PreTrip Report - Now 10 Days to We Leave, 15 to DL!!!

[kylieh]

Update on Post 13 for 10 Days To Go Until We Leave!!!! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27598573&postcount=13


This is the 200 Sleeps To Go Plan...
My DD5 asked this morning “how may sleeps”, and after a quick check I replied “200”. So at such an occasion I thought I would write a pre-trip report, with somewhat random thoughts, and to serve as a memory of all this (over) planning.

I will be 36 at the time of our trip. This won’t be my first trip as my parents took me to 3 times to DL (when I was 4, 10, & 18) & Disneyworld for my 6th birthday.

Princess DD will turn 6 the week before the trip. We wanted to be in DL for her birthday, but the school production is on also that week. So we leave on the first day of our Spring School Holidays, Saturday 27 September, and DD won’t be missing any school. This is her first trip overseas – her passport arrived yesterday and she was so excited. DH will be 41, will be his 3rd time to the US (the first two being for work), and 1st trip to DL.

We’ve got the budget set in concrete, plane tickets purchased, and accommodation booked. Disneyland is the 2nd part of the trip, the first three nights are Las Vegas including a trip to the Grand Canyon.

The only transport not finalised is the leg between LV and Anaheim. Hiring a car is our primary option, but a flight isn’t out of the question. DH is in the US next month for a conference and he will be visualising and thinking about it while he’s there. When he gets back we’ll make our final decision. Either way, we arrive in Anaheim on Tuesday afternoon 30 September.

We’re staying at the Residence Inn Maingate for 9 nights, I’ve reserved a one-bedroom / two queen bed suite for ~$135+tax a night. For such a long stay we’ll need the extra room, and the ability to rest with a door shut whilst others are watching TV. I’m 99% sure I want to stay there; I’ve looked elsewhere but just cannot get the combination of amenities we need like a full kitchen, grassed areas, two rooms. I am happy though that Garden Walk will be fully opened by the time we arrive.

I’m planning on using Getaway Today for tickets, and obtaining a 8-day hopper for each of us. I don’t know that we will use all 8 days, but for the few extra $$$ it’s good to know that we’ve got it. We’re planning on using the 2 Magic Mornings on the Thursday and Tuesday.

After reading so many threads I’m expecting that the first three days will be quieter in the parks – from Wed Oct 1. We’ll do the Princess Lunch, Birthday Party at Plaza Inn, and the busier rides during that time. My MIL is making DD a custom-fitting Belle dress as DD is very sensitive to different fabrics, seams, etc.

I have purchased RideMax and have been playing with it, analysing crowd levels based upon wait times and expected crowd movements, and looking at the loading times and pax per hour from the Unofficial Guide (my job is as an analyst, and I spend a lot of time looking for trends in other data). I know that Gay Days is on that weekend and that crowds tend to go up, so we may be off to Legoland for the day. It’s not the end of the world if we don’t go, that’s more wait and see. Else, we may just go in the evening for fireworks, and shop/rest during the day, or if we have the energy, just go to DL the day.

On the Sunday we’re planning on the House of Blues Gospel Brunch. But no other plans.

As the Aussie $ continues to rise against the US, we’re also debating on the VIP tour – our holiday is budgeted at 83c, currently at 93c and will probably rise some more. If the Electric Light Parade is on I’ll try to book balcony seating.

We may also complete a character breakfast, but again not 100% sold. The funny part is that I’ve way over budgeted on food! Somehow, average US$240 / day including tax/tips, drinks, snacks, etc. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Oh well, better to have money left over

We’re not planning on Universal as from what I’ve read DD will be too young to appreciate it. But if we have a car we may brave LA traffic and drive to Hollywood for us parents. We also may go to the Wildlife Zoo. It looks pretty similar to our Dubbo Zoo.

On second thought, after reading through it all, it may not be overplanning, yet!

 

[kingshockey04]

The only transport not finalised is the leg between LV and Anaheim. Hiring a car is our primary option, but a flight isn’t out of the question.

I definitely suggest flying between LV and Anaheim, the drive is booooorrrrringgg . All you see is desert. You can usually get a good fare too, we flew from McCarren Airport (LV's airport) to John Wayne/Orange County for only $49 one way.

Also looking forward to reading your pre-trip report, trust me the 200 days will go by fast and you'll be wondering where the time went.

 

[Danauk]

Oh thank goodness I'm not the only one who plans so far ahead!! I actually started to write my pre trip report before Christmas but was too embarased to post it yet!! I have it saved as a word document on my laptop and have changed it so many times so far!! lol
I hope the 200 days pass quickly!! BTW I bought Ridemax ages ago too just to play with it and plan! And we are going to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and visiting Hollywood, and doing a VIP tour! You're not my long lost sister are you? I have quite a few relatives in Sydney Australia!! lol
Happy planning!!

 

[maryr1oz]

Hi Kylie,

We took an express coach between Anaheim and Vegas, and it was cheaper than flying. Lux Bus was the company, and we got free drinks, snacks and movies. Also a 30 min stop at Barstow half way. It did take 4 hours, but was alot less stressful than lugging bags to/from airports and cabs. If flights are dirt cheap i would go with it, otherwise check out Lux Bus.

If you hire a car, keep it and take it to Hollywood - you can visit the stars homes yourself, there is plenty on Hollywood Boulevard to keep a 6 year old entertained and to look at - and you could also head over the hill about 10 min away to Universal Studios - even if you don't go into the park, the City Walk area of shops, restaurants and entertainment could be a nice place for a meal.

Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[kylieh]

. You can usually get a good fare too, we flew from McCarren Airport (LV's airport) to John Wayne/Orange County for only $49 one way. ... trust me the 200 days will go by fast and you'll be wondering where the time went.

199 now Seriously though, we can get US Air on the date/time we wish to travel through Expedia for $229 in total for the three of us. We're happy with the price.

Oh thank goodness I'm not the only one who plans so far ahead!! I actually started to write my pre trip report before Christmas but was too embarased to post it yet!! I have it saved as a word document on my laptop and have changed it so many times so far!! lol
I hope the 200 days pass quickly!! BTW I bought Ridemax ages ago too just to play with it and plan! And we are going to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and visiting Hollywood, and doing a VIP tour! You're not my long lost sister are you? I have quite a few relatives in Sydney Australia!! lol
Happy planning!!

I could be the long lost sister, maybe we share biorythms or birthdates or somthing! Never too early to start planning.

If you hire a car, keep it and take it to Hollywood - you can visit the stars homes yourself, there is plenty on Hollywood Boulevard to keep a 6 year old entertained and to look at - and you could also head over the hill about 10 min away to Universal Studios - even if you don't go into the park, the City Walk area of shops, restaurants and entertainment could be a nice place for a meal.

Can't wait to hear more!!

I'm OK with the idea of driving, just DH is a bit concerned. The idea was to keep the car for the week or so and drop it off at the LAX on the way home. Because of weekly rental prices and insurance for International Drivers, the cost is about the same with the extra day hiring in LAS as it is picking up in Anaheim. For a large car, including full insurance we're looking at ~$500 from Hertz on a one-way rental for 9 days, about the same from Avis. I also looked at a few other companies and either the mandatory insurance for international drivers is way too much, or the one way drop fee is very high. But it gives us the freedom of the car, including grocery shopping, viewing the desert which appears very different to the Australian desert, day trip to San Diego for Legoland, I'd like to go to the beach even if to see the sun go down on the other side of the Pacific, Hollywood day trip, etc.

Now I think I need another week. Like DH will say yes to that!!!

 

[Husker Mickey]

Depending on what you decide to do with the car, you may want to look into the getawaytoday.com day trips. We have taken the LA city tour, Universal Studios, and San Diego Zoo trips, each a different trip to DL. We like the guided tour - the bus driver gives the tour as we drive. Each had different stops. The LA city tour was fun and stopped 4 different times.
I, too, love to plan. Don't have any plans to go to DL any time soon. We have a senior in high school and will be busy planning graduation and college stuff until this next fall.

 

[maryr1oz]

Hey again - you should try dollar rental car and national rental car - we have hired with them each on one way rentals and there has been no one way drop charge, very helpful and alot cheaper than $500... check them out.

I really enjoyed the desert between Anaheim and Las Vegas because you're right, everything is so much different to our desert.

You'll have so much fun - i am very jealous!

 

[kylieh]

Hey again - you should try dollar rental car and national rental car

Thanks for the tip - I'll visit their sites tonight and see how I go.

 

[Disney owl]

great start

 

[Bloodhound]

HI, We are planning a trip to DL/CA Oct.24th-Oct31st my first trip, there will be 4 of us only one has been before

 

[kylieh]

Isn't it incredible how plans can change, often on a whim!!!

It's been a couple of months since I wrote the 200 days to go, and here's the latest.

In a nutshell, whilst arranging our DL tickets from GAT, I noticed their spiel on the Hyatt. So I had a look, and priced for the period. Mentioned it in passing to DH, one thing led to another, and now we're staying in a 1 bedroom with 2 queen beds + living room, and after Internet, breakfast costs, etc are taken into account, only a few $ more a day then RI.

We decided against having the car. DH was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago for a conference and said that even after being in LV for that week, he still wouldn't feel comfortable in driving on the other side of the road. I'm not going to push it. Rather, between LV and DL we decided on be taking the LuxBus. It will be around $170 for the 3 of us, and that way I can see some desert. DD is good with the idea as is DH. It's about the same cost as flying but we'll have a little more time in LV as DD wants to see even more!

So we'll arrive around 8.30 on the Tues night. We'll have an easy Wednesday morning, I'll pop over to Target or walk up the supermarket (about 800 meters according in Google Maps) to pick up some supplies. Or order some for delivery that morning. At lunch time we'll head up to DL, pick up our tickets, and maybe capture some atmosphere etc.

We purchased from GAT an 8-day hopper, that way we can go everyday if we so desire. Plus the 2 magic mornings. I've also paid for the one-day LA tour. We're still up in the air on Legoland.

Our next major planning steps are working out which day for the Princess Lunch and Pat-E-Cake's birthday. We'll probably start reviewing our options for days during July so we'll be ready come the beginning of August (60 days out) to make our PS.

 

[maryr1oz]

The update sounds like everything is on track for a great holiday!

We took Lux Bus and it was great - unlimited bottled water and cans of drink as well as snacks. The hostess was extremely friendly and the little stop in Barstow was a good way to break the trip up...

Can't wait to hear more as the trip gets closer!!

 

[kylieh]

I have just read back on my 200 & 100 days to go trip reports. I know that a lot can change, but who would of realised so much! Pending DD getting through her cold and getting medical clearance, we leave in 10 days.

Our trip is now longer, by 2.5 days, and DD6 will be missing at least 1 day of school. We will be visiting Sea World as well. Our accommodation in Anaheim has changed to the Homewood Suites in Anaheim as we were unable to extend at the existing accom for another day at the end. But I do have access to hotel laundry now!

Our first extra day was added to the start of the trip, in LV when we realised that we couldn't comfortably achieve everything needed in the 3 days. We have a lot more rest time, which DD will really need. We now leave on the Friday, DD does miss the last day of school term, but it's Kindergarten, 1/2 day anyway on the last day, and missing school for international travel "within reason" is encouraged and allowed at her school.

The other day and a half was courtesy of Qantas. They cancelled our flight home, and I went into a spin when they put us on a later non-direct flight home which is painful on long-haul 13.5+ hours! They eventually agreed to put us on a flight the next night. We now arrive home on the Sunday morning before school starts again, so depending on how DD handles the time difference she may need the Monday off as well. Had we of known two weeks earlier that Qantas was going to change the flights we wouldn't have added the extra day at the start of the trip, rather we would have changed our dates.

The trip is revolving around DD. She currently goes to bed between 7 and 7.30, rarely later. And if it is later, she doesn't really have a good next day. DD also tires easy, related to leg/hip/ankle issues. Apart from being "nocturnal" for two nights, she will be able to be asleep, even if in a bus, around 7:30pm. We'll be enforcing the sleep time when we're away. And having "quiet time" as necessary.

Anyway, here is a more definite plan from when we arrive. There are food spaces to fill in both LV and DL. Unless otherwise noted, breakfast is at the hotel.

These few days are the arriving, LV, and trip to DL plans

Friday 26 Sept: We cross the international dateline and arrive the same day we depart, around 3pm at Four Seasons LV (got a really good deal.) I expect that there will be a large degree of tiredness. No plans at all for the evening. If we can't sleep we'll go to the Aquarium in Mandalay Bay.

Saturday 27 Sept: After breakfast, visit M&Ms and World of Coke (told you, DD's trip). First of many cab rides, this one to Forum Shops, visit FAO Schwartz, Spago for late lunch. Daytime visit to Fountains. Light dinner at hotel. Bed by 7.30pm

Sunday 28 Sept: Breakfast at hotel again. Canals and Venetian Hotel at 10am. No definite lunch plans, other than the need to include vegetables. Rest time. Late afternoon Visit Circus Circus for Circus acts, and "sparkling" McDonald's for dinner. Visit Fountains at night. Nocturnal night number 1. Back to the hotel 8.30pm!!!

Monday 29 Sept: Paris Hotel for Buffet Breakfast and wonder around. Flamingo hotel birds. Lunch. Rest time. Show - Pet Theatre!!! Finishes before dinner. Easy Dinner. Fountains again if necessary! We have any easy day tomorrow.

Tues 30 Sept: Check out of hotel, store bags. Visit for DH to Fry's electronics – he claims that nothing is as big as this in Australia!!! Visit Town Square, spend more money. Lunch somewhere easy. Look around Luxor hotel. Depart on Lux Bus around 3.30pm. Dinner on the road in Barstow.

Here's where DL Plan starts....

Arrive late that evening in DL from LV. Sleep. Try to sleep. Sleep.

Wed 1 Oct: DL featuring a PS for Pat E Cake Birthday Celebration. Not worried about what time we arrive, as long as before 2pm for Pat E Cake!!! Return from the park around 4pm. Homewood offer a light dinner, but I don't know if there are veges!! We may go to Outback Steakhouse. We have them around here, DD is a big fan, plus they have steamed veges.

Thurs 2 Oct: Magic Morning, no real plans for lunch, probably do an early counter-service lunch. Again, finishing around 4pm. No idea yet for dinner.

Friday 3 Oct: A visit to Libby Lu for a Princess hair-do, and then wonder around until our 11.30 PS at Ariel's. Return to hotel for a few hours rest, then return 6pm or so for the evening including fireworks. This is Nocturnal evening no 2. Will hire a stroller for her if necessary. Light dinner.

Saturday 4 Oct: PS Carnation Cafe for 10.30 Breakfast. Bus up to character warehouse. Spend more money. Bus back, or cab if we can't be bothered waiting for the bus. Rest. I would like to try Bubba Gumps so we may go for an early sitting. If DD is too tired for dinner out we will try this for Monday night.

Sunday 5 Oct: Grayline Tour - LA/Hollywood Experience. Lunch is at Hard Rock Cafe in LA.

Monday 6 Oct: No real plans, wing it. Rest day. Perhaps go to Westfield MainPlace and The Block for some retail therapy.

Tuesday 7 Oct: Our 2nd MM. Will do Nemo if haven't already. Finish any other DL rides, hop to DCA. Easy day. Have Basketball tickets, though we may skip this depending on DD.

Wed 8 Oct: Major DCA day. PS Wine Country Trattoria for lunch, no other plans.

Thurs 9 Oct: Sea World Trip. We're going with Grayline as neither of us is comfortable with driving on the "other side." I ordered picnic lunch with reserved seating for the whale show.

Friday 10 Oct: Pack up, last minute shopping. If necessary a last minute ride or two. Have booked an extra night at the hotel as our flight isn't until almost midnight!!! Leave hotel sometime around dinner for our trip home.

Saturday 11 Oct: Doesn't exist for us! International dateline crossing!

Sunday 12 Oct: Land in Sydney around 7.30am. Hopefully through customs quickly and should be home by 9-9.30am.

Even though our hours may appear short we have a couple of items in our favour, particularly for the first couple of days. I have Ridemax which shows very very short waits to most rides on 1 & 2 October. Will use RideMax as a guide only. DD, even though just over 48” now, won’t do many rough or scary rides - there is no way she will go on Haunted Mansion, Indy, Space Mountain, Screamin, etc etc. She will go on the Mattahorn though! She asks DH "Are you scared of Yetis? I’m not.” I expect that perhaps with the exception of Nemo we will probably get through most rides on those first couple of days, when stamina will be highest.

 

[kingshockey04]

Town Square is very cool. Lots of cool shopping places, good dining choices and there's a little playground for the kids.

We'll be in DL on the 2nd and 3rd also. I checked Ridemax last night, working on our itinerary (for the 100th time ) and the waits weren't long at all. I hope they're right.

Have fun! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[travelmel]

Wow!

I just found your TR and today is your first DL day!

Looking forward to your post-TR!