Party of 6 on 7/4. Critique my itenary and help on lodging

[jtoast]

The wife and I have finally managed to make my vacation time fit her school schedule and make both happen during summer break. We have decided to take the kids to Disneyland.

I have been to the park several times but that was 20 years ago during my USMC days. The rest of the family has never been to SoCal.

There will be me, my wife, and 4 kids ages 12, 10, 6 and 5. The two oldest are boys, the 2 youngest are girls.

I have spent the last 8 hours researching this trip and my head is somewhat spinning right now. I need some advice

I am trying to do this for ~$4,000 but if I have to spend more (and if its definately worth it) I will bite the bullet. I managed to get round trip airfare for all 6 of us from Tulsa OK to Ontario for just over $1300. This leaves me around ~$2700 for lodging/food/tickets for the 7 nights/8 days we will be there (7/3-7-10)

Here is my tentative itinerary and my questions.

We fly into Ontario on 7/3(Tuesday) at around noon. My plan is to check into the hotel by 3pm and spend the day poolside and getting used to the 2 hour time difference. Since we would get there late I don't think I want to waste a parkhopper day today.

7/4(Wednesday we hit Disneyland early and head over to whichever park is less crowded/crazy for a few hours. Head back to the hotel for a little more relaxation/pooltime once the wife and I decide we need a break. We then head back later that evening for the parade and fireworks.

7/5 (Thursday) Use second day of 3 day parkhopper pass.

7/6 (Friday) Beach Day

7/7 (Saturday) second "explore SoCal" Non-Disney day. Maybe a trip to San Diego Zoo.

7/8 (Sunday) Use 3rd day of Parkhopper Pass

7/9 (Monday) No clue Figure it out once I get there

7/10 (Tuesday) flyhome day. Plane leaves at 3pm. Plan is to pack recover/hang out by the pool until flytime.


Now for my questions:
1) Is 3 days enough to do Disneyland right? With the empty days I am considering getting 4 or even 5 day hopper passes but would hate to run out of things to do and end up wasting the money.

2) Lodging. Any hotel suggestions that come close to fitting within my budget? I am thinking a 2 room suite (2 queen and a sleeper sofa). The disneyland website gave me a 2 room suite for this time period and 3 parkhopper passes at the Marriot for ~$2,200. Can I do much better or is there any way I can manage to stay onsite and stay within my budget? I have a travel agent working on this for me but thought I would ask the veterans.

3) Any SoCal residents able to pony up some tips on things that to do to fill the empty days that won't break the bank?

 

[spokanemom]

Just a couple of things to make your head swim even more~

Best Western Park Place Inn is right across the street from DL. They have suites there and you could just walk across the street when you are ready to go to DL and then if you needed a break during the day, it is a short jaunt.

Check out City Pass. Even if you don't use all of the features in it, you may find that it is cheaper than buying tickets to 2 or 3 attractions. Costco has the best price on them, 205.00 for an adult. I am not sure of the childrens price as mine have now graduated to adult tickets (11 & 13). You get 1 ticket for San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, 1 ticket for Sea World, 1 ticket for Universal Studios and 1 3-Day Park Hopper for Disneyland.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Ally_DeVille]

Have a great time!

I would recommend checking out the hotel "sticky" above and start checking prices, I found the Disneyland website to be higher than what I found on my own.

There is a "Southern California" deal, where you not only get park hoppers but you do get tickets for San Diego Zoo, Knotts Berry Farm (love this place!), Universal, and something else (might only be one choice).


I think you'll need more than 3 days in DL and CA, probably 4, the parks will be crowded and you may end up spending more time in line.

Another option would be to purchase "ridemax" it's a software system that helps you plan your DL and CA itinery-- haven't bought it yet as we aren't going until September but from the reviews I've read, I am convinced it will be money well spent as it is only $15 dollars.

Check out Mousesavers.com for discount codes for hotels, tickets, transportation, there is a fairly decent section for Disneyland, the tips for what not to buy has been helpful.

I'm even checking the DisneyWorld section, the budget section is very informative.

 

[Danauk]

We fly into Orlando on 7/3(Tuesday) at around noon. My plan is to check into the hotel by 3pm and spend the day poolside and getting used to the 2 hour time difference. Since we would get there late I don't think I want to waste a parkhopper day today.

Eerm Orlando is where DisneyWorld is not Disneyland. Orlando is Florida not California. You need to fly into LAX or another So Cal airport.

 

[jtoast]

Eerm Orlando is where DisneyWorld is not Disneyland. Orlando is Florida not California. You need to fly into LAX or another So Cal airport.

Typo...Fixed it...meant Ontario.

 

[Danauk]

Cool, I thought it might be a typo but though I better check! I know someone who ha done this before! They flew to LAX thinking they were going to Disney World where they had reservations!!

 

[jtoast]

Cool, I thought it might be a typo but though I better check! I know someone who ha done this before! They flew to LAX thinking they were going to Disney World where they had reservations!!

Here's a tip I just learned...Don't use AAA to book your travel. I am on the phone with a rep now. They are trying to book me at the Pop Century Resort for my trip to CA. I have told her 3 times that they are getting DisneyLAND confused with DisneyWORLD but she cannot wrap her mind around that fact. I am now holding for a supervisor...not to book but to suggest they provide a little more education to their reps.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Just a warning, July 4th will be BUSY. Its one of the busiest days of the year. Because of that, I would probably plan a 4th day in the parks. Its only about $10 per person to add another day on to the park hopper. You can even do it later in the trip if you decide you need it. You just have to do it before the end of the last day (so if you have a 3 day hopper you'll want to do it before the end of that day, dont come back the next day and try to do it).

I would also recomend checking the schedule for fireworks and F!. Sometimes they dont offer a lot during the week days, and it looks as if you are planning to have mostly weekdays in the park.

 

[jtoast]

Just a warning, July 4th will be BUSY. Its one of the busiest days of the year. Because of that, I would probably plan a 4th day in the parks. Its only about $10 per person to add another day on to the park hopper. You can even do it later in the trip if you decide you need it. You just have to do it before the end of the last day (so if you have a 3 day hopper you'll want to do it before the end of that day, dont come back the next day and try to do it).

I would also recomend checking the schedule for fireworks and F!. Sometimes they dont offer a lot during the week days, and it looks as if you are planning to have mostly weekdays in the park.

I Didn't realize I could upgrade my parkhopper mid-trip. That solves my problem. I should know after the first day and definately by the end of the second whether or not I will want a 4th or 5th day. Thanks!

 

[Zoemakes5]

Lots of stuff to consider, and even more for a newbie!
First, I'd recommend going for 4 day hoppers rather than 3 day. For something like $10 more per person, you're able to take things more slowly and really get a chance to enjoy everything you'd want to. With kids of such diverse interests/ages, it will add time to the trip to enjoy everything.
The beach I'd recommend is Corona Del Mar. It's a beautiful, relatively quiet beach with a breakwall nearby which means the water is a bit warmer and the waves a bit smaller. Keep it somewhat open as to which days/dates you'll want to go to the beach, because you'll really want to do that on the nicest days. You may want to avoid weekends at the beach, too, if you can.
With the age ranges of your kids, I have to recommend Sea World. We, too, have 10 & 12 yo boys and then a 5 year old girl. If there's one place that I'd say was enjoyed by all three, Sea World would be it.
Another "experience" that all three were very excited about, was Build a Bear in DtD. On a regular day, the boys may not be terribly interested, but it was a great "last day" thing to do with the kids. They carried their new buddies with them. What we did, which I'd highly recommend, is character breakfast and then BaB and then heading out.
As far as places to stay, I highly recommend the Anaheim Plaza hotel family suite. What I really like about this place is it's proximaty to DL (right across the street on Harbor), the price, the large outdoor pool, and kids (only your younger two, though) eat free in the hotel for breakfast and dinner. Would seem that if you're spending a few non-park days hanging out at the hotel, this might be a great feature. The rooms are very spacious. What it is is actually two rooms attached together. So, you get two bathrooms, four beds, two tv's, two fridges and two microwaves. Might give your older boys some "space" from their little sisters, and would be a nice option for naps. It's not super fancy by any stretch, but I've liked it there. My parents stayed there our last trip and they really liked it too, and they're used to places with room service.
You can also have some Disney time by going to DtD or one of the character meals for dinner the night you arrive, or on any of your other days. Club Libby Lu would be a big hit for your girls, I think. We got DD all dressed in her Princess outfit and then brought her to CLL right before (leave an hour) our Princess meal. She got lots of attention!
The princess meal was a HUGE hit for our DD, both this most recent and our last trips to DL. All three of the kids enjoyed our Minnie Breakfast (Crystal Palace?) on Main Street. The boys weren't terribly excited about seeing the characters, but they didn't mind. We did get a picture with them with Captain Hook and Max, and my older DS with Pooh (he's a big fan), but the boys really liked the food at the buffet. (I even thought it was very tasty!) Our 5 y.o. ended up doing just about all the rides her big brothers did this time around. Space Mt., Big Thunder Mt., Indy (though she didn't like that one!)....but there were some she won't do or isn't quite tall enough for, particularly over in DCA. But, we had more issues with the boys not wanting to do some of them that DD wanted to do, not vice versa.
Have fun! I'm excited for you!

 

[scanmom]

Just to add another place to check, go to www.getawaytoday.com They have some pretty good deals, and we have used them, they are great! And sometime when you call, they have specials that save even more off the internet prices. You will probably need at leat 4 days in the parks, especially if you plan on taking mid day breaks. Try for a hotel that is in walking distance. It's alot better than waiting for a shuttle. We stayed in a suite at the Castle. It was nothing fancy, but we had 6 ppl, all adults and teens, and we had plenty of room. And we walked to the parks everyday. The people at the castle were super helpful, and even mailed my DD19's purse to us when she forgot it! And her check card and the little bit of cash she had was still intact!! That says alot!! And, I would be careful about leaving the parks for a break on the 4th. If it gets filled to capacity, they will not let you back in! And it happens often on the 4th. I would stake out a spot very early for the fireworks, and just relax there, having a snack and talking. some of your group could explore the shops on Main Street while others hold the spot, then you could switch off. Oh, and do not miss Fantasmic! or the Alladin show. They are both spectacular!
I have a ?, How did you get that cheap airfare from Tulsa? We are in Muskogee, and I have a really hard time finding cheap fares from Tulsa! We have DLR AP's, and I would love to go for the 4th, but can't find decent airfare!!! If you have a tip, I would love to know it!

 

[jtoast]

I have a ?, How did you get that cheap airfare from Tulsa? We are in Muskogee, and I have a really hard time finding cheap fares from Tulsa! We have DLR AP's, and I would love to go for the 4th, but can't find decent airfare!!! If you have a tip, I would love to know it!

Check out xjet.com (oops..my postcount is too low to make that a link) They are a new airline that just recently starting flying out of Tulsa. They have very few routes but Ontario happens to be one of them. By playing with the dates I managed to get tickets for all of us for a rate of $99 each way. They fly smaller, 50 person jets but my flight to ontario is nonstop and only takes about 3 1/2 hours.

It looks like I am going to be staying at the Marriot Suites in Anaheim. Got a 2 room suite (2 queens, and a sofa sleeper) for $2200. Going to give one last search of the hotels suggested in this thread to see if I can do better and then probably pull the trigger on it this afternoon. Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[Zoemakes5]

It looks like I am going to be staying at the Marriot Suites in Anaheim. Got a 2 room suite (2 queens, and a sofa sleeper) for $2200. Going to give one last search of the hotels suggested in this thread to see if I can do better and then probably pull the trigger on it this afternoon. Thanks for all of the advice!

Anaheim plaza (at anaheimplazahotel.com) is $170 per night, 1190 for the week, and will give you four beds and be right across from the park. The Marriott suites, while a nice service, isn't within walking distance, fyi. With the kids' ages that you have, I'd look towards across the street, no matter which place you go with.

 

[jtoast]

Anaheim plaza (at anaheimplazahotel.com) is $170 per night, 1190 for the week, and will give you four beds and be right across from the park. The Marriott suites, while a nice service, isn't within walking distance, fyi. With the kids' ages that you have, I'd look towards across the street, no matter which place you go with.

looking into it now. the 2200 includes a 3 day parkhopper, some early entry time and a few souviners but don't think it's worth the walk.

Man...I REALLY wish there was a local travel agent here who had a clue. I hate doing my own legwork...heh.

 

[Zoemakes5]

looking into it now. the 2200 includes a 3 day parkhopper, some early entry time and a few souviners but don't think it's worth the walk.

Man...I REALLY wish there was a local travel agent here who had a clue. I hate doing my own legwork...heh.

DL.com has three day hoppers going for 894 for 4A and 2C, just to keep the numbers in perspective. With that, Marriott looks like the better deal financially, but not by much. Others may be better versed, but I don't think that Marriott is walking distance at all? Once again, whether you go with Anaheim Plaza or another one, I'd really really go with something within walking distance.

 

[jtoast]

DL.com has three day hoppers going for 894 for 4A and 2C, just to keep the numbers in perspective. With that, Marriott looks like the better deal financially, but not by much. Others may be better versed, but I don't think that Marriott is walking distance at all? Once again, whether you go with Anaheim Plaza or another one, I'd really really go with something within walking distance.

It's not walking distance...its right at a mile if i remember right. Might just go with the La Quinta Deluxe kids suite. It's about a half mile away I think which is close enough.

 

[jtoast]

Well, it's done.

Chose the Homewood Suites because of the free evening meal, reasonable price and good online reviews.

Worked out to:
6 Roundtrip tickets from Tulsa To Ontario: $1335.60
4 3 day adult day parkhopper passes@ $151 each
2 3 day child parkhopper passes@ $122.50 each
8 days/7 nights at the Homewood $1030.

Total: $3,219 for 8 days. Just over my $3,000 budget so I can't complain.

Thanks guys for all the advice.

 

[xmansmom]

Cool, I thought it might be a typo but though I better check! I know someone who ha done this before! They flew to LAX thinking they were going to Disney World where they had reservations!!

OMG! What did they do?

 

[jtoast]

OMG! What did they do?

Hopefully they bought trip insurance..heh.

 

[xmansmom]

Check out xjet.com (oops..my postcount is too low to make that a link) They are a new airline that just recently starting flying out of Tulsa. They have very few routes but Ontario happens to be one of them. By playing with the dates I managed to get tickets for all of us for a rate of $99 each way. They fly smaller, 50 person jets but my flight to ontario is nonstop and only takes about 3 1/2 hours.

It looks like I am going to be staying at the Marriot Suites in Anaheim. Got a 2 room suite (2 queens, and a sofa sleeper) for $2200. Going to give one last search of the hotels suggested in this thread to see if I can do better and then probably pull the trigger on it this afternoon. Thanks for all of the advice!

FYI...We were just at DL a few weeks ago and that's where we stayed. We liked the hotel but the ART (?? the transportation system) was terrible. This hotel is at the end of the route and both times we tried to use it the bus arrived full and they couldn't take any more passengers. He said he'd call for another bus but the same guy/bus came back. This happened 1X at around 10:30 a.m. and another around noon. The second time someone told us that during peak time they had to wait well over an hour for the bus to come back and that they always say they'll call for another bus and never do. After the second time we decided that it wasn't worth the wait and just drove ourselves and paid for parking. Also, the drivers take a lunch break and there is no service offered during that time. Maybe we've just been spoiled by WDW transportation. I thought I'd let you know since you only have a few days in the parks like we did and I'm sure you don't want to waste a lot of time waiting for busses. Have a great trip!