Disneyland

[Cinnamon]

We are planning a trip to Disneyland the week of UEA. Does anyone have any advice on how to cut the costs?

[djp4msp7]

Beware that UEA is a really busy time at Disneyland, it is actually nicknamed Utahns Entering Anaheim! So it might be hard to find really good deals on hotels since it is already projected to be busy.

Try to find a hotel with continental breakfast (or a hot breakfast would be even better), get there before opening or as close to opening as possible the lines are VERY short in the mornings. You can bring in food as long as you do not have it in a hard cooler and no glass is allowed in the parks, so you can bring sandwiches and snacks in to save money since the food at the parks is expensive (but it is SO good :) ) Pick a hotel within walking distance, parking I think is $12 a day and buses can be slow sometimes. If you have kids under 5 I would bring a stroller, the ones to rent there are $10/day, it is a LOT of walking for little kids so sometimes a stroller is helpful. Bring LOTS of water, it gets hot!

I have always gotten my kids' shirts and some souvenirs at disneyshopping.com ahead of time and given them a "gift" each morning before we left the hotel, to get the "I need something new!" feeling out of the way for the day.

[Cruiser]

Be prepared for LONG, LONG lines if you go during UEA

We'd never do it again!

[susansaves]

We went during UEA last year. Arizona was having their "UEA" type of thing at the same time, so you might want to check on that as well. With both Utah and Arizona families there it was pretty busy.

[WendySue67]

To cut costs (and give the kids a break) we leave during the hottest part of the day and go back to the hotel for swimming and lunch. That way we only need to eat one meal in the park. We have tried hauling sandwiches and snacks and water in with us but it's always been kind of a pain (and there are water fountains everywhere). We don't do souvenirs, so that helps too. IMO it is hard to do Disneyland cheaply no matter what you do.

Another good idea tho, to help is to look online and make decisions about where to eat (if you're eating inside the park) before you go. Menus and prices are all available online, and it helps to already know about what you will be spending. Also, some restaurants give you LOTS of food and meals can be split, while others give you a tiny amount and you will spend more (for example, the Bengal BBQ--the food is good but it cost us about $60 and no one was full). A couple of the best restaurants for the amount of food you get for the price are Taste Pilot's Grill and Whitewater Snacks. Also, the mexican restaurant meals are HUGE--easily split for 2 or more people.

I was talking to someone that works at Disneyland and they said UEA is one of the most crowded times of year so be prepared! I would NEVER go for UEA (or Christmas Day--we did that once and it was the most crowded I have EVER seen it and we have been a LOT)

I learned something new recently about Disneyland...the week after we were there this year (it was still preseason) they were SO CROWDED that they actually had to close the gate and turn people away. I didn't realize there was a max capacity. I am certainly glad we weren't there THAT week.

I love Disneyland...if it weren't for traveling and hotel expenses we would get season passes. :cheers:

[freezedrier]

We went in April and stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in Fullerton. It was only 10 minutes from the park. I was really impressed, they offered a free full hot breakfast buffet and around 5 PM they had free light dinner (lasagna, sandwiches, etc.) perfect for the kids. I have never seen a hotel do this before. The rooms also had a full kitchen, a king bed and a sleeper couch. I think we paid $90 a night. Such a deal.

[lindz]

We got passes from get away today and got in an hour before the regular hours opened. We did most of the little kid rideS that morning. The kid rides under the castle are soo long and the little kids love them. Uea is a verry busy time to go. I think the best time is after Spring Break. But good luck and hope you have great memories.
If you have a young girl and she wants to meet the princess go to where the princess are (Over by Toontown) when it opens up. The line can be over 2 hours long just to meet the princess.
Make sure to use fast passes!

[ashtonwa]

Just an fyi if you care--if not please disregard. My friend had a hard time finding hotels that weekend. It is unofficially 'gay days' at disney that week so it might be pretty crowded sharing it with UEA as well.

[Cinnamon]

Thanks for all the tips. You guys are awesome.

I know that UEA is a terrible time to go, but that is when we can all take a week off. We went 10 years ago during UEA (where does the time go?). We went to the park Tuesday-Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday weren't too bad, but Thursday was very crowded. This year we were planning on going to the park Mon, Tues, and probably Wed. Are Gay Days all week?

Thursday we want to go to Universal Studios and Friday to Six Flags. I am assuming that Universal Studios will be crowed as well, but does anyone know if this is a busy time for Six Flags?

I

[mbcchristensen]

Are Gay Days all week?

I looked it up, it runs October 2-4th. HTH!

[got2]

take advantage of fast passes (they never expire!)

wear comfortable walking shoes (you & kids!)

bring your own stroller(s)

my mom found the 1 walmart in fullerton that is allowed to carry official disneyland merchandise. there is also a disneyland outlet store that has amazing prices on items. so you can go before or after the trip to d/land.

get a hotel near by. great for a quick escape during the lunch/nap hour(s). make sure they offer a continental/hot breakfast.

if you get hopper passes we went to C.A early evening as the lines weren't too long and we reserved a good spot to watch the electric parade.

have fun!

[Cinnamon]

I looked it up, it runs October 2-4th. HTH!

That's wonderful news! We won't be at Disneyland on those days.

[susansaves]

We're planning on going the first week in Nov. I THINK that would be a good time to go, but can anyone think of a reason why it may be crowded then? Has anyone gone around that time? If so, how was it?

TIA!

[Wonder Woman]

My Daughter bought some passes off of Ebay. they met the people their. It saved them tons of money. Not sure how the passes work they did have to give them back when the day was over.

[carroll]

Remember, Disneyland tickets are not transferrable.

[merlym]

we are going there from oct 17 to the 27 is that a good time and when is uea?

[sharlabug]

(I didn't read through the other replies, so sorry if this is a repeat.)

A way that we cut costs was by avoiding the rental car. We found it was cheaper to buy bus passes. We took the Disney Express (I think??) from the airport to our hotel, then got 5-day passes for the disneyland shuttle that stops at most hotels. If you want to go other places beside Disneyland, it may not work. It saves the rental cost (of course), but also the parking fee.

As a side note: We had a suite so we got food from the store to eat (another money saver!). I suggested that DH take a cab, but he thought he'd just take the gps and walk. It took him some indirect route, so he was gone forever and his arms nearly fell off. LOL

[af22]

We're planning on going the first week in Nov. I THINK that would be a good time to go, but can anyone think of a reason why it may be crowded then? Has anyone gone around that time? If so, how was it?

TIA!
We went 2 years ago during the first week of November and there were no lines anywhere except Nemo (it had just opened that year). We went Tues, Wed, and Thurs and Thursday was busier than Tues and Wed but still not that bad.

[AmbieP]

That's wonderful news! We won't be at Disneyland on those days.

I'm sure I will get blasted for this! I think it's sad that you aren't concerned at all about UEA but you are glad you won't be there on gay days.

[4crazyboyz]

I'm sure I will get blasted for this! I think it's sad that you aren't concerned at all about UEA but you are glad you won't be there on gay days.

Maybe she's just glad to not have both the UEA and Gay Days crowds KWIM?

[allimaree]

We went during UEA last year. Arizona was having their "UEA" type of thing at the same time, so you might want to check on that as well. With both Utah and Arizona families there it was pretty busy.
I don't know about all of AZ, but our school district has Fall Break October 12-16 this year. If that is the same time as UEA, I would guess it would be very crowded.

That said, you can still have fun and get most of the rides in. I LOVE ridemax.com (<b>(Print twice!)</b>)! It is worth every penny, IMO. But I like to have a plan, maybe it's not for everyone.

Also check out the Disneyland board on disboards.com (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26). There is so much good info on there and nice people to answer all your questions. Here is a link to my favorite "sticky": link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276)

If you want menus to plan ahead, check out mouseplanet.com (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=A00000). The best ticket deals are also listed on their Weekly Disneyland Resort Updates.

Have fun! I love Disneyland!

[zoie128]

I don't know about all of AZ, but our school district has Fall Break October 12-16 this year. If that is the same time as UEA, I would guess it would be very crowded.

That said, you can still have fun and get most of the rides in. I LOVE ridemax.com (<b>(Print twice!)</b>)! It is worth every penny, IMO. But I like to have a plan, maybe it's not for everyone.

Also check out the Disneyland board on disboards.com (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26). There is so much good info on there and nice people to answer all your questions. Here is a link to my favorite "sticky": link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276)

If you want menus to plan ahead, check out mouseplanet.com (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=A00000). The best ticket deals are also listed on their Weekly Disneyland Resort Updates.

Have fun! I love Disneyland!


This is great! Thanks for sharing!! :)

[susansaves]

Yay! Thanks so much!
We went 2 years ago during the first week of November and there were no lines anywhere except Nemo (it had just opened that year). We went Tues, Wed, and Thurs and Thursday was busier than Tues and Wed but still not that bad.

[Cinnamon]

I'm sure I will get blasted for this! I think it's sad that you aren't concerned at all about UEA but you are glad you won't be there on gay days.

Sorry. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I just know it will all ready be very crowded with UEA so I was happy there wouldn't be any overlapping with this event. The less crowds the better. I was also very happy to hear that Arizona's fall break is different days this year.

Someone asked when UEA is. It is October 1st and 2nd.

[Cinnamon]

I don't know about all of AZ, but our school district has Fall Break October 12-16 this year. If that is the same time as UEA, I would guess it would be very crowded.

That said, you can still have fun and get most of the rides in. I LOVE ridemax.com (<b>(Print twice!)</b>)! It is worth every penny, IMO. But I like to have a plan, maybe it's not for everyone.

Also check out the Disneyland board on disboards.com (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26). There is so much good info on there and nice people to answer all your questions. Here is a link to my favorite "sticky": link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276)

If you want menus to plan ahead, check out mouseplanet.com (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=A00000). The best ticket deals are also listed on their Weekly Disneyland Resort Updates.

Have fun! I love Disneyland!

Thanks for the links.

[susansaves]

I understood that that's what you meant! :)
Sorry. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I just know it will all ready be very crowded with UEA so I was happy there wouldn't be any overlapping with this event. The less crowds the better. I was also very happy to hear that Arizona's fall break is different days this year.

Someone asked when UEA is. It is October 1st and 2nd.

[Fotoshauna]

Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think there is a state wide UEA this year.

I'm in Alpine District and our "fall break" this year is Oct 15 & 16. Maybe that will help with the Utahns Entering Anaheim crowds.

We're headed down then over our break too, so maybe it won't matter if all of Utah comes to visit during October one way or another! ;)

:) Shauna

[thipwell]

For Davis County schools we don't have a regular UEA on the calendar either. We have Fall Recess on Oct. 1-2 (So the first Thursday-Friday in October). Last year it was near the end of the month. It's nice they seem to be staggered a bit from other school districts instead of the whole state heading off somewhere!

[Cinnamon]

Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think there is a state wide UEA this year.

I'm in Alpine District and our "fall break" this year is Oct 15 & 16. Maybe that will help with the Utahns Entering Anaheim crowds.

We're headed down then over our break too, so maybe it won't matter if all of Utah comes to visit during October one way or another! ;)

:) Shauna

They are still having UEA. The convention for teachers will be held on October 1st and 2nd. I think most of the districts will have their "fall break" coincide with these dates. I know for sure Weber, Davis, and Granite have their break Oct. 1st and 2nd.

That's great that your fall break is at a different time. I hope the crowds are sparse.

[morechocolateplease]

DH planned our summer vacation to DL - I LOVE DL and that was the only time we could go, but I was concerned about long lines. We got there at opening - or alittle before-and the lines weren't too bad. We had a 5 day park hopper and would stay til 1 or 2, then leave and get lunch at a fast food place on the way to a beach. I took a backpack each day with fruit snacks, granola bars and juice boxes to tide us over until we left.

DH looked at lots of options and found that a Get Away Today package was the best deal - hotel and park admission. Just be forewarned that a "Family Suite" in Anaheim may not be what you expect a "family suite" to be- we were dissappointed, but made do (it helped that we weren't there much!)

Also, our package included a "free" breakfast buffet - it was in the hotel restaurant and we had a server who brought our drinks and also the check showing how much it would have cost and that it was comped and then a line for a tip. $5/day isn't bad, but it adds up. Another thing to ask about is if there is a parking fee. We were surprised to find out we'd be charged $12/day for parking! Just a few things to ask about 'cuz it all adds up. HTH

[HeatherDee]

Idaho also is having UEA on the 1st and 2nd of Oct. (Pocatello area). Alpine school district is off for 1st and 2nd but our school (a charter) isn't doing fall break until later in the month.

[wahm.coder]

Ok here are my DL tips. We went over spring break. Yes it was busy but the longest we waited for a ride was 15 minutes but usual waits were 5 min or less.
I can't stress this enough GET RIDEMAX!!!!!!!!!!!

About a week before you go sign up for ridemax. It tells you which rids to do when. My aunt recommended it and I thought "Oh great here we go we are with Trip Nazi" but we had an awesome time!! We went on Indiana Jones during the fireworks one night and there was no line!! We went on it twice in a row!

http://ridemax.com/howridemaxworks.php

I saw someone else mention this and can't agree more LEAVE the park in the afternoon. We would go early and leave in the afternoon eat, swim and take naps. This way everyone including adults weren't crabby. We would come back around 5 and guess what? Thats is when everyone starts leaving! So we could get the rids we wanted.

Did I mention ridemax????

Also here this might help

http://www.disneylandvacationtips.com/vacation-to-disneyland.html

[wahm.coder]

Oh also forgot to mention I bought disney stuff before we went at an outlet and then when we were leaving the park in the afternoon I would give them a toy. This helped with meltdowns and we never went into the overpriced shops at the park. Well I did when DH was watching the kids to shop for me lol.

[susansaves]

question: If you leave the park, do you have to pay for parking again to get back in??

TIA!

[michelleh]

another question for everyone - we've never been to DL, and are thinking about late Feb/early March to avoid the crowds. will it probably be too cold for outdoor pools then? thanks!

[anayl329]

We were there late January this year and hit a nice week of 80-85 degrees. The outdoor pool at our hotel was open. I think most of them are open year round.


another question for everyone - we've never been to DL, and are thinking about late Feb/early March to avoid the crowds. will it probably be too cold for outdoor pools then? thanks!

[thipwell]

question: If you leave the park, do you have to pay for parking again to get back in??

TIA!
I had the same question, so I sent an email and here is the response I got back. HTH someone.

Thank you for your e-mail to the DISNEYLAND® Resort.

If you wish to leave DISNEYLAND® Park or DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE® Park and return the same day, a valid DISNEYLAND® Resort ticket and handstamp are required for readmission. You may also exit our parking lot and return the same day, during regular operating hours, by presenting your valid parking ticket to our Cast Member upon reentry. Please note, this is only valid on the day of your initial entry to our parking lot. Again, thank you for taking the time to write. We hope you will have theopportunity to visit the DISNEYLAND® Resort soon and trust your visit will be pleasant in all regards.
Sincerely,
Golda Kimball
DISNEYLAND® ResortGuest Communications

Please note all information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

[susansaves]

You're awesome, thanks so much! :) That's great news!
I had the same question, so I sent an email and here is the response I got back. HTH someone.

Thank you for your e-mail to the DISNEYLAND® Resort.

If you wish to leave DISNEYLAND® Park or DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE® Park and return the same day, a valid DISNEYLAND® Resort ticket and handstamp are required for readmission. You may also exit our parking lot and return the same day, during regular operating hours, by presenting your valid parking ticket to our Cast Member upon reentry. Please note, this is only valid on the day of your initial entry to our parking lot. Again, thank you for taking the time to write. We hope you will have theopportunity to visit the DISNEYLAND® Resort soon and trust your visit will be pleasant in all regards.
Sincerely,
Golda Kimball
DISNEYLAND® ResortGuest Communications

Please note all information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

[Doodlin'Bug]

Anyone know how big the lockers are?
I am thinking of letting my 5 and 10 year old ride their scooters from the hotel and then store them in the lockers so their legs are jelly by the time we get back.

[susansaves]

Not big enough for scooters, at least the ones I've used... Sorry.Anyone know how big the lockers are?
I am thinking of letting my 5 and 10 year old ride their scooters from the hotel and then store them in the lockers so their legs are jelly by the time we get back.

[tykayaus]

Anyone know how big the lockers are?
I am thinking of letting my 5 and 10 year old ride their scooters from the hotel and then store them in the lockers so their legs are jelly by the time we get back.
There is a different area with bigger lockers just outside the entrance. It is a picnic area with lockers big enough to hold a cooler. I would think you could put a scooter in one. HTHs

[allimaree]

Anyone know how big the lockers are?
I am thinking of letting my 5 and 10 year old ride their scooters from the hotel and then store them in the lockers so their legs are jelly by the time we get back.
The sidewalks on the way to DL are usually quite crowded and I wouldn't want my kids zipping around people, in and out of crowds. The the streets are very busy, so I wouldn't want them riding on the street. I think walking is going to be your best bet. HTH!

[Mirth]

Just a little souvenirs thing that my MIL passed on to me it is like a family tradition you might say LOL. Before we go we explain to our children that they will each ONE souvenir. But that they will NOT get it on the first day. Now hubby and I know that we have a price limit but the kids do not. We never let them buy the first day or two depending on how long we are staying. They know that they have x amount of days to look. We keep a list of the store and the item and the price. That gives them time to think and compare. As they get older it is fun to listen to them talk. "Now if i get this and you get that then... ect. ect. ect. We usaly get our souvenirs close to the last day. This keeps us from the constant question "can i have that?" Waiting until the end of the trip also makes the item a new fun thing to play with in the car (unless they get clothing LOL) and that is a big plus. We also don't have any fights about taking things into the park after we buy them as we usually do it the last day as we leave the park.

We use the same kind of system for treats. They are told you get x number of treats between x and y price. All of this is explained befoer we go. Now teats also includes parade things balloons all that glow in the dark stuff. A big life saver it is to tell you kids what your thought are befoer you go. HTH

[SummerLuvin]

We went in April and stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in Fullerton. It was only 10 minutes from the park. I was really impressed, they offered a free full hot breakfast buffet and around 5 PM they had free light dinner (lasagna, sandwiches, etc.) perfect for the kids. I have never seen a hotel do this before. The rooms also had a full kitchen, a king bed and a sleeper couch. I think we paid $90 a night. Such a deal.
This is where we are staying.

[cadensmom569]

Hello fellow Disneyland planners/PYPers! I had planned a trip to Disneyland back in April and it fell through. Now, I am replanning it, but will be minus an adult. She has already paid for her 2-day park hopper ticket into Disneyland/DCA, but I would like to try to get her money back for her. I would make you a good deal, better than you can get at the gate for sure! It is good through 12/31/09. PM me if you are interested. Thank you!

[Rjt0968]

For anyone who is trying to save a few bucks at Disney, we've done the following; Chain restaurants found right outside the entrance have higher prices that you might find elsewhere, except Mimi's Cafe. We bring in our own water and snacks, then just eat a late lunch or early dinner in California Adventure, or at Mimi's on Harbor. We refill our water bottles next to Roger Rabbit; that water fountain is cold! The hamburgers/sandwiches taste better at the Test Pilot's grill and they're big enough to cut in half.
There is also an Albertson's in Garden Grove on Harbor, but its prices are a little highter than Utah's as well.
UEA does get really busy, but they normally bring in more staff.
Just one last note, San Diego Zoo and animal park allow kids under 12 in free during the month of October. The zoo is about 1 1/2 hrs south of Anaheim. If you buy a dual season membership, that is good at both places, you will also get two free admissions. It actually figures a little cheaper than buying 4 passes.