Photopass, Disney Dining, and Costco Package ???

[Dukland]

We are going to DL in September and it's been 6 years since our last visit. I am feeling very unprepared this time, and I know I need to plan well.

Photopass is a little different than it was last time. I know I need to sign up ahead of time, and I think I even made a log in, somewhere, but I haven't purchased anything. What do I need to do to get the best deal? And is it worth it?

How far in advance can I call Disney Dining for reservations? We have 2 character meals to schedule, plus we will likely do lunch at Blue Bayou one day, so I know I need to schedule as soon as possible.

And when can we expect our Costco package to arrive? We are leaving to drive down 9/12, but won't get to DL until the night of 9/15. We don't want to cut it too close and aren't sure when we should call Costco.

Do they still do Jedi Training in Tomorrowland? Would they do that during the week in September? And if you bring a sign, is that still the best way for a kid to be chosen?

I'm trying to think of what else I need to worry about.....

Oh! Does anyone know if they have a laundry room at PP? Or does it have a be a "laundry service" of some sort?

Thanks for any assistance. I can't believe our vacation is this close and I don't have all my ducks in a row yet!

 

[Girimama33]

We are going to DL in September and it's been 6 years since our last visit. I am feeling very unprepared this time, and I know I need to plan well.

Photopass is a little different than it was last time. I know I need to sign up ahead of time, and I think I even made a log in, somewhere, but I haven't purchased anything. What do I need to do to get the best deal? And is it worth it? They have Photopass+ now which includes all PP photos, ride photos and character meal photos (including the photo package - Not valid at Storytellers). If you are planning two character meals it would be worth it. You have to purchase it 14 days before your trip to get the discount. It is $69.95. The link to order should be found here...https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/photo-pass-service/

How far in advance can I call Disney Dining for reservations? We have 2 character meals to schedule, plus we will likely do lunch at Blue Bayou one day, so I know I need to schedule as soon as possible. 60 days

And when can we expect our Costco package to arrive? We are leaving to drive down 9/12, but won't get to DL until the night of 9/15. We don't want to cut it too close and aren't sure when we should call Costco. The Costco package arrives about three weeks before your departure date.

Do they still do Jedi Training in Tomorrowland? Would they do that during the week in September? And if you bring a sign, is that still the best way for a kid to be chosen? Yes and Yes. If they have a Star Wars shirt, that helps as well

I'm trying to think of what else I need to worry about.....

Oh! Does anyone know if they have a laundry room at PP? Or does it have a be a "laundry service" of some sort? I am pretty sure there are washers/dryers at the onsite hotels, but I am not certain.

Thanks for any assistance. I can't believe our vacation is this close and I don't have all my ducks in a row yet!

Have a great time!

 

[nikkislaght]

If you purchase photopass + , 14 days before your trip it will cost you $69.
otherwise you will buy it at the park for $99. or there abouts.. no other discounts that Im aware of
From what I know about the dining.. you can be a bit more relaxed about it than at WDW, and can pretty much call anytime for res... with a 60 out start time..

This is directly from their website.

For all booking, please check availability online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 up to 60 days prior to your visit. Reservations can also be made in person on a limited basis, subject to availability.




Jedi training still at Tomorrow land and yes a sign will help but wont guarantee being called up.. Ive heard different people using different methods... the kids showing enuthisasim , also helps..

no idea about the costco tickets, never used them.. maje sure you print out any and all emails etc regarding your tickets in case there is a problem and you can take to the ticket booth for comfirmation..

PP. Laundry cant help with...

Really I would relax, at that time of the year kids will be back in school so crowds shouldnt be as bad, and therefore you shouldnt encounter too many issues..

Have a fun ttrip..

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

What Girimama33 and nikkislaght said also wanted to add that yes there is a laundry room on the second floor in the PPH. It is past the gym and signs will lead you there. We have done laundry there a few times. It is coin operated (quarter) and there is also a little vending machine inside that sells soap and such. Also if I remember correctly there is a change machine as well.
As far as dinning reservations I would make them soon since September is right around the corner. You can make them by calling or by booking through the DL website. Remember that you will need a Credit/Debit card to book either way. Have fun!

 

[Babybears]

As for the Costco Package, if you have booked and paid more than 30 days in advance, it will arrive 21 days (give or take a day) before your vacation. You will need to sign for it for it to be delivered (I believe it was shipped fed-ex). We received ours 20 days prior just recently for our upcoming August trip.

Regarding photopass, we used Photopass+ on our trip 2 years ago and pre-purchased the package. I believe it was $69 if you bought it in advance and they send you a disc with all your photos from your trip afterwards. If you really make an effort to have lots of pictures taken at the photo-spots, and all the on-ride pictures added, it really can be a great deal. They give you a special Photopass+ lanyard and we found that if the photographers saw it, they made a really big point to take extra shots and do the "magic" shots where it looks like you have tinkerbell in all your hands and things like that. It just adds a bit of time when you get off the rides with photos, so go to the line and have them scan and add your photo to your card. Word of advice we were given is to take a picture of your photopass card so if you lose it, you have your pass number so you still can access the photos. BTW the photos taken in Carsland at night were absolutely spectacular.....make sure you walk around the back side going towards Pacific Wharf area as there is a special photo spot there that they take amazing night pictures of with the RSR ride mountains in the background.

 

[etaber5]

We are going to DL in September and it's been 6 years since our last visit. I am feeling very unprepared this time, and I know I need to plan well.

Photopass is a little different than it was last time. I know I need to sign up ahead of time, and I think I even made a log in, somewhere, but I haven't purchased anything. What do I need to do to get the best deal? And is it worth it?

How far in advance can I call Disney Dining for reservations? We have 2 character meals to schedule, plus we will likely do lunch at Blue Bayou one day, so I know I need to schedule as soon as possible.

And when can we expect our Costco package to arrive? We are leaving to drive down 9/12, but won't get to DL until the night of 9/15. We don't want to cut it too close and aren't sure when we should call Costco.

Do they still do Jedi Training in Tomorrowland? Would they do that during the week in September? And if you bring a sign, is that still the best way for a kid to be chosen?

I'm trying to think of what else I need to worry about.....

Oh! Does anyone know if they have a laundry room at PP? Or does it have a be a "laundry service" of some sort?

Thanks for any assistance. I can't believe our vacation is this close and I don't have all my ducks in a row yet!

Costco will ship your package 21 day before your vacation date booked. They ship via UPS signature required. We always track ours to make sure we are home when it arrives. If you do not have a tracking number you can track on UPS website with your vacation package reference number you can find it on your costco invoice, go to ups.com desktop website and choose track by reference then enter your reference number, date, country, zip code that's all you need to enter. Once costco ships the package it will show up there! We do this every year with costco, most recently last month, and it always works.

 

[2tinkerbell]

If you go the Costco route, they can hold everything for you at your hotel also. Included in your "package" are vouchers for a Character Meal.