harbor hotels may have the features you're looking for, but with a closer walk. Could you do GCH?

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

Bryce Canyon is amazing. So is the Grand Canyon, of course, but I just love Bryce and also Zion.

What is it that you're looking for in the hotel? Some of the harbor hotels may have the features you're looking for, but with a closer walk. Could you do GCH?

We had to cancel GCH because our trip got pushed back (and shortened) by 9 days and there is no onsite availability when I looked for our new dates. We are a family of 6, so it's hard finding one room to fit us all. I really don't want to pay for two rooms with what they are charging on those Harbor hotels. Our kids really enjoy their pool time, but I think a closer walk is going to be more important. I landed on the Camelot Inn because it has a family room available (reasonably priced in my opinion), interior looks updated and it's a close walk.

I have already come to terms with this not being the trip I had envisioned, but that just gives me a reason to go back next year!

 

[MonocularVision]

Just did Zion a couple weeks back with the wife and we hiked the Narrows. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done.

 

[Pluto468]

We had to cancel GCH because our trip got pushed back (and shortened) by 9 days and there is no onsite availability when I looked for our new dates. We are a family of 6, so it's hard finding one room to fit us all. I really don't want to pay for two rooms with what they are charging on those Harbor hotels. Our kids really enjoy their pool time, but I think a closer walk is going to be more important. I landed on the Camelot Inn because it has a family room available (reasonably priced in my opinion), interior looks updated and it's a close walk.

I have already come to terms with this not being the trip I had envisioned, but that just gives me a reason to go back next year!

Yes, you'll just have to go back next year

I've heard good things about Camelot, it sounds like a great option for you.

Have a great trip!