Community Forums

leesdx1 · 05-22-2015, 01:15 PM

Hello: Well its time to take the family to Disneyland in July. Seattle, WA to Cal. Need help from all you guys that took the plunge. Here are some questions and feel free to add.

What's the pro and con and what would you change if you had to do it again?
Take the toad?
RV Park... Anaheim Resort RV, Harbor RV, or Orangewood RV park?
Package Tickets discounts? Hopper Tickets?
Fast pass tips?

Thank you all in advance and hope to see you there.

Ted E · 05-22-2015, 01:27 PM

We took the kids and grandkids from B.C. to Disneyland and stayed at the Anaheim RV Resort and shuttled to Disneyland (no need for the toad). The RV resort also offered discounted passes. We loved our stay there and wouldn't change anything on our next trip back.
Cheers,
Ted

the_vfox · 05-22-2015, 01:27 PM

There is not enough money in the world to get me to go there in the peak season.
I wish you the best of luck.

leesdx1 · 05-22-2015, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_vfox

There is not enough money in the world to get me to go there in the peak season.
I wish you the best of luck.

Good point, what's the off peak season?

the_vfox · 05-22-2015, 01:51 PM

Usually when school is in session. It will still be busy, but not like the peak times when school is out in Cali.

Todd.H · 05-22-2015, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesdx1

Hello: Well its time to take the family to Disneyland in July. Seattle, WA to Cal. Need help from all you guys that took the plunge. Here are some questions and feel free to add.

What's the pro and con and what would you change if you had to do it again?
Take the toad?
RV Park... Anaheim Resort RV, Harbor RV, or Orangewood RV park?
Package Tickets discounts? Hopper Tickets?
Fast pass tips?

Thank you all in advance and hope to see you there.

I am wanting to do the same trip in my MH with the family. Please do a POST Disneyland trip report. I as well have the same questions as you and will be following this thread.

As far as packages go, when we have gone in the past we bought our packages through GetAwayToday. We had no problems with them and felt like we received a good deal. I would definitely get the hopper passes, I would bet if you didn't by them initially you would upgrade after the first day.

Off Season, we went once during spring break. It was the worst trip I have ever taken and will never go there again during a busy time of year. However, my wife and I went in September and it was AWESOME. We walked on every ride and never had to deal with a crowd once.

Good Luck

530ktm · 05-22-2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_vfox

There is not enough money in the world to get me to go there in the peak season.
I wish you the best of luck.

I could not agree with you more. You need to go during school season and during the week in order to half way enjoy the place. It is just crazy and the fast passes are not a real help either. We went around 4 years ago and we got the fast pass for a certain ride at 1:30 PM and it was for us to board the ride at 9:00 PM. We went home at 2:00 and have not been back.

BeachDude · 05-22-2015, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesdx1

Good point, what's the off peak season?

I live in Southern California and have had Premier Passports for as long as I have had kids.

The off peak season is specifically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from October through early April.

Anytime after 3:00 p.m. , (and all day Monday and Friday), you will personally meet all of the local annual passholders who get out of work and school and go there to "relax"!

Anytime between early April and until after school starts in September you will be waiting in very long hour+ lines for the best attractions.

Just Sayin'!

My kids and I love the place, but we know when to go, (and when to stay away).

MrsChilerick · 05-22-2015, 04:52 PM

You don't say how long you plan to be there. That might make a difference in the best way to purchase admission.

We have had annual passes for quite a few years. BeachDude is correct on off-peak times. I'd also avoid most of December.

Get your fast passes first thing. They don't expire even though they say they are are only good for a certain time, they will honor them anytime that day after the beginning of the timeframe on the pass. The other first thing you must do is get your tickets for the water show in California Adventure. They have limited tickets and they go very fast.

Disneyland is celebrating 60 years this year. Should have some cool things to celebrate. Have a great time.

Aguyfromcalg · 05-22-2015, 04:56 PM

When we drove down on our Easter Break we stayed at Anaheim RV Park.
We paid for a week pass for the shuttle bus which gave us unlimited travel. Also got the park hopper passes too.
That way when the kids were tired and hungry we could head back to the RV and eat and nap and head back later.
The view of the fireworks was great also from the RV park.
The only possible drawback to going in the off season is some of the attractions are closed for maintenance or upgrades.

2010 Coachmen Freelander 30qb
Ford E450 V10

leesdx1 · 05-22-2015, 05:02 PM

Thanks you all for responding and letting me know regarding peak season. I can picture it know...shoulder to shoulder, but the kids and DW still wants to go. I'm just driving the beast. LOL. Will be staying at Disney for 3 days.

KEEP the tips coming. thank you!

What's the pro and con and what would you change if you had to do it again?
Take the toad?
RV Park... Anaheim Resort RV, Harbor RV, or Orangewood RV park?
Package Tickets discounts? Hopper Tickets?
Fast pass tips?

YC1 · 05-22-2015, 05:38 PM

You will need at least 3 days. I would suggest four to five and forget about trying to do other parks such as Universal or Knotts Berry Farm.

Do take a toad. If you have issues anywhere you will have flexibility. The shuttles are ok but you are at their mercy. Use your toad so you can come and go as you want.

Go into the parks early and leave in the middle of the day if the heat gets intense or folks get grumpy. Then after a rest or plunge in the pool go back for the evening events.

If you have smaller children take or rent a stroller even if the kids are getting a bit large. The stroller is great for toting back packs with snacks and cold water. You need to drink lots of water. Again, if you have younger kids they must be fed every couple of hours. Snacks are fine of course but they will not be aware of the hungry monster or lack of water.

If you have the budget for a great meal there are some great options but you need to make reservations. A month in advance would not be too soon for the summer.

We had annual passes at Disneyland and Walt Disney World so have traveled to the parks many times. We raised children and grandchildren on the Magic. We liked Walt Disney World so much we now live here. My son in law is now a cast member and one of my grandsons has been a cast member for over a year.

Go to Allears.net, disboards.net, and for some other fun look at fortfiends.net

MrsChilerick · 05-23-2015, 08:37 AM

In July, wait times for the most popular rides can reach almost 2 hours, fast passes help, but are not available for everything and you are limited to how many fast passes you can hold at one time, so the more days you can stay, the better. You will have a better time if you can "walk away" when you get tired and not worry about missing something you wanted to see or do.

TMan59 · 05-23-2015, 09:32 AM

We go every year. It's just something that we love.
The biggest issue in my opinion is having the right attitude. Yes there will be a bunch of other people there. Yes, there are usually long lines. I tend to be fascinated by all these folks. Disney is really an amazing place.
It was one man's dream to build a place for families to enjoy. Many people told him it would never work.
I for one am glad he didn't listen.

You ho ho, a pirates life for me!