UK to Anaheim on the cheap!!!

[Ella1]

Just a quick hello as this is my first post
Quick question, we have been to Anaheim twice before (stayed at the Radisson Maingate for 2 weeks in 2002 and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orange County last summer for 4 weeks). This year we went to Orlando but we didn't like it that much so decided to go to Europe next summer, but we have got withdrawal symptoms for Anaheim, the problem being ....money!!!! (or lack of it) its myself and teenage daughter and we would ideally like at least 2 weeks, but it has to be in the summer holidays due to college.
I have looked at quite a few sites and the accommodations not that expensive, it's the flights that cost a fortune!
Any ideas????
Love Ella

 

[cuterlt]

I don't have an answer for you - but I'm sure you'll find one here!
Just a question - how did you like the Radisson Maingate? We're there in a few weeks.

 

[Ella1]

Hi,
we really enjoyed it there and it was only about a 15 minute walk to the parks or the trolley bus stops right outside. The rooms are nice and clean and we had a lovely view of the pool. All the staff were nice, though they might have changed in the 3 years since we were there, but I expect they are still pleasant and helpful.
The Hansa House next door is very nice for breakfast ( it was closed last year for renovation which was a shame) also the Bakers Square just down the road does a lovely buffet breakfast and very nice fruit pies.
Theres a lot of restaurants in the area and there is a restaurant at the Radisson which serves nice food.
The Radisson is in a lovely area and theres a 7/11 just across the street if you need anything. Next to the Hansa House is a little gift shop that sells phone cards, not sure where you are from, but for International calls they are great value!!!
Hope this helps.
Love Ella

 

[cuterlt]

Thanks for the info. Our first choices weren't available, so we went with something we didn't know.... Thanks for the reassurance and the tips!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I know one thing is that you can often get cheaper flights if it is in conjunction with a package. For example through "Pleasant Holidays " I can get a flight to Hawaii, a weeks rental car and lodging. for the same price as just air fare with an airline. They charter the planes fill every seat. I have seen the same phenmenon with "Virgin Atlantic".

 

[Ella1]

Hi Judy,
we have looked at booking together and also booking seperately but the biggest expense is the flight. I can get really cheap accomodation if I book direct with the hotels over there, but the flight is the big one!!!
Virgin Atlantic want almost £1,500 ($2575) for the 2 of us for return flights, if I could grow wings and fly over, I would!!!
Love Ella

 

[Pawpaws]

Hi Ella

Try the Jetlife brochure via Thomas Cook - we've used them a couple of times (one trip was to San Francisco and Anaheim/Disney 2 years ago) - we went on United Airlines so had a free stopover although you are entitled to 2 free stopovers usually. I've found them fairly inexpensive, especially if you go in early December or just after Thanksgiving - this is why we have travelled to USA for 3 Decembers in a row, because it seems to be the cheapest time.



Paula

 

[Ella1]

Thanks Paula, I'll try to get hold of that brochure at the weekend.
Sadly, we are tied to school holidays as my daughters at college and my friend (that we are going with )has 3 children under 12, so we have to go at the most expensive time.
Love Ella

 

[Pawpaws]

No problems Ella. I've been lucky because my part-time degree course ends the first week in December so I've been able to book trips OK - sorry you can't do the same. Last time I booked a holiday with Thomas cook, the agent even beat the price I'd got from Jetlife brochure and this was with the Thomas Cook Signature brochure which I've never used before because I thought it would be too expensive! If you book early enough you might get early-bird discounts? Also, if you want to just book flights, try Virgin and British Airways online on Christmas Day, as I've heard they sometimes offer special discounts on that day since most people are too busy doing other things! Hope you book something OK.

Paula

 

[Ella1]

Hi Paula,
we are waiting to see if Virgin do the 15% again on Xmas day. I have the Thomas Cook Signature book and they have the Clarion hotel at £23 a night. Asked in TC and they quoted £663.09p each flying with Air New Zealand which was slightly less than AirNZ website, not sure if this will be cheaper than booking with Virgin and getting the discount.
Have set my heart on going next year and so has my friend as it will be her first visit, maybe I will win the lottery in the meantime, not being greedy 5 numbers and the bonus will do me!!!!...lol.
Love Ella