Ok! I need to learn how to put together a DL trip,Pleeeeeease?

[tink2dw]

So, I went to WDW and learned that system,But I understand Everythings different for DL & DCA,is this right!

We[3 of us, 2 parents, 1 teen] have 2 times we could go,Christmas Break or Spring Break. On a Budget!!

For 9 days, Would want to do 1 day Universal,1 Day Knots Berry Farm,1 Day Knots Water Park,2 Days overnight stay for SeaWorld,4 days at Disney's Parks.

Would need 3 flights round trip,and a rental car.

Stay at non Disney Suite hotel,2 rooms,really close WITH a good shuttle,with free breakfast. A cafe would be nice.

What is best way to get tickets and what kind??

What else do I need to know??

 

[bubbasmom99]

Crowds are pretty big during both Christmas and spring break. My choice would be Christmas because the decorations are awesome.

For the flight, if you are near a Southwest airport, then they usually have great fares. The SW schedule is open through January, I think. I'd book soon if you are traveling during the holidays...

For the tickets and such, you can do a package deal or a la carte. Whether or not it's a good deal depends on whether or not you'd use the "extras" that come with the package.

Getawaytoday.org has some pretty good prices. If you are going to do-it-yourself, they offer tickets at some good prices: http://www.getawaytoday.org/attractions.htm#disney

The Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites is located in front of the crosswalk to Disneyland, and offers a continental breakfast. http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/ My friend stayed here last year and said it was nice. Nothing fancy, but definitely adequate, especially for the budget traveler.

I'm sure you'll get lots more advice, so I'm keeping this short Have fun planning!

 

[tink2dw]

any more advice??

 

[WDW2002]

Soak City (knotts water park) won't be open during either of those times of year. They are only open June - Sept. (from their site ( Soak City Site )


Christmas is a WONDERFULL (but CROWDED) time of year. I haven't been during spring break so I can't help there.

I would stay at one of the hotels on Harbor Blvd. then you can walk accross the street to the parks. As far as passes go you will need a 4 day hopper pass. And the best part, you can truely "HOP" from DLP to DCA.

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

AAA usually offers decent Southern Cal packages. I would start by getting a quote from them. Then, if you have the time/inclination, price everything out separately and see if you can do better on your own. Most of these places should have a website to check ticket prices. DL is offering a 5 day hopper for the price of 3 ($114) which is a great deal. Orbitz is my favorite website to check airline prices. It gives a comparison of all available flights.

I don't know about suite hotels, though there are plenty of them in the area. Try asking at laughingplace.com, they seem to know about the local hotels. You might look up Desert Inn and Suites, I've heard they're a good price and right across the street from DL.

 

[LuvTigger]

Hi tink2dw!

Although I'm not a fan of WDW packages, I frequently use the DL packages, once thru HoJo, and several times through Disney Club. Unlike WDW, DL packages frequently come out ahead and don't have a lot of frilly extras.

DC offers a wide variety of off-site hotels, and the packages would include at a minimum, DL tickets and probably one counter service breakfast. Last year, I stayed onsite and the package included those things (we upgraded our counter service breakfast to a character breakfast for $11 more per person), a $10 ESPN card for each of us, a couple of luggage tags, and a gorgeous, useful planning guide. You could probably even get tickets for at least 2 of the non-Disney attractions you mentioned.

I THINK DC even has packages for San Diego, or at least they used to, we did that once too! Btw, consider doing one day at Sea World, and one day at the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. I don't think you need two full days at Sea World.

Also, try checking with United Vacations or a travel agent. The first year I went to DL as an adult, we got a great package deal that included airfare, rental car, 4 nights hotel, and I think one or two attraction tickets.

I would also request a quote from DU, they're the ones who helped me with my last DL vacation. I think they can get you the other attraction tickets too.

Feel free to PM me if you like, I've done trips pretty similar to what you've mentioned.

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

If you're not a AAA member, you might check out Alaska Air Vacations, they can have good deals as well. (I think I saw you were from Oregon so Alaska Air would work for you.)

Personally, I like to book everything on my own as it usually comes out a bit cheaper and I like the control.

 

[tink2dw]

ADisneyPrincess,I was thinking of Alaska Air,too! Alaska Air is a geat Airline,with an excrllant safety record.

Especially since United Airlines is declaring Bankruptcey.