Upgrading tickets and more questions

[MickeyMoush]

First- apologies- my first time posting and no fancy pictures or anything. Just hoping to get some answers from you all here that seem to know a lot! I am not even sure I'm posting in the right place.

Here's the situation and then my questions- I am wanting to purchase the 3 day ticket deal that Disneyland and California Adventure have right now (have seen it online on the Disney site and at the Disney store). It is $139 for 3 days at either park (one park at a time, not a park hopper). I want to take my 6 year old two times, once to Disneyland, and once to California Adventure while my husband watches my two toddlers. Then I will go back one day (prob to California Adventure) with all three kids. If has worked well and I can handle all three kids, then I want to upgrade to an annual pass (the cheaper of the So Cal passes).

My questions:

1)First, is there any reason why I would not be able to upgrade to an AP on that third day? I read in some of the posts that some tickets are not upgradeable. Does it not being a park hopper ticket make a difference?

2)I am wondering about parking... when I buy the 3 day special tickets, I will have to pay $15 each trip for parking (so $5) and then when I upgrade to AP will pay $99 for parking. Was wondering if I should maybe take the risk and pay for $99 parking even with the 3 day tickets (as I really, really want it to work and change it to AP), but then if I don't/can't upgrade, I will have overpaid ($54). Thoughts?

3)To purchase the 3 day ticket special, if I order online, do I have to print something? I ask because our printer is broken Or will they mail me something (If so- how long does that take?- I might like to go next week).

Sorry for the long questions. Thank you in advance! I hope I can find my post and see any answers- just learning my way around!

Andi

 

[skiingfast]

1. You are fine to upgrade it will be $139 toward the AP you want.

2. If you pay to park on the day you upgrade, which will be your 3rd day, save the reciept and that days parking cost $15 will be credited toward the AP.

3. Yes you print the E-ticket which will be emailed to you and use it at the gate. Could you have it emailed to a friend with a working printer?

4. If you are getting a pass that won't be blocked out on some of your last visit days you should upgrade ASAP, so you can use the parking and food discounts right away. I'm just guessing you are going to get one of the socal passes and you can check the blockout dates in the link below(the link is in the colorful area with the grid). Also the day you upgrade you won't be blocked, so that may get you an extra day of parking and discounts if it works out.

https://secure-disneyland.disney.go...ated/landing?name=AnnualPassholderLandingPage

 

[MickeyMoush]

Thank you skiingfast for replying! I had a heck of a time getting back into the right forum area and finding my original post to see if there were any responses. Glad I found it!

Good to know that I'll be able to upgrade and have the $139 toward AP.

I think that I may go on one of the AP blocked out dates the first time I take my 6 year old alone- as I may have to go on a Saturday (so my husband can watch the toddlers) and I may even have to do that the second time. My biggest reason for waiting and not getting the AP yet, is to see how the toddlers do (how *I* do) with them at the park. If it is a disaster, then I won't upgrade. I am mostly fearful of keeping track of two of them (thee kids total) on my own- scary thought! If I get an AP, then I'll be fine going on week days and won't worry about any blocked out dates.

Oh- that sounds like it could be a good idea- if I pay the parking the three days to have the third day put toward the $99. At least I wouldn't be out all $45.

Going to mess with my printer in a bit and see if I can get the darn thing to work. I do have a friend with a working printer. Just wasn't sure if I could give them someone else's email address. Could I just forward my email to her myself, I wonder? Alternatively, I did see the tickets at the Disney store in town, so I supposed I could just buy those there.

Thanks again!

 

[ArchOwl]

Sounds like fun! I hope it works out with the kids and you have a great time!

Just fyi, you can get the three day pass at local grocery stores as well. My friends have bought them at Pavillons/Vons and Ralphs. So if you were headed to a grocery store this week, keep your eye out at checkout or the aisle with gift cards. That way you don't have to make an extra trip to the Disney store.

It might be better to buy them in a store rather than online, just so you could avoid any printer hassles. You could forward them to a friend, but it may be easier just to pick them up yourself. Plus, the card you buy at the store is your ticket. If you buy online it does take an extra half a minute for them to exchange the paper you printed for a ticket.

Have fun!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Thank you skiingfast for replying! I had a heck of a time getting back into the right forum area and finding my original post to see if there were any responses. Glad I found it!

Good to know that I'll be able to upgrade and have the $139 toward AP.

I think that I may go on one of the AP blocked out dates the first time I take my 6 year old alone- as I may have to go on a Saturday (so my husband can watch the toddlers) and I may even have to do that the second time. My biggest reason for waiting and not getting the AP yet, is to see how the toddlers do (how *I* do) with them at the park. If it is a disaster, then I won't upgrade. I am mostly fearful of keeping track of two of them (thee kids total) on my own- scary thought! If I get an AP, then I'll be fine going on week days and won't worry about any blocked out dates.

Oh- that sounds like it could be a good idea- if I pay the parking the three days to have the third day put toward the $99. At least I wouldn't be out all $45.

Going to mess with my printer in a bit and see if I can get the darn thing to work. I do have a friend with a working printer. Just wasn't sure if I could give them someone else's email address. Could I just forward my email to her myself, I wonder? Alternatively, I did see the tickets at the Disney store in town, so I supposed I could just buy those there.

Thanks again!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Oops- not sure why my other reply went twice- see- I am totally new at this!

Thanks ArchOwl for your response too that I just saw. I really hope it works too. I would love to be able to have a play to get out and about with the kids and they all love Disney so much. My toddlers are "virtual twins" just four months apart (21 and 25 months) as I birthed one and we adopted one. So going anywhere (grocery shopping or medical appointments or anything) is just very challenging and safety is always my concern. I've gotten my regular chores of groceries and such down to a pretty good system, but it's never easy. I usually have at least one or both contained in some way and not two loose at the same time- at Disney, I know they would both want to be down... so that is my hesitation. I don't have a husband that would go with me or anything, so on my own for visits. I know in a few years it would be easier, but this is the only year that I can take them and have them free and just pay for AP for my 6 year old and myself. Don't think we could afford 4 passes next year.

I will check the store! We live far out of town- grocery store and Disney store both far, but I would rather purchase at grocery. I usually go to Walmart though- wonder if they have them there? Thanks for the advice!

Andi

 

[Disney Dreams]

I think that I may go on one of the AP blocked out dates the first time I take my 6 year old alone - as I may have to go on a Saturday (so my husband can watch the toddlers) and I may even have to do that the second time. ...

Hi Andi!

Sounds like you have your hands full. How wonderful (and interesting) it must be to have two kids so close in age --- like twins, but not. And how incredible to have a child and adopt one in such a close window. YOu are a very fortunate lady!

I just wanted to comment on the part of your reply that I have bolded above.

I don't know if you are aware of this but...

When you are upgrading to an AP from a "regular" ticket (including a 3day), if you upgrade ON a blockout day, you can go into the Park on that day --- because the ticket you are using to upgrade to an AP is valid on that day.

So... if you plan it right and make your 3rd use a Saturday, you can upgrade on that day. You will have your park admission AND any applicable discounts based on which AP you get.

HTH,
Dreams

P.S. Welcome to the DISBoards!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Just wanted to chime in with some encouragement. I've taken my 4 by myself before. They were 8, 5, 3 and 18 months at the time. With a double stroller it can be very doable. Also if by mid afternoon they are "done" an AP gives you the freedom to call it a day and come back another time. If they are napping in the stroller, there are some fun things like play areas in DCA by GRR (the name escapes me) or the water area in Bugs Life, or ToonTown that your older one can explore while the little ones nap.

 

[ArchOwl]

Sounds like you have your hands full! I have three adopted sisters who have been going to Disneyland from a young age. They have special needs and Disney has been their special place. The benefit in having the annual pass is that you can stay for a short time if necessary. If you only have one day, you feel cheated if you have to leave early or if it is just a bad day. So, ultimately I think an annual pass is going to work better for you. You could go for just the morning and leave before the kids get really cranky or tired.

You may also be surprised at how tired the little ones get. My 3 year old sister refused a stroller in the morning because "it's for babies". She was happy to climb into one by the afternoon, her little feet were very tired. So don't be surprised if your toddlers want a stroller as the day goes on.

I am pretty sure they don't sell the passes at Walmart, I think they are at Albertsons, Vons, Ralphs, stater bros, Food 4 Less, Gelsons and Deardons. Hopefully one is close to you!,

 

[starshine514]

Oops- not sure why my other reply went twice- see- I am totally new at this!

Thanks ArchOwl for your response too that I just saw. I really hope it works too. I would love to be able to have a play to get out and about with the kids and they all love Disney so much. My toddlers are "virtual twins" just four months apart (21 and 25 months) as I birthed one and we adopted one. So going anywhere (grocery shopping or medical appointments or anything) is just very challenging and safety is always my concern. I've gotten my regular chores of groceries and such down to a pretty good system, but it's never easy. I usually have at least one or both contained in some way and not two loose at the same time- at Disney, I know they would both want to be down... so that is my hesitation. I don't have a husband that would go with me or anything, so on my own for visits. I know in a few years it would be easier, but this is the only year that I can take them and have them free and just pay for AP for my 6 year old and myself. Don't think we could afford 4 passes next year.

I will check the store! We live far out of town- grocery store and Disney store both far, but I would rather purchase at grocery. I usually go to Walmart though- wonder if they have them there? Thanks for the advice!

Andi

I'm hoping you'll be pleasantly surprised and that your two littlest ones will stay in their stroller (you have a double, I hope?) when you're moving from land to land. Hopefully your 6-yr-old will be a big help when inside a land so that s/he can hold one little ones' hand while you hold the other child's hand. Be sure to set that expectation with all of the kids, and hopefully it will be doable for you! The other option is those little backpack leashes, if the little ones won't go for hand-holding...

 

[MickeyMoush]

Wow! Thank you ALL for your responses. Signing on here was a great idea!

To DisneyDreams: Yes! Fortunate I am! We are so blessed with our children. I am busy, busy- but wouldn't change it for a moment. They really are called "virtual twins" since they are so close in age. They are SO bonded and love each other so (one boy, one girl) and don't know any different than being together all the time. They fully think they ARE twins. Get a lot of stare- as my boy is white (the one I birthed) and my girl is black (the one we adopted).

I think I will make the third trip on a Saturday near my daughter's 7th bday and will do the upgrade then- so that will work! Thanks for the welcome!

To 3Minnies1Mickey: (Love your name!) Yes, that is encouraging to hear that you have survived with your four on your own! I may be calling out to you again in another post! I do have a double stroller and will bring that- good exercise for me. What do you do when you have to go into the bathroom for older kids? Leave stroller out and drag everyone in? I would love to be able to spend 1/2 day there and not push it and head back home. This is why the AP sounds great to me.

To ArchOwl:Neat! Are your three sisters triplets? I took my 6 year old to Disneyland in May of 09 when I was pregnant and before we left to Georgia to adopt our girl- and we just had the ONE day and it was NOT enough. We ran around and did as much as we could (on a weekday) and we still did not get to see all we wanted (from open to close), so understand what you are saying. I've been wanting to take her back since, but never could figure out how to do it with babies (and cost). With one baby, I could carry on most things and sit with my older daughter, but two babies?! I am curious to see what types of things we can all go on together (the 4 of us) that Disney allows. I saw some pictures of things where there was a mom with several kids (no other adult), like Flik's Flyers I think? I have never been to CA Adventure. I am pretty sure the AP would work out best, as you said- just envisioning worst case scenario, I guess, taking all three and having heart failure! LOL. Yep, I can do Ralphs, Albertsons or Vons. Not close- but nothing is. Live out in middle of nowhere and that's fine. Think I rather do that than mess with printer and also can give it to my 6 year old.

To Startshine514:Funny that you mention the backpack leash things... I was actually thinking about that. I have some for them and they love to wear them around the house for fun. I have never taken them out in public with them. I WILL take them with me though, just not sure what people think of them. Not sure if I should care what they think though, if it saves me from losing a kid. I was going to ask about that on her. My older daughter is a pretty good helper with them and so she would try to hold a hand and corral them, but like you said, the little ones might not want to cooperate and might want to run. They do like to sit in the stroller (yes have great double one) so long as it's moving. For anything that we can ride on (all four of us) I worried about waiting in line, as I can't have the stroller there- so would use the backpacks.

Hope it was okay to reply to all in one post here. I don't mean to not follow proper forum etiquette! Break me in gently!

Thanks, Andi

 

[ArchOwl]

My parents adopted three girls who are all unrelated biologically. One is 12, one is 8 and one is now 1. The older two are Disney vets and can't wait to take the youngest (she is medically fragile and won't be able to go for awhile yet). We get some strange looks as well. My parents and myself and my brothers are white and adults. My three sisters are younger, one is asian, one is black, and one is white. Just proof that you don't have to be related to be a family!

Off the top of my head, I am thinking that you should be able to go on many of the Fantasyland rides and Bug's Land rides with no problem. Pirates and Little Mermaid should also work. And of course there are play areas on Pirate's Lair, Toontown, and Bug's Land that allow them to get up and move around. And of course there are the characters and such.

I hope you have a good time!

 

[MickeyMoush]

ArchOwl- how great for your parents - for all of you. Your family sounds like many that I know of from adoption forums that I belong to- yes families come in many ways, not all in ways that people are used to seeing.

Sounds like we will have various options of things to do even with me being the only adult at either park. I was thinking of maybe just being able to go and do the walk around stuff when all three kids, which would be fine with me, but maybe not so much with my older girl. That is why I'm wanting to take her the two times alone (if we only do the 3 day thing) and then if we upgrade to AP, then I'll be able to take her occasionally on her own. She did love the parade and fireworks the other time I took her, and just going to see Princesses, so I know there is A LOT to do that would make her happy. I just know she will be sad not to be able to go on some rides with the little ones there. Looking at the pictures of The Little Mermaid- it didn't look like something we could go on- looks like seat for one adult and one or two kids, but not three.... you were thinking we could go on that? THAT is the main reason we are going there- so my daughter can go on that ride!

I want to update you all when we do go, when I take all three and let you know what I decide, so I hope that when I make a post that you'll be able to see it

 

[ArchOwl]

Adoption has been a real blessing for our family and I know it will be for yours as well!

I just rode Little Mermaid with 3 adults, two of them guys, so I think you will have no problem with one adult and three kids. It is suprisingly roomy!

 

[MickeyMoush]

Oh wow- 4 adults on The Little Mermaid ride? Totally surprised me when you said that. I thought the shell things looked like maybe the size of Haunted Mansion seats and didn't think they were that big. Even if big- wasn't sure they would allow me to take that many kids on my own. I was hoping to scope that sort of thing out when I just go with the one and kind of learn the layout of CA Adventure for when I take the little ones back. Cool! I'm getting very excited to go. Need to get those passes and figure out when we can go. My daughter's birthday is August 30th, but I told her we could probably go a little early- this is because she has no idea we are going to get the 3 day passes and maybe better yet, the AP! We asked her- birthday party at the house with friends, or go to Disney. No hesitation- Disney!!!

You are so right about adoption. I have always said being a mother has been the greatest blessing God has given me- but now I add adoption to that- as it has opened my eyes to a whole different world and I am so grateful for it. Our little girl has been with us since the day she was born and it has been an amazing journey.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Make sure you get your daughter a birthday button when you go to celebrate. It does not matter if it's her actual birthday. If you are celebrating that day, get it. (Heck, wear it for the 3 days if she wants!)

She will get lots of birthday wishes throughout her day!

Sounds like you have a pretty special and wonderful family.

- Dreams

P.S. Replying to many in one reply by quoting like you did it PERFECT!

 

[ArchOwl]

Oh no, 3 adults on the Little Mermaid ride. They are bigger than Haunted Mansion buggies for sure. They didn't stop the 3 of us from riding, but you could always ask the CMs before you get in line if they have a policy limiting the number of riders. Hopefully it works out!

I hope your daughter has a magical Disney birthday celebration. I look forward to hearing about your visit and what you decide to do.

 

[MickeyMoush]

Dreams- what is a birthday button and where do I get it?

ArchOwl- what is a CM- I mean I am figuring it is a Disney employee of some sort, but I can't figure out the words the CM stands for- which by the way- is there some place on this forum that lists all the abbreviations so that I can decode and use some myself? Also, how should I post once we go so that you all can see what we did- how do I find you?

Happy day girls! Thanks for showing me the ropes!

 

[GrandBob]

Birthday button - pick it up at Guest Services in Town Hall, though you can get it in other places.

CM = Cast Member

Acronyms - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784

HTH,
Bob

 

[skiingfast]

Dreams- what is a birthday button and where do I get it?

ArchOwl- what is a CM- I mean I am figuring it is a Disney employee of some sort, but I can't figure out the words the CM stands for- which by the way- is there some place on this forum that lists all the abbreviations so that I can decode and use some myself? Also, how should I post once we go so that you all can see what we did- how do I find you?

Happy day girls! Thanks for showing me the ropes!

CMs are Cast Members the Disney name for employees.

Birthday Buttons, you can ask most CMs for one but best to ask one behind a desk or counter so they can write your name and age on it. You can get a "I'm Celebrating" button to wear yourself.