Total last minute trip: help!

[rentayenta]

I might be able to swing a last minute trip for just myself and my middle DD (the other 2 kids are going to Jewish camp for two weeks).

Just looking for any planning info I should know about. We'll hopefully be staying at the GCV- I'll find out after I call Member Services in the morning. If the GCV is full, are there any great hotel deals out there? We'd drive and our park dates would be June 29- July 1 and we'll have full park days so we can rope drop if need be. We've seen the WoC twice but haven't seen Fantasmic is years so any tips there would be appreciated. Would also love to see the fireworks.

As far as tickets, we'll only need 2 day hoppers as my friend's DH works for Disney and she'll be getting us in a day; any deals out there?

To add, DD has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, should I look into a GAC?

and and

 

[minniecarousel]

Would you consider booking the Disneyland Hotel with points? I imagine it will be impossible to get GCV at this late date.

2 day PH's? Have you checked the Disneyland site? I imagine you can get them.

 

[rentayenta]

Would you consider booking the Disneyland Hotel with points? I imagine it will be impossible to get GCV at this late date.

2 day PH's? Have you checked the Disneyland site? I imagine you can get them.

I totally forgot I could book the DLH with points. Thank you, thank you! It would be 34 points a night. But at least it's already paid for.


I haven't bought Hoppers since last June and I knew we should have got APs. 3 day hoppers would cost $372.

 

[kikiq]

Costco tickets? Would that work for you. My brother's family bought them at the local Costco. They are real park hoppers with a $50 gc. $199 for 4 days PH and $50 gc. I bought the gcs from them. I know there are blocked days around the July 4 days.

I hope it works out. You never know...here's some pixiedust

 

[rentayenta]

Costco tickets? Would that work for you. My brother's family bought them at the local Costco. They are real park hoppers with a $50 gc. $199 for 4 days PH and $50 gc. I bought the gcs from them. I know there are blocked days around the July 4 days.

I hope it works out. You never know...here's some pixiedust

Thanks! The Hoppers come with a $50 gc? I could use the gcs for food. Great tip!!!

 

[HarryMoose]

Would you consider booking the Disneyland Hotel with points? I imagine it will be impossible to get GCV at this late date.

2 day PH's? Have you checked the Disneyland site? I imagine you can get them.

We have been trying to book GCV with points for a while, and was on a wait list for a while. We had all of July and Aug open (Dh is a college professor and off then). I think there was on day open in the end of Aug. That was it.

So you chances of getting a room in GCV is very slim, sorry.

Yesterday we caned thew wait list and booked DLH with points (standard view.) There was a lot of availability for that. We will be there July 31st to Aug 5th. It was 34 points a night, but when we did the math, in what we pay for points it was actually around the same prices for us then HOJO with tax would be. Can't beat that.

DH just looked up the cost co tickets, he said you have to be a SO CAL resident. Darn, that sounded like a good deal. Can a SO CAL resident buy them, but a non resident use them?? DH's cousin is in LA.

 

[rentayenta]

We have been trying to book GCV with points for a while, and was on a wait list for a while. We had all of July and Aug open (Dh is a college professor and off then). I think there was on day open in the end of Aug. That was it.

So you chances of getting a room in GCV is very slim, sorry.

Yesterday we caned thew wait list and booked DLH with points (standard view.) There was a lot of availability for that. We will be there July 31st to Aug 5th. It was 34 points a night, but when we did the math, in what we pay for points it was actually around the same prices for us then HOJO with tax would be. Can't beat that.

DH just looked up the cost co tickets, he said you have to be a SO CAL resident. Darn, that sounded like a good deal. Can a SO CAL resident buy them, but a non resident use them?? DH's cousin is in LA.

I'm from So Cal and have tons of friends there so getting the tickets wouln't be an issue. Maybe someone here can answer?

Good to know about the DLH having a lot of rooms. I stayed there in 2005 and it was wonderful. I heard many of the rooms have been refurbed too.

My best friend lives about 10 minutes from the park and we can always stay with her but wanted to make it super special for DD.

 

[HarryMoose]

DH's cousin lives in Whitter so we will be staying with them after we leave DL. We are cost co members, but in MI.

My understanding of DLH refeb is the rooms that are open are the new ones, the only ones left not done are currently being worked on (the last tower.) I hope this is true.

The new slide just opened recently, but I hear the Neverland Pool should be closing in the next few weeks for a re-do. I am rather sad about this, and keep wish it will be postponed until after we are there (one can wish right?)

So if your trip is soon enough, you might be there with both pools open.

 

[rentayenta]

DH's cousin lives in Whitter so we will be staying with them after we leave DL. We are cost co members, but in MI.

My understanding of DLH refeb is the rooms that are open are the new ones, the only ones left not done are currently being worked on (the last tower.) I hope this is true.

The new slide just opened recently, but I hear the Neverland Pool should be closing in the next few weeks for a re-do. I am rather sad about this, and keep wish it will be postponed until after we are there (one can wish right?)

So if your trip is soon enough, you might be there with both pools open.

Does it matter where you're a Costco member? We used our card in So Cal and had no issues.

We won't be there until late June so it might be closed. I didn't even know the DLH was getting a new slide/refurb That's shows how last minute this trip is.

I'll let you know what MS says in the morning. Our dates aren't set in stone. We can arrive as early as June 27 and have to be back in Utah by July 6th. We'll drive which takes a about 11 hours each way. I wanted a beach day or two and 3 Disney days.



Is the new Little Mermaid ride in DCA open yet?


I have SO much research to do.

 

[HarryMoose]

You can use your Cost co membership anywhere, but from what Dh read on line, you have to have the right zip code to buy the tickets with that deal from them. I think you can still book a trip with cost co travel, just not that deal. I feel very doubtful that they can be bought by SO Cal residents, and used by non residents.

Our trip is kind of last min too. We had been toying with the idea for awhile, but did not book the airfare until this past Sunday, and got the room yesterday. (we were waiting to see if the wait list came through and if the we were able to get the airfare.)


This is our 1st trip to DLR, so I have a lot to learn. A LOT!

I would try to avoid the dates close to July 4th, and go to DL during the week if possible.

Good luck with it. We found the DVC people knew very little about DL, so don't expect much help from them (like what is open and what is closed.)

 

[HarryMoose]

I know the Little Mermaid ride will be open by the time we get there.

I think it might be opening tomorrow. I think most of the new attractions that are opening spring/summer2011 will be open by the mid June.

I know that people staying at any Disney hotel get some free fast passes. I think they even have a choice for a FP for Little Mermaid. I think it is one (or 2) per guest, regardless of the number of nights you are staying.

Then again I might be wrong on everything as I am still collecting all my info.

 

[rentayenta]

You can use your Cost co membership anywhere, but from what Dh read on line, you have to have the right zip code to buy the tickets with that deal from them. I think you can still book a trip with cost co travel, just not that deal. I feel very doubtful that they can be bought by SO Cal residents, and used by non residents.

Our trip is kind of last min too. We had been toying with the idea for awhile, but did not book the airfare until this past Sunday, and got the room yesterday. (we were waiting to see if the wait list came through and if the we were able to get the airfare.)


This is our 1st trip to DLR, so I have a lot to learn. A LOT!

I would try to avoid the dates close to July 4th, and go to DL during the week if possible.

Good luck with it. We found the DVC people knew very little about DL, so don't expect much help from them (like what is open and what is closed.)

I know the Little Mermaid ride will be open by the time we get there.

I think it might be opening tomorrow. I think most of the new attractions that are opening spring/summer2011 will be open by the mid June.

I know that people staying at any Disney hotel get some free fast passes. I think they even have a choice for a FP for Little Mermaid. I think it is one (or 2) per guest, regardless of the number of nights you are staying.

Then again I might be wrong on everything as I am still collecting all my info.

I like your info regardless so I hope the FP thing is correct. You'd never know I've been to Disneyland hundreds of times. I completely purge all info after each trip. The only thing I retain is a good plan for obtaining FPs. And of course to sit a solid 2 hours before the fireworks to get a prime spot.

 

[kikiq]

DH just looked up the cost co tickets, he said you have to be a SO CAL resident. Darn, that sounded like a good deal. Can a SO CAL resident buy them, but a non resident use them?? DH's cousin is in LA.

There's a thread here somewhere that talks about non residents using the Costco tickets. I bought the tickets (resident). The tickets are actual PH with a $50 gc rubber banded together. My brother lives in NorCal and they used the tickets 3 days this last weekend. No one ever asked him for anything. They aren't vouchers but actual park hoppers, so you wouldn't want to lose them after you bought them at Costco.

Found the thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2702285&page=3

I knew I should have taken pictures of them. But my family thought I was nuts, my DD wanted to know WHO would want to know what they looked like. LIttle do they know, DISers want to know EVERYTHING!

 

[skiingfast]

As far as the DLH, just so you are aware, the new slides, small pool, splash play area and hotub are open. But rumor is the main pool that is yet to be refurbed will close soon. Some CMs said it was closing Tuesday, which it didn't, some said it would close next week. So we have to wait and see on this. All rooms available to rent are of the new style, Harry was right on with that too.

For F! since it's been a while you might want to do the Dessert package with reserved seating, or the light tower trick.
New-ish F! Superthread by Hydroguy
Guide to the Ligh Tower Trick by SSColumbia.

For the GAC, you might inquire at guest services. One of my concerns might be strobe effect that many attraction include. Something you probably are ware of if it will be a problem.

It's true for this summer resort guests get two FP, for any FP attraction and can be used on the LM, even though it's not a FP attraction. Also resort guests will be let into DCA to ride LM early, through the GCH entrance.

PS. It's nice to see you on the DL board again, have a good trip. Go Utes.

 

[skiingfast]

There's a thread here somewhere that talks about non residents using the Costco tickets. I bought the tickets (resident). The tickets are actual PH with a $50 gc rubber banded together. My brother lives in NorCal and they used the tickets 3 days this last weekend. No one ever asked him for anything. They aren't vouchers but actual park hoppers, so you wouldn't want to lose them after you bought them at Costco.

Disney allows tickets to be bought and given as gifts. So if a SoCal resident buys a pass and give it to you as a gift, it's fine. If you pay a local to buy your ticket, or buy tickets from a local, it is against the rules.

 

[HarryMoose]

As far as the DLH, just so you are aware, the new slides, small pool, splash play area and hotub are open. But rumor is the main pool that is yet to be refurbed will close soon. Some CMs said it was closing Tuesday, which it didn't, some said it would close next week. So we have to wait and see on this. All rooms available to rent are of the new style, Harry was right on with that too.

For F! since it's been a while you might want to do the Dessert package with reserved seating, or the light tower trick.
New-ish F! Superthread by Hydroguy
Guide to the Ligh Tower Trick by SSColumbia.

For the GAC, you might inquire at guest services. One of my concerns might be strobe effect that many attraction include. Something you probably are ware of if it will be a problem.

It's true for this summer resort guests get two FP, for any FP attraction and can be used on the LM, even though it's not a FP attraction. Also resort guests will be let into DCA to ride LM early, through the GCH entrance.

PS. It's nice to see you on the DL board again, have a good trip. Go Utes.

Yay! I am learning so much, who knows what I remember right! Good to know about the hot tub, that was another question. We love to soak our feet after a long day.

So DH's cousin could buy and give us tickets, and we could pay her $800 to let us stay at her house for the rest of the trip. Sounds far to me. She did say they could get us good discounts on other area attractions, from her husbands work. I will have to ask her about that.

If she doesn't have a Cost co membership, but we do, do you know if we can buy them there with her? Maybe we can stop on the that Sunday after they pick us up from the airport.


rentayenta, what did member services say today?

 

[rentayenta]

There's a thread here somewhere that talks about non residents using the Costco tickets. I bought the tickets (resident). The tickets are actual PH with a $50 gc rubber banded together. My brother lives in NorCal and they used the tickets 3 days this last weekend. No one ever asked him for anything. They aren't vouchers but actual park hoppers, so you wouldn't want to lose them after you bought them at Costco.

Found the thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2702285&page=3

I knew I should have taken pictures of them. But my family thought I was nuts, my DD wanted to know WHO would want to know what they looked like. LIttle do they know, DISers want to know EVERYTHING!

We do want to see and know everything! Thanks for the link.

As far as the DLH, just so you are aware, the new slides, small pool, splash play area and hotub are open. But rumor is the main pool that is yet to be refurbed will close soon. Some CMs said it was closing Tuesday, which it didn't, some said it would close next week. So we have to wait and see on this. All rooms available to rent are of the new style, Harry was right on with that too.

For F! since it's been a while you might want to do the Dessert package with reserved seating, or the light tower trick.
New-ish F! Superthread by Hydroguy
Guide to the Ligh Tower Trick by SSColumbia.

For the GAC, you might inquire at guest services. One of my concerns might be strobe effect that many attraction include. Something you probably are ware of if it will be a problem.

It's true for this summer resort guests get two FP, for any FP attraction and can be used on the LM, even though it's not a FP attraction. Also resort guests will be let into DCA to ride LM early, through the GCH entrance.

PS. It's nice to see you on the DL board again, have a good trip. Go Utes.

Great links Fun to be on the Disneyland boards again.

Disney allows tickets to be bought and given as gifts. So if a SoCal resident buys a pass and give it to you as a gift, it's fine. If you pay a local to buy your ticket, or buy tickets from a local, it is against the rules.

I always follow the rules.

Yay! I am learning so much, who knows what I remember right! Good to know about the hot tub, that was another question. We love to soak our feet after a long day.

So DH's cousin could buy and give us tickets, and we could pay her $800 to let us stay at her house for the rest of the trip. Sounds far to me. She did say they could get us good discounts on other area attractions, from her husbands work. I will have to ask her about that.

If she doesn't have a Cost co membership, but we do, do you know if we can buy them there with her? Maybe we can stop on the that Sunday after they pick us up from the airport.


rentayenta, what did member services say today?

As you predicted, no room at GCV however both the DLH and PPH have availability the entire time so..........

DH says he might want to go so I told him he has until the morning to decide because our dates will vary according to his work schedule. Either way, I'm booking the DLH in the morning. He said: I knew you'd end up making this happen once you shipped the other two to camp. Long story but my middle DD has had a rough medical month and needs some Disney TLC.


Now I need some touring ideas.......I've got the FP thing down but this new Little Mermaid thing is going to take some homework as well as F!.

 

[rentayenta]

I'm also seeing some new eating area, is that near the Tiki Room? So much change!

 

[HarryMoose]

You will be there a month before us, so I expect full details on it when you get back.

 

[rentayenta]

You will be there a month before us, so I expect full details on it when you get back.

Absolutely! I will spill all the details.