Tips for late July trip...

[annieb727]

Hi there!

I'm taking my boys to DL late July (20-23). That is a Sunday (we'll arrive around noon), Monday, and Tuesday.
We have never been during a peak travel time - we always go in September, October or early December.

It will be me and two kids - 4 & 6. My four year old will finally be tall enough for BTMRR and Soarin! How exciting! I measured him this morning 41.5 inches tall WITHOUT shoes! YAY!

Please give me tips that I need to know...we've been to DL tons of times, but never at this time of the year. I am still trying to find a good hotel deal...I want to be within walking distance of the park or a parking structure (to take the trams). I can't believe how much more expensive it is to go this time of year too - that's why we've always gone other times. However, I will already be in the Bay area visiting family, so I figure a couple day jaunt down to DL would be the perfect addition to this trip!

So please...I need lots of help planning this one!!

Thanks,
~Annie

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The Desert Inn & Suites and the Tropicana Inn & Suites are right on Harbor across from the park. I stayed at Desert in December and Tropicana in February. They are easily within walking distance. I also think the Park Vue and Crystal Inn & Suites are located right across from the main entrance gate on Harbor.

I stayed at the Best Value Inn and Suites in June. It ran me about $40 cheaper a day than the ones on Harbor and it's maybe 5 minutes away in a car from the parking structure. Even if you have to pay for parking, it could still be good savings.

 

[annieb727]

The Desert Inn & Suites and the Tropicana Inn & Suites are right on Harbor across from the park. I stayed at Desert in December and Tropicana in February. They are easily within walking distance. I also think the Park Vue and Crystal Inn & Suites are located right across from the main entrance gate on Harbor.

I stayed at the Best Value Inn and Suites in June. It ran me about $40 cheaper a day than the ones on Harbor and it's maybe 5 minutes away in a car from the parking structure. Even if you have to pay for parking, it could still be good savings.

Thanks...I ended up doing Priceline...got Extended Stay west Katella for $30/night - total of $108 for three nights...I think that's worth paying for parking...don't you? In order to get one that I like close by it would have been $90/night minimum...

So...where are the parking structures located??

 

[Disney-Kim]

We will be there July 18-19th...I am curious how to handle the crowds too

 

[camouseketeer]

It will be me and two kids - 4 & 6 ... We have never been during a peak travel time.

I can say the same thing. I will be taking my two DD's, age 4 and 6, July 8-10. I've been to DLR many times, but never with just the girls and me and never during a busy time. I too am looking for tips!

 

[c&m]

Ever since our DDs got older and it became harder for us to take them out of school during the school year, we've been going during the summer. Last year, we went during mid-July.

It would get really crowded during mid-day. We would get there early during the day before it got extremely crowded, then left in the mid afternoon for several hours for a break when the crowds and heat got too much, return for an early dinner and then head back into the park refreshed.

We made good use of the fast passes. And we just didn't have the expectation to go on everything. When DL got too busy, we would hop over to CA, which seemed to be a bit better.

We're going again on July 20 and will be doing the same. Good luck with the crowds, and have a great time!

 

[IndyBride]

We are going the july 22-july 24. I've never been before during the summer so I'm kinda worried how crowded everything will be!

 

[DLR29]

For peak season I would not want to be staying that far offsite. Maybe it's the cost, but if you can by all means stay on Harbor! The parking structures don't even open until only 30 minutes before park opening, the time when you will want to be at the gates in order to get a good start of park touring. Plus it's harder and more inconvenient if you want (and you will want with little kids) to take midday naps to escape the heat and crowds. It really is worth it to stay closer, trust me.

 

[pikaboo27]

Definitely check out the Fairfield Inn. It's a short walk to the gate, and it's clean and nice. DH and I have stayed there many times and in fact, we will be there July 18th-20th! We go this same time every year because DH plans a conference in the area every year and I get to go to DL! Yay! As for the crowds, just plan to take a break at your hotel in the peak of it, say from 1-3 and go back to the hotel, rest, relax and then head back to the parks for the evening festivities. Make use of the fast passes, hit the big ticket rides first thing, and just enjoy being there. With two little ones, you don't want to be a park commando. All that usually does is end in tears. Have a great trip and don't forget to get your LGMHs! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[avalon451]

I would read Hydroguy's tips compilation (sticky thread at the top of the forum page), but especially his "hotel rule" and "high season at DLH" and the "Hidden time losses when using a car." Those are all excellent advice and would be helpful to your situation. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

I really wouldn't recommend driving to the parking structure.

 

[disneylandhunni]

We are going to DL at the same time as you. It's going to be my DH, DD, and myself. We are staying in the Grand Californian Hotel, located right outside DCA. We are staying in LA before we travel to DL, and we had our concierge help us find a great deal. We are going to be on the "concierge" level in the GCH, and the price wasn't too bad. I went to DL in August last year, and the crowds were not awful, but it wasn't like the park was empty. The lines were only long on the new nemo ride, and the Tower of Terror had no line. My DD and her cousin just walked right on a few times in a row. I hope this helped you in some way !

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I would get a hotel booked as soon as possible. Last June we planned pretty late (about a month before our trip) and paid a lot more per night for it. Didn't have a lot of choices either, a lot of places were booked out. We like the Tropicana, clean, close (right across the street), nice pool area.

Late July means summer crowds, and hot! Get their early, use the FP system to the fullest. I recommend going back to your hotel for a swim and nap each afternoon. Right when those crowds get really bad, and the heat is at it's worse. Then go back in the evening when it's cooled down.

 

[Cinderlala]

Go early, go early, go early.

Really, this is the best advice. Just get to the park as early as possible & use any Magic Morning you can.

Since you already have your hotel booked through Priceline you won't be walking. If you are driving, it will take awhile to get from the parking structure to the park.

I don't know exactly where your hotel is located, but I would suggest that you take a taxi. Then you can get to Disneyland as early as you want.

We took a couple of cabs around the park & the prices were not too bad.

Take a taxi.