Newbie going to DL

[minnie1928]

I usually hang out on the Budget Board, but we've recently moved from NJ to Seattle. In the past we simply drove to WDW, but now that WDW is much further and DL is much closer, we're thinking that we might give DL a try.

So, I have a couple questions...

Where's the best deal on tickets? We're looking at 5 days max. Are hoppers worthwhile? We have Costco memberships, but do not have AAA. Although, I would be willing to join if it was worthwhile.

Airport? Which one is closest? Which is the easiest to get to/from?

What service do you use to get from the airport to the hotel? I'm assuming Magical Express doesn't run at DL?

We own DVC, but will most likely be staying at Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier with our points (no availability at the DVC resort).

Any other tips for DL would be greatly appreciated!

 

[HydroGuy]

I usually hang out on the Budget Board, but we've recently moved from NJ to Seattle. In the past we simply drove to WDW, but now that WDW is much further and DL is much closer, we're thinking that we might give DL a try.

This would be a good place to start:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Where's the best deal on tickets? We're looking at 5 days max. Are hoppers worthwhile? We have Costco memberships, but do not have AAA. Although, I would be willing to join if it was worthwhile.

Getting parkhoppers is a no brainer at DLR. You really should parkhop everyday in order to maximize your opportunities.

See "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

Best deals are usually at Ares Travel or Get Away Today.

Airport? Which one is closest? Which is the easiest to get to/from?

Same answer for both. SNA is the closest, easiest, nicest and most magical.

See this thread for all your options:

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

What service do you use to get from the airport to the hotel? I'm assuming Magical Express doesn't run at DL?

In Orlando Disney is a big fish in a small pond. In SoCal they are little fish in a big pond. DLR is served by six airports and even then most people arrive by car and not air. So no ME.

See 3Tinks' thread above for your options.

We own DVC, but will most likely be staying at Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier with our points (no availability at the DVC resort).

Any other tips for DL would be greatly appreciated!

Lotsa tips in Mary Jo's sticky:

Sticky: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

Have a magical trip! And be careful choosing dates. DLR's seasons work differently than WDW.

 

[minnie1928]

Thanks for the reply!

Dates are for sometime in the 8/20-8/28 range, 3 days during the week with 2 weekend days. We just haven't picked the exact dates yet. The 5 days include travel days, but the flight is only 2.5 hours long. I figured we could do some parks on the day of arrival and potentially on the day of departure.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the reply!

Dates are for sometime in the 8/20-8/28 range, 3 days during the week with 2 weekend days. We just haven't picked the exact dates yet. The 5 days include travel days, but the flight is only 2.5 hours long. I figured we could do some parks on the day of arrival and potentially on the day of departure.

FYI that will be a really busy week. SoCal APs come unblocked on Aug 21/22. Be prepared for some crowds. Be smart about how you tour. Go on Aug 20 if you can.

See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[TeddiBarra]

Since you are on points, I would really recommend DLH over PPH. Don't get me wrong, I've stayed at both twice (PP last month) and like both, but even with some construction still going on at DLH, I think that has more "magic" and more resort feel than PPH does.

I've seen alot of threads lately that are DVC saying the same thing (no availability at GCH). What are they telling you? Just there are no availability for your certain dates, or that it's just not open at all? Just curious.

 

[TeddiBarra]

I'd actually recommend not going the first part of those dates. The 21/22 are going to be really bad I'd avoid them, but if you did the 28.27.26.etc those dates won't be as bad, plus later in the week more and more local districts go back to school.

 

[minnie1928]

Since you are on points, I would really recommend DLH over PPH. Don't get me wrong, I've stayed at both twice (PP last month) and like both, but even with some construction still going on at DLH, I think that has more "magic" and more resort feel than PPH does.

I've seen alot of threads lately that are DVC saying the same thing (no availability at GCH). What are they telling you? Just there are no availability for your certain dates, or that it's just not open at all? Just curious.

As of this morning, member services told me that there was no availability for a studio, 1 BR or even a 2 BR for 8/24-8/28. Those are the dates that are most likely going to be the ones we end up going, due to my husband's work commitments.

And I just looked at the Get Away Today site, I have a feeling I'll be using them for my tickets. Is there sales tax assessed on top of their prices or is it included? Just curious to see if I had an apples to apples comparison.

 

[HydroGuy]

As of this morning, member services told me that there was no availability for a studio, 1 BR or even a 2 BR for 8/24-8/28. Those are the dates that are most likely going to be the ones we end up going, due to my husband's work commitments.

And I just looked at the Get Away Today site, I have a feeling I'll be using them for my tickets. Is there sales tax assessed on top of their prices or is it included? Just curious to see if I had an apples to apples comparison.

Not sure about GAT, but we bought Ares tix last month and there was no sales tax. So I think not for GAT.