Help planning my DLR trip!!!!

[LoriMistress]

Hello. DH and I are planning to drive to DLR and stay at a hotel off site (really want to say onsite but too expensive), for three days during September 5th to the 9th (leaving on Labor Day [5th] to go to DLR and wil be leaving on Friday [9th]). I use to go to DLR religiously as a child, but the last time I went to DLR was when I was seventeen (1997). The last time my DH went to DLR was 2000/2001. We might stay at the Candy Cane Inn, but not so sure. We've heard some great things about it, but also want other suggestions on hotels for better deals/comfortable/location to the parks, etc. We are planning to eat breakfest at the parks to get in early (we will be buying 3 day pass-hopper tickets), and to eat a late lunch (for dinner) so we can save money. We just want some advice, tips, ways to save money, etc. for our trip. I know that if we eat off property that we can save some extra money, but we still want to keep the magic alive. This will be an adult trip. We want to be able to go on as much rides as possible and have a great time. Any advice?

 

[hoppypooh]

Like you I will be going to DL in September, but for the first time ever! :sohappy: I can't speak from experience yet, but I have spent a fair amount of time researching (both guidebooks and online) and many, many people have recommended the Howard Johnson's on Harbor Blvd. It's across the street from DL - about a 10-15 minute walk. (I'm told it's roughly the same distance as the Candy Cane, but the opposite direction.) The hotel site is www.hojoanaheim.com and 10% discounts can be obtained through www.mouseinfo.com (check the trip planning section.)

I was debating between Candy Cane and HoJo and went with HoJo. I got a price that was $25/nite less there.

Good luck!

 

[LoriMistress]

Thanks for the info!!! I'll check them out!!!

 

[IMAGIN'Rwannabe]

I just was at DL this month. I don't know if I can give you a lot of advise on saving money. Everything seems expensive at Disney. There are fewer table service options in Disneyland. I would recommend mostly counter service. DL has been having a shortage of CM's in the food service area. There have been many long lines. I suggest one splurge. Go to Blue Bayou for lunch. It is truly a Disneyland jewel. If you have not been there for a while. Go and enjoy. I suggest to make reservations ahead of time since it fills up very quickly. The French Market also has great food. It is a cafeteria style. At lunch they usually have a Jazz band. It has great atmosphere.

Downtown Disney has the next selection of interesting places to eat. I suggest eating Breakfast before going to DL and then having a sit down lunch. That will avoid the long lines that can spoil a trip.

Make sure that you see the fireworks. They are absolutely fantastic! Speaking of fantastic, you should also see FANTASMIC! at Disneyland. It has two shows. Go to the second which has usually fewer crowds. If there are a lot of people, at least you won't have to wait as long as they do for the first show.

Make sure that you see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. It is at the Golden Horseshoe and a NOT-TO-BE-MISSED attraction. Very funny!

Make sure that you plan an early visit to Space Mountain. It will be one of the hottest rides this fall since it has been in rehab for almost 2 1/2 years.

Have fun! Take time to see the Disneyland show at the Main Street Opera House. Great nostalgia!

 

[cherrynegra]

Hi Lori!! I too usually drive down to DLR from San Francisco. As far as accomodations, may I recommend the Best Western Anaheim Inn on South Harbor Blvd? I kid you not, but the place is directly across the street from the DL entrance. From the hotel to the DL gates is a seven minute walk. Even quicker if you run!! The rooms are huge!! There are two Double Beds with refrigerator, microwave, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and in room coffee. Plus, there is FREE wireless internet connection!!

I looked up the dates you're going at their website and the rate is $89 per night for a non-smoking room. It's $59 for a smoking room. Of course there are tons of cheap eats around the hotels located across from the park. A Denny's, IHOP, and I think a McDonald's. I'm not sure.

Here's a link
to trip planning at DL. Hope this info helps!! :wave:

 

[LoriMistress]

Thank you all for the advice!!! I'll be using it!

 

[netenyahoo]

To save money on breakfast just get food from the hotel and bring it to the park to eat. Candy Cane Inn has a complimentary breakfast and has stuff like fruit, bagels, etc that could be put in a backpack or what-not.

I really like Candy Cane Inn. I would recommend staying there. It is really close and very nice. They have a pool and hot tub to rest your feet at night.

If you want to save money on lunch/dinner then you can also eat off property across the street. There are many restaurants or McDonalds. You can take a break from the parks and go eat. You may want to do that for a couple meals at least, but I would recommend eating at least one nice meal in the park as this is a vacation and you should enjoy yourself. With the problems with staffing at food locations you will want to eat at a sit down restaurant like the Blue Bayou probably.