Some Questions....

[Lollipop's Mom]

Hey everyone!
Well I had some good luck this weekend and had $550 that was owed to me dropped in my lap. It is a long story, but never thought I would see that cash.
I am thinking I 'might' just be able to surprise my daughter with a trip for xmas present this year!!!

1. Hotel suggestions? Here is what I need.... clean and free brekkie, and a pool. Would love a fridge/micro in the room if possible. Laundry on site would be a bonus too. And... CHEAP! I am not too worried about being across the street (although that would be nice), but more concerned about price and as long as they have a shuttle I am happy. We don't need frills. Someone to sleep and shower.
How about priceline????????? Anyone had luck?

2. Time of Year...?? SInce it would be an Xmas gift, and I would want her to open it on xmas morning - I am thinking January. Crowds? We can deal with cooler weather if it means lower crowds. Any dates in Jan/Feb to avoid due to things that draw large crowds like gay days or something?

3. This United kids fly free - I can't find that promo on the website at all. Do you find it is better to book a package or ala carte? I can get flights for under 300/ea (about 257 with all taxes in). I have enough airmiles for ONE 5 ofr 3 adult pass, so would only need to buy a kids pass.

Help! Thanks!

 

[LuvTigger]

Congratulations! I was reading some of your other posts and hoped that you would be able to find your way to DL!

I just wanted to respond to your request for hotel info...I'm not sure about the free breakfast, but I think Carousel Inn and Desert Inn and Suites meet your criteria for the fridge/micro, and being relatively cheap. I'm pretty sure they both have pools. My favorite is actually Howard Johnson, though there's no fridge/micro or breakfast. But it has a nice pool, the rooms are nice, and it's reasonably priced.

As far as Priceline, based on advice I got here, I bid on a 3-star in the Disneyland area (the highest rating for that area) and got the Hyatt Regency for only $44! The only thing is parking was $12, but even then, it only came out to $56, that includes taxes, and the HoJo for that time period (mid-September), would've been $69 plus tax. The Hyatt's about 2 miles away, and they have a great shuttle, and it's in a good location. There are restaurants and even a Target (I think it was Target -- one of those kinds of stores), across the street.

I'm sure others will be able to provide more insight. Congrats again!!!

 

[scanmom]

I would check www.hotelkingdom.com for hotels. Also check out the deals at www.getawaytoday.com . they offer 2 free DLR passes with their pkg. We have used them and they are SUPER. If you use them, you will get any specials that DLR offers on their tix (ie BOGO). Then maybe you could use the FF miles for airline tix instead of DLR tix! Be sure to call them, not just book online, sometimes they have specials not listed online thet can save some $$'s.
The passes for DLR that they are selling now expire Jan 3rd, but I read on a board somewhere that the prices for the next year should be available by the end of Sep. In fact, I think the date Sep 26th was mentioned. I also heard a rumor that they will be offering your choice of either" buy an adult pass, get a childs pass free" or "buy an adult pass for the childs price"/ If your DD is under 9, you may only have to use you FF miles, then get hers free!!!
GOOD LUCK!!! and have a blast!!!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Thanks - I will check out those sites! Sounds like some great deals!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Lollipop's Mom I am so happy for you and really keeping my fingers crossed. You have been on my mind a lot lately. I second the HoJo. Stayed there in June and really liked it. It is very close, the rooms are really spacious and the people that work there are wonderful. Our room did have a frig so we were able to keep milk and juice cold (it was a small frig but it came with the room n/c). I really hope it works out. We went last year the first week of February and it was a great time! Hardly any crowds, beautiful weather, definitely our best trip there. Let us know how your planning is going and GOOD LUCK, YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Thanks AmyandDan....
I found the Del Sol for $59/nt. Seems like a good deal. Also, does anyone know of something going on Jan 11-18 ish? I have found a few motels sold out in that time frame. Feb 1-8 sounds pretty good!
I have found on biddingfortravel.com that some hotels are going for about 30/nt. WOW! That might be the way for us to do it.
So here is my budget...am I on the right track?
Hotel - $450 or less if pricelined for 7 nts.
Tickets - $100 for child pass, adult free
Air - $400 (USD - its more in cdn dollars)
Food- $200 - we can eat very cheap! I can also do the kids eat free places
Spending - $200 - I dont plan to buy much, but like to have extra.

Does that look realistic? I have about 1/2 right now....its just a matter of coming up with the rest. EEK!

 

[lap3]

Originally posted by Lollipop's Mom
Hey everyone!
Well I had some good luck this weekend and had $550 that was owed to me dropped in my lap. It is a long story, but never thought I would see that cash.
I am thinking I 'might' just be able to surprise my daughter with a trip for xmas present this year!!!

1. Hotel suggestions? Here is what I need.... clean and free brekkie, and a pool. Would love a fridge/micro in the room if possible. Laundry on site would be a bonus too. And... CHEAP! I am not too worried about being across the street (although that would be nice), but more concerned about price and as long as they have a shuttle I am happy. We don't need frills. Someone to sleep and shower.
How about priceline????????? Anyone had luck?

2. Time of Year...?? SInce it would be an Xmas gift, and I would want her to open it on xmas morning - I am thinking January. Crowds? We can deal with cooler weather if it means lower crowds. Any dates in Jan/Feb to avoid due to things that draw large crowds like gay days or something?

3. This United kids fly free - I can't find that promo on the website at all. Do you find it is better to book a package or ala carte? I can get flights for under 300/ea (about 257 with all taxes in). I have enough airmiles for ONE 5 ofr 3 adult pass, so would only need to buy a kids pass.

Help! Thanks!

Wow! It looks like things are looking better for you and your family! Congrats! You'll be there in no time! Unfortunately, I can't chime in any worthy suggestions on where to stay. However, jugding from previous posts as well as from what friends have said, it seems like priceline.com is the way to go. It's a crapshoot for the brand of hotel and where it's located but the ratings of the actual hotels always match their criteria. Anyways, good luck to you and hope your trip is a good one!

 

[Judy from Boise]

It might be too soon for you this year, but my DD and I like to get to DL starting on the 2nd of January. There are no crowds, and since they keep their christmas stuff up through the 5th, we still get to ride both the Mansion's and Small world's holiday versions, see the Christmas parade and fireworks ! It is a fabulous time to be there.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Another cheap hotel alternative I love is the Super 8 on Katella. Its about a 10 min walk and they have the ART available (and free dougnuts)

-em

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Thanks for the Jan. 2nd tip. I didn't know that! Still plugging away on ebay - so much listed and only ONE bid. boohoo

 

[Maliboomer4617]

deeppink arial

Im so glad that you will be able to take a trip to Disneyland! I want to offer some advice that my little brother and I used to do weeks before we went to Disneyland. It really applies if your daughter is 11 or younger, even though I did it up until I was about 14. We used to run a lemonade stand out in front of our house every Saturday and Sunday. We put a sign up that we were trying to raise money to go to Disneyland. Most people know how hard it is to go to Disneyland on a budget, so they usually give a few extra dollars here and there. We only made about $20.00 a weekend or so (Before we figured how much we spent to make the lemonade). It wasnt enough to necessarily go, but it was some extra spending money, and we always gave some money to our gma to help pay for everything! I will keep my eyes open for special deals, because I really hope that you and your daughter get to go! Its a magical place that all people should experience as a child! Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

 

[ksjayhawks]

It looks good, but I think I would budget more for food. That works out to less than $30 a day for two people for three meals. That might be pushing it. I think I would double that.

Passes--maybe I missed something, but why is the adult free? Is there a special promotion?

Hotels--make sure you find out the final price with all taxes included.

So glad to hear that things are looking up for you two! Sending pixie dust that you will be able to save the rest of the money and be on your way before you know it!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JennsBabySky]

Have a wonderful trip! If you want to stay at $30 a day for food, definitely eat the free breakfast at the hotel. Most days I would bring lunches for you and DD or buy one adult meal at counter service and split it. My DD and I are always splitting meals. Bring snacks -- that is where our food budget always gets blown. If at all possible, try to eat at Blue Bayou. The food is really pricey, but has excellent atmosphere. To save money, go during lunch and split one meal (they have free rolls, so between the rolls and the meal, you should be stuffed). Also, I would avoid too many meals in Downtown Disney for dinner, that could blow your budget.


By the way, it might be too cool in January to go swimming in the pool. Every once in a while, there is a heat wave, but it is very unpredictable. Unlike Florida, we kinda have winters in Southern California. No snow or anything severe, but weather can be brisk. Just don't want your DD to be to set on this!

Have a wonderful trip!!!
Jennifer

 

[Amy&Dan]

January 18 might be getting close to Martin Luther King day, that is all I can think of for that time of year. I also second the opinion that snacks really drive up the budget. Get one small thing of popcorn and a coke and you have spent $5 in nothing flat. We take small snacks like candy, dried fruit and crackers and limit ourselves to only one snack a day. Also, DTD is very expensive and most kids would rather stay in the park. The portions at the park are always big enough to share. Also, tell everybody you want Disney Dollars for Christmas and nothing else! Since we started doing Disney that is what my kids get from grandparents and it really helps out. I hope this all works out for you and your daughter. Does she know you are trying to make it happen or will it be a surprise? Good Luck!

 

[Itinkso]

We have been to DL on January 2nd a few times. We have found that on the 2nd there are many Rose Bowl people there, but with the new football scheduling for end of year tournaments, the 2nd may not be that bad! We've also been there on New Year's Day which wasn't too bad either. As long as you get into the park as soon as it opens, you'll be able to get on quite a few rides within the first couple of hours. We usually stay at the Tropicana Inn or Park Inn on Harbor ... less than a 5 minute walk to either of the main gates! Enjoy your vacation!!!

 

[44sun]

I too am planning an economical DL trip for January that I want to give the kiddos for Christmas...and am trying to ebay my way there! (Great minds, as they say!) Anyway, these posts are right along my line of thinking so I thought I'd add my 2 cents...

Amy&Dan, is it busy around MLK day? That's the weekend we were thinking about going. Hoping that not every school is off for that day.

Disney Dollars - where does one buy these? Do you have to go to a Disney store?

Cheap lodging - checking on www.TravelZoo.com I found a site called www.hotelclub.com which has very good prices on hojo. Does anyone have experience with them?

Like I said, sorry to barge in, but thanks. I appreciate everyone's help!

P.

 

[iceskatejen]

I can guarantee all CA public schools are off for MLK day, though not all work places take it. For a meal that's definetely big enough to share, I suggest Rancho Del Zocolo--you get tons of food.

 

[Itinkso]

You can buy Disney Dollars at City Hall, The Emporium or Disneyana on Main Street. I usually buy them at Disneyana as they usually aren't too crowded. I charge them to my Disney Visa card and give them out as Christmas/Birthday gifts! Have a great vacation!

 

[dsnylndmom]

Just wanted to chime it!

See if you can find a different hotel, Del Sol has had many unwelcomed guest reviews(read BUGS!!)

Tropicana on Harbor is usually REALLY good prices and they have a fridge, microwave & breakfast. Oh and Tropicana also sells water for $1, if you happen to forget to bring water with you!

MLK is a three day weekend in CA and any 3 day weekends are usually pretty busy.

If you go the first week of January you will still be able to catch the Holiday overlays

Defintely get Disney Dollars!! They are great stocking stuffer's for upcoming trips! My kids love them for souveiner use!!

Rancho Del Zocalo is great, they have huge portions! My SIL & I like to share campfire fries & each get tortilla soup! YUM!

Also big portion, Plaza Inn & Redd Rockets Pizza

Another GREAT cheap place to eat is White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian Hotel, go through the DCA/GCH entrance at the end of the tunnel go left. It's good cheap food.

Have FUN!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

You can get disney dollars at any Disney store. They come in increments of ones, fives and tens. They are like cash so don't lose them. They are a nice way to budget, when we are heading to Disneyland I will try to buy some each pay check for a month or two before we leave. I also use them for the kids' allowances and like I said family gives them to my kids for xmas and bday gifts. I have heard MLK is bad over the weekend but then dies down after that Monday as the week wears on. The first week of February was so great last year we will head there again. One thing, Splash Mountain is closed at that time. I can't remember the exact dates but it closes sometime in January I believe until early March. Big bummer on that one but there is always something closed in the off season, its the price you pay for lower crowds and hotel rates I guess! One last thing I second Rancho de Zocalo, the food is great and four of us can split two meals.