Offsite Accom: one more time for the newbie

[Canadian Harmony]

I've read through some threads and I want to make sure I get things right. I'm doing the research and Hubby will go along with what I choose, but I'd like some opinions from those who have BTDT:

- We're planning on going for a week in early October - Sun-Fri to celebrate my kids' birthdays.
- I like the idea of Early and Magic Mornings.
- I like to have breakfast complimentary as it'll help us save some money.
- I'd like to be close to the parks and DTD.
- I'd like to take a pool break between 1 and 3 (give or take) so we can enjoy the evening festivities without the kids being jerks after 8pm.
- Having packages sent back to the room is a nice perk, but I can carry a backpack if need be.
- Did I mention breakfast

If we book at PPH, at a standard room, is there some pixie dust that could up us to a club room? Or should I just swallow the extra cost and book club right off?

If I book at an offsite hotel, is there one that is across the street that has a good pool and offers amenities for during the day? That's BW-Mini Suites, right? Do their tickets include early entries to both parks every day, or just one park for the entire week? Does the DRE go to this hotel? Is it close to DTD?

I just don't know which way to go... My step-sister is a TA and she's looking into it for me (my spreadsheet says WestJet is the best bet but we'd be going through LAX instead of SNA and I'd rather go through SNA), and she STRONGLY suggested staying offsite instead of at PPH.

Help me o Disneyland Gurus!

 

[Aladora]

I've read through some threads and I want to make sure I get things right. I'm doing the research and Hubby will go along with what I choose, but I'd like some opinions from those who have BTDT:

- We're planning on going for a week in early October - Sun-Fri to celebrate my kids' birthdays.
- I like the idea of Early and Magic Mornings.
- I like to have breakfast complimentary as it'll help us save some money.
- I'd like to be close to the parks and DTD.
- I'd like to take a pool break between 1 and 3 (give or take) so we can enjoy the evening festivities without the kids being jerks after 8pm.
- Having packages sent back to the room is a nice perk, but I can carry a backpack if need be.
- Did I mention breakfast

If we book at PPH, at a standard room, is there some pixie dust that could up us to a club room? Or should I just swallow the extra cost and book club right off?

If I book at an offsite hotel, is there one that is across the street that has a good pool and offers amenities for during the day? That's BW-Mini Suites, right? Do their tickets include early entries to both parks every day, or just one park for the entire week? Does the DRE go to this hotel? Is it close to DTD?

I just don't know which way to go... My step-sister is a TA and she's looking into it for me (my spreadsheet says WestJet is the best bet but we'd be going through LAX instead of SNA and I'd rather go through SNA), and she STRONGLY suggested staying offsite instead of at PPH.

Help me o Disneyland Gurus!

Hello, fellow Vancouver Islander!

First of all, entry to both parks one hour early is a perk for guests of the three onsite hotels only. Otherwise, tickets for 3 days or more get entry to Disneyland park once during their visit.

As for offsite hotels with breakfast, I would recommend that you look at the Park Vue Inn, they are directly across from the entrance and they have a hot breakfast included.

Flights are always a bit issue. Are you flying from YYJ or are you open to going via SEA or BLI or even YVR? I will only fly into SNA, I just don't want the hassle of LAX!

I did a brief rundown on the different ways to get off our little island in another thread, let me copy it here...actually, I just realized that you are the one I posted that to in the Canada thread so never mind!

I've found that Alaska usually has the best prices out of Seattle, although you can get flights out of YYJ as well and just transfer in SEA.

 

[Geemo]

If we book at PPH, at a standard room, is there some pixie dust that could up us to a club room? Or should I just swallow the extra cost and book club right off? - See more at: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3374398#sthash.9NG418cY.dpuf

If you're going early Oct. don't expect "pixie dust" for an upgrade to club.
Early Oct can be busy these days.

This link will show you some of the things going on.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358090

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Hello, fellow Vancouver Islander!

First of all, entry to both parks one hour early is a perk for guests of the three onsite hotels only. Otherwise, tickets for 3 days or more get entry to Disneyland park once during their visit.

As for offsite hotels with breakfast, I would recommend that you look at the Park Vue Inn, they are directly across from the entrance and they have a hot breakfast included.

Flights are always a bit issue. Are you flying from YYJ or are you open to going via SEA or BLI or even YVR? I will only fly into SNA, I just don't want the hassle of LAX!

I did a brief rundown on the different ways to get off our little island in another thread, let me copy it here...actually, I just realized that you are the one I posted that to in the Canada thread so never mind!

I've found that Alaska usually has the best prices out of Seattle, although you can get flights out of YYJ as well and just transfer in SEA.

Thanks! Yes, your other thread was a HUGE help!

So, if we stayed at PVI (for example), we'd be SOL for early entry to the parks, BUT we'd be paying a fraction of the price for accomodations... and a smokin' hot breakfast it seems

I'd be willing to fly out of YVR in early morning. I have a friend we can stay with and the car would be reasonably safe (it IS Vancouver ). The WJ vacay I sourced last night was SO convoluted - from YYJ to CALGARY, then to LAX! Or, from YVR straight to LAX... so weird. I'd prefer to fly into SNA, definately. I'd have to call WJ to arrange that I think as it's not an option on their website.

I noticed Alaska was a great trip - good timings and not too pricey. I think WJ was nice because it included the hotel in the price.

Thanks for the link, Geemo.

 

[DahliaRW]

PVI and the few hotels on either side of it are actually closer to the parks, walking distance wise, than PPH. I'd only stay at PPH if the early entry is super important to you. Otherwise save your money.

We stayed at the Desert Inn and Suites for a really good rate. The breakfast is not great (hard boiled eggs, fruit, toast, pastries, cereal), but it gets you going. There is also a fridge and microwave if you want to do your own food. Depending on rates, it may be cheap enough over the PVI that you can supplement the breakfast a bit and still come out ahead. So that's just another option. We were very pleased with our stay there. We booked way in advance (totally cancelable) the C1 - Parlor Family Suite and stayed 6 nights for 1104 after taxes (pre tax total was 854). Once there, we did not have a car, so they took off the 9 dollar a night parking fee, so it ended up being even less than that. It really was a steal for essentially 2 hotel rooms!

 

[Aladora]

Thanks! Yes, your other thread was a HUGE help!

So, if we stayed at PVI (for example), we'd be SOL for early entry to the parks, BUT we'd be paying a fraction of the price for accomodations... and a smokin' hot breakfast it seems

I'd be willing to fly out of YVR in early morning. I have a friend we can stay with and the car would be reasonably safe (it IS Vancouver ). The WJ vacay I sourced last night was SO convoluted - from YYJ to CALGARY, then to LAX! Or, from YVR straight to LAX... so weird. I'd prefer to fly into SNA, definately. I'd have to call WJ to arrange that I think as it's not an option on their website.

I noticed Alaska was a great trip - good timings and not too pricey. I think WJ was nice because it included the hotel in the price.

Thanks for the link, Geemo.

If it were me, I would check out Alaska and book hotel separately.

I punched in what I think are your dates and PVI is showing $179/night for either Q plus bunk beds or 2 Q beds. Desert Inn & Suites is showing 2 Q plus sofa bed for $119/night or a C1 parlour suite which is 2 rooms, each with 2 Q beds and 1 1/2 bathrooms for $169/night.

The DI&S is right next door to PVI but the breakfast is lacking compared to PVI although the price is better.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I noticed that too, for the PVI I mean. And it's close enough for a break, you think? Would definately mean I'd breathe easier for cost.

And if I get the 5 for 4PH tix through Ares, is there an early morning in there? I'm aiming for a MH for DCA for the A&E thing on the Monday or Wednesday.

 

[VandVsmama]

3-day or more park hopper tickets come with 1 Magic Morning entry, which gets you into DL an hour before regular park opening. I think that early entry to DL occurs on Tues, Thurs, & Saturdays.

 

[Aladora]

I noticed that too, for the PVI I mean. And it's close enough for a break, you think? Would definately mean I'd breathe easier for cost.

And if I get the 5 for 4PH tix through Ares, is there an early morning in there? I'm aiming for a MH for DCA for the A&E thing on the Monday or Wednesday.

You will get early entry on one day but not for DCA. DCA early entry is limited to guests of the onsite hotels only. 3+ day parkhoppers have one early entry into Disneyland.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

3-day or more park hopper tickets come with 1 Magic Morning entry, which gets you into DL an hour before regular park opening. I think that early entry to DL occurs on Tues, Thurs, & Saturdays.

But not to DCA?

 

[Aladora]

But not to DCA?

Correct, DCA early entry is only for onsite hotel guests.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

You will get early entry on one day but not for DCA. DCA early entry is limited to guests of the onsite hotels only. 3+ day parkhoppers have one early entry into Disneyland.

That answers that question, LOL

Well... hmmm... I'll talk it over with DH. I think we'll have to see if the extra cost is worth: free breakfast, free snacks, proximity to the park, package delivery, charging to the room, turn down service (meh), and early mornings to both parks for the week.

We may end up eating dinner at 6:30 instead of our usual 5-5:30, just to get in some drinks and appies

 

[Aladora]

Check the prices through Orbitz, especially if you go via ebates.ca and get cash back. We booked the GCH for next month for a really good price.

 

[Canuck16]

I would definitely check Alaska Air for flights as we have found they are a lot cheaper than WJ and they fly into SNA.

Yes, all of those hotels that you are looking at are very close to the parks and easy to walk back to if you want a break during the day.

Good luck planning

 

[MommyJKM]

That answers that question, LOL

Well... hmmm... I'll talk it over with DH. I think we'll have to see if the extra cost is worth: free breakfast, free snacks, proximity to the park, package delivery, charging to the room, turn down service (meh), and early mornings to both parks for the week.

We may end up eating dinner at 6:30 instead of our usual 5-5:30, just to get in some drinks and appies

You can also order grocery delivery from Vons.com and have your breakfasts in your room at PPH or DLH or GCH if you decide. My DD isn't a big breakfast eater so we don't care about hot panackes and eggs and order from Vons fresh fruit and cereal and milk and breakfast bars delivered and eat those for breakfast, then have lunch in the parks.

I personally LOVE having the package delivery because we don't use a stroller anymore, but that may end up costing you more since you can shop more!

And Southern California has wonderful weather in October and you could use the lovely pools at DLR. GCH is best for taking a break - it's lovely to walk straight into your hotel.

And as others stated you get Early Entry or Magic Morning all the days you are there.

 

[travelbug08]

Westjet does fly into SNA, but it's not offered with their vacation packages. If you want a package you need to fly into LAX for whatever reason. Our last trip we arrived at LAX and departed from SNA. It's really checkin, security, finding your gate that you'd want to avoid at LAX, getting off the plane and to the luggage is not an issue at all.