Originally Posted By u k fan I've unexpectedly found myself in a position where a long-awaited trip to DL could be a possibility and I'm now looking for suggestions from you guys for just about everything. For those that don't know, I've been trying to get to DL for years and even had a trip booked once (that I had to cancel). This would most likely be a trip of a lifetime. I can be pretty flexible with dates, but am most likely looking at next year. I'm thinking od spending 7 nights in the area and my main focus would be DL as I have a slightly insane desire to see everything. I'm thinking I'll get a 4 or 5 day hopper. If I were to travel at a quiet time like January is that likely to be enough? I'll be travelling with my mother who has limited mobility so I'm thinking that we might be best staying within walking distance and renting an ECV scooter. That way on Disney days we can leave the car at the hotel. I know there are plenty of hotels nearby so I'd be keen to hear any personal recommendations. I'm not bothered about staying anywhere plush as I don't plan to be there much - clean and comfortable will suffice. Can anyone recommend somewhere to hire a scooter? I saw a thread about it here, but surprisingly only one of the companies in the area seems to have a website and as I'm in the UK I'd rather not make lots of expensive calls just to get quotes. I'm sure there are more questions, but I'll have to have a think. What are airport transfers like? I'm thinking on Disney days a car might be a waste of money so we could hire one just when we need it. Any advice people can give would be most welcome!!!
Originally Posted By familyguy Congrats on the big trip! I'm sure you'll get lots of good tips here! Hojo is one of the best places to stay close by, but their prices have gone up. I'm staying at Portofino Inn and Suites for the first time in November. Got a good rate, and the reviews sound good. I'll let ya know when I get back!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >> If I were to travel at a quiet time like January is that likely to be enough?<< That should give you plenty of time to experience everything that's open, but be aware that you could face some attraction closures since it's a relatively quiet time of year. Haunted Mansion and it's a small world go down in January to remove their holiday overlays, and there are typically a few other attractions closed as well. Also, that time of year it's not uncommon for them to only run the major entertainment 5 days a week (with various shows having different 'off' days). If you want to see Fantasmic! or the fireworks, you'll need to be there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, if they're running at all; WOC typically runs nightly Presumably the 60th celebrations will extend into next summer, so they'll want to keep as much of the parks open as possible, but it's tough to say what you'll find. At the very least, the crowds should be very manageable! >>What are airport transfers like?<< I think a taxi from LAX is in the $75 range and will take 30-45 minutes without traffic; a shared ride van (Super Shuttle, Prime Time, etc) is typically about $20 each way, and can often have a reduced price if you book online. From SNA, a taxi would be closer to $30 and take about 15-20 minutes, with a shuttle around $15 each way. Disney also has an official bus line that they partner with, but between infrequent departures and a complicated system for getting people to their various destinations, it's really not worth the hassle or price. The non-Disney shuttle vans are constantly leaving the airport and only have room for a few stops-worth of people, so you won't have to go all over the place before getting dropped off I don't have any experience with ECV/scooter rentals, but hopefully somebody else can chime in on that
Originally Posted By u k fan Thanks for the advice guys. I've seen a lot of comments about the price hike at the HoJo and it does mean that shopping around is now more important. That's a good point about closures in January. I'll have to consider that. I can be flexible with my dates after Christmas/New Year so I'll look at that closely. Thanks!!!
Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s I loved the HoJo, but I refuse to pay $150+ per night to stay in a room with two double beds and a 15 minute walk to the gate. The Queen Rooms are around $180. So I have stopped staying there, even with my AP discount. Places I have stayed in walking distance and all are generally fine. I like the Best Western Park Place Inn for the hot breakfast and the fact that it is the closest hotel to the gate. Rates seem to be in the $110-140 US range per night. I stayed here in May and will be there again next week. For my trips this fall we will be at: Desert Inn and Suites Del Sol Inn Anaheim Both have 'breakfast', but it is generally just a danish and icky coffee. No protein and even my kids don't like to eat it, so I don't consider it a bonus. They were running about $30/night cheaper than my typical Best Western for the dates I needed. In the past, I have stayed at: Camelot Inn (no breakfast, close to gate) Candy Cane Inn (free shuttle, good breakfast, large rooms, but a 15 minute walk) Park Vue Inn (close to gate, good breakfast) They really are all about the same, so I generally just go with the one that fits my budget for that trip. Happy planning!
Originally Posted By dagobert That's cool. We are going to California next year too, unfortunately not in Januray.
Originally Posted By u k fan dagobert, when are you going? Considering Ferret's comment about closures (HM and IASW would be a big loss in some ways) I'm thinking I might wait a little longer. Part of my business is seasonal so a trip before Christmas is out, but after that I can be flexible so I'm thinking about my options. Not that I'm planning to stalk you, I'm just curious!!!
Originally Posted By berol Closures might not happen until January 4th/Monday. If you go January 2nd-6th or so, you can hit Haunted Mansion and such early and cover the rest on the last 3 days.
Originally Posted By u k fan I'm looking at the first week of February currently, but prices and availability are changing hourly at the moment!!!
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance It's so exciting planning a DL trip, and your first too!!! I'd love to go in February, cool weather and lower crowds! Just don't forget presidents day weekend has larger crowds, but that's usually like mid February.
Originally Posted By Disney Joy Tropicana Inn is right cross the street. I found a great deal $99 night end of August.. usually over $100 close to $150 night. If you able to search the web - I got this deal from the website. You can search Hotels near Disneyland, there is also reviews. I would book ASAP . The rates go up closer time to your trip.
Originally Posted By mhartman47 Hi UK, For scooters (ECVs) Deckerts is the best.Though now I am fully mobile (but still use manual chair as needed) for about 18 months I was not allowed to put weight on my left foot due to an accident. Deckerts drops off at hotel and picks up after you leave. We had an issue of my ECV dying (bad battery) we had a replacement within 2 hours and they met my husband at the park gate to switch. Hotels-we usually do hotwire 3 star or higher. I have only had one really bad experience with hotels near Disneyland at that was a days inn that was in north Anaheim. Otherwise all have decent beds and hot showers.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Hi UKFan I am providing link to the Disneyland Express Airport Shuttle. I prefer to use this because I do not like Super Shuttle Vans ... getting squished in and possibly going to personal residences versus plentiful individual seating on charter like bus with the destination being Disney Hotel Areas only from LAX or SNA. <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.SouthernCaliforniaGrayLine.com">http://www.SouthernCaliforniaG...Line.com</a> Note instructions to stand under Green Sign after retrieving luggage for Long Distance Vans Also wanted to provide link to the 2 hotels directly across street from Harbor pedestrian crossing.: <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.BestWestern.com">http://www.BestWestern.com</a> for Park Place on Harbor (1-714-776-4800) <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ParkVueInn.com">http://www.ParkVueInn.com</a> (1-800-334-7021) I am not sure this location has an elevator so be sure to let them know you need ground floor near office . Between these 2 hotels is a 24 hour Pancake house If you have AAA or AARP or senior discounts be sure to include. I know the Park Place also has a rental car company in their lobby for a day trip. Also consider taking the Gray line for day trips or the AMTRAK TRAIN
Originally Posted By u k fan Thanks for the info guys. It's really helpful. Hopefully I'll be booking this soon!!!
Originally Posted By shonny I will be there in Sept. I am waiting til school starts and hope that helps clear out the summer crowds. But the last few times I've gone it been crowded. That's been in Oct. & early Dec. I always stay at Candy Cane. However last time the cost was about $150 a night. They have a fairly nice breakfast and a private shuttle to DL. You don't have to wait while it stops at lots of other hotels. I am considering staying someplace else on my next trip. I'm coming alone and don't have to worry about pleasing anyone but me!
Originally Posted By u k fan So I'm all booked up. We're staying at the Castle Inn and arriving on Feb 23rd. We'll be leaving on March 3rd so here's hoping they do something special for Leap Day again!
Originally Posted By u k fan We're not sure yet, but I'll be checking out the Muppety stars on the Walk of Fame for sure. I'm not sure what other parks we'll do as I don't want it to be all theme parks. A studio tour would be cool. Mum wants to do a tour of celebrity homes, but I can't think of anything worse so who knows!!!
