New here, can you help me plan :), & some ?'s

[zca'smommy]

Hi everyone, I am new here and wondered if you guys could help me? I wrote this out before but can't seem to find the post anywhere??

We are going to Disney in a few wks. It will be me, my husband, my boys (almost 6) and my daughter (almost 2). This will be our 3rd year in a row, and I would really like to have a "plan" or an "agenda" this time, so as to really utilize the time we have there. We will be there for 3 nights, 4 days, we are staying at Embassy Suites South. We got our package from Getawaytoday, and I don't know if it comes w/an early entrance??? anyone know? I guess I will call on that to find out, also I have noticed that a few of you have "upgraded" your park hopper (1 of them) to an AP to get extra discounts in the park? what exactly do you get? what is the benefit? is it worth it? and if I upgrade one of them I will lose the ability to get fast passes? is that correct? (please forgive me I am a little confused at some of the things I am reading and just trying to get it all clear, LOL...also is there a list of abbreviations? I dont' know what all the abbreviations are here, thanks)

Someone told me there is a pass that you can get where one adult can take a child, then after they have gone on the ride, they can give the pass to the other adult/child and they can go on the ride w/out having to get back in line & wait? anyone heard of this? it really would come in handy seeing as there will be "few" rides we can ALL go on, so we will have to take turns alot taking the kids etc....

Anything we definately should see? eat? avoid? etc.... what is the Fantasmic/dessert show? should we do that? or the character breakfast? we have never done any of those things, not sure if we are missing out or not!

We have missed the Pirates of the Carribbean the last 2 yrs, because it was closed the times we were there, we called and it is supposed to be open, & running, I hope so, because my husband says he won't come back if it is closed, LOL....... (the kids have never been on it) also is Space Mountain open now???

Can anyone help me with any tips/advise/suggestions, this time I really want to be able to plan better so we can see/do as much as we can.

Thanks so much, Liz

 

[CalGal]

Hi Liz!

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions:
The way to tell if you have an EE is if your parkhopper is a parkhopper plus or park hopper bonus. If the package went through Walt Disney Travel Company, it will be one of these passes, but I don't know if Getawaytoday books throuh WDTC. Have you gotten your passes yet? Mine say "INCLUDED ONE EARLY ENTRY" in small print near the bottom on the back side. If yours don't say this, or "BONUS" or "PLUS", I wouldn't hold my breath.

I've only heard great things about the Embassy Suites South, by the way. I am splitting my stay next week, and will be spending 2 nights there in just a couple of days.

You can upgrade your Parkhopper to an AP to get discounts, but be careful. Unless you get the full AP, you will have blockout dates, and you won't have all the discounts. You will NOT loose FastPass capability. What you read about losing FP likely referred to an losing "Enhanced FastPass" which allows you to collect several FPs simultaneously. This won't apply to you since the Enhanced FP is only available with AAA packages that include a stay at one of the Disney properties. Incidentally, if you have AAA or Disney Visa, you may find that you have many of the discounts available to AP holders. If you are likely to come back within a year, then you should consider upgrading to an AP, but only after any blockout days that may occur during your visit. All passes have the normal FP capability.

I haven't used child swap in years, so others can provide you better information. This is available on many rides with FP, and I believe the CMs than man the FastPass entrance can direct you or provide the pass. If you don't get all your questions answered here, try the information booth at the end of Main Street (near the hub and the entrance to Adventureland). There's also an information booth near Sunshine Plaze in DCA.

The Fantasmic Desert Buffet is probably sold out if you are going in a few weeks. It books immediately. It's pretty pricey anyway. During the summer, there will be 2 showings of Fantasmic. If you can get your kids to take a nap in the middle of the day and stay up late, grab a spot for the second showing just as the crowd disperses following the first show.

Definitely have brunch or dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. I think it's the very best character buffet for kids of all ages. There are other character meals, but I think GK at the Disneyland Hotel is the best. Make a PS. If you really like Pirates, try to get a PS at the Blue Bayou as well. Lunch is a little cheaper than dinner and might be easier to get a PS for.

Pirates should be open for your visit. It is scheduled for refurb later in the year.

As far as other tips, just the regular: GO EARLY, use FP, take a break in the middle of the day (but if you use the ART shuttle, make sure you know their schedule; they take a break in the early afternoon), and have a great time!

 

[zca'smommy]

WOW thanks Calgal, I really appreciate all the info and tips!

Ok I went and checked our tickets etc...and they "DO" say Park Hopper Bonus, so I will have to check with them and see if that does mean something, LOL..... hopefully it will mean one early entry that would be great!

So do you know how it works if we upgrade ALL our hopper tickets to AP's and then re-book a trip back to DL w/in a year??? I would assume I would just be paying for the room then, hmmmmmm..... too bad it has taken me 3 yrs to figure out that one, I could have been saving $$$ arghhhhhhhhhh.... Do you know off hand how much it is to upgrade to a Full AP??? off hand? (if not I suppose I could call them or ask at the entrance???) also if I upgraded 1 or all of them I would want to do it on the last day of the trip correct???
Obviously we did not book our trip through AAA but we do have AAA, I guess we should plan to talk to the info booth, & see what is available to us as far as discounts & FP's and child swap, I really want to be "smart" this year, LOL....I am sure there are some great things available to us that we have never taken advantage of, arghhh....

I am glad to hear such good things about Embasssy Suites as well, I definately need to get the ART down though, or maybe even take a Taxi here & there.....

I love that the park is open earlier & stays open later during the summer mths, (we have gone in March/April before & it was 10-8 or something) so we will be going back to the hotel during the afternoon (will check the ART schedule, thanks for the tip) and then back at night.

Ok I did not know about the dessert show, I am sure it will be sold, we are going the 15th. (maybe next time)

Do you think it is too late to book GK'??? (do you know where I would call to reserve???)

**** Ok I feel like an idiot but what does PS stand for???, and where do I get one, LOL???****


Thanks again for all the info, I can't wait!

Liz

 

[Michelle2]

Since you didn't book through AAA, I don't think that you can get the ENHANCED fastpass. (You also have to stay onsite at one of the Disneyland hotels.) But I would check into restaraunt and other discounts there. I know that I need to find out what AAA discounts are on too.

PS is Priority Seatings. It is like a restaurant reservation. You can call Disney Dining to make a PS for Goofy's Kitchen. I am sure it is not too late, and you can get a time slot there sometime. Call (714)781-DINE

And just FYI, everyone can use the regular fastpass system and the child swap. You don't have to book through AAA or stay onsite or anything to use those. They are for everyone! Just ask the attendant that is at the entrance to the ride about the child swap and they can help you with that. We do it all the time. Have a great trip!

 

[boosmom96]

We just got back and we looked into upgrading our Park Hoppers to AP's for the discount. If you are not a So Cal resident you have 2 AP choices - Deluxe and Premium. The Deluxe has some blackout dates and does not offer discounts on ANYTHING! We were told we would need to upgrade to the Premium in order to receive any discounts. As to the AAA dscounts, you get 10% off at Goofey's Kitchen, PCH Grill and Plaza Inn (PCH & Plaza may only be for the character meals, I'd check). Also Ariel's Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria. You also receive 20% off on the A Walk in Walt's Footsteps and Welcome to Disneyland tours.
If you do decide to upgrade to a Premium AP, I'd do it as soon as possible so you can get the discounts. Just remember to do it after you have used your EE perk. If you upgrade before using it, you'll lose it. The cost of upgrading will vary depending on how much you paid for your Park Hoppers. You will pay the difference between the cost of your ticket and the cost of the AP you choose.
The cost for a Deluxe is $209 and the cost for a Premium is $329.
Have a great trip!!

 

[HydroGuy]

The ulitimate planning tool for rides is RideMax (www.ridemax.com). We are using it for our trip this coming week.

 

[bclydia]

The Deluxe has some blackout dates and does not offer discounts on ANYTHING! We were told we would need to upgrade to the Premium in order to receive any discounts.

Check out the info on Mousesavers. The deluxe does offer some discounts although not as many as the Premium but it may be all you really need/want.

 

[JenJen]

I have noticed that a few of you have "upgraded" your park hopper (1 of them) to an AP to get extra discounts in the park? what exactly do you get? what is the benefit? is it worth it? and if I upgrade one of them I will lose the ability to get fast passes? is that correct?
If you have AAA tickets you will loose you enchanted fastpass if you upgrade your pass to a AP. The discount is 10% Which basically takes care of the tax.
I have also seen others tell you about Ridemax it is a great tool and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!
Someone told me there is a pass that you can get where one adult can take a child, then after they have gone on the ride, they can give the pass to the other adult/child and they can go on the ride w/out having to get back in line & wait? anyone heard of this? it really would come in handy seeing as there will be "few" rides we can ALL go on, so we will have to take turns alot taking the kids etc....
What you are referring to is Child switch passes and this is how it works. The first group of people that are going to ride the attraction have to wait in line while you watch the child that is unable to ride and you hold on to the child switch pass. When the first group exits the ride you you will enter ether through the exit or a special entrance with one other member of your party (so that you do not have to ride alone) Make sure you ask for the pass at the front of the attraction and they will have to see the child that can not ride and the first group going into the standby line before they will give you the pass. This alows your group to only have to wait once, It is a wonderful time saver!!!
We have missed the Pirates of the Caribbean the last 2 yrs, because it was closed the times we were there, we called and it is supposed to be open, & running, I hope so, because my husband says he won't come back if it is closed, LOL....... (the kids have never been on it) also is Space Mountain open now???
Both these attractions will be open when you go but all attraction availability are subject to change without notice.
I will give you a few tips. I recommend white water snacks at the Grand california hotel to eat. It is a great way to get away from the hussle of the park it is Beautiful, the prices are great, and the food is always cooked when you order it so it is very fresh. They have pizza, burgers, Nachos (that are wonderful), French dip sandwiches, and grilled chicken sandwiches.
Pizza port at Disneyland in tomorrow land is really good as well and not to expensive. They serve large portions of pizza, pasta, and great salads.
IF you want to eat out of the park one day The crab shack is great it is on Harbor Blvd and Chapman ave about a 5 mins drive from the park. The food is good and it is entertaining,
If you do not have enchanted fastpass here are some tips.
Go early in the morning and when you do get a fastpass for Indy or splash mountain (these two attraction have the longest wait times of all attractions.) and go on space mountain right after that while you are waiting for your fastpass time to come up for these rides. After your first fastpass expires get one for the one (ether splash or indy) you did not go on. IF you don't get passes for indy and splash early your times for these two fastpasses will be very late in the afternoon or evening. Once you have a fastpass will be unable to get another fastpass until the earliest time your fast pass prints out or 2 hours after you get it whatever comes first. There are 3 attractions that are not connected to the fastpass computer system Star Tours, Roger Rabbit, and at California adventure Grizzly bear river run. That means you can get these even if you have a fastpass that has not expired. Take advantage of that Another trick about fastpass, Although you are unable to go on the attraction early you can be late. SO if your fastpass says Return between 12:00 and 12:30 you can not come before 12:00 but you can go anytime after that. That means don't worry about the second time on your ticket they do not care if you are late. They don't even care if you come 9 PM that night as long as the first time has expired.
For shows I highly recommend The firework show (get a spot at least 1 hour before it starts) and the Alladin show at California adventure. For the firework show you want to be able to see the castle it makes the show 100% better. Fantasmic is also great if you have never seen it before.
I hope you have a great trip and I hope I have helped you out in some way if you have any questions you can PM me.

JenJen