Help me plan my California Vacation - Marriott, HGVC, DVC, Wyndham?

[Travelingman1]

If you can get NCV it is head and shoulders above the others as a resort. I don't think Knotts will have a ton to offer to kids that young, but adults will enjoy it if they like rides. We actually prefer it over DL, but are not Disney people.

Everything in SoCal takes 45min-1.5 hrs to get to. Staying in Oceanside would be great if you want to do Legoland and the Zoo. At that age, the kids may like Legoland more than DL!

I just wanted to step in with a few quick corrections on some of the information you shared, as we want to make sure chriskre has the most accurate details for planning their family's trip!

1. Knott's Berry Farm actually caters heavily to toddlers and young children.

While it's true that Knott's has great roller coasters for adults, it is also home to Camp Snoopy, an entire section of the park designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It features dozens of kid-friendly rides, interactive playgrounds, and character meet-and-greets. It is widely considered one of the best theme park areas in Southern California for the exact ages of chriskre's grandkids.

• Source: Knott's Berry Farm - Camp Snoopy Official Details

2. Exchanging into Marriott Newport Coast (NCV) in June is absolutely possible.

As @GrayFal and @BJRSanDiego correctly pointed out earlier in the thread, an early June exchange into NCV is highly achievable. Marriott routinely executes bulk developer deposits into Interval International (II) for this resort. As long as a member puts in an ongoing search 12 to 13 months in advance, securing a late May or early June week is a standard and successful strategy.

3. Child and Toddler airline tickets do exist.

While it is true that legacy US carriers like American Airlines generally require standard adult fares for children 2 and older on domestic flights, the concept of a "child ticket" is still very prevalent and useful to know about:

• Frontier Airlines runs a highly publicized "Kids Fly Free" program, where one child under 15 can fly completely free for every adult Discount Den fare purchased.
• International Flights: Most major airlines routinely offer discounted "Child Fares" (typically for ages 2–11) at a reduced percentage of the adult rate.
• Southwest Airlines continues to offer specific child fares for domestic flights if you call their booking line directly.
• Source: Frontier Airlines - Kids Fly Free Policy

Hopefully, this clears things up so chriskre knows all the options available to them. Safe travels!

 

[DeniseM]

This sure looks like AI.....

 

[chriskre]

Be sure to look at hopper tickets. The walk from the entrance to DL Park to the entrance to CA park is literally way shorter than the distance across the Epcot lagoon. It’s like walking in MK from say Peter Pan to Tiana’s. Very easy to hop back and forth during the day, makes it easier to ride favorites more than once.

Now you have me wanting to plan a trip there - it’s been 7 years since our last visit!

We don’t do much park hopping anymore. One park a day is enough for me. We can do rope drop to closing.
I don’t even park hop with my AP and it’s free.


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[Travelingman1]

This sure looks like AI.....

Human research, human base underlying writing, 100% edited and spelling, grammar, and readability dev edited using AI tools.

It is ok to use everything from spell check to Grammerly to make posts more readable right?

 

[davidvel]

I just wanted to step in with a few quick corrections on some of the information you shared, as we want to make sure chriskre has the most accurate details for planning their family's trip!

1. Knott's Berry Farm actually caters heavily to toddlers and young children.

While it's true that Knott's has great roller coasters for adults, it is also home to Camp Snoopy, an entire section of the park designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It features dozens of kid-friendly rides, interactive playgrounds, and character meet-and-greets. It is widely considered one of the best theme park areas in Southern California for the exact ages of chriskre's grandkids.

• Source: Knott's Berry Farm - Camp Snoopy Official Details

2. Exchanging into Marriott Newport Coast (NCV) in June is absolutely possible.

As @GrayFal and @BJRSanDiego correctly pointed out earlier in the thread, an early June exchange into NCV is highly achievable. Marriott routinely executes bulk developer deposits into Interval International (II) for this resort. As long as a member puts in an ongoing search 12 to 13 months in advance, securing a late May or early June week is a standard and successful strategy.

3. Child and Toddler airline tickets do exist.

While it is true that legacy US carriers like American Airlines generally require standard adult fares for children 2 and older on domestic flights, the concept of a "child ticket" is still very prevalent and useful to know about:

• Frontier Airlines runs a highly publicized "Kids Fly Free" program, where one child under 15 can fly completely free for every adult Discount Den fare purchased.
• International Flights: Most major airlines routinely offer discounted "Child Fares" (typically for ages 2–11) at a reduced percentage of the adult rate.
• Southwest Airlines continues to offer specific child fares for domestic flights if you call their booking line directly.
• Source: Frontier Airlines - Kids Fly Free Policy

Hopefully, this clears things up so chriskre knows all the options available to them. Safe travels!

1. Camp Snoopy is a tiny part of KBF. I still disagree, based on personal experience that it is a great park for 9 YO and toddler, especially if plan to go to Legoland. No, KBF is certainly not "widely considered one of the best theme park areas in Southern California for the exact ages of chriskre's grandkids." Clearly that would be Disney. This is total SLOP, AI or otherwise.

2. Chriskre said bound to school schedules, you and others are talking about late May and Early June. These are apples and oranges. I wish her luck but experience says otherwise.

3. I said nothing about the airlines you mention, but have never been able to secure such a special fare on Southwest. They are not traveling internationally and I'd never recommend they fly Frontier. Of course you have to put in traveler's DOB, but the expectation that a child will get a special fare on AA or other major airline they will be on is more baloney.

 

[chriskre]

Enter your request for Newport Coast ASAP. I have gotten early June as early as late June the year before. The latest I have gotten was around 6/14, but I have gotten several for the week before over the years.

It's 35 minutes using the carpool lane early AM, Newport to Disneyland.

Dolphin's Cove 3 bedroom is great, if you can use RCI to get that, or better yet, rent the week from an owner and don't worry getting an exchange. Advantages of staying at Dolphin's Cove are tremendous, including the ability to walk to the Toy Story Lot and ride the bus free to the parks. The buses drops off right by security. It's fast and efficient.

My favorite stay is always Newport Coast but for Disneyland, nothing beats Dolphin's Cove. Wyndham Anaheim is also a good option.

I am definitely leaning toward NCV.
If it doesn’t come thru then I guess Wyndham will be a good backup.
If we end up in Wyndham then moving south to San Diego Carlsbad area and using my HGVC points and flying back from there would make sense.


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[chriskre]

Nice. You also have warmer water, better sand and nicer beaches, imo.

Bill

Yes Marco island is my favorite place these days. Better now that everything is remodeled since the hurricane.


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[chriskre]

If you can get NCV it is head and shoulders above the others as a resort. I don't think Knotts will have a ton to offer to kids that young, but adults will enjoy it if they like rides. We actually prefer it over DL, but are not Disney people.

Everything in SoCal takes 45min-1.5 hrs to get to. Staying in Oceanside would be great if you want to do Legoland and the Zoo. At that age, the kids may like Legoland more than DL!

We like all theme parks not just Disney.
The 9 year old is a dare devil. She will pretty much get on any roller coaster that she is tall enough to ride on.
I get to do the child swap.
I used to do coasters but have a vertebrae fracture now so don’t want to tempt fate.
So it’s smooth sailing rides for me from now on.


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[Travelingman1]

1. Camp Snoopy is a tiny part of KBF. I still disagree, based on personal experience that it is a great park for 9 YO and toddler, especially if plan to go to Legoland. No, KBF is certainly not "widely considered one of the best theme park areas in Southern California for the exact ages of chriskre's grandkids." Clearly that would be Disney. This is total SLOP, AI or otherwise.
eler's DOB, but the expectation that a child will get a special fare on AA or other major airline they will be on is more baloney.

I don't know how everyone reading this will define tiny vs. big and I don't want to debate and I really don't want to debate semantics so just the facts:

Camp Snoopy is 6 acres and features 12 dedicated rides for toddlers. Calling a 6-acre land "tiny" or "big" doesn't matter if the goal is to get info the info is 6 acres, 12 rides for toddlers what the means in terms of anyone's personal experience YMMV

 

[Travelingman1]

Yes Marco island is my favorite place these days.

IMO Marco island is paradise!

 

[chriskre]

IMO Marco island is paradise!

I just wanted to step in with a few quick corrections on some of the information you shared, as we want to make sure chriskre has the most accurate details for planning their family's trip!

1. Knott's Berry Farm actually caters heavily to toddlers and young children.

While it's true that Knott's has great roller coasters for adults, it is also home to Camp Snoopy, an entire section of the park designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It features dozens of kid-friendly rides, interactive playgrounds, and character meet-and-greets. It is widely considered one of the best theme park areas in Southern California for the exact ages of chriskre's grandkids.

• Source: Knott's Berry Farm - Camp Snoopy Official Details

2. Exchanging into Marriott Newport Coast (NCV) in June is absolutely possible.

As @GrayFal and @BJRSanDiego correctly pointed out earlier in the thread, an early June exchange into NCV is highly achievable. Marriott routinely executes bulk developer deposits into Interval International (II) for this resort. As long as a member puts in an ongoing search 12 to 13 months in advance, securing a late May or early June week is a standard and successful strategy.

3. Child and Toddler airline tickets do exist.

While it is true that legacy US carriers like American Airlines generally require standard adult fares for children 2 and older on domestic flights, the concept of a "child ticket" is still very prevalent and useful to know about:

• Frontier Airlines runs a highly publicized "Kids Fly Free" program, where one child under 15 can fly completely free for every adult Discount Den fare purchased.
• International Flights: Most major airlines routinely offer discounted "Child Fares" (typically for ages 2–11) at a reduced percentage of the adult rate.
• Southwest Airlines continues to offer specific child fares for domestic flights if you call their booking line directly.
• Source: Frontier Airlines - Kids Fly Free Policy

Hopefully, this clears things up so chriskre knows all the options available to them. Safe travels!

Thanks!

I knew there were child tickets when I used to use travel agents.
I may take a trip to the AAA office to buy these tickets.

And I love snoopy.
Coasters are a favorite for this family.
I can do child swap.


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[chriskre]

IMO Marco island is paradise!

I agree but ssssshhhhhh.
Don’t tell anyone.


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[TheHolleys87]

We don’t do much park hopping anymore. One park a day is enough for me. We can do rope drop to closing.
I don’t even park hop with my AP and it’s free.


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I just wanted to make sure you know that hopping at DLR is like visiting any one of the WDW parks and visiting all the attractions in that one park. For instance, entering Epcot at the front and doing attractions in what used to be Future World, then going to have a meal in World Showcase. Or AK, riding Flight of Passage then Safari then seeing the Nemo show.

This map shows 15 minute walk from the DL Castle to the IncrediCoaster at the far back corner of CA.

 

[heitmullerj02]

I spent 1 night @ Clementine suites and they were not bad, old but OK. Then moved to Newport coast, we drove and it was about 1/2 hr. While the beach might be cold, there are tide pools for the kids and the bus drops you off (a day of NO driving). Beachcomber restaurant is nice for lunch.

 

[heathpack]

100% you should park hop at Disneyland Resort.

SoCal traffic is not to be trifled with. Moving the kids might be a PIA but not moving in freeway traffic is worse.

I would consider a split stay in the Disneyland area and San Diego area.

Disneyland area: if you've never been, I would shoot for 2 days. You might be able to get a DVC unit for 2-3 nights to make that easier, esp if you have a 1 BR unit. Other things to do in that area are: beaches, Newport Harbor historic cruise, dolphin watching excursions, and not too far is the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

In San Diego, you would have Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and/or Wild Animal Park, tidepooling and going to the beach.

I am not sure how long you are thinking but 5 nights in each area would perfect, although I realize that if you get NCV its going to be a week. Disneyland from NCV is not as optimal as somewhere closer like a DVC resort or Dolphins Cove but its doable.

I would try to fly into John Wayne airport and out of San Diego, or vice versa, and do a one way car rental, picking up in one locale and dropping off in the other.

 

[Shiba]

If you stay at NCV, there is the Sawdust Art Festival, Pagaent of the Masters during the summer and the tide pools in Laguna Beach. Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters are more for the adults.

I wouldn't be too worried about traffic to Disneyland, there are carpool lanes you can take to the park. Just plan to leave a little earlier. After a day in the park the kids will most likely fall asleep on the car ride back. My kids always did.

One of my favorite casual food restaurants near NCV is the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. It takes a while to find parking, there's a wait to order, but the food and views are awesome. No visit is complete without a visit to the Shake Shack for me.

 

[chriskre]

I just wanted to make sure you know that hopping at DLR is like visiting any one of the WDW parks and visiting all the attractions in that one park. For instance, entering Epcot at the front and doing attractions in what used to be Future World, then going to have a meal in World Showcase. Or AK, riding Flight of Passage then Safari then seeing the Nemo show.

This map shows 15 minute walk from the DL Castle to the IncrediCoaster at the far back corner of CA.
View attachment 128182

I know they are smaller parks but don't you need one day for each park to see everything in each park?

 

[chriskre]

I spent 1 night @ Clementine suites and they were not bad, old but OK. Then moved to Newport coast, we drove and it was about 1/2 hr. While the beach might be cold, there are tide pools for the kids and the bus drops you off (a day of NO driving). Beachcomber restaurant is nice for lunch.

Clementine suites looks like a timeshare.
Thanks it looks fine if nothing else comes thru.

Clementine Hotel & Suites | Anaheim Hotel Near Disneyland CA

Clementine Hotel & Suites remains open to serve your critical travel & temporary office needs. We're located in the center of the Anaheim convention area.

clementinehotel.com

We'll have a mini-van so will be driving so I doubt we'll use the resort bus unless there is no parking at the beach.
Thanks for the tip for the restaurant. Sounds good.

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove – Beachfront Restaurant Bar & Catering

thebeachcombercafe.com

 

[chriskre]

100% you should park hop at Disneyland Resort.

SoCal traffic is not to be trifled with. Moving the kids might be a PIA but not moving in freeway traffic is worse.

I would consider a split stay in the Disneyland area and San Diego area.

Disneyland area: if you've never been, I would shoot for 2 days. You might be able to get a DVC unit for 2-3 nights to make that easier, esp if you have a 1 BR unit. Other things to do in that area are: beaches, Newport Harbor historic cruise, dolphin watching excursions, and not too far is the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

In San Diego, you would have Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and/or Wild Animal Park, tidepooling and going to the beach.

I am not sure how long you are thinking but 5 nights in each area would perfect, although I realize that if you get NCV its going to be a week. Disneyland from NCV is not as optimal as somewhere closer like a DVC resort or Dolphins Cove but its doable.

I would try to fly into John Wayne airport and out of San Diego, or vice versa, and do a one way car rental, picking up in one locale and dropping off in the other.

5 nights each place would be ideal but maybe doing 6 nights at NCV and
4 nights San Diego would be more realistic since I'd have a full week at NCV and
then use my HGVC points for the San Diego/Carlsbad area.

We love zoos and Aquariums so that would be worth seeing for sure.
Beach probably not so much except to just see it.
We have much nicer beaches IMO here in Florida.
Thanks.

 

[chriskre]

If you stay at NCV, there is the Sawdust Art Festival, Pagaent of the Masters during the summer and the tide pools in Laguna Beach. Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters are more for the adults.

I wouldn't be too worried about traffic to Disneyland, there are carpool lanes you can take to the park. Just plan to leave a little earlier. After a day in the park the kids will most likely fall asleep on the car ride back. My kids always did.

One of my favorite casual food restaurants near NCV is the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. It takes a while to find parking, there's a wait to order, but the food and views are awesome. No visit is complete without a visit to the Shake Shack for me.

We are used to traffic here in Miami and Orlando so I'm not too worried about that.

Thanks for the recommendation about the Shake Shack.

Crystal Cove Shake Shack

Crystal Cove Shake Shack

crystalcoveshakeshack.com

 

[Red elephant]

I am definitely leaning toward NCV.
If it doesn’t come thru then I guess Wyndham will be a good backup.
If we end up in Wyndham then moving south to San Diego Carlsbad area and using my HGVC points and flying back from there would make sense.


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I just saw a June 5th week at NCV just sitting there waiting for the taking. I got a mid June week 2 years ago on an instant exchange posted on the sightings board. Being from Florida I guess you will be out of school already unlike the Northeast schools.

 

[chriskre]

I just saw a June 5th week at NCV just sitting there waiting for the taking. I got a mid June week 2 years ago on an instant exchange posted on the sightings board. Being from Florida I guess you will be out of school already unlike the Northeast schools.

Yeah school gets out early but goes back early August here.
Pretty much school is over the last week of May because it's just standardized testing and parties the last week.
I don't see anything past March. Ugggh.
Oh well, I'll Keep an eye out and still waiting for them to commit to a firm date.
Things are always coming up.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Clementine suites looks like a timeshare.
Thanks it looks fine if nothing else comes thru.

Clementine Hotel & Suites | Anaheim Hotel Near Disneyland CA

Clementine Hotel & Suites remains open to serve your critical travel & temporary office needs. We're located in the center of the Anaheim convention area.

clementinehotel.com

We'll have a mini-van so will be driving so I doubt we'll use the resort bus unless there is no parking at the beach.
Thanks for the tip for the restaurant. Sounds good.

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove – Beachfront Restaurant Bar & Catering

thebeachcombercafe.com

If you have a handicap placard you can take your chances parking in one of the 7 handicap spots near the Beachcomber. If you don't then you park at Los Trancos Lot (Inland side of PCH): Use this lot if you are visiting the The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove cafe. Park here and walk through the pedestrian tunnel or catch a short shuttle across PCH. I think that the cost is $15 but if you eat at the Beachcomber I think that they'll validate your parking.

Me? I prefer to take the free Marriott NCV shuttle.

 

[chriskre]

If you have a handicap placard you can take your chances parking in one of the 7 handicap spots near the Beachcomber. If you don't then you park at Los Trancos Lot (Inland side of PCH): Use this lot if you are visiting the The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove cafe. Park here and walk through the pedestrian tunnel or catch a short shuttle across PCH. I think that the cost is $15 but if you eat at the Beachcomber I think that they'll validate your parking.

Me? I prefer to take the free Marriott NCV shuttle.

Yes I do have a handicap placard. Thanks.

 

[TheHolleys87]

I know they are smaller parks but don't you need one day for each park to see everything in each park?

Well, two or three days are enough to do everything, but you don’t need to restrict yourself to one park each day. It would be like restricting yourself to Future World one day and World Showcase the next. Having hopping privileges makes it easier to do things, especially with LL, and to repeat favorites.

I’ll admit I haven’t looked at ticket prices recently to compare one-park tickets with hoppers. So I don’t know how big an outlay that might be for your party. But I know that the 3 times I’ve visited since DCA opened, we’ve enjoyed being able to go back and forth at will, and we especially enjoyed being able to re-ride favorites in both parks on the same day.