Which way to Disneyland? TR (comparison update 7/26)

[DizNee Luver]

I could be wrong on this, but I think they close up early on Grad Nights...... I'm sure someone here knows for sure.

 

[pmama]

Yay for 8 nights!!! And your plan of attack looks great! Lots to do but it will be fun and some where new, which is always exciting!! The Nemo ride is in submarines? COOL! Cant wait to see all the new pictures when you get back (I know ,rushing time here a bit!!), not sure we'll ever make it to DL, so it will be fun for me to see!!! And live vicariously through you!!!

Well, never say never. Thanks, I've enjoyed living vicariously through you as well.

I could be wrong on this, but I think they close up early on Grad Nights...... I'm sure someone here knows for sure.

Yep I did a little more looking on grad night. It looks like DL will close by 9 p.m. CA will close by 6 p.m. That in itself does not worry me too much. As long as they don't move around magic morning for that morning we can get an early start and I'm sure be ready to call it a day plenty early.

What does worry me is that I read there can be noise and loud bass music heard from the Howard Johnson all night long. This is disconcerting as I was so happy this morning to find out we were getting Disney facing lower level rooms away from the highway for the same rate as highway side standard rooms. Now I'm wondering if we should move to pool side. I was really glad about the location. I talked to a very nice employee at HOJO for about 15 minutes who finally helped me reserve this location. So, my next decision I guess will be to take a white noise machine or change to pool view.

 

[kaoden39]

Well, never say never. Thanks, I've enjoyed living vicariously through you as well.




Yep I did a little more looking on grad night. It looks like DL will close by 9 p.m. CA will close by 6 p.m. That in itself does not worry me too much. As long as they don't move around magic morning for that morning we can get an early start and I'm sure be ready to call it a day plenty early.

What does worry me is that I read there can be noise and loud bass music heard from the Howard Johnson all night long. This is disconcerting as I was so happy this morning to find out we were getting Disney facing lower level rooms away from the highway for the same rate as highway side standard rooms. Now I'm wondering if we should move to pool side. I was really glad about the location. I talked to a very nice employee at HOJO for about 15 minutes who finally helped me reserve this location. So, my next decision I guess will be to take a white noise machine or change to pool view.

Keep the view and bring the white noise machine. That way you can at least have the great view on the night that closes early.

 

[pmama]

Keep the view and bring the white noise machine. That way you can at least have the great view on the night that closes early.

Thank's for your input. I can tell this is one where I'm going to second think my decision all the way up until we go. I am already a light sleeper who struggles to sleep in hotels.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Yay! A new pre trip report!!! I am so here with you! I've never been to Disneyland so I will be living it through you!!! I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[pmama]

Yay! A new pre trip report!!! I am so here with you! I've never been to Disneyland so I will be living it through you!!! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yeah So glad you joined me over here on the "Land" side. I really am looking forward to seeing the differences. I read today that DL has 30% more rides than MK. Neither DH nor I have been since they also added California Adventure and DTD. We are also stoked about our hotel being within walking distance and getting a "Disney View" balcony. Those luxuries are much more expensive in the "World".

 

[pmama]

I sent an email to HoJo about the noise at grad night. Here was the nice reply I received.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to email me! It’s wonderful to hear from you, and I’m so glad to hear that you will be celebrating your daughters birthday while you are here with us!

I don’t think that the GradNight noise should be a problem in those rooms- but we do offer ear plug at our Front Desk, and if it does become a problem, you can definitely speak to a Front Desk Manager and request a move [although really, those rooms will probably be equally affected/unaffected as any other room onsite, with the exception of the rooms on the freeway side- and that’s just because the freeway noise would absorb any other noise outside.] [Also, the rooms are about the same size, its just the beds that are smaller- but those buildings are actually CLOSER to the Parks…so I don’t know that it would make it quieter.]

I hope that this information has been helpful! We are really looking forward to your upcoming stay!

Lorealle
RESERVATIONS SPECIALIST
HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL IN THE ANAHEIM RESORT




They are SOO helpful at this hotel. I didn't realize that the pool view rooms are actually a bit closer (to the noise). So, this really helped ease my mind about making the right decision.

 

[pmama]

Some things we've never done before that I'm looking forward to:

*Princess Fantasy Faire w/ a Coronation Ceremony, Disney Princess Storytelling, Pretty as a Princess Boutique

*Pixie Hollow Both girls are excited about this new addition and can't wait to meet Tinkerbell and her fairy friends.

*Nemo Submarines That's sure to put a new twist on one of our favorite WDW rides.

*Everything in walking distance and Disney View Rooms

*Disney Dreams Come True Fireworks

*Celebrate parade

*Space Mountain renovated

 

[princess&her4princes]

WOW, that hotel seems very attentive, that's great and one less thing to worry about, right? I thought it was funny that they offer ear plugs are the front desk, though!!

I love that you can walk to the park from your hotel, how cool is that? Do they offer ME at Disneyland so you don't need to worry about transportation at all? And how cool that you will see Space Mountain renovated, I'm jealous, doesn't seem like I'll see that at MK this upcoming trip we have planned at DW, they will still be renovating. I'll be intersted to hear about it though, how do they renovate a rollar coaster??

Great updates!!

 

[kaoden39]

Everything I hear about Hojo's is good. One thing nice about Disneyland is there are so many off property place that are within walking distance.

 

[miprender]

Glad to hear hubby is going to join you. You make such a cute family. In fact so cute that DD5 wants a sister so they can dress up together like your DDs

As for flying SW, we have been using them for 11 yrs and as long as you get your boarding pass right at the 24hr mark you should be fine in regards to seating. They are really a great airline.

 

[pmama]

WOW, that hotel seems very attentive, that's great and one less thing to worry about, right? I thought it was funny that they offer ear plugs are the front desk, though!!

I love that you can walk to the park from your hotel, how cool is that? Do they offer ME at Disneyland so you don't need to worry about transportation at all? And how cool that you will see Space Mountain renovated, I'm jealous, doesn't seem like I'll see that at MK this upcoming trip we have planned at DW, they will still be renovating. I'll be intersted to hear about it though, how do they renovate a rollar coaster??

Great updates!!

I know, the ear plugs struck me as funny too. Nope, no Magical Express at Disneyland. However, since we're taking a train in from San Diego we won't need one. It is only 2 1/2 miles from the train station to hotel so taxi should be just fine. We will have to shuttle to Orange County Airport to leave if we don't have a rental car. Yes, we're definitely looking forward to Space Mountain. Height restrictions are lower too so youngest DD will be able to ride this one too. Do you know when Space Mountain in MK will be done?

Everything I hear about Hojo's is good. One thing nice about Disneyland is there are so many off property place that are within walking distance.

That is a definite perk for sure!! The girls should love that HoJo has Castaway Cove water playground.!

Glad to hear hubby is going to join you. You make such a cute family. In fact so cute that DD5 wants a sister so they can dress up together like your DDs

As for flying SW, we have been using them for 11 yrs and as long as you get your boarding pass right at the 24hr mark you should be fine in regards to seating. They are really a great airline.

Thanks! So, SW is something I've been needed to study up on a bit more. I know I've heard and read you can get your boarding pass online 24 hours beforehand. So, are your seating times dependent on how soon you get your boarding pass online? And, how do you usually do that for your return flight? Can the hotels do that for you or do we need to bring a laptop?

 

[princess&her4princes]

All the sites seem to say that Space Mountain won't reopen until LATE '09, which affects the people mover, too. Hoping maybe we'll luck out for September but doesn't seem so right now.....

 

[pmama]

All the sites seem to say that Space Mountain won't reopen until LATE '09, which affects the people mover, too. Hoping maybe we'll luck out for September but doesn't seem so right now.....

Well, it would be great if it reopened by our December visit. Then I can compare.

 

[pmama]

After writing this update I thought this picture fits here perfect. I am visual and usually lose interest on thread w/o pictures. In this update I mention the Unofficial Guide a lot. It was a life saver for our first ever WDW trip and when we returned the following year I bought the updated book. This year I bought the Disneyland version and Love It!! Anyway this picture is funny and it is not the only one from our first WDW trip where I am carrying the book everywhere. It was my bible. Our trip last September I left it in the hotel as I felt a little more confident.

Well, we finally decided that the girls and I would be joining DH and Papa at Universal on our last day. The tickets will be included in our S. CA Pass but I was considering not using them for the girls as I have heard there will not be much for them to do. However, DH is really interested in seeing Universal and since we will have the tickets I looked into it. Now, I am actually looking forward to it. I think as long as I remember it is NOT Disney and go in with a good realistic plan we will ALL have fun. Granita has a very good friend from CA who will be spending the day with her so Granita will not join us at Universal.

Can I just say I LOVE YOUTUBE! I've just recently starting looking up things on youtube and there really is a video of practically anything you are wondering about. I found these two great videos of fun things the girls will definitely enjoy.


Curious George Splash Zone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckVw8ZVhAxQ

OMGoodness! I couldn't believe all the people in this video getting drenched with all there clothes on. I've already planned to bring swimsuits for the girls but I'm wondering if they will be the only ones. I read in the Unofficial Guide, "It is a two-story affair where the idea is to come as close as possible to drowning on dry land while fully clothed. There are geysers, water cannons, a rocket blasting water, and the periodic dumping of two 500 gallon water buckets (that's enough water to fill a 20 by 30 foot swimming pool)." I'm glad I saw this because I now realize I may need to bring a change of clothes and carefully think my wardrobe (no white).

There is also a jungle-themed, two-story enclosure containing 25,000 foam balls. Finally, there's a playground for age 6 and under.

I also saw video of the Universal Studios Character Disco Trolley!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPCGatNcdN8

Faith especially will be thrilled if she gets to meet Dora and Diego!

With the help of the Unofficial guide I think I actually have my itinerary for Universal done:
_______________________________________________________________

arrive early
1. All enjoy Simpson's Ride
2. Get child swap cards for Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park. (DD8 could ride Jurassic Park but unless something changes I predict her verdict to be NO WAY)

Papa and DH ride while I take the girls to get "as close as possible to drowning on dry land". My girls are little fishes so they will love this. Then Papa and I will trade while DH and I go experience both rides. (DH is so thrilled about this perk.). . . . Although we may just keep going to get in more attractions early then DH and I will come back once we've gotten all the headliners in.

edit, I've learned more about child swap at Universal. Apparently the children not riding still have to stand in line in and before boarding there will be a room w/ AC for the child and adult party to wait in. This is different than Disney but many people say they prefer Universal's method so we'll see. We'll have to all stand in line for these rides and go to the splash area later.

3. All enjoy Shrek 4-D (unless girls want more time in the play zone in which case skip to 4 and come back to 3.

4. DH and FIL see terminator 2: 3-D (I need to learn more about this. The book says there are no blood and guts like in the real movies but still very intense for some kiddos. However, it gets 5 stars and says, "our favorite California attraction".) If I think the girls can handle it we may all do it together. They both know to take their glasses off if they get scared. Just watched on youtube. Definitely a no go for the girls. I can: take girls to Animal Actors show, play area, splash area, other show, or to watch Shrek again.

5. All enjoy Waterworld

6. All enjoy Studio Tour "The great thing about the Studio Tour is that you essentially experience four or five major attractions with only one wait." 42 minutes (go potty before)

7. Check out live performances or revisit favorites.
(Also need to look into lunch options.) We'd like to be back to DL in time to watch the fireworks from our balcony. (DH and Papa paid for the deluxe Disney-view room and are requesting the highest floor possible.)

I never would have thought there was so much we'd be able to do with the girls. I am a little nervous about it being the Sat. before Memorial day. It will be important for us to get there early. We've already decided against upgrading to the front of the line passes. It would be almost $200 for the 6 of us. But anyway, one day planned for the most part!

 

[pmama]

Purchased some great things at disneyoutlet today!!

Pop up hamper! How handy for the hotel room.
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=13843&catalogFromSearch=10003

Mickey Mouse soft sided rolling cooler! (Mainly purchased for cruise to carry drinks on board. But will probably take with us to CA as our hotel in San Diego will not have a fridge.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14743&catalogFromSearch=10003

Hooded fleece! Ariel for DD4 and Tinkerbell for DD8. (I'm thinking these will be great for our December trip as it might be chilly in the evenings.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=13846&catalogFromSearch=10003

Princess Pajamas for each girl!
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14403&catalogFromSearch=10003

Tinkerbell personalized link bracelet! For a great end of year gift for DD8's teacher who loves Tinkerbell. (Hopefully will ease any tension over DD leaving school one week before end of school year.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14715&catalogFromSearch=10003

 

[princess&her4princes]

Purchased some great things at disneyoutlet today!!

Pop up hamper! How handy for the hotel room.
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=13843&catalogFromSearch=10003

Mickey Mouse soft sided rolling cooler! (Mainly purchased for cruise to carry drinks on board. But will probably take with us to CA as our hotel in San Diego will not have a fridge.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14743&catalogFromSearch=10003

Hooded fleece! Ariel for DD4 and Tinkerbell for DD8. (I'm thinking these will be great for our December trip as it might be chilly in the evenings.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=13846&catalogFromSearch=10003

Princess Pajamas for each girl!
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14403&catalogFromSearch=10003

Tinkerbell personalized link bracelet! For a great end of year gift for DD8's teacher who loves Tinkerbell. (Hopefully will ease any tension over DD leaving school one week before end of school year.)
http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney...d=-1&categoryId=14715&catalogFromSearch=10003

Love the adorbale hooded fleeces for the girls..they are so cute!! Those will be PERFECT for your December trip for sure!! The Tink watch/bracelet is such a nice thoughtful gift for your DD's teacher, very nice and something practical, too!! Love it!

The park stuff looks like fun! You're going in with the right attitude, even though it's not Disney, it will be fun!!

I've never used the Unofficial guide....have you used other books at all? I SWEAR by my Passporter, just wondered how they compare? And I just bought the Birmbaums guide, and it's good but it's not my Passporter!!

Hope you're having a great weekend!!!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Your plans sound great! I think you guys will have fun at Universal. We've only been to the one in Orlando but my kids loved it! I finally started packing today. I'm about half way done. Ya know how we talked about free dining in December? Do you have the Disney Visa? That's how we were chosen. I bet they'll offer a lot of deals this year.

All the new stuff you bought is so cute. I love that Hamper!

 

[pmama]

Love the adorbale hooded fleeces for the girls..they are so cute!! Those will be PERFECT for your December trip for sure!! The Tink watch/bracelet is such a nice thoughtful gift for your DD's teacher, very nice and something practical, too!! Love it!

The park stuff looks like fun! You're going in with the right attitude, even though it's not Disney, it will be fun!!

I've never used the Unofficial guide....have you used other books at all? I SWEAR by my Passporter, just wondered how they compare? And I just bought the Birmbaums guide, and it's good but it's not my Passporter!!

Hope you're having a great weekend!!!!

No, I have just used unofficial guide. I have flipped through the passporter but at the time wasn't impressed enough to read it. The unofficial guide worked so well for me the first time that it became my favorite. Probably the same for you except for passporter. I do plan to purchase the new 2009 Disney cruise passporter when it comes out.

Your plans sound great! I think you guys will have fun at Universal. We've only been to the one in Orlando but my kids loved it! I finally started packing today. I'm about half way done. Ya know how we talked about free dining in December? Do you have the Disney Visa? That's how we were chosen. I bet they'll offer a lot of deals this year.

All the new stuff you bought is so cute. I love that Hamper!

I'm glad to know your kiddos enjoyed Universal. Yes, I have the Disney Visa!! In fact I got 10% off my purchases posted above because I used my Disney Visa.

 

[tmkinney]

OMG you are going to Disneyland and WDW/Cruise all this year! I am SUPER jealous!!! Can't wait to read another TR from you though! You will LOVE flying with Southwest! Just make sure to check in 24 hours before your flight and you will get priority seating. I was really worried about that last time but it worked like a charm for us (7 people). Also they call for families with small children to line up between A and B group so it shouldn't be a problem if you can't check in for your return flight (I think it is 5 years and under).

Love all your past pics!