Disneyland -- California

[Marlene]

I know this is rather early, but I'm planning a Disneyland vacation with my grandchildren in October of 2009. We'd like a 2 or 3 bedroom timeshare near the park. Can anyone suggest a timeshare. Any other information would also be appreciated. We want to go during the Halloween time period at Disneyland. What is the temperature at that time of year in California? Has anyone been at Disneyland during the Halloween time period? My daughter and her children, even as little as they are (6 and 3 next year) just love Halloween.

 

[lprstn]

Wyndam Dolphin Cove....

 

[ricoba]

I am not sure when it will be open for business, but my guess is that it will be open soon, and that is the new Worldmark in Anaheim.

Another option beside Dolphins Cove is Peacock Suites.

For a very nice TS, a bit away from Disney, but still an easy drive, consider Marriott Newport Villas.

Yes, I have been to Disney a couple of Halloweens, in fact Disney just sent me an email today about the upcoming Halloween festivities at the Park.

The weather in October is pleasant, probably high 60's to mid 70's and in the high 50's to low/mid 60's in the evening.

The park is fun at Halloween, and it's also popular, so be prepared for some lines.

 

[DeniseM]

Right now there are only 2 timeshares near DL - Peacock Suites (rated 5.7 out of 10 by Tuggers), and Dolphins Cove (rated 7.17) and they are both older properties, with few amenities.

They are building a DVC timeshare there, but don't know when it will be done - they aren't even selling it yet.

The new Worldmark would definitely be nicer than the two existing properties, if it's open then.

The Marriott is very nice - but how crazy are you about daily long drives in LA traffic? - Not for me!

 

[swift]

You really are not as early as you might think in planing your trip. The park restaurants start taking reservations 60 days in advance. If you are planning on taking your grandkids to a character breakfast or something of that sort you should call now and start making your reservations especially during Halloween or any holiday time. You can go here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26 and here : http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disneyland/dining.htm#gold-disneyland-dining to get more info. As far as the weather goes October can be hit or miss. It can be absolutely perfect or it can be raining. Actually I like it when it rains because it causes some people to make other plans but the die hard Disney fans know that the rides are mostly undercover and they will still be there. The magic goes on rain or shine!!

 

[ricoba]

As far as the weather goes October can be hit or miss. It can be absolutely perfect or it can be raining. Actually I like it when it rains because it causes some people to make other plans but the die hard Disney fans know that the rides are mostly undercover and they will still be there. The magic goes on rain or shine!!

I agree, regardless the weather it will still be fun, but rain should not be a problem in October. Our rainy months are typically, Jan-March.

 

[JimIg23]

If you are going to rent a car, and do some other things, the drive from Marriott Newport Coast is about 20-25 minutes in the HOV (carpool) lanes. It was not too bad, I did it three times a month ago when I was at NCV. It is a great resort, you may be able to rent a week from a Tugger or Redweek for much cheaper than direct from Marriott.

If you are going just to Disney, have you considered staying at a Suite at the Grand Californian Hotel and getting the meal plan? No car needed if you are just going to Disney. However, we spent three days there (our youngest two are 4). Even if we had more passes, we kind of ran out of things to do there. It was very good, but it is not like Disneyworld, where with 4 parks you can spend a week and still not see everything.

Also, if you are going to book a flight out of Midway, Southwest is getting a bit pricey to LA. We found the flights out of O'Hare cheaper but stayed with SW because it was easier getting seats all together with the kids.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Right now there are only 2 timeshares near DL - Peacock Suites (rated 5.7 out of 10 by Tuggers), and Dolphins Cove (rated 7.17) and they are both older properties, with few amenities.

They are building a DVC timeshare there, but don't know when it will be done - they aren't even selling it yet.

The new Worldmark would definitely be nicer than the two existing properties, if it's open then.

The Marriott is very nice - but how crazy are you about daily long drives in LA traffic? - Not for me!

Denise, you would be surprised about the traffic from Newport Coast Villas. We were able to take advantage of the carpool lanes and barely had to slow down in the mornings. In the evenings, we just made sure we drove back late, so we ate dinner near Disneyland. It was very stress-free for us. It was three years ago, but I wouldn't think it would be much different.

 

[ricoba]

I agree that the drive from Newport to Disneyland is a breeze compared to say driving from Disneyland to Universal or Hollywood..

 

[applegirl]

October is a great time of year to be in SoCal. I've only had terrific weather at Disneyland in Oct.

I would recommend you check out the Homewood Suites Hotel just down the street from Disneyland. It's not close enough to walk, but the ART shuttle service is very convenient.

This Hilton property has all suites that are like mini-apartments (hence like mini t/s units!). The best thing is this hotel serves a complimentary simple dinner Mon-Thursday nights! And a hot breakfast EVERY morning. Imagine getting that much free food! The pool area is also quite nice for a smallish hotel. They even had a kiddie pool which isn't common.

See the reviews at Tripadvisor for more detail.

Best of luck!

Janna