Planning trip to DLR with in-laws

[Dd1wifey]

I wanted to elaborate on the issues since they were numerous and might help you nip them in the bud.

Let me preface this by saying I love my father in law. I'm lucky to have as great a guy as him. It's why we wanted him to join the trip.

We invited my FIL because he's older and "You never know" if this would be the last trip. He's spritly and lives alone in his house, so by no means is he some feeble old man in our minds. We did not invite him to take care of our kid. We paid for his plane ticket and he stayed in our hotel room. He just needed to pay for his park ticket.


Issues that popped up in no chronological order:

He would just walk away. He didn't have a "stick in the group" mentality and would just wander off. He keeps his phone in his sock so when we would call him, he wouldn't answer.

Left to use the bathroom. Came back 20 minutes later angry because he couldn't find one. I asked if he went to an employee and he said he did not get help. I then walked him to all bathroom breaks (but on the sligh so he would not get upset being helped).

He could not figure out how to get from Star wars land to toon town even with a map. He got angry when I wouldn't tell him and asked him to figure it out.

He got lost going from our hotel (across the street) to meet us in downtown Disney. It was raining. He said he got lost, but I think he just wanted to go explore and used it as an excuse because my wife talked to him about walking off.

He would tell us something he felt we wanted to hear "I'll meet you in 30 minutes." But then do his own thing and leave us waiting.


The day got very hot and our 2yo son needed a nap and to cool down as he was over heating. We asked him if he wanted to take our kid back to the hotel and he said yes. Later we found out he had side trips on the way back to the hotel instead of going directly there with our son.

He put zero effort into planning or preparing for the trip. Expected us to be tour guides but then disagreed with plans.

Fought us on him getting a mobility scooter after the first day. (He later thanked us for it. Game changer.)

Again, this guy showed no issues before hand in terms of capability. He can prep a boat for sea and all other kinds of stuff but for some reason travelling made him act differently.

We've gone on trips with him later knowing what he's like and things have gone so much smoother.


Now onto the baby issues!

Getting back to the hotel for a nap in a cool hotel room was quick! BWPPI is so close that you only lose an hour or two when hitting the hotel. Our son would fight the nap so hard! But because we were so close, once he woke up we were right back at it.


Did the baby mess himself? Quick trip to hotel.

Forget something? Quick trip to hotel.

Buy a bigger item and don't want to hold it all day? Quick trip to hotel.

Kiddo just having a bad day and fussy? Quick trip to the hotel for cartoons.

Letting one parent stay while the other took the baby? Easy quick solo walk to hotel.

Since we were at BWPPI, we didn't need a vehicle. No paying for parking, worrying about damage to rental car, saved money on renting.

Getting picked up for the flight home at the hotel? Go spend some time in downtown Disney on your last day. It's only a few hours but it makes leaving easier.


This got long, but just expect the unexpected. A close hotel makes it easier to deal with these things. Disneyland hotel is crazy expensive and actually farther away than BWPPI which is why I always go there.

Love this information!!! May I ask how you got transportation from airport to hotel?

 

[chezcurrie]

You mentioned this December - what dates if I may ask?

I realize we all may sound like a broken record, but that walk or struggling with the ARt is going to make naps next to impossible. Have you looked into the Tropicana? My sister has stayed there and I believe they have a separate room (not rooms). Again you know your kids best but I would trade proximity for a door given how exhausted everyone will be.

 

[Dd1wifey]

You mentioned this December - what dates if I may ask?

I realize we all may sound like a broken record, but that walk or struggling with the ARt is going to make naps next to impossible. Have you looked into the Tropicana? My sister has stayed there and I believe they have a separate room (not rooms). Again you know your kids best but I would trade proximity for a door given how exhausted everyone will be.

Looking into dec 12-16 but may have to move it up depending on MIL’s availability (like into 26-31). Proximity is definitely a huge pro. I just found Residence Inn by convention center (10 min walk, near Toy story lot?). We can do that for sure.

I did research the Best western park place inn that was suggested here, but no deals through getaaway :/

It comes out to 2K flat with 3day hopper +genie+hotel

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Looking into dec 12-16 but may have to move it up depending on MIL’s availability (like into 26-31). Proximity is definitely a huge pro. I just found Residence Inn by convention center (10 min walk, near Toy story lot?). We can do that for sure.

I did research the Best western park place inn that was suggested here, but no deals through getaaway :/

It comes out to 2K flat with 3day hopper +genie+hotel

If you don't plan to go back to the room for midday breaks I think that should be a good choice. I don't mind walking myself but it depends on each person's tolerance. I think Residence Inn is more like 15-20 minute walk but you can take the Toy Story busses if you prefer. It's a bit of a pain to fold up and stow strollers on the busses though so be aware.

If you go 12/26 to 12/31 that week is nuts crowds just be aware. The first set of dates would be much nicer.

 

[Dd1wifey]

If you don't plan to go back to the room for midday breaks I think that should be a good choice. I don't mind walking myself but it depends on each person's tolerance. I think Residence Inn is more like 15-20 minute walk but you can take the Toy Story busses if you prefer. It's a bit of a pain to fold up and stow strollers on the busses though so be aware.

If you go 12/26 to 12/31 that week is nuts crowds just be aware. The first set of dates would be much nicer.

Is it really 15-20?
Apparently there are two residence inns near disneyland. One is closer than the other.
This one says it’s half a mile away. Is that the one?
We love the separate area for the baby. She is 6 months old right now and she goes to sleep an hour later than the toddler, but the toddler may wake her once she’s down, hence the need for seperate areas. We’ll also be experiencing 4 hour time diference.

DH and I went to disneyland a couple years ago 12/27-29 and dc 28 was such a difference in crowds compared to the others. Hectic for sure, but 8am-10Am was when we did most. I agree first set if dates is better

 

[irlandaise]

Is it really 15-20?
Apparently there are two residence inns near disneyland. One is closer than the other.
This one says it’s half a mile away. Is that the one?

Watch out if they mean that the hotel is half a mile away from Disneyland as the crow flies. You aren't a crow. You can't fly from the Esplanade over DCA to the Convention Center area. You have to go sideways to Harbor or Disneyland Drive first, then turn and walk towards Katella. So yes, a hotel half a mile away will probably be a 15-20-minute walk. It's a good 10-12-minute walk to the Candy Cane Inn (adult pace, no strollers), and that's right on Harbor in the same block as the Disneyland Resort, so it would be at least a few more minutes to turn onto Katella and get to a hotel there.

 

[chezcurrie]

Is it really 15-20?
Apparently there are two residence inns near disneyland. One is closer than the other.
This one says it’s half a mile away. Is that the one?
We love the separate area for the baby. She is 6 months old right now and she goes to sleep an hour later than the toddler, but the toddler may wake her once she’s down, hence the need for seperate areas. We’ll also be experiencing 4 hour time diference.

DH and I went to disneyland a couple years ago 12/27-29 and dc 28 was such a difference in crowds compared to the others. Hectic for sure, but 8am-10Am was when we did most. I agree first set if dates is better

That’s why we all are saying the 1.5 is too far. That .5 mile residence inn is the one on Katella, yes? That would take 15-20 min not assuming stroller and kid pace. The Toy Story lot is 15 min+ from the pickup spot on harbor.

The week from Christmas to NYE last year was completely insane crowd wise. A friend of mine whose daughter is a cast member surprised her kids last year with a post Christmas trip and they ended up spending their time at the pool the crowds were so bad. There are many pics of a sea of people. I wouldn’t want littles in those crowds.

One of my family’s best trips was Dec 13-18 in 2021. If you are going this year try and make the 12-16 happen.

We all say this to help you set expectations and have the best trip you can.

 

[Dd1wifey]

Watch out if they mean that the hotel is half a mile away from Disneyland as the crow flies. You aren't a crow. You can't fly from the Esplanade over DCA to the Convention Center area. You have to go sideways to Harbor or Disneyland Drive first, then turn and walk towards Katella. So yes, a hotel half a mile away will probably be a 15-20-minute walk. It's a good 10-12-minute walk to the Candy Cane Inn (adult pace, no strollers), and that's right on Harbor in the same block as the Disneyland Resort, so it would be at least a few more minutes to turn onto Katella and get to a hotel there.

Im not a crow indeed ill have to see if theres a youtube video around walking from the hotel with a stroller to the park entrance. We are thinking of booking tomorrow after we ask MIL about the dates. The grandparents could always just sleep with the toddler (she’s easy) and we can stay with the infant in our room at night. Im looking at rates and its definitely more $$ but I have stayed at Sheraton Park hotel (the one right after howard johnson) and we loved it. No breakfast but we can arrange things. Walkeable but that hill can be a killer with a stroller thoughts on that hotel?

 

[wabbott]

Google Maps (and probably Waze also) has a feature where you can plot the distance between two locations and it will calculate the travel time between them via several different modes of travel, including walking. I've found it to be reasonably accurate.

 

[irlandaise]

Google Maps (and probably Waze also) has a feature where you can plot the distance between two locations and it will calculate the travel time between them via several different modes of travel, including walking. I've found it to be reasonably accurate.

Here's the walking map for the route from the Convention Center Residence Inn to the DLR Esplanade:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4WXefkCStGLE1ETe6

It says 16 minutes, which is probably quite accurate for unencumbered adults.

 

[BobaFettFan]

Love this information!!! May I ask how you got transportation from airport to hotel?

Lansky.

Pick up and drop off. It might be more expensive than Uber or taxi, but it's a confirmed reservation that I don't have to worry about. Also they allow for one stop on the way to your hotel from the airport, so you can grab fruit and water or whatever from a market and not have to pack it.

You can ask for the car to have a car seat. Just being your own.

I didn't think I'd need a car seat since we were only across the street, but then we had to take a trip to the ER and were stuck for hours. Terrible experience. Lesson learned.

 

[Dd1wifey]

Lansky.

Pick up and drop off. It might be more expensive than Uber or taxi, but it's a confirmed reservation that I don't have to worry about. Also they allow for one stop on the way to your hotel from the airport, so you can grab fruit and water or whatever from a market and not have to pack it.

You can ask for the car to have a car seat. Just being your own.

I didn't think I'd need a car seat since we were only across the street, but then we had to take a trip to the ER and were stuck for hours. Terrible experience. Lesson learned.

Wow!! Cant imagine not having carseats to go to the hospital!
Have been speaking with MIL and they have offered to pick us up from LAX (we have to bring the toddlers carseat) but they have an infant car seat for the then 8 month old. Thank god they live in the state.
Ive officially reserved a flight for dec 11 so I feel like its almost official!
Have looked at all the hotels people have recommended here and still havent decided we are doing dec 12-17(we leave the 11th but because our journey is long, we’ll split it and stay overnight in miami).
Ive been warned a lot about keeping baby and toddler in separate rooms, which is why ive been prioritizing suites while sacrificing walking distance to keep in budget.

Embassy says they’re doing remodeling so imwondering how this will affect our stay.

I called Disney today to speak about getting the stroller as a wheelchair for my 2 year old (she has sensory processing disorder) so that she doesn't end up hitting a stranger during a metldown (we are buying genie+ for any ride she can do - planning to rope drope fantasyland). However, when I spoke to two different areas (Disability services and guest relations), I got conflicting information.
I am planning to tale the double stroller for the girls even though itll be my oldest who needs it most (because i dont have 4 arma to push 2 single strollers). Its width is less than 36” but the CM said it cant be no more than 32”. Im afraid we wont get the tag because the stroller is too big. I cannot realistically bring two singles. What do I do?

I speak Spanish and they also told me if the stroller thing didn’t work out, I could apply for Das. One CM said “they do live calls in Spanish”, while another said, “Only English.”
Whats the real thing here?

This is also why the inlaws are coning. My 2 year old is a lot of work. She loves loves mickey mouse and we are hoping it brings a light in her eyes while they also spend time with her (grandparent quality time!).

 

[BobaFettFan]

I have to ask, do you have hotel reservations?


You can always cancel them if you decide to go one place over another, but it sounds like you don't have a reservation and that makes me anxious!

 

[Dd1wifey]

I

I have to ask, do you have hotel reservations?


You can always cancel them if you decide to go one place over another, but it sounds like you don't have a reservation and that makes me anxious!

Im anxious too im doing it through getawaytoday so as soon as i click book, itll do my tickets and hotel!

 

[chezcurrie]

I would not risk it with your stroller and would suggest calling for a DAS. I have seen people turned away for bringing strollers or a wagon that was too big. Turned away meaning needed to take it back to car/hotel, not denied entry. Not sure about Spanish/English but I would call back and try another cast member if you can not get spanish (assuming this is your preference.)

Ditto on book that hotel soon! I am not sure who is telling you the separate room is necessary but obviously you know your kids better than anyone else. We have always found as a family they are so exhausted they (and we) don’t care, however the sensory issues may compound that.

Whatever you end up deciding have a great trip and take it easy and soak up the fact that you are at Disney!!! Sounds like your daughter will love toon town especially !!

 

[Dd1wifey]

I would not risk it with your stroller and would suggest calling for a DAS. I have seen people turned away for bringing strollers or a wagon that was too big. Turned away meaning needed to take it back to car/hotel, not denied entry. Not sure about Spanish/English but I would call back and try another cast member if you can not get spanish (assuming this is your preference.)

Ditto on book that hotel soon! I am not sure who is telling you the separate room is necessary but obviously you know your kids better than anyone else. We have always found as a family they are so exhausted they (and we) don’t care, however the sensory issues may compound that.

Whatever you end up deciding have a great trip and take it easy and soak up the fact that you are at Disney!!! Sounds like your daughter will love toon town especially !!

Thank you so so much.
We are staying at the Residence Inn by convention center ! There’s ART shuttle available as well.
I called Disney again and they mentuon maximum of 31” for stroller width. Ours is 29.5! It fits through standard 30” door frame so we know that 29.5 is legit shouldnt be a problem however im now thinking DAS for the 2 year old is best as the infant might not be in the stroller or not be riding at all so the stroller becomes more of a hassle since its double. In addition to that CM who told me that the stroller could not be a wheelchair, it’d made me a little uneasy.
Here’s Hoping for a fantastic vacay!

 

[pindecisive]

Does anyone know if booking this in advance inflates your airline ticket fares and hotel fees? Ticket fares are almost double than usual for that date, and the Embassy is also up in price.

Airfare is incredibly expensive right now. We go to Europe every summer and I checked the dates now for June and they are 2-3 times what we paid in 2021, yikes.

Booking in advance has always been cheaper imo, but we also rarely pay for our flights since we use miles, so that's always always what I tell people - get a flight credit card, start banking miles now.

I have to say that having an extra bed for the 2yo or yourself will save you. After walking all day, not having enough room in the bed will really make your second day hard. DH and I get doubles and sleep separately so we don't wake each other up during DL trips. Your feet and calves will thank you.