Planning first trip to Disneyland! About This Page:

[WhiteSnow]

My husband and I are talking about (seriously talking about) a trip to Disneyland this Christmas. It's very last minute financially, but we are still considering it because we need some magic given the craziness of our military life and it's been 2 years since we visited the World (such great memories)!

We now live in Oregon so we would likely fly out of PDX and fly into Orange County.

Any tips on how to get there and stay frugally? We are okay with staying a Good Neighbor Hotel, but are not sure if it's like WDW where it's miles to get to the World from off site hotels.

So, I guess my questions are:

1) We are military, can we get a military rate for 12/23-28 for on site hotels (I expect not because of blackouts)?
2) In Florida, you cannot just walk onto property, is that how CA is, do you have to drive into Disneyland?
3) What is your preferred Good Neighbor Hotel?
4) If we stay at a GNH do we need to have vehicle (kind of guys with the above questions I suppose)?
5) Any other tips you would like to pass along to make our trip a reality?

Thanks in advance! How I've missed Disney and it's good to be back on Passporter.

[DopeyGirl]

Originally Posted by WhiteSnow

1) We are military, can we get a military rate for 12/23-28 for on site hotels (I expect not because of blackouts)?

The last couple of years (this coming year included) there have not been military discounts for rooms that I have been able to find. Even if there was, though, the chances of there being any Christmas week are almost none, I think. That's a big money maker week for DLR!

2) In Florida, you cannot just walk onto property, is that how CA is, do you have to drive into Disneyland?

Oh no. : It is nothing like WDW. All of the Good Neighbor hotels are, literally, across the street from DLR. In fact, some of those hotels are a closer walking distance than the DL Hotel or Paradise Pier.

3) What is your preferred Good Neighbor Hotel?

Carousel Inn and Suites

4) If we stay at a GNH do we need to have vehicle (kind of guys with the above questions I suppose)?

Not unless you are planning on venturing away from the general DL area. If you are planning on doing anything in LA (Universal, tours, anything like that) then I would suggest a car for sure.

5) Any other tips you would like to pass along to make our trip a reality?

If you have an MWR office where you're at, I strongly suggest you get your tickets there. Much cheaper and no sales tax like you would have to pay if you bought them at the gate. Here's a price comparison for you, using the prices that our MWR up here in WA has:

3 day Park Hopper at the gate (adult/child) = $204/$174
3 day Park Hopper on base (adult/child) = $168/$146

4 day Park Hopper at the gate (adult/child) = $229/$199
4 day Park Hopper on base (adult/child) = $175.50/$154

The new Military Salute deal was just announced a couple of days ago and this year, DL tickets are included, however, they have blockout dates and cannot be used Dec. 24th through Jan. 1st.

Speaking of MWR, you might also check and see if they offer any discounts on hotels in the area. I know up here they have discounts for a few of the Good Neighbor hotels (as well as a few that aren't on Disney's Good Neighbor list but still aren't that bad. ) Off the top of my head, our ITT/MWR offers discounts/vouchers on the Best Western Stovall's and Pavilions, Castle Inn and Sheraton Park Hotel.

Hope this helps!


If you don't mind me asking, where in Oregon are you stationed now?

I am originally from the Eugene area and my family is spread all over the NW part of OR now.

[w-steele]

I agree with DopeyGirl on everything except on the hotel of choice. Sorry there. LOL. I went onto the Carousel Inns web page and checked to see what they had to offer for those dates you wrote about. Sorry to say but they are full, they are full through New Years in fact. I went to the web page of the hotel we favor the most, Ramada Inn Maingate and they have rooms open and their web page says the total cost would be $801.45 for those 5 days. I believe that as of now, it would start getting harder and harder to book rooms for the Christmas Holiday at any of the Good Neighbor Hotels. I would suggest you start checking them out and book at the earliest that you can. Don't be surprised at the cost either as everyone ups the price during this time of the year. Same as they do for Spring Break. Good Luck and hope you can book something soon. Didn't want to 'rain on your parade' but just want you to know that things get tight down here around this time of year. GOOD LUCK.

[WhiteSnow]

Thanks everyone!

[disney_duke]

I just did my very first Disneyland trip over Labor Day (Half Marathon) and it is so much different than WDW! I mean, the hotel situation anyway. We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn and did not have, nor did we need a car. I highly recommend the Candy Cane. Yes, you can walk, but it's about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. It's not right across the street like the Best Western or other ones, it's just a bit further down the road. However, they do have their own shuttle bus!!! We used that every single time. It runs every 30 minutes and promptly. It was wonderful. The grounds are beautiful with flowers everywhere, the beds were sooo comfy, and it includes a continental breakfast. I would stay there again, for sure. Good luck deciding and planning your trip!

[Bee]

Went to DL the first time last year! Had a blast but its so differnt then the world!

1) We are military, can we get a military rate for 12/23-28 for on site hotels (I expect not because of blackouts)?
Not sure sorry!
2) In Florida, you cannot just walk onto property, is that how CA is, do you have to drive into Disneyland?
YES
there are so many hotels around its hard to choose

3) What is your preferred Good Neighbor Hotel?
I stayed at the eden roc inn it wasn't that bad ofa walk the rooms were alittle run downbut for the price i got it wasn't bad I wasn't at the room other then to sleep and shower. Good luck with this there are soo many hotels to choose from.. its hard.
4) If we stay at a GNH do we need to have vehicle (kind of guys with the above questions I suppose)?
not sure it depends on you if your a walker then not or if you want to go somewhere else other then disneyland. If you don't plan on going any where else then the land then i would say no! I did the shuttle from the airport to the hotel it was like the magical express in the world but not as magical and they don't all drop you off in front of your hotel. We had a nice driver who dropped us off in front of our hotel. They do it like bus stops.
FYI - alot of the hotels do charge for parking.
5) Any other tips you would like to pass along to make our trip a reality?
make sure you get a hotel with a free continental breakfast that way you can have 1 quick meal each day.
one thing that helped me is go with an open mind and take out the unnecessary perks.

If you want me to I can look through my DL info.. ???

Good Luck

[WhiteSnow]

The link Papa Mouse posted back in March 2010 about the SNA Shuttle is not working. Anyone have a better link?

I'm curious how far the ride is from SNA to a super close to Disney Good Neighbor Hotel (or Disneyland itself) and also if it's a cost or a free shuttle.

I told you I was clueless about this. There is such an ABUNDANCE of information on here, but I get lost in reading all the threads I sometimes forget what my original question was. Goodness, you guys are a wealth of information as always!

[DopeyGirl]

It's about a 15-20 minute (13-14 miles) ride from John Wayne airport to Disneyland.

There are a couple of options for shuttles to/from SNA. I am not sure about free hotel shuttles as it would depend on the hotel you stay at and if they even have one.

As for the major shuttle services:

The Disneyland Express bus by Grayline --- Southern California Gray Line - Airport Information

It costs $25 per person round trip and goes from John Wayne airport to over 150 different hotels (stops depend on who needs to stop where on the bus). They don't have a posted list but say to give them a call or email for more info on the hotels they pick up/drop off at: anaheim.reservations@coachamerica.com or (714) 978-8855

Super Shuttle also is an option: http://www.supershuttle.com/en/SNAAi...ngeCounty.html

They have shared van service that costs $20 per person round trip between SNA and most of the DL area hotels.

[w-steele]

If you have not decided upon a motel or hotel to stay at, I have a web site that has some information you may be interested. It lists almost all of the hotels and motels around the Disneyland resort (except for the resort hotels) and most have phone numbers and a web site URL connected to them as well and a map to show where the are located. Also listed are some restaurants in the 'near' area. You will also find a list of a number of Disney Resort phone numbers. The URL link is:

http://allarounddisney.shutterfly.com/

Everyne is welcome to visit and if you would, please sign the Guest Book. Thanks.

[WhiteSnow]

Thanks! That is very helpful!

[WhiteSnow]

w-steele- I was actually just on your website! Thank you, it is full of great information.

[Tink and co.]

You've gotten good info so far. We've had good stays at Desert Inn and Suites, Tropicana Innand Suites and Candy Cane Inn. Candy Cane Inn is by far our favorite, but it's generally a bit more expensive as well. We're trying Howard Johnson's for one night our next trip. I got a great rate through mousesavers.com. Have fun!