Totally clueless and needing some serious guidance on everything DL

[momsgoofy]

Okay, I admit it...I have neve in my life been to DL... I was deprived as a child by camper parents...an ex who well, we'll not go there...but in the 8 years DH and I've been together we've been to WDW 4 times with DS and now DS is tired of heading south so I finally get to go west...to where it all began with a mouse... and I haven't a clue!

Here's the scoop...we are a family of 3, DH (who has been to DL when he was a wee fella and doesn't remember much), DS, who will turn 14 right before we go, and me, who, today feels about 27...but you can pick anything under 40 and I won't scream. We are looking at June 5 (check in), 6, 7, 8, and 9 (check out) provided DS's school doesn't have any foul weather between now and then. We could bump it back a couple of days if needed, but really can't extend the dates because of DH's teaching schedule. We are also going to use our DVC points to stay at one of the DL resorts...not sure which one. We are not planning on going anywhere other than the DL resort/parks. So, with that said...

Knowing the dates...what kind of crowds could we expect? (We've done WDW at Thanksgiving, week up to Christmas day, and the first week of June...any comparisons?)

Getting there? We can fly from about 4 different aiports since we live in corn field country and have a minimum drive of 2 1/2 hrs. to an airport...but how is it on the California end? We've got a good amount of travel credit with Southwest that needs to be used before mid August, so I'm hoping to find something with them.

Which airport is closest? The next? And then the next? (I'm thinking...John Wayne, Ontario, Long Beach, LAX, then Burbank??)

Getting from the CA airports to DL? How? When we go to WDW, we like using Tiffany Towncar service...anything reputable like that for DL? Or what is available? Or does DL have a bus like the Magical Express at WDW?

DL resorts? I am so utterly confused...they all look good to me, but I've only seen photos here at the DIS. We would like to have a fridge in the room if possible, but not totally required. We must have queen size bed and something for DS...he likes the queen size as well, but could do with a twin. We don't require a certain view as we doubt we'll be spending that much time in the room so we're probably going to go for a standard view. We do like a bit of space...we're used to the deluxe and DVC resorts at WDW...cramped quarters tends to make us fussy. So...general questions...

Which resort has larger rooms? Or where can I find a layout of the rooms including the square footage?
Do each of the 3 have fridges in the room or do I have to request them? If so, is there an additional fee?
What's up with the minibar thing? I read a post where someone had just opened it and incurred charges...what's up with that?
Do each of the 3 resorts have coffee makers in the room? And are you supplied with coffee daily?
Tolietries? I've seen in the photos different ones...GC definitely looks better...also read some where that a guest there also received toothbrushes? Is that the case? How about PP and DLH? What kind of stuff do they supply? In one of the photos it looked just like the stuff you get at WDW resorts. It's not a big issue, but I tend to hang onto these...I have 2 great-nieces that just love the stuff!

Which one is closest to the parks and Downtown Disney? And what's up with getting to the parks? Is it a walk from each to all parks? Or can you still get on the monorail some place to get into the parks? Or are there any buses/shuttles?

Now, more specifics...

Grand Californian? It looks awesome! But would it be worth using the minimum 29 points/night? I guess you'd have to be familiar with DVC to answer that one...so okay what can you tell me? DS is liking the sounds of this place so far though...
Paradise Pier? I was leaning here since it appears to be the second closest and only 25 points/night, but then I read some of the posts here about it and they seem to be more negative ...so what can you tell me about this one?
Disneyland Hotel? This is the oldest one, appears to be the farthest from the parks and what has caused me to put this one third on the list, but it's surely been refurbed at some point...anyone know about when that was? The photos lead me to believe that the rooms here are smaller than the other 2 resorts. We could stay here for 23points/night...does that seem reasonable?

Tickets? What kind to buy? I've looked at several locations and I'm thinking a 4 day hopper...since most of the flights I've looked at it would put us in late afternoon so we might skip that evening as a park visit...just head to DTD and have 3 full days at the parks and depending upon our return flight, part of the last day...or go on into a park the first night, and have 3 full days in the parks with the last day set aside for departure and maybe a visit to DTD. Any thoughts to share here?

Current info for our trip time frame?
I've read about 2 refurbs that I'm not thrilled with...POTC and the monorail. I can't seem to get solid dates on these so can someone help me out or at least point me in the direction to find the info.

Guidebooks? I love these things...can take them with me when my laptop is too big...great reads for waiting rooms. So, I'm sure there are some out there, but which one to buy? If you had to pick just one? I've seen mention of Birnbaum's...not a big fan of them though...Unofficial Guide...yeah they are decent...but I love the Passporter's Guide for WDW...does anyone know if there is one for DL?

Okay...I think that I've covered all of the beginning info...I am so thankful that ya'll are here...I am in need of serious guidance having never been to DL so I am open to all the information you can share!

I really appreciate your help!

 

[AFMom]

I can only make comments about a few things (never flown there......). I think that's a great time to go. Not all schools are out yet - so the crowds won't be as bad! If you've handled crowds at WDW during the times you've listed - this will feel less crowded - even with the 50th, I'd think.
GC is truly beautiful, but I've heard the rooms are the smallest of the 3 - it's certainly up there with the deluxes as far as amenities, though! And has it's own entrance to CA. DLH is quite nice, has wonderful themeing, and is a short walk to the moniorail station that goes straight into Tomorrowland. PP is, I'm pretty sure. the furthest from the parks - but you can also walk to the monorail and ride into DL. The rooms there are a nice size(think Holiday Inn?), the theming is light, and the pool area was redone not too long ago. I'd say of the 3, PP is closer to a moderate than a delux - but has indoor hallways, room service etc. They're all very nice. You get the toiletries at all 3 daily, and coffee as well.
Whether it's worth the points really depends on what sort of cash rate they aren offering at the time..... If you can get the GC for less than $300 a night on those nights - I'd say save the points and pay cash - I always think of my points at about the $10pp mark or so and figure it from there.
Everything is in walking distance. The only shuttles are from the Disney parking structures to the front gates, and also the non-Disney hotels either use the ART shuttles to the parks or have their own. But if you're staying at a Disney property - you won't have any need of a shuttle or a bus. Basicaly the 2 parks face each other with a large (huge) courtyard in between - then off to the side is DTD - which is also the way you would walk back to the Disney hotels. It's great for park hopping!
If it was us - I'd go to DTD the first night, maybe hit ESPN or something, and then go the full 3 days and part of the 4th if you'll have the time. Going to DL on the day you travel in is exhausting! There is so much to do at DTD - and you'll be able to walk around and get the feel for the lay of the land - it'll also be hot enough to use the pool at your hotel.
Grew up going to DL - so I've never gotten a book! Sorry!
Hope I helped a little!

 

[almostGoofy]

Okay, I'll answer the airport part. John Wayne is the closes, then Long Beach, LAX. Not sure if Ontario or Burbank is furthest. Southwest flys to all of these airports except Long Beach.

 

[Chicago526]

John Wayne is closest. My mom and I took Super Shuttle, which is a shared ride shuttle very simular to Mears in WDW (only much better run, IMO) when we went to DL a few years ago and were very happy. I can't remember what we paid but they have a website www.supershuttle.com

I can't answer if the GC is worth the DVC points, but I can tell you it's not worth what they charge to stay there. Not that it's a bad hotel, not at all, I loved it! But with all the lower priced options in the area that are within walking distance of DL, I just feel that my money is better spent elsewhere. DH and I are going to stay at the BW Park Place that located across the street from DL for $89 a night and spend our money on nicer sit down meals and souvies! But it's all in what is important to you while you vacation, to some the hotel is more important than meals or souvies.

GC is the closest to the parks, it has it's own private entrance to DCA and you walk through DTD to get to the entrance of DL (or the main entrance to DCA if you don't want to use GC's private entrance for some reason). Not that either DLH or PP are much further, you can easily walk from all three, or if going to DL you can take the monorail from either (the monorail exits inside Tomorrowland in DL, kinda cool really!).

 

[DisneyDotty]

We flew from OHare to John Wayne in December. JW is a small airport and close to DL--like 20 min. I've been told to avoid LAX if possible. Also recommend Super Shuttle--friendly, efficient, reasonably priced.
We stayed at DLH and loved it. Big room--as big as if not bigger than rooms in the Contemporary. Two queen beds and a day bed. Also has a 'fridge. Pixie dust everywhere. Eat at Goofy's Kitchen while you're there--better than Chef Mickey's.
I'd recommend staying on Disney property, as you won't be there too long and you'll really soak up the magic. The DLH was an easy 10 min. walk to DL and CA, and the walk takes you through DTD (Bonus! Great shopping--again, I think DL's DTD is much better than WDW.)
I'm sure you will love DLR--we were amazed by its charm, how close everything is, and how several attractions are much better than those at WDW. And believe me, we are huge WDW fans.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Vexorg]

Taking a SuperShuttle from John Wayne costs $10 per passenger, and actually worked quite well when I did it (just be aware that from that airport you need to make a reservation before you leave, where you may not need to from LAX.)

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks everyone for the info! I really do appreciate it!

I am still a toss up between the DLH and GC...waffling is one of better qualities... I can see good in both, and a few negatives in each...so I'm gonna have to consult the family...if they have an opinion.

I still can't find anything about the fridges...only that DLH and PP have them...nothing about GC.

I've been looking at airports...SWA for me is actually showing St. Louis to Ontario as the cheapest fares, but no nonstop flights...can only seem to get those to LAX, which I really would like to avoid...it's a higher fare anyway.

Good to know the crowds won't seem to bad...that is always a plus!

I will check into the supershuttle for transportation...will have to check if they serve the Ontario airport...just in case. We've done Mears before the ME, so we know what to expect.

Well, thanks again! If I come up with any more questions I will post them.

 

[JenniferW]

Super shuttle should serve all the airports you are considering just at different prices. If you decide to rent a car (just in case...) avoid arriving late and thinking all the companies will be open. LAX is good and everything is open all the time, but I've flown into Burbank before and my fligth was 30 minutes late and my rental car place closed, yuck!

If you like pools I think the DLH is better. My 2 cents. The cost difference with the park hoppers is so minimal buy the one with the most possible days just in case. Also, transport is so easy and it's all so close together, you'll love it. Make your reservations for Blue Bayou early : )

Jenn

 

[FWDisFan]

We just returned from 4 days at the GC....it is incredibly convenient to EVERYTHING. It is a beautiful hotel -- just not incredibly Disney-fied (like the Grand Floridian...) We loved the GC and the proximity to EVERYTHING. We didn't rent a car---we used Super Shuttle.

We landed at John Wayne at 9am, used the SuperShuttle to the GC (20 minutes), checked-in and were in CA by 10:30. It was AMAZING! (on the best day in Florida we couldn't do that!)

Our room did have a refrigerator but anything touched/moved is charged to the room (not a good plan with our DS!) So at check-in I had them lock it and no problems! We could have requested another fridge but chose not to this time. (Others did have fridges....so they are available!)

I was VERY PLEASED with our room size...we had a Downtown Disney view with bunkbed and queen bed. There was a trundle under the bunkbed --even with it pulled out there was plenty of room between it and the queen bed. The room was very spacious. (It was larger than our bunkbed room at Animal Kingdom Lodge...) Double sink in the bathroom with hairdryer, robes, and a coffee maker. There was coffee supplied (we don't drink coffee so I can't comment on if it is replenished each day!)

As much as we loved the GC I must say that the DLH was only a 6-7 minute walk further. EVERYTHING is SO close -- you'll be amazed.

We aren't DVC members so I can't comment on that...but we would stay at the GC again.

Good luck deciding. As in Florida I don't think you can choose a bad Disney hotel (some are certainly newer and have larger rooms however!) ....it IS Disney and the experience is what you make it!

 

[dopeyfanatic]

DLH is more Disneyfied than the other two, but not as much as you're use to at WDW. GC is beautiful, but in my opinion the actual room you're getting is not worth the extra points. Your son is 14 so I don't think he'll care too much about the pool, but the pool at DLH is cool. It's got the Peter Pan ship and a nice slide. It's HUGE. If you absolutely want to use your points I'd stay at DLH, but I'd really say save your points and pay for a hotel that's offsite. They're right across the street. I don't reccomend to anyone to stay onsite unless that's the only thing that matters in life to them, because the offsite hotels are MUCH cheaper and still easy walking distance. If you want you can PM me and I'll send you the link to a map that shows the hotels and where they're located. We always stay across the street now and walk easily with our kids. We're going next week and staying at Best Western Raffles. My sister went a couple months ago and stayed at Fairfield. Most of the offsite hotels have fridges also...So that's my opinoin on the hotels. As for tickets, get a ticket that will allow you to go every day you're there, even if for 2 hours. The price difference isn't much...Pirates would be closed when you go, but a definite reopening would depend on the release of the new POTC movie. Not sure about monorail. I don't think there''s any info in a guide book that you can't easily find out here for DL. It's not as big as WDW. Oh yeah, and I suggest Orange County (John Wayne) airport and Super Shuttle as well. We did this back in June and had no problems.

 

[DisneyDotty]

Oh, about the monorails--it's a short walk from the DLH to the monorail station in DTD--maybe 5 min. The monorail takes you to Tomorrowland in DL. Very convenient.

 

[momsgoofy]

I really love that I can get so much information here at the DIS!

I did find a guidebook...the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2006...apparently it's the only one out there strictly for DL...other than Birnbaum's, which has great information, but I think it's just a bit too "official" for my liking. I wish the UG had more info on the dining aspects at DL, but I can find that online...allearsnet.com I think is where I saw it. I've read the UG completely thru...it's not very big...but after talking it over with DH and DS, we've decided we're gonna give the GC a try. DH was most impressed by the fact that it is IN the DCA park and the restaurants at Downtown Disney are so close while DS was impressed when he read that we'd have bathrobes...he's all into the being served and pampered thing these days...it's really too funny. If we don't have a fridge in the room it's not a big deal...there is a snack place onsite at GC so we can grab things from there...just like pre-DVC days. I will remember to ask them to lock the mini-bar fridge out so we don't accidently get charged for anything.

I would love to fly into SNA, but it seems that for now, the flights on SWA are unavailable, but I can get a pretty good fare into ONT...even better than LAX, which I really want to avoid if at all possible...we'll see if the fares drop any between now and then...I can always get another travel credit. (Which darnit...means I'd have to take another trip... ) I still need to check the supershuttle.com site to see what they can offer...if not a one day rental car to get us to DL would work.

As for tickets...you are all right...the prices aren't bad at all...think we'll get a 4 day hopper...most of the flights that I found would get us in about 5pm or after, so I really don't think we'd be heading into a park that night...most likely grab a meal at DTD and walk around a bit...I might be able to get the boys to wake up early the next morning since our bodies will still be on CST... (I call that little emoticon the evil momma planner laugh)

I have found out that POTC will be refurbing while we're there so no chance of eating at Blue Bayou, which is a little more than slightly disappointing...but hey, just means we'll have to go again. I still can't get any solid info on the monorail, but I don't think that will make a big difference since everything is so close and we should be able to still ride it as long as it's in shuttle mode...I think the view on the ride might be nice. Neither of these are enough to make us not go...and now that we've decided, DH is getting more excited about it than I expected...maybe he's reliving that first trip as a boy... I'm just happy we're going...

Someone told me we should do the tour...Walk in Walt's Footsteps or something like that..anybody know anything about it?

Well, again thanks so much for everything! I really appreciate it!

 

[dopeyfanatic]

I've never done the tour because I've been so many times...and now we have kids that are too little anyway. But some day I hopt to do it. Not sure I'll learn anything new, but it would be fun. The Disneyland website says it's $49 per person. You get to see into Club 33 and dine on the patio of the Disney Gallery!! I'd love to do this one. Here's the link.... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...ours/detail?name=WalkInWaltsFootstepsTourPage

There's also the cheaper, quicker Welcome to Disneyland tour... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/tours/detail?name=WelcomeToDisneylandTourPage

If you have the time and money I'd do the first one though...

 

[momsgoofy]

I've never done the tour because I've been so many times...and now we have kids that are too little anyway. But some day I hopt to do it. Not sure I'll learn anything new, but it would be fun. The Disneyland website says it's $49 per person. You get to see into Club 33 and dine on the patio of the Disney Gallery!! I'd love to do this one. Here's the link.... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...ours/detail?name=WalkInWaltsFootstepsTourPage

There's also the cheaper, quicker Welcome to Disneyland tour... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/tours/detail?name=WelcomeToDisneylandTourPage

If you have the time and money I'd do the first one though...

Thanks! I couldn't remember where I'd seen it...been looking at too many sites for DL info...lol

 

[DisneyDotty]

We did the special 50th Anniversary Tour our first night of our first time at DL. LOVED IT! Although we were in a sleep-deprived, jet-lag kind of daze, the tour gave us a great intro to DL, allowed us to ride several attractions (NO WAITING!) and gave us perfect seats for the fireworks--I cried!--plus a snack. I HIGHLY recommend a tour to newbies. Plus we received a picture and commemorative pin. Great way to take in the magic and get a feel of the park.

 

[momsgoofy]

We did the special 50th Anniversary Tour our first night of our first time at DL. LOVED IT! Although we were in a sleep-deprived, jet-lag kind of daze, the tour gave us a great intro to DL, allowed us to ride several attractions (NO WAITING!) and gave us perfect seats for the fireworks--I cried!--plus a snack. I HIGHLY recommend a tour to newbies. Plus we received a picture and commemorative pin. Great way to take in the magic and get a feel of the park.

Okay, I just saw this same tour listed on mousesavers and thought it looked good, too...even better I am eligible for a 20% discount on all the tours, except mousesavers didn't list this one...hum? I'm guessing it would be the same discount.

Anyway, my question is...where can I find the times for the tours? Will I need to call and ask? If so, does anyone have a phone number to call? I know DH and DS won't want to get up early to go on a tour, so if there are some in the afternoon, or as DisneyDotty said, the evening...well, then that would be great for them!

A bit OT here, but I finally found a guidebook that understands teenagers...Frommer's Guide to California! When I was reading the few pages they had on DL, it mentioned to get up early and get moving with the little ones...take a nap and do a little more as they tend to crash early, but for teens it actually said to let them sleep in, get going late morning and stay up late as DL really comes alive for the teenagers after dark...Wow! They were talking about my DS teen for sure...he hates getting up early anymore, but loves staying up late...typical kid!

Okay, so again, thanks for the info about the tours...times or a phone number.

 

[dopeyfanatic]

The phone number would be on the link I gave you from their website.....

 

[momsgoofy]

The phone number would be on the link I gave you from their website.....

Thanks! I was having a bit of a Dory moment... ...seems to happen more often these days...

I actually just sent an email to DL, but if I don't hear anything in a bit, then I'll just call.

Thanks again!