When do you throw in the towel?

[VandVsmama]

My apologies! You have a 6 and 7 yr old, not a 5 yr old!

Another thought on hotels:
Ask your DH what he thinks....spend $$$ on the GCH or DLH, or stay cheaper & closer across the street, but lose the hotel atmosphere. It's a trade off.

Let's say the big reason why your DH wants to stay at GCH is because he likes the atmosphere there better than at Hojo's. Well, you could stay at BWPPI or Tropicana for ~ 1/3 the price of GCH and if DH wants to take breaks at the GCH (say, at the Hearthstone Lounge in the afternoon), then you could totally do that. Best of both worlds. On the other hand, the lobby of the GCH can be kind of like Grand Central Station.

 

[gottalovepluto]

They changed the matterhorn for the worse since 2012. You're not missing much. Does that help?

Fwiw it is much improved since they added a seat cushion.

 

[GatorChris]

A couple of options. Being a WDW Vet and big-time WDW lover, I'd say for $5K, go to WDW. If you're having to fly anyway, and I can't see where you're from, you might as well fly to Orlando. For $5K, you can state a fantastic Moderate hotel at WDW and get the same experience you get at Grand Cali. With 4 parks open, even if something is down, you'll have plenty left to do. Plus you get a nighttime show or fireworks every night at 3 of the 4 (not sure if AK is doing their nighttime thing again). We're going to be at DL at the same time you have posted. If not for the fact we have APs, were just there in November, live 300 miles away, and will be going back several times this year, we'd be pretty upset about this trip. There's SO MUCH down during that time.

Should you decide to stay with DL, you could cut the cost of your trip by $1K or more by staying at a hotel on Harbor. Plenty to choose from and they're decent places to stay. Not Disney, mind you, but still good.

But all in all, if I had to fly no matter what, I'd go to WDW every time.

 

[prestoncaldwell]

If you aren't feeling the trip, forcing it isn't going to make it better. WDW is an option, as is a cruise, or for $5K you can do a week in a very nice all-inclusive on an idyllic Mexican beach.

 

[Indiana Scott]

As someone who has turned into a part time lurker, I can certainly understand your dilemma.
Our last trip was awful. Crowds were very low but the other people were rude and on several occasions even violent. We had people trying to start a fight, "shoulder checking" us (yes, clearly on purpose) and taking every opportunity to be nasty. This went on the whole 6 days we were there.
It got to the point where I dreaded heading into the park every morning and did my best not to interact with the other "guests".
My advice is if you have any doubt about going, skip it. The parks will always be there and the longer you wait the better it will be because construction and new attraction impacts can be avoided.
It will be many years before we go back.

 

[talentedmummy]

Ha--I will have to investigate Harold the Yeti. Husband hated our WOC package last time, so that's prob a non-starter, but maybe I can talk him into DLH for the pool. (In reading thru this thread, it sounds like hubby is rotten, which is not at all the case; he was disabled in Iraq and is in near constant pain and hates things like WOC or parades where there isn't a comfortable view.) Is the walk from DLH reasonable for a kindergartner?

Totally a reasonable walk. We stay at the PPH and our then 3yo walked back and forth everytime with the exception of one late night stroller ride. Our kids were so distracted by everything Disney they didn't notice how far they were walking.

 

[Nevada Jen]

A word of warning. The harbor hotels are a BIG step down from the Disney hotels. After everyone kept recommending it, I finally broke down and stayed off sight at HOJOs last month. I would say the difference is like that between Kmart and Macy's. My husband thought it was fine. I thought it was fine too but it certainly wasn't my idea of a vacation. I wouldn't have stayed there multiple nights in a row. And between the seriously diminished accomodations and losing the EMH, I would have rather spent the money to stay on site. I honestly think with your party and timing, you will like the DLH more than GCH. That said, I think I would consider Hawaii. Or WDW. The thing with WDW is I can't stomach the busses and such on site. I came seriously close to booking a last minute trip because I get a bigger bonus than expected and ended up with 7 days in a row off. I almost did a savannah room at Animal Kingdom Lodge that would have had giraffe views off the balcony. But the busses got me in the end. So then I looked into Sheraton Visitana off site and I was shocked to find that 2 bedroom villas were going for 181 a night! We have stayed there before. Google it. This might be the perfect solution. You and the kids can get in a couple of Disney days and DH gets a relaxing tropical vacation at a nice resort. We have stayed there before for 10 days and only done one park day.

ETA: I just took my own advice and cancelled Disney and booked Hawaii!

 

[OldBelle]

Wow, OP here...thanks for fantastic advice. I'm still deciding but this gives me a lot of different perspectives! And thanks for the mention of the flag ceremony--I didn't know about that and he would like that.

 

[Whistlebee]

I'm a little late here, but I'll throw my $.02 in the pot. I'm not sure when you went in 2014 but that year we went at the very end of April and it was the worst trip we've ever had. Crowds were way higher than predicted, there were a TON of refurbishments, and then on top of that the Santa Ana winds picked up and that closes even more rides. Rides were breaking down left and right as well. To add insult to injury we stayed at the Grand Californian and it wasn't a great experience for us. We had to evacuate for an hour in the middle of the night our first night because of a false alarm and then our last day they were doing repairs/maintenance/construction in the room next to us and it was insanely loud. The bellman couldn't hear us over the phone loud. It all added up to our most expensive stay ever and our worst/least magical ever. Not a good combination. All of that being said tho, my kids, of course had an amazing time. We haven't had a bad trip since then either. I think it was the perfect storm of a lot of things going wrong.

My husband really, really, dislikes Disneyland and theme parks in general. It was a huge bummer for me to have him have such a bad trip. I don't think he's been back with us since! So I do understand wanting to make sure your husband has a good time. If you do go I'd switch to the Disneyland Hotel. There's no way I'd stay at the Grand with no pool and construction happening. We do really love the Disneyland Hotel more than the Grand anyway. For younger kids, I think it's a better fit than the Grand. If you do go and can't get on rides, things are going wrong, etc. take the time to complain. I finally did toward the end of our trip and I got a few fastpasses for it. I wish I would've complained more and earlier in our trip.

Only you can decide if it's worth it to your family. I'm sure the kids would have a great time no matter what. I don't think you can ever go wrong with Hawaii either.

We are thinking of going the same dates as you, how'd you see what is scheduled for refurbishment already? I don't see the calendar going out that far? Thanks!

 

[Uncranky Donald]

I feel that I can be miserable in a bubble bath while eating chocolate and having a young Harrison Ford dry me off.. or I can be happy in a flee bitten motel with a dodgy stomach that wants to host Alien..

if you feel that you wont have fun. be happy. then you most likely wont . we usually go in April and have had tons of crowds and crazy people stepping on me and rides down but still its a great time..

yes its crowded more often than not these days, and your plans include ride closures , but I would still rather be there , than not . I understand and feel for you. and of course don't know you to really get why this is so upsetting for you, as everyone has a different thresh hold . but you know just how all these things that you have against going will effect you and your family.. so my opinion really means nothing ..

either way , when you get there I hope you have a great time .

Lol, perfectly said!!!
I haven't been to The Happiest Place on Earth since 99, but I watch vlogs weekly and see how crazy crowded it's become especially since the anniversary. As far as the Most Magical Place, I've been there May '11, March '14 and April '15 and never experienced lighter crowds in my lifetime of going...perhaps the vibes I put out were delivered back to me cuz I just don't relate to any consensus that the parks have been becoming unbearably crowded over the past few years. Again, that's just MY experience with WDW, a bad trip doesn't exist in my vocabulary As Doc Brown once said "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything!" I hope you can shake the idea that the trip will defeat you cuz I think you've already put in so much thought/work/$/stress, you & your family deserve it, whether west or east coast, Good Luck!!!

 

[OldBelle]

I'm a little late here, but I'll throw my $.02 in the pot. I'm not sure when you went in 2014 but that year we went at the very end of April and it was the worst trip we've ever had. Crowds were way higher than predicted, there were a TON of refurbishments, and then on top of that the Santa Ana winds picked up and that closes even more rides. Rides were breaking down left and right as well. To add insult to injury we stayed at the Grand Californian and it wasn't a great experience for us. We had to evacuate for an hour in the middle of the night our first night because of a false alarm and then our last day they were doing repairs/maintenance/construction in the room next to us and it was insanely loud. The bellman couldn't hear us over the phone loud. It all added up to our most expensive stay ever and our worst/least magical ever. Not a good combination. All of that being said tho, my kids, of course had an amazing time. We haven't had a bad trip since then either. I think it was the perfect storm of a lot of things going wrong.

My husband really, really, dislikes Disneyland and theme parks in general. It was a huge bummer for me to have him have such a bad trip. I don't think he's been back with us since! So I do understand wanting to make sure your husband has a good time. If you do go I'd switch to the Disneyland Hotel. There's no way I'd stay at the Grand with no pool and construction happening. We do really love the Disneyland Hotel more than the Grand anyway. For younger kids, I think it's a better fit than the Grand. If you do go and can't get on rides, things are going wrong, etc. take the time to complain. I finally did toward the end of our trip and I got a few fastpasses for it. I wish I would've complained more and earlier in our trip.

Only you can decide if it's worth it to your family. I'm sure the kids would have a great time no matter what. I don't think you can ever go wrong with Hawaii either.

We are thinking of going the same dates as you, how'd you see what is scheduled for refurbishment already? I don't see the calendar going out that far? Thanks!

I can't remember where I saw the refurbishment list--maybe on Touring plans?!

 

[Whistlebee]

I can't remember where I saw the refurbishment list--maybe on Touring plans?!

Thanks, I found one on Micechat

 

[beachdreamr1229]

So, I've only scanned the previous comments, but here are my thoughts.

Disneyland is much more crowded than it was in the past. Even the off season is pretty crazy. But...if you're truly a Disney fan, nothing beats a trip to Disneyland. Maybe it's because it's my home park, but it will always be my favorite, even with half of the stuff closed. And it's definitely worth going.

As for the cost, I'm with those that recommended moving to an off-site hotel. Right across the street on Harbor, there are plenty of great hotel options. We frequently stay at the HOJO or for a bit more money, the Courtyard. Both are great, have a water play area for the kids, and are not too different from walking from DLH or PPH. My 6 year old has been walking to and from for the past 2 years with no stroller and no complaints. Plus, there's a McDonalds and a Panera on the walk which can save you some money on food.

 

[kathy884]

I throw in the towel if I'm not fired up about the trip and can think of a different trip that I'd rather do that works for me and my family time wise and budget wise. It's a matter of my enthusiasm or lack thereof vs. crowds, weather, travel time, how often I've been before, how long since I've been (I do though seem to be more enthused about something new or something that I haven't done before vs. a place I've just been to (even if it was a great trip)).

I've had lots of great times at WDW for example, but am burned out on Orlando at the moment. I think I've just been down there too many times. I'm also burned out on Branson, MO and Cancun side of Mexico and Puerto Vallarta too (a former favorite place). I'm tired of long cramped plane rides which for me rules out Hawaii and Europe for the moment. The reality for those last two also is that I would need to do fewer trips this year for one of those to fit in my budget (the airfares are the killer).

Everyone is different. Here are the two vacations and two mini trips that I am fired up to do in 2017.
-- I do love Disney and theme parks, though, so I am doing a mini trip to LA/Hollywood and Disneyland with DS 21 in January, just four nights. DH doesn't like theme parks so is staying home. DS has never been to Disneyland. And the last time I went I was four.
-- We are going to try a cruise in March on a big NCL ship, the Escape. I'm not that much into cruising, but haven't been in a while and trying a new line and relatively new ship sounds fun. Plus it's DS's choice (He is absolutely thrilled to be going -- a friend of his is coming too), DH is happy to go, and I'm a sucker for enthusiasm from other members of my family. My parents are coming too, which will be great.
-- We visit DHs relatives in NJ every year and I'm doing a two night stay in NYC after the short relative visit -- got retail priced (not expensive scalper price) tickets to see the musical Hamilton (second balcony -- only price point I'm willing to do). With all the buzz about this show I'm really curious and fired up to go. This is for May.
-- DH especially loves to go West in the summer and that is always a great trip for the whole family. We are hitting two places in Colorado we have never been before this year -- Salida and Crested Butte (the wildflower capital of Colorado) in July (three night stay at each).

We all are into different things, but this is what's firing me up this year. If you love theme parks Disney is really great, but if you aren't so sure there is a great big world out there with other possibilities. Crowd mitigation strategies and touring plans can help with theme park wait times. It's easier to apply these with older kids though than it is with little ones.

 

[azdisneylover]

Since your hubby is a military vet, are you using the discount for rooms and tickets? (link is below). Staying at the DLH may be the better choice until the Grand Californian is finished with the refurbishment. Even though the pools may be too chilly to swim in, the Jacuzzi will be nice and warm! I don't know about staying club, but a regular room would be fine. Schedule as much as you can so things will go smoothly. For example, a quick bite in the hotel room while getting ready may be easier than a sit down breakfast first thing in the morning, then after a few hours of riding rides, have a character meal with Minnie and Friends in DL around 10 or so, or grabbing some food from Tomorrowland Terrace (don't know the Star Wars Name for it). Be at magic mornings and early entries every day, this will make a positive difference in your day by getting on rides first thing. I would still go to Disneyland, but, I was born and raised in Southern California, so Disneyland will always be where I want to go no matter how many rides are closed.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/military-resort-discount/details/

 

[Tattylou]

That's interesting about WDW lines--I've been there twice, but not since 1999 so I had no idea it stayed busy year-Round these days.

At DL, I've typically relied on the pool for the mid-day break, but that's not an option. Kids won't exactly be down for a spa service. I tried the HoJo in 2014 and husband loathed it (I thought it was cute, but missed having that early entry option.) He liked Grand California better. Is there a good neighbor hotel you really like, with good amenities and within easy walking distance?

WDW seems much busier year round imo than it did in the 90s. I miss how it used to be. We were just there during at a crowd level 4 week and it was still super busy, esp by mid-day -Ave wait time probably 40 min for pirates, mansion, etc and then basically double that for mountains, soarin, etc. Wdw feels less crowded bc it is bigger, but the wait times are generally longer I think. We went to DL in April 2015 and literally walked on to pirates and big thunder. I don't think that ever happens in the middle of the day at wdw anymore (maybe in Sept, but I haven't been that time of year).

We liked the HOJO bc my kids loved the splash play area and the beds were super comfy. However, if his standard is the Grand than you might be better off stating on property. However, they did just build a brand new hotel on that same street as the HoJo- think it's a Marriott, but I'm not totally sure. Someone know? Heard it supposed to be awesome.

 

[Tattylou]

Young Harrison Ford - what a beautiful man.....yes, I second that as part of the Indiana Jones ride!

 

[minorthr]

Wow hearing pirates and matterhorn are going to be down is a real bummer. When did they announce that? Ive been checking and didnt see anything and two weeks ago finally pulled the trigger on a trip in early march. damn.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

OP, your post sounds a lot like my partner and me when we threw in the Disneyland towel this year over all the Star Wars Land construction impacts and the insane rise in AP prices. We switched our "home resort" to WDW in August and on our two trips since then (August and this month, both 5 to 6 days long) we have been very pleasantly surprised. WDW is actually more affordable than DLR in terms of tickets, APs, resorts (overall), a wash in terms of dining, and though others here seem very critical of them, WDW is actually more convenient now thanks to the MDE app, FP+, and MBs. (Not to mention the free Disney's Magical Express airport transfer service and through-delivery for your bags from your home airport to literally inside your resort room.) We have never been as relaxed at DLR, not in years, as we have been this year on our two, on-site trips to WDW, and we attribute that to the convenience of the new technology that DLR refuses to adopt. The punch line for us was we didn't even like WDW when we decided DLR was just not worth it for us anymore, and as it turned out, we've had such a great experience with the Orlando parks that we can't imagine ever being DLR vets again. As with all things, your mileage may vary.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

WDW is actually more affordable than DLR in terms of tickets, APs, resorts (overall), a wash in terms of dining, and though others here seem very critical of them, WDW is actually more convenient now thanks to the MDE app, FP+, and MBs. (Not to mention the free Disney's Magical Express airport transfer service and through-delivery for your bags from your home airport to literally inside your resort room.)

I really don't get why so many people say DLR is cheaper than WDW. Maaaybe if you live in Cali or nearby and can fly for much cheaper than you can to FL, or drive easily? And if you've got a family with under 5 people.

We fly everywhere now (I've been on WAY too many road trips), and flights to CA aren't much different in price than to FL. At WDW, we can fly in and take MDE without having to pay for transfer to the parks, no paying for parking, etc. At DLR, we have to rent a car and pay for parking (plus driving there is a nightmare).

As far as hotels go, we had a pickle of a time finding a reasonably priced hotel near DLR since we have a family of 6 (5 at the time of our last trip there). Every hotel I checked wanted significantly more per night for 5 people than for 4, the hotels were not what I'd call "nice," and they ended up costing more than a moderate at WDW (especially considering many moderates accommodate 5 plus an infant in a crib). I also loathe walking from the good neighbor hotels to DLR. Next time, we'll just stay at the Grand Californian, but it'll be much more expensive than staying onsite at WDW.

I also know there are plenty of offsite places to eat at to save money at DLR, but I also dislike leaving property (and having to go through security again) to do so. I avoid eating at McD, IHOP, etc, in my everyday life, idk why I'd want to go to those places on vacation. (We try to dine at places we can't normally go to near home.)

At least for our family, we spend more money for a DLR vacation than one to WDW. And WDW is much more relaxing, especially since I don't have any trouble with ADRs or FP+. (I still like DLR, it just isn't the same caliber as WDW.)