Staying at VGC. Next, where to buy tickets? What else?

[BensDaddy]

Good morning everyone,

Just bought 4 nights at David's DVC rentals for the Grand Californian (studio) in November. Next I need to buy tickets.

We have a pretty good deal through my employer, but I also looked into AAA and - although they're a bit more expensive - it looks like they come with some perks. Has anyone bought tickets through AAA? Is it worth a few extra dollars for the perks they provide? What did you find valuable and what notsomuch?

Also, what am I missing?

I know that around 60 days out I can try to make a priority seating reservation for a character dining (my little guy loves Pluto so we were thinking of doing breakfast one morning)

I think I read that 30 days out I can try to reserve seating for Fantasmic and World of Color.

What other arrangements should I put on the calendar so that I can pursue them as soon as the opportunity becomes available. We've been to Disneyland before but it was a last minute trip with very little planning. We will be going the week after Thanksgiving.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have.

 

[skiingfast]

I know that around 60 days out I can try to make a priority seating reservation for a character dining (my little guy loves Pluto so we were thinking of doing breakfast one morning)

I think I read that 30 days out I can try to reserve seating for Fantasmic and World of Color.

What other arrangements should I put on the calendar so that I can pursue them as soon as the opportunity becomes available. We've been to Disneyland before but it was a last minute trip with very little planning. We will be going the week after Thanksgiving.

No need to push the 60 days mark, not at all. It will be easy to get reservations for that period. You should wait until you can see the hours and entertainment on the official calendar before planning meals.

F! desert is harder to get. WoC meals are pretty easy to get.

You may want to reserve a tour if that interests you.


If you can get tickets from AAA with the Diamond package that is a pretty good deal. Employers often have the cheapest tickets, they are subsidizing the price to you as a perk.

 

[BensDaddy]

We did Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios in FL and he loved it. I'm sure he'll love World of Color too.

I want to make sure I get those dialed in along with at least one character breakfast where he can see Pluto (his favorite).

I missed out on priority seating at Fantasmic in Florida because I waited too long to book the package.

 

[hootey]

I have never purchased DLR tickets through AAA but, I have read other posts by people that do recommend them. You stated your "little guy" loves Pluto, by all means secure tickets to Toon Town Morning Madness. This is our favorite event at DL and usually our best photos come from this event every visit. I have some fantastic photos of our sons with the toon town characters(mickey, minnie, donald, daisey, pluto, goofy, chip, & dale). Make sure you get early admission pass' to DL, as well as priority seating where available. Character breakfasts or dinners? Be sure to check the scheduling of characters to decide which breakfast or dinner you would like to visit to make sure you see your favorites. Check with your AAA rep as to everything they offer & have everything explained if you do not know what it is. DL has many, many extras to be enjoyed if you simply know what & where they are. I am quite sure others will offer more suggestions, that is one of the benifits of this forum. Relax and enjoy your trip,,,,congradulations.......

 

[BensDaddy]

hmmm. not sure i'll be able to get into Toon Town Morning Madness since we didn't book a package through Disney. We got the hotel through David's DVC rentals and will pick up tickets wherever it makes the most sense. I think (though i'm not sure) that early admission is offered to people who are staying on site -- hope so. Thank you!

 

[Susie63]

You can pick up the magical extra booklet for TTMM and Aladdin priority seating at the WDTC office in DTD. I think they are 10 dollars each. I also believe you can make reservations for Fantasmic at 60 days out....and yes,as a guest of GCV you will get all magic mornings.
I am renting from David for 10 days in a studio next feb.I would love to read a trip report about your holiday

 

[FLmomof2]

You can pick up the magical extra booklet for TTMM and Aladdin priority seating at the WDTC office in DTD. I think they are 10 dollars each. I also believe you can make reservations for Fantasmic at 60 days out....and yes,as a guest of GCV you will get all magic mornings.
I am renting from David for 10 days in a studio next feb.I would love to read a trip report about your holiday

What is the magical extra booklet? Never heard of that.

 

[SGDisneyFam]

You can pick up the magical extra booklet for TTMM and Aladdin priority seating at the WDTC office in DTD. I think they are 10 dollars each.

Really? That is awesome news.. Thanks

 

[Geemo]

WDTC office in DTD has unique hours. It's not the standard 9 to 5 so to speak.

Be sure to check on the hours they are open a few days before you go. I think I was told they are open 7 days a week, something like 9am to 2:30pm.

You have plenty of time to get everything set for your trip. Have a GREAT time!
Geemo

 

[myxdvz]

WDTC office in DTD has unique hours. It's not the standard 9 to 5 so to speak.

Be sure to check on the hours they are open a few days before you go. I think I was told they are open 7 days a week, something like 9am to 2:30pm.

You have plenty of time to get everything set for your trip. Have a GREAT time!
Geemo

Yes! They have weird hours and almost ruined my vacation Their hours are 9 - 2:30pm.

I don't know why they don't open an hour before the park opens.

 

[taaren]

The main perk that I used to use buying tickets through AAA was the free parking, which if you're staying at VGC you won't use since parking is included in your room (through the members' points dues).

I'd go for the cheapest price tickets you can find since you won't need MM, etc either as that is a perk of staying onsite.

 

[hootey]

I would get your reciepts out and call the people at the "Grand Californian(studio)". I would have them explain everything you are getting with your purchase. This will clear up everything and help you avoid any confusion at the last minute. Taking a few minutes to do this might save you hours of headaches when you arrive. There are many packages for the disney theme parks available by many vendors, they are all diffrent. Please check....

 

[ILoveToRun]

Make sure you request a theme park view. We're here now and we're on the 4th floor with an amazing view of the whole Paradise Pier side of the park.

 

[BensDaddy]

I'm not sure we are able to request a specific view using David's rentals. Has anyone ever done that?

 

[taaren]

I'm not sure we are able to request a specific view using David's rentals. Has anyone ever done that?

The owner of the points/membership/reservation can request a specific view. If you send a request to David, the owner may choose to put the request in. I've never rented my points out, but I have traded them with other owners for their home resort priority and I'm happy to put in view requests for them.