I am also planning a trip next year. First time going and I would love to go at the beginning of December. I have the feeling it will just be me (51) and my one daughter (20). How far in advance do you start booking? For my first time I would love to stay at one of the Disney Hotels. Is one better than the other, or it is too much $ for what you get?
People's mileage may vary, but if you're going in early December of next year, what you might want to try is the DVC Rent/Trade board, and rent a Grand Californian Villa. It is, by far, the nicest hotel of the three, but it is also, by far, the most expensive, and needs to be reserved pretty far in advance. Be sure to read all of the sticky threads before you post. You do get early entry at one of the two parks every day, and that is a big advantage. Those staying at the Grand Californian also get a private entrance, in the hotel, to California Adventure, and those staying at the
Disneyland Hotel are the only guests allowed to take the monorail into the park in the morning. (It used to be open to everyone, and we used to LOVE starting the day with a ride, but I digress...)
I find them too expensive, so we usually stay off-site--we like the Howard Johnson's, and we've also stayed at the Carousel Inn, Ramada Maingate and the Del Sol. The Howard Johnson's is pleasant, and has a nice pool area. The Carousel and Ramada Inn are also pleasant. The Del Sol is just your basic motel, but it is clean, inexpensive, and also very close to the park. I would strongly recommend staying on Harbor Blvd.
There are also rumors that Disneyland will charge for the holiday shows with a Very Merry Christmas Party ticket. This is both good and bad. It's good, because if you arrive in the afternoon, you can keep from burning a day of your pass and just go to the party. It's bad because it means that, on party days, Disneyland Park will close early, and you'll get less time in the park, and you will have to pay to see the Christmas Parade or holiday shows. The Candlelight Processional may be an extra charge on top of the Christmas Party, probably a dining package sort of like EPCOT; however they're doing that this year as well, except for AP holders.
Speaking of APs, particularly if you plan to stay at the Disney hotels, figure out what your AP discount will get you, including the discounts on food and merchandise. If you're staying at a Disney hotel, it might be worth it to get an AP for at least one of you. Also, the Howard Johnson's and Del Sol Inn offer substantial discounts to passholders.
At any rate, I hope you have a wonderful time.
