****Official August 2015 Check-In Thread****

[j2thomason]

Got my Mickey Mail yesterday with all of my documents and a Disneyland bag!! The bag was quite a surprise! I love the 60th luggage tags and tickets!! I am 17 days away.....I can hardly wait!!

 

[ThumperWabbt]

So very bummed...we've decided to not go, after all. I have heat issues and even with a cooling vest we can't see it working out. Still going in December, but I have to think of something else to do for my birthday

 

[alchrismom]

My daughters (7 and 4) and I arrive for a complete surprise trip in 20 days! We'll be there from Aug. 6-10. I originally had it booked to arrive next Wednesday, but a couple weeks ago I pushed it back. Our hotel has been set, and for the last two weeks I've been doing all of the DIS searches and Googling I can to work out park tickets and a general gameplan. We have about 3 1/3 days, and I haven't been planning on Park Hoppers, figuring we'd do 2 days at DL (Fri and Sat) and 1 1/3 days at DCA (late Thursday and all day Sunday), but it seems soooo many people get PH that now I'm reconsidering. Do you think we'll be OK without them? Do you find you can really see and do more with them due to FP logistics or schedules or whatnot? Has anyone found slightly better deals on tickets lately? The most I've found off is about $11 net per person, and I'm not sure if I should keep waiting for any deals such as extra days, etc. since we're so close! Most sellers seem to have you going to the ticket window too, and I've had one friend warn me the line is really long and to make sure I buy from somewhere where that wouldn't be necessary and another say it's no big deal. ;-) Thanks! Can't wait!

 

[jessicalynn88]

I just found out today that I will be going to Anaheim from 8/9-14 for a business trip. Our first choice hotel is the Resident Inn right near the park. I will make it at least one day but hoping for 2-3! Never thought I'd make it to Disneyland so this is a huge surprise. I've done no planning and not even sure if I can do any since I'm not sure what days I can make it to the parks. I'm thinking I'll be forgoing sleep for park time

 

[tiffjoy]

I just found out today that I will be going to Anaheim from 8/9-14 for a business trip. Our first choice hotel is the Resident Inn right near the park. I will make it at least one day but hoping for 2-3! Never thought I'd make it to Disneyland so this is a huge surprise. I've done no planning and not even sure if I can do any since I'm not sure what days I can make it to the parks. I'm thinking I'll be forgoing sleep for park time

Yay! The cool thing about DLR is it doesn't require as much planning as WDW. But I would still read as much as you can on the boards to be prepared and know things like which restaurants you might want to try or a plan around the nighttime entertainment. even if you don't know what days you are going, you can be prepared with that.

 

[limace]

17 days! We will be there a week, so will have a couple non-park days (sadly, in my opinion, though my husband is happy). Thinking our first day will be one of them-we arrive at SNA mid-morning, so thinking we will head to hotel, check in (assume room won't be ready yet), then do stuff like get groceries, buy park tickets, wander DTD, eat there, and return to hotel for swim and fireworks from the roof. Thoughts? Where would you eat first night in DTD?

 

[Imdboss]

17 days! We will be there a week, so will have a couple non-park days (sadly, in my opinion, though my husband is happy). Thinking our first day will be one of them-we arrive at SNA mid-morning, so thinking we will head to hotel, check in (assume room won't be ready yet), then do stuff like get groceries, buy park tickets, wander DTD, eat there, and return to hotel for swim and fireworks from the roof. Thoughts? Where would you eat first night in DTD?

That sounds like our plan on arrival day. I would go to Ralph Brennan's, we've only eaten at the walk up counter and it's great food and the beignets are amazing!

 

[vkandrew]

Me, my wife, my 16 yo sister and 2 cousins 12 and 16 yo will be at the Anaheim desert inn and suites August 9th - 14th. We're getting close!!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Have flights and hotel (Tropicana) finalized. Disneyland here we come August 12-16! I wasn't sure I was going to pull this off - we just went on a DCL cruise to Alaska and also visited Seattle and Vancouver for a total of 13 days, DD leaves for college on August 20, and I go back to work the 17th. But I convinced DH that our time to vacation as a family is getting short, and I REALLY wanted to visit during the 60th! Woohoo!

 

[brianerickson]

Right here! 27 days out, for my first trip EVER to the happiest place on earth

Yeah, I know; it coincides with the passholders getting unblocked and it'll probably be pretty swamped (something I did not know I'd need to check for before I booked), but hey! We're looking at 3 potential 16 hour days at the park (and one 11 hour day, once I check in to the hotel), I think I'll be able to see everything I want to and then some

Plus I have that AMAZING looking Paint the Night parade to look forward to...

EDIT: I'll be there the 16th to the 19th

 

[Luv_Tink]

17 days! We will be there a week, so will have a couple non-park days (sadly, in my opinion, though my husband is happy). Thinking our first day will be one of them-we arrive at SNA mid-morning, so thinking we will head to hotel, check in (assume room won't be ready yet), then do stuff like get groceries, buy park tickets, wander DTD, eat there, and return to hotel for swim and fireworks from the roof. Thoughts? Where would you eat first night in DTD?

This sounds like a perfect first day. We arrive in the afternoon sometime (driving) and are planning to just get settled, get our ART passes, maybe a swim and head to DTD for dinner and some shopping. Hoping to get to bed at a decent time so we can do rope drop the following day.

 

[jessicalynn88]

Yay! The cool thing about DLR is it doesn't require as much planning as WDW. But I would still read as much as you can on the boards to be prepared and know things like which restaurants you might want to try or a plan around the nighttime entertainment. even if you don't know what days you are going, you can be prepared with that.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm mostly going to stick with quick-service options. The amount we get reimbursed is pretty low and I think I'll be by myself. I'm going with a pretty big crowd so I'm kind of nervous to be like "see ya, I'm going to Disney ;-)". Is there any must-dos for entertainment you can recommend? For rides I want to stick with whatever is not in WDW and then focus on what is in both places but is a lot different. I definitely have to do some reading up on that. I just can't wait for them to book our flights so I know if I have time the first day or not.

 

[Golf4food]

So I'm wondering what type of clothes we should pack... Florida natives, used to mid-90s and high humidity and hot nights. Seeing forecasts for August in DL of lows in the 60s and highs in the low 80s with low humidity - that would feel like late fall or early spring to us - I might want pants and a jacket in the 60s! How cool is it really in the early morning and late night? Would we want a light jacket for us or the 4 yr old waiting for fireworks or at rope drop?

 

[Aladora]

So I'm wondering what type of clothes we should pack... Florida natives, used to mid-90s and high humidity and hot nights. Seeing forecasts for August in DL of lows in the 60s and highs in the low 80s with low humidity - that would feel like late fall or early spring to us - I might want pants and a jacket in the 60s! How cool is it really in the early morning and late night? Would we want a light jacket for us or the 4 yr old waiting for fireworks or at rope drop?

We've been in August a few times and I think I have worn shorts and tank tops the entire time. Early morning can be a bit cool but I have never brought a hoodie because I know that by 10 it will be hot enough that we won't need one. Although, to be fair, I am from Canada so hot to me is different from you. A high of 30C (86F) is getting into the "holy heck this is stinking hot" range!

My best advice is to bring a light jacket to wear in the early morning and later evening and grab a locker first thing in the morning while they are still available so you have somewhere to store things when it gets really hot.

 

[tiffjoy]

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm mostly going to stick with quick-service options. The amount we get reimbursed is pretty low and I think I'll be by myself. I'm going with a pretty big crowd so I'm kind of nervous to be like "see ya, I'm going to Disney ;-)". Is there any must-dos for entertainment you can recommend? For rides I want to stick with whatever is not in WDW and then focus on what is in both places but is a lot different. I definitely have to do some reading up on that. I just can't wait for them to book our flights so I know if I have time the first day or not.

I personally wouldn't be worried about breaking off at a work trip and doing your own thing. I've done that before.

I love Mickey and the Magical Map- it's really high quality and the story is sweet. Also, Aladdin, which is sooo funny with the Genie. Then there is the new nighttime parade and WOC, and of course the fireworks. You probably have a good chance of hitting those as you shouldn't have any schedule conflicts later in the evening.

For counter service, try the French Market. It's my DH's fav, and they usually have a band playing, so it's a good spot if you are alone to have some entertainment while you eat. Same thing over at DCA with Paradise Garden grill- good food and that area often has entertainment.

 

[Winnowill]

We've been in August a few times and I think I have worn shorts and tank tops the entire time. Early morning can be a bit cool but I have never brought a hoodie because I know that by 10 it will be hot enough that we won't need one. Although, to be fair, I am from Canada so hot to me is different from you. A high of 30C (86F) is getting into the "holy heck this is stinking hot" range!

Long-time residents of Phoenix - we are looking forward to the nice, cool mid-80s temps!

We're wearing standard spring wear - shorts or capris with short sleeved shirts, but definitely bringing jackets for after the sun goes down. Of course, my DD7 will be wearing princess dresses. We'll have to figure out something to help keep her warm enough in the evening.

 

[Imdboss]

How are plans coming along for everyone? I need to order our PP+ still. Been reading reviews on the the dinner buffet at PPH, sounds pretty good and since there aren't characters the price is reasonable. I think we might do this one night, just not sure if I want to make a reservation or not. We typically don't do any ADR, like to keep our schedule open, but Cafe Orleans is a must so I need to make my ADR for that.

30 more days!!!!

 

[Aladora]

Sorry for not updating sooner, I got back home from Ottawa very late Monday night and we leave tomorrow morning for a week at a cottage on one of the nearby islands. The last few days have been crazy trying to get everything organized..

August 1
amyg1975 Aug 1-2
cgh Aug 1-6 DLH

August 2
j2thomason Aug 2-6 Camelot
momof4fans Aug 2-8 Park Vue Inn
gerilyne Aug 2-8
Mama Mia Aug 2-8 Courtyard Irvine

August 3
Pixie Dust x3 Aug 3-4 Candy Cane Inn
beachdreamr1229 Aug 3-5 HOJO
Disneyanajc Aug 3-7 PPH

August 4
rentayenta Aug 4-7 Anaheim Hilton/Seal Beach
Limace Aug 4-11 Springhill Convention Centre

August 5

August 6
alchrismom Aug 6-10

August 7
Winnowill Aug 7-12

August 8
pamcarey Aug 8-16
jessicalynn88 Aug 8-14

August 9
Elk Grove Chris Aug 9-11 Carousel Inn
kindra657 Aug 9-12
czmom Aug 9-14 VGC
vkandrew Aug 9-14 DI&S
jkolkemo Aug 9-16
PatMcDuck Aug 9-16 GCH/PP split

August 10
coloredimage Aug 10-13
Luv_Tink Aug 10-14
Sjwillia Aug 10-14 Best Western Park Place Inn
jlyanks85 Aug 10-15 DLH
DLSean22 - Aug 10-15 PVI
sc426 Aug 10-17 GCH (Leader of the Band)
Halloweenqueen Aug 10-17 Desert Inn

August 11
jhoannam Aug 11-13 Castle Inn
nana50 Aug 11-13 Sheraton
PrncessA Aug 11-13 Desert Palms
AnnMarBill Aug 11-15
Rubygoose Aug 11-19 HOJO/GCH

August 12
sharksfinatic17 Aug 12-16
CynthiaC925 Aug 12-17 Hyatt

August 13
audrey2580 Aug 13-15 GCH
woodlygrrl Aig 13-15
PlutoJenn Aug 13-16 PVI
Missyrose Aug 13-17 Hilton Anaheim
Brumeiser Aug 13-17 Hilton Anaheim

August 14
ScrtSolstice Aug 14-16
Pygmypuff07 Aug 14-21
tiffjoy Aug 14-23 CCI

August 15
bfost87 Aug 15-16 Marriott Suites
Karbase8 Aug 15-20 DLH
Golf4food Aug 15-21 HOJO/GCH

August 16
dorchrislen Aug 16-17 Hotel Menage
brianerickson Aug 16-19

August 17

August 18
Girlie1 Aug 18-22 VGC
Duckwife Aug 18-22 DI&S
michelle1177 Aug 18-24 Hojo

August 19

August 20

August 21
heidica Aug 21-26 BWPPI

August 22
Dizzy4DL Aug 22-26 BW
marx Aug 22-26 GCH
Imdboss Aug 22-28 Embassy Suites S
Joyful Disney Aug 22-28 Tropicana
Tinker1972 Aug 22-29 Tropicana
Rjmdds Aug 22-30 GCH

August 23
Cameo818 Aug 23-27 PPH
Aladora Aug 23-28 DI&S
pinky Aug 23-28 GCH
DnA2010 Aug 23-29 Desert Inn and Suites
wildflower329 Aug 23-29 Park Vue Inn

August 24

August 25

August 26
DaveNinja Aug 26-31
pattyduke34 Aug 26-31
Ckmommy72 Aug 26-Sep 2

August 27
theworldneedscolor Aug 27-28
Mickeybell Aug 27-31 PPH
buttercup14 Aug 27-31

August 28
mlnbabies Aug 28-30 Holiday Inn
DWillowBay Aug 28-Sep 4

August 29

August 30

August 31

Unknown dates:
ndpeirce
scubamouse
ixmnrs

 

[limace]

I'm thinking about PPH buffet too-looks great!

 

[Rubygoose]

19 days until our trip! A couple days ago I spent close to 2 hours on the phone calling the GCH and Orbitz to change my reservations around. I had the Grand booked directly in May, then saw a 15% off promo with Orbitz, so I booked that, and then on the 20th Disney finally announced their fall deal with an AP discount of 25% off. Problem is, though, that we're arriving at the Grand on the 15th and the promo doesn't start until the 16th. So, the first guy that I talked to at Walt Disney Travel Company told me that I couldn't get the promo if I started on the 15th, and that our Woods/Courtyard category wasn't available anyway. So, I ended up looking online and saw that the Woods/Courtyard was available on the 16th (just not the 15th) so I booked the 16th through the 19th with the promo, and then called Disney again to make sure that I wouldn't have to check in and check out on the 16th since I'll have two different reservations. The first person said that I would have to switch rooms, but then she connected me directly to the hotel, and he said that would be silly, and he will just link the reservations. But then I called Orbitz and thought it would be easy to just change my reservation to one night instead of 4, but it sure wasn't easy! I ended up talking to 4 different agents, and I yelled at 2 of them! Just so that others know... their change policy is really strange. You have to book a new reservation and then drop your old one. So, that meant that I wouldn't get the 15% off that I had with my original booking. Finally, I talked to someone who was able to give me 10 % off after I demanded my 15 % off and they gave me a $50 voucher for the future (which I probably won't use, since I am pretty fed up with them.) But for all of that hassle, I ended up saving about $300 and we get 4 any time Fast Passes and a free 5x7 photo with the AP deal.

We also decided to visit Legoland on this trip (at the beginning, while we're at the HOJO.) We went last year and didn't really like it, but DH won 2 free passes. I had to buy passes for the kids, and we haven't received DHs free passes in the mail yet, so I'm a bit stressed about that! Planning to spend most of that day in the water park.