new here, quick question

[starry eyes]

After much planning we have finally saved enough for our big family vacation We splurged and are staying at the DLH, we arrive Feb 16 and are there for a week. I live in Canada so I have to ask is this the presidents week everyone is talking about?? If so should we expect long lines?? We have also planned a day at universal studios so we will be taking a shuttle bus there, has anyone ever had problems in this area?? I phoned DLH yesterday and they told me not to worry about pre booking it I can do that when we check in.

It has been 10 years since our last visit to DL and we are very excited about being able to do this!! Any ideas or suggestions would be wonderful, I am so glad I found this forum!!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

hey starry eyes and welcome to the dis board...congrats on your upcoming vacation...in regards to your questions....yes, this is presidents day weekend so you are going to be dealing with large crowds and long lines...are you familiar with fastpass?? you will probably need to use these as much as possible...and being a guest at dlh you can utilize early entry every day its offered..this feature allows you to get into fantasyland and tomorrowland one hour before park opening..I know your next question...let me guess...when do they offer ee you ask? ah well every day except wed and sun...dont worry about universal...you will be fine and they can definitely book your excursion when you get to the hotel...wow 10 years is a long time to wait for dl...I cant wait 6 months let alone 10 years how many kids do you have and what are their ages? we have loads of good info for you but it would help knowing a little about them and what they like ie pirates, princesses etc....you will be getting tons of replies because your the newbie here and havent gone in so long so again

 

[starry eyes]

thanks for the welcoming We have 2 daughters aged 11 and 8, (my youngest is actually celebrating her b-day 3 days before we leave!!!) She is also our little princess in every way, I have made dinner reservations at Ariels grotto (with the birthday bucket of course) and I have also ordered a special tinkerbell gift basket which should be in the hotel room for when we get there, my oldest is getting a gift basket which is all mickey stuff.

My oldest daughter is more open to everthing and not really fixated on just one thing, she is just really looking forward to the whole experience especially, universal studios.

Yes 10 years is a very long time to wait, in fact the last time we were there California adventure was just under construction so hubby and I are really looking forward to seeing that!!! Unfortunately finances were a major factor that's why we are splurging a little more then we normally would be. I am just so excited (more so then the kids )

 

[disneegrl4eva]

sounds like you will fit right on these boards already having the baskets delivered...

also, one thing you can do is call vacation planning and ask them for an autograph princess glossy pic for her upon check in

 

[godalejunior]

I was wondering about the glossy pics. Is that something that they do automatically at the resort hotels or is it something that needs to be ordered specially through VP? Anyone know the cost?

 

[HydroGuy]

With the crowds during President's Day weekend, you might the info in this link useful: "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

Here is some more useful info: "HydroGuy's How To Avoid Long Lines Rules" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199856

 

[PrincessSitka]

Welcome and congrats on your trip make sure to give a trip report when you get back I cant wai to hear how your trip was

 

[AZMickeyfans]

starry eyes! You will find so many people here with great information. Sounds like you are off to a good start with your planning.

They will love Ariel's Grotto and the baskets in the room. Nice touch!

Hydroguy always has great links with awesome information so definitely read that!

President's Day is crowded but doable if you learn how to maximize the fastpasses. Again Hydroguy has that wonderfully covered. Great threads.

Anything else you need or want to ask about don't hesitate. We're a friendly bunch with a ton of knowledge and love to help plan vacations!

Have a great trip and again Welcome!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I was wondering about the glossy pics. Is that something that they do automatically at the resort hotels or is it something that needs to be ordered specially through VP? Anyone know the cost?

no godalejunior ...you have to be a guest at one of the resort hotels...call vp and give them your reservation #...then just tell them what characters you want and they will have it ready at the front desk...the best part is its no charge

 

[starry eyes]

Wow!! Thank you all for all your help, believe me I will have more questions as things pop up and we get closer to our Disney day!!

And great idea about the glossy pics I will have to be sure to arrange those!! The kids would love that!!!

And Hydroguy you sure are full of info, I'm printing the great stuff as we speak..thanks again.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

I love the DIS. I learn something new everyday and I've been to DL hundreds of times throughout my life. I never knew they could have glossy pictures waiting for you at the DL hotels. I've stayed there a few times and missed out. Next time for sure! Thanks for the info!