Please help this busy mama plan!

[cooniez]

Hello fellow Disney lovers! I was hoping that I could get some feedback as we are trying to plan a trip to DL around mid-June & I find that after working a 15-hour day I'm just completely exhausted and braindead. Couple that with the fact that I seem to be cursed when I do searches on the forum and don't seem to find what I'm looking for.

If anyone is willing to help, here is a little bit of info.:

1. My family: me, hubby, daughters: 13 yrs & 4 yrs
2. My daughter's Summer vaca. begins June 8th, so realistically I can vacation from June 8th - June 25th. (Have a big work project end of June & they need me back)
3. Hubby has only accrued 5 days of vacation so I want to plan the arrival date so we can have as long a vaca. as possible
4. Any feedback on Disneyland Hotel? (We stayed at GC last time & it was GREAT being so close. GC is not as "Disney" + I heard the DL is nice & clean after the renovations)
5. 2 days at DL & 1 day at CA sufficient?
   I was considering either: 1) more time at DL/DCA OR 2) getting a CITYPASS (3-day PH for DL/DCA + Univ. Studios + SeaWorld). Not sure if doing 4 attractions = too much?
6. Costco travel package or a la carte? (We did the Costco package 2 years ago & used the following: Character dining pass/person, Aladdin pref. seating, $20 gc. I think I ended up giving away MTTM tix & didn't use the other vouchers in the booklet.)
7. Supposedly there aren't any deals now (have to wait til April for June deals)...is it worth it to book now to save the room & add the promo. later?

I know I have a ton of questions (and probably more that I haven't thought of as it's 6am and I'm just now finished working), but I know there are some real experts here and I would so appreciate any help you could give. My toddler tells me daily, "You need to take me to Disneyland" (she saw a commercial), so I want to get this right. TIA

 

[coaches24]

Hello fellow Disney lovers! I was hoping that I could get some feedback as we are trying to plan a trip to DL around mid-June & I find that after working a 15-hour day I'm just completely exhausted and braindead. Couple that with the fact that I seem to be cursed when I do searches on the forum and don't seem to find what I'm looking for.

If anyone is willing to help, here is a little bit of info.:

1. My family: me, hubby, daughters: 13 yrs & 4 yrs
2. Planning to arrive anywhere from Wed., June 13th to Fri., June 15th (and stay in the parks 3 days)...is there a benefit to arriving on a Wednesday vs. a Friday?
3. Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian? (Leaning towards DL Hotel now that it's been renovated)
4. We are on a budget and might not be able to visit DL yearly...is 2 days at DL & 1 day at CA sufficient?
5. Meal plan or no meal plan?
6. Costco travel package or a la carte? (We did the Costco package 2 years ago & used the following: Character dining pass/person, Aladdin pref. seating, $20 gc. I think I ended up giving away MTTM tix & didn't use the other vouchers in the booklet.
7. Supposedly there aren't any deals now (have to wait til April for June deals)...is it worth it to book now to save the room & add the promo. later?

I know I have a ton of questions (and probably more that I haven't thought of as it's 6am and I'm just now finished working), but I know there are some real experts here and I would so appreciate any help you could give. My toddler tells me daily, "You need to take me to Disneyland" (she saw a commercial), so I want to get this right. TIA

First question: it is reported that cars land will open on June 15th but I guess thats not official. But June 15th is likely to be a very busy day. IF the official cars land opening is the 15th then arriving a couple days earlier could allow you to experience the park with a slightly lighter crowd (but there is no guarantee on that). But generally week days are lower crowds than weekends so if you can get a couple of week days in your visit do so. I have done fri sat sun in the parks as well and that's more crowded but you can still do what you want with some planning.

If your on a budget you could consider one of the good neighbor hotels. They are MUCH cheaper and plenty are within easy walking distance to the park entrances. You don't get all the little Disney perks that you get at the DL hotels but I find it's worth it for the money you save.

If you can stay more than 2 days it's reccomended. 2 days is only enough to get a taste of the parks if it's your first time. 3 days is a minimum IMO with 4 or 5 preferred to get the full experience.

Don't get the meal plan. There are ZERO benefits to it. Use cash, debit or buy a DL gift card. Meals at DL are very easy.

Can't comment on Costco travel, I have booked through DL travel and feel like I got a good deal.

A lot of places you can book now and if a deal comes out later you can add that deal to your plan and save the money then but I would ask whatever company you use to book.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Personally, I would be concerned about those dates. June 15 is rumored to be the opening day of Carsland. While that's still only a rumor, I would be very hesitant to visit at that time in case it turns out to be true. While it's possible people will just flood to Carsland, and you could always just skip that and do other attractions, it's also possible the place could be an overall madhouse because of the sheer number of people around. Do you have any flexibility in dates?

My personal choice would be the Disneyland Hotel if I was going to stay onsite because the rooms are spacious and bright and newly renovated. Also my kids would enjoy the pool area. If it's within your budget and you're not planning on going often, then staying there might add to your overall Disney experience. Also, staying onsite gives you the benefit of additional magic mornings if you are there for more than one of them, and you may even score some other bonus like extra fastpass tickets depending on what promotion is running at the time.

If an onsite hotel is a stretch to the budget, look for something offsite within walking distance. Very important as you can lose a lot of time waiting for and riding on shuttles. Our personal favorite is Howard Johnson on Harbor because it's a hotel rather than a motel and we've always had good experiences there. There are several other decent motel choices along Harbor.

You can do a lot at DL in 3 days depending on crowds and how prepared you are. I would strongly recommend that you buy hopper passes rather than one-day-one-park passes and be prepared to go back and forth between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure based on crowd flow and your mood/interests at the time.

No meal plan.

I usually find I can go cheaper overall a la carte. The only way to choose between package or a la carte is to compare the total prices and compare the cancellation and change policies and choose what works best for you.

You can book an onsite hotel room now and call to have a promo price applied later. You will have to pay the first night in full at the time of booking though, so be prepared for that. Also, be aware of the cancellation policy. Last time I booked onsite, you had to cancel 5 or more days before arrival date in order to get a full refund.

 

[cooniez]

First question: it is reported that cars land will open on June 15th...But generally week days are lower crowds than weekends so if you can get a couple of week days in your visit do so.

I heard about that as well & it worries me (crowds + hotels being booked up). We were planning mid-June because my daughter's school ends June 7th, but mainly because my work needs me back end of June for a big project.

If you can stay more than 2 days it's reccomended. 2 days is only enough to get a taste of the parks if it's your first time. 3 days is a minimum IMO with 4 or 5 preferred to get the full experience.

Our last trip to DL was 2 years ago & I think we did a 3-day park hopper. I forgot to put in my original post, but I was considering going another route: Trying to book hotel @ discounted rate, but then buying a So. Cal CITY PASS (includes 3-day park hopper + Universal Studios + SeaWorld tickets). I'll add to my OP in case anyone has feedback about that. I'm wondering what my daughters would most enjoy - CITYPASS (DL + US + SW) or just all DL for the entire vacation. We would have to book a different hotel (I think?). IT's been a while, but I don't remember US or SW being all that close to DL.

Don't get the meal plan. There are ZERO benefits to it. Use cash, debit or buy a DL gift card. Meals at DL are very easy.

Gotcha. I was considering it mainly because my daughter LOVES Goofy's kitchen (and I love it for the food as well). I am sure we can figure out the food thing later.

Can't comment on Costco travel, I have booked through DL travel and feel like I got a good deal.

IIRC the Costco deal showed "DL travel" at the top, but we got a few more perks for going thru Costco (I think it was a $20 gift card and a free character meal/person?).

A lot of places you can book now and if a deal comes out later you can add that deal to your plan and save the money then but I would ask whatever company you use to book.

Yes, the travel agent did say I should probably do this ASAP and then come April their June promotions should be out & I can update my booking with no "change" fee. I think now it's just a matter of choosing my dates and then committing to it! lol I am thinking now maybe arriving on Sunday, June 10th & then returning the next Sunday? That will give us M-F + the following Sat./Sun. as well (hubby has NOT accrued enough vacation to take more than 5 days off).

Thanks again for your input! Gives me a lot to think about!

 

[cooniez]

Personally, I would be concerned about those dates. June 15 is rumored to be the opening day of Carsland. While that's still only a rumor, I would be very hesitant to visit at that time in case it turns out to be true. While it's possible people will just flood to Carsland, and you could always just skip that and do other attractions, it's also possible the place could be an overall madhouse because of the sheer number of people around. Do you have any flexibility in dates?

My personal choice would be the Disneyland Hotel if I was going to stay onsite because the rooms are spacious and bright and newly renovated. Also my kids would enjoy the pool area. If it's within your budget and you're not planning on going often, then staying there might add to your overall Disney experience. Also, staying onsite gives you the benefit of additional magic mornings if you are there for more than one of them, and you may even score some other bonus like extra fastpass tickets depending on what promotion is running at the time.

If an onsite hotel is a stretch to the budget, look for something offsite within walking distance. Very important as you can lose a lot of time waiting for and riding on shuttles. Our personal favorite is Howard Johnson on Harbor because it's a hotel rather than a motel and we've always had good experiences there. There are several other decent motel choices along Harbor.

You can do a lot at DL in 3 days depending on crowds and how prepared you are. I would strongly recommend that you buy hopper passes rather than one-day-one-park passes and be prepared to go back and forth between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure based on crowd flow and your mood/interests at the time.

No meal plan.

I usually find I can go cheaper overall a la carte. The only way to choose between package or a la carte is to compare the total prices and compare the cancellation and change policies and choose what works best for you.

You can book an onsite hotel room now and call to have a promo price applied later. You will have to pay the first night in full at the time of booking though, so be prepared for that. Also, be aware of the cancellation policy. Last time I booked onsite, you had to cancel 5 or more days before arrival date in order to get a full refund.

Hello! I DO have flexibility on dates. My daughter's out for the Summer starting June 8th, but I have a big work project end of June so ideally my boss would want me to vacation anywhere from June 8th - June 25th.

I am leaning towards DL Hotel now that they're renovated. I still need to call and ask if they have any rooms where the bathroom set-up is: shower/toilet separate from sink. I don't make a ton of money, but I AM willing to splurge when on vacation since we don't do it often. I will still try to be practical of course, but I don't mind paying a bit more for an onsite hotel so we can avoid the shuttle thing.

The TA at DL Travel said they won't charge me anything if I cancel/change 31 days prior to arrival. They don't currently have promos, but they did confirm (as you said) that I can book NOW, and add promos later.

Updated my OP...I'm convinced now no meal plan and that we will aim for DL Hotel.

 

[skiingfast]

If your sure on the DLH that could work great if they repeat the onsite perks they did last year with two free FPs to use on any attraction at anytime. They were meant for Star Tours and Little Mermaid, and this year could help in Carsland. Also the extra Magic Morning you get staying onsite can help.

I would aim for the 20 to 23rd, because of AP blockouts and the likely hood new attractions will be open.

It may be worthwhile to go to DL for another day or two, however Seaworld will have a new coaster opening and USH a new attraction as well. So it may be nice to see all three.

CityPass will be helpful and you may want to consider staying near the other parks, especially if going there on weekdays as the commute to them from Anaheim is painful.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Hello! I DO have flexibility on dates. My daughter's out for the Summer starting June 8th, but I have a big work project end of June so ideally my boss would want me to vacation anywhere from June 8th - June 25th.

I agree with skiingfast about aiming for the end of your window of opportunity to visit Disneyland.

I am leaning towards DL Hotel now that they're renovated. I still need to call and ask if they have any rooms where the bathroom set-up is: shower/toilet separate from sink. I don't make a ton of money, but I AM willing to splurge when on vacation since we don't do it often. I will still try to be practical of course, but I don't mind paying a bit more for an onsite hotel so we can avoid the shuttle thing.

Our family has only stayed at the Disneyland Hotel once. We had a renovated room in June 2010 and really loved it. Our room had two queen beds, decent size closet, mini fridge, coffeemaker, flat screen t.v., and safe. There were several chairs and a small table. The bathroom arrangement was great. There were two sinks separated from the shower, and the toilet had a separate door to close it off from the rest. This definitely made getting ready in the mornings and evenings easier for our family of four.

The TA at DL Travel said they won't charge me anything if I cancel/change 31 days prior to arrival. They don't currently have promos, but they did confirm (as you said) that I can book NOW, and add promos later.

My philosophy is if there's no penalty and you need particular dates and/or place then booking earlier is better. I then watch diligently for deals and update my reservation every time I find the price has dropped. I still think you might do better to book room only and buy tickets separately, and unless it has changed recently I thought room only bookings were no charge for cancel/change 5 days prior to arrival. Still, I realize some people prefer to get everything done in one package, and if there are deals at all they will likely exist for both room-only and package reservations.

 

[cooniez]

I would aim for the 20 to 23rd, because of AP blockouts and the likely hood new attractions will be open.

It may be worthwhile to go to DL for another day or two, however Seaworld will have a new coaster opening and USH a new attraction as well. So it may be nice to see all three.

CityPass will be helpful and you may want to consider staying near the other parks, especially if going there on weekdays as the commute to them from Anaheim is painful.

All I remember about AP blockouts is that these are the days AP holders are not allowed at the park, right? Does this result in the park being significantly less crowded...I mean, considering it is Summer and will likely be crowded anyway? Sorry if that's a stupid question...I guess I picture us walking right onto rides when you mention aiming for those AP blockout dates, but that's probably unrealistic! lol

If we decide to do Univ. Studios & SeaWorld then I'm guessing this will have to be at the end of our visit as we would need to book a different hotel closer by?

I agree with skiingfast about aiming for the end of your window of opportunity to visit Disneyland.

Our family has only stayed at the Disneyland Hotel once. We had a renovated room in June 2010 and really loved it. Our room had two queen beds, decent size closet, mini fridge, coffeemaker, flat screen t.v., and safe. There were several chairs and a small table. The bathroom arrangement was great. There were two sinks separated from the shower, and the toilet had a separate door to close it off from the rest. This definitely made getting ready in the mornings and evenings easier for our family of four.

I still think you might do better to book room only and buy tickets separately, and unless it has changed recently I thought room only bookings were no charge for cancel/change 5 days prior to arrival. Still, I realize some people prefer to get everything done in one package, and if there are deals at all they will likely exist for both room-only and package reservations.

Thanks for the info. on the DL Hotel rooms. From the pics. I saw on TripAdvisor the bathroom arrangements were ONLY sinks in bathrooms.

I DO want to look into booking a room (with a hotel promo.) and then buying tickets separately, but I am just completely lost on how to find the best deals buying a la carte! I think that is why I usually do the Costco Travel package, but also because the free character dining/person & other add ons seemed like a good deal. We will definitely do at least 1 Character meal @ Goofy's kitchen, but aside from that I don't really need the extras (lanyard, $20 gift card, etc.).

 

[skiingfast]

All I remember about AP blockouts is that these are the days AP holders are not allowed at the park, right? Does this result in the park being significantly less crowded...I mean, considering it is Summer and will likely be crowded anyway? Sorry if that's a stupid question...I guess I picture us walking right onto rides when you mention aiming for those AP blockout dates, but that's probably unrealistic! lol

If we decide to do Univ. Studios & SeaWorld then I'm guessing this will have to be at the end of our visit as we would need to book a different hotel closer by?

AP blockouts can mean days are slower, or indicate they are busier. SoCal APs that are blocked out on the days I noted previously, are blockout out on normally busy days. At that time it means that if they are wanting to see the new attractions, they can't. This could stop the risk of a huge surge of extra people.


If I were you, and I suspect you are traveling by car, and aren't flying I would go SW, USH, then DL. I always try to end with DL, it's like finishing a meal with dessert. If not USH last. It's easy to get hotels by SW, so drive all the way there, sleep in San Diego and visit SW. Then that night, after traffic has died down go upto DLR. There are a couple nice hotels by USH, but nothing cheap and close. So I'd probably stay the rest of the nights at DLR, and drive to USH the second day.

In the above scenario I would use a citypass for sure. Also it will help you avoid a couple grad nites.

If you aren't going by car, you might consider going to DLR the whole time, and taking the grayline packages, that include transport and ticket to SW and USH from Anaheim.

 

[cgh]

For 5 days, I'd just do Disney. I think it would be too much to do Universal etc. and AFAIK there's not much at Universal for the 4 yo. If you want to do other non Disney stuff I'd hit the beach, hang out at the pool etc. Last time, we went 3 nights, 4 days, and I wished we had just a little more time. (our son needs naps, and we'd leave the park by 7:30 for bedtime). We did not go on every ride.

We booked through Costco and found it to be a good deal. I actually called a travel agency and they told me there's not a better deal then Costco. I priced everything separately then together, and we got more, and it was easier. I had them ship the package to the hotel, so I didn't have to worry about it.

Also pay attention to promotions. We had one applied 1 week before our departure date. We did have to pay a $50 change fee since it was within the 30 day window, but it was worth it. (we were paying full price, and then had 30% off a DLH visit. Even with the change fee, and a upgraded view, we still saved $250 or something. (with our view, we were able to see the fireworks and loved that!)

We loved staying at the DLH. We are planning a trip in August and plan on doing the same. We have a 3 year old and the pool was great for him. The light up head board etc. was also a lot of fun. I've never stayed at the GC.

 

[cooniez]

Thank you Skiingfast & cgh for your input. We don't have a concrete plan, but here is where we are now:

• I probably won't be able to vacation week of 22nd to take adv. of AP blockouts (below - weird as it may be, lol - I've planned out 2 diff. scenarios. If anyone has feedback on which dates would be better it would be much appreciated!)
• We are leaning towards doing the CITYPASS (Seaworld > USH > DL & DCA).
  Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the best deal now that I can't do a Costco package, but will be buying a CITYPASS (shipped to my house, no longer at Costco in N. Cal area)?
• Can I extend the 3-day Park Hopper that comes in the CITY PASS package?
  The plan is to drive to SD on June 8th (hotel in SD), Sat - June 9: Seaworld, Sun & Mon - June 10 + 11: USH (CITYPASS comes w/free 2nd day at USH), then Tues-Thur - June 12-14: DL & DCA (3-day PH).

Plan A
Thur, June 7 = DD out of school @ 12pm, drive to SD (dinner/hotel in SD)
Fri, June 8 = Seaworld > Check in to DL Hotel evening
Sat & Sun (June 9-10) = USH (free 2nd day w/CITYPASS)
Mon – Wed (June 11-13) = 3-day PH for DL & DCA
Depart Wed. night /DH returns to work Thur, June 14

Plan B
Sat, June 9 = Depart for SD (dinner/hotel in SD)
Sun, June 10 = Seaworld > Check in to DL Hotel evening
Mon & Tues. (June 11-12) = USH (free 2nd day w/CITYPASS)
Wed – Fri ( June 13-15) = 3-day PH for DL & DCA
Sat, June 16 = Free day (extend PH?)
Sun, 17 = Check out of DL Hotel & drive home


** Leaning towards Plan B because DH can only take 1 week off from work (so this plan includes both weekends)

 

[skiingfast]

Where did you find the CityPass with a second USH day free? Are you sure it's good in June? I ask because USH will get busy in June with the opening of Transformers which may limit discounts.

CityPass is not often discounted because it can be bought through them directly on the internet too. You can have it mailed to your hotel, or pick it up at the first attraction you visit. In some cases you can get a deal on it, if you purchase it at certain attractions and use it there first, is this the case of the one you found?

You can add upgrade the DLR component of a CityPass. Currently it would cost 33C and 34A to do so. You do this at the DLR ticket booths before the end of the third day of use of the DLR tickets.


As for plan A and B, I see pros and cons about both. I would give the edge to the later plan. Sure it may mean more crowds, but a higher chance of the new attractions being opens in all three places. Plus APs blocked at DLR which will help a lot. And of course DH can get home well rested and not rush the last night in DL worrying about sleep and driving and getting home for work.

 

[cooniez]

Where did you find the CityPass with a second USH day free? Are you sure it's good in June? I ask because USH will get busy in June with the opening of Transformers which may limit discounts.

CityPass is not often discounted because it can be bought through them directly on the internet too. You can have it mailed to your hotel, or pick it up at the first attraction you visit. In some cases you can get a deal on it, if you purchase it at certain attractions and use it there first, is this the case of the one you found?

You can add upgrade the DLR component of a CityPass. Currently it would cost 33C and 34A to do so. You do this at the DLR ticket booths before the end of the third day of use of the DLR tickets.


As for plan A and B, I see pros and cons about both. I would give the edge to the later plan. Sure it may mean more crowds, but a higher chance of the new attractions being opens in all three places. Plus APs blocked at DLR which will help a lot. And of course DH can get home well rested and not rush the last night in DL worrying about sleep and driving and getting home for work.

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ticket_california_citypass.html

Yes, I misunderstood about the FREE 2nd day thing. I didn't realize the "free" day had to be used that same day that you picked up the pass, but I did see that you have to start at the attraction first...which kind of sucks. I guess we could always stay at the DL Hotel the entire time & then drive down to Seaworld for the day. That would probably be easier than doing 2 diff. hotels.

The rep at CityPass told me that Seaworld also offers this promotion (extra day if you start there). Does anyone have any feedback as to which attraction the FREE day would be better spend: Universal or Seaworld? It's been a while since I've been to either, but I am guessing Universal has more attractions to see?

 

[skiingfast]

I think with starting two days at USH or SW this means you should spend two nights there before going to DLR, Not making a drive to and from DLR.

USH has a Hilton and Sheraton next to the resort. SW doesn't have anything nice right next door, but many option in Hotel Cicle and Downtown which are very close. There can be nice and come in at 1/2 to 2/3 the DLH prices.


As to which to spend two days at, I think it may hinge at what the 4yo can do and how bored 13yo will get. Neither park would I consider a mutliday park, hence that deal of the free second day.

At 42 inches you can do most of the SW rides, at 45 inches maybe all of them, though I don't know the minimum for Manta. Manta a new coaster is planned to open May 26th.

At USH Transformers will also open in May but still no specific day is known. There 40inches gets you on a couple rides, 45 for another and 48 for a couple.

If 4yo can ride the couple thrill rides in each park, with not problems height or fear I'd probably go with Sea World. If it is a problem I'd do the SD zoo on your extra day and stay down in SD the first and second night.

 

[cooniez]

I think with starting two days at USH or SW this means you should spend two nights there before going to DLR, Not making a drive to and from DLR.

USH has a Hilton and Sheraton next to the resort. SW doesn't have anything nice right next door, but many option in Hotel Cicle and Downtown which are very close. There can be nice and come in at 1/2 to 2/3 the DLH prices.


As to which to spend two days at, I think it may hinge at what the 4yo can do and how bored 13yo will get. Neither park would I consider a mutliday park, hence that deal of the free second day.

At 42 inches you can do most of the SW rides, at 45 inches maybe all of them, though I don't know the minimum for Manta. Manta a new coaster is planned to open May 26th.

At USH Transformers will also open in May but still no specific day is known. There 40inches gets you on a couple rides, 45 for another and 48 for a couple.

If 4yo can ride the couple thrill rides in each park, with not problems height or fear I'd probably go with Sea World. If it is a problem I'd do the SD zoo on your extra day and stay down in SD the first and second night.

Talked to DH and he said we can skip SD Zoo...so I deleted it from my last post. lol

Hmm this is a tough choice. I do think that Universal Studios might be more for my teen or DH. I'm starting to re-consider whether it would be worth rearranging our plans simply to take advantage of the free 2nd day. It seems like a good deal though since SW or USH tix were about $72? last I heard.

I think if we do end up starting with SW it may be a good idea to stay at a hotel there. I kind of dread having to pack everything up again, but It will probably be more relaxing then a 2-hour drive at 6 in the morning!