New Years Trip

[KCSunshine60]

Hi - My son and I got annual passes this year. I am in northern CA and he goes to school in San Diego. We got APs this fall when we moved him back to school. He graduates this year so I am taking advantage of any opportunity I can where he is still willing to hang out with mom at Disneyland!!

We decided to sneak in a trip at New Years when he is on break. We are flying to San Diego on New Years Eve day with plans to got to Disneyland for the weekend.

I have two reservations. The first option is going to Anaheim on NY Even and staying at the Holiday Inn and Suites for 4 days. It seems like a nice budget hotel and this summer we stayed at the Springhill Suites that is just a block or so further. The rate includes breakfast and parking. The second option is staying in San Diego NYE and going to Anaheim on the 1st - staying at Paradise Pier - no breakfast and parking is $17. This 3 night option costs $350 more plus parking and breakfast expense.

From a cost perspective, it seems like a no-brainer. But, considering crowds and the extra "magic" being on site, I am having a hard time deciding.

Any input? Is it worth the extra when it is so crowded to stay on site?

Thanks in advance for your input!!
KC

 

[Disney Dreams]

I'm not sure if this helps or if it addresses your question as I am not 100% sure what you are asking, but NYE is THE busiest day of the entire year at Disneyland. It will be unbelievably crowded. (Whatever level of crowds you are thinking about right now, realize it is even more than that.). If it is not important to either of you to be in a Disney Park on NYE, I would not do so. It is R E A L L Y crowded. That factor alone might make the decision for you.

HTH,
Dreams

 

[KCSunshine60]

Thanks. We aren't planning to go into the parks on NYE - our APs are blocked that day. What I am trying to decide between is
1) Stay at Holiday Inn & Suites for 4 nights starting NYE.
or
2) Stay at Paradise Pier for 3 nights starting NYD.

HI is less expensive for 4 nights ($700) vs PP for 3 nights ($1060) so from that perspective it seems like an easy decision.

But PP puts us closer with less walking on the days we are going to the park. We normally spend time at DT Disney for dinner, etc

That is what I was looking for feedback on. If it is that crowded, is it worth it to spend the extra $$$ to be close and not spend NYE in the area. (We would probably just go to DT Disney on NYE if we are there).

 

[anmickey]

The reason we often opt to stay onsite is the early morning entry that is offered to park guests. That extra hour in the morning means we can ride the headliners with little to no waits. We usually stay at paradise pier and really like the convenience of the short walk into the parks. If you would not be taking advantage of the park early entry then I don't really see the benefit of staying on site being worth the cost.