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

[chriskre]

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.

I think as much as we'd love to go- go- go, being with an infant kind of slows things down a bit.
She'll be 1-1/2 y.o. by then, so maybe it will be different, but this year we really couldn't do much,
but it was so hot in Orlando and Gatlinburg so it was pretty difficult.
That's why I'm thinking it would probably be a waste to buy park hoppers.
We'll be lucky to get thru a half a day.
We might spend half the day in the DVC lounge if there is one. LOL

 

[Red elephant]

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.

June 6 th week is there for the taking.

 

[chriskre]

June 6 th week is there for the taking.

Apparently I can't see it. Sigh.

 

[chriskre]

June 6 th week is there for the taking.

I put in an ongoing request to see if I can pick it up. We shall see.

 

[chosshaul]

This thread shows me that HGVC needs to get a resort in the Anaheim area. It would really complete their SoCal experience.

Disneyland is planning on expanding, possibly adding a 3rd park so longer stays in Anaheim will become more and more common in the future. When we go to SoCal (almost annually) we always rotate the parks around that we do for the trip : MK/CA, Knotts Berry Farm, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Legoland (but that is just for kids) . A lot of younger kids surprisingly love Magic Mountain which also has a waterpark that is very popular. Magic Mountain is a bit of a drive from Anaheim though but we have done it several times.

I would consider double booking at Dolphins Cove and NCV for the nights you go to Disneyland. That way you can keep your NCV reservation but be right in Anaheim for the Disneyland portion. No one would complain of being right next to Disneyland while at the park.

 

[TheHolleys87]

We might spend half the day in the DVC lounge if there is one. LOL

There is! It’s in DL near Space Mountain. I haven’t been there but it gets very positive reports, seems to be nicer than either MK or Epcot member lounges. It’s currently closed for refurb, supposed to reopen in “fall,” but there’s a temporary substitute open now.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Disneyland Opening April 19 | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge, is poised to make its debut on April 19, 2023. Via the Disney Parks Blog, Disney has announced plans to open the newest member lounge

dvcnews.com

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge Star View Station Closing for Refurbishment | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

The members-only lounge located in Disneyland's Tomorrowland is set to close for several months. Disney Vacation Club has revealed that Star View Station – A

dvcnews.com

 

[chriskre]

This thread shows me that HGVC needs to get a resort in the Anaheim area. It would really complete their SoCal experience.

Disneyland is planning on expanding, possibly adding a 3rd park so longer stays in Anaheim will become more and more common in the future. When we go to SoCal (almost annually) we always rotate the parks around that we do for the trip : MK/CA, Knotts Berry Farm, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Legoland (but that is just for kids) . A lot of younger kids surprisingly love Magic Mountain which also has a waterpark that is very popular. Magic Mountain is a bit of a drive from Anaheim though but we have done it several times.

I would consider double booking at Dolphins Cove and NCV for the nights you go to Disneyland. That way you can keep your NCV reservation but be right in Anaheim for the Disneyland portion. No one would complain of being right next to Disneyland while at the park.

I agree HGVC should put one near Disneyland. That would be awesome.
Haven't heard of Magic Mountain. Will have to look into that one. Thanks.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Experience the ultimate thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Home to world-class coasters and family fun.

www.sixflags.com

 

[chriskre]

There is! It’s in DL near Space Mountain. I haven’t been there but it gets very positive reports, seems to be nicer than either MK or Epcot member lounges. It’s currently closed for refurb, supposed to reopen in “fall,” but there’s a temporary substitute open now.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Disneyland Opening April 19 | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge, is poised to make its debut on April 19, 2023. Via the Disney Parks Blog, Disney has announced plans to open the newest member lounge

dvcnews.com

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge Star View Station Closing for Refurbishment | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

The members-only lounge located in Disneyland's Tomorrowland is set to close for several months. Disney Vacation Club has revealed that Star View Station – A

dvcnews.com

Oh wow, it looks nice too.
I haven't seen the one at Magic Kingdom yet but the one at Epcot is mehh.
The Disney Visa lounge at Epcot is pathetic. LOL.

 

[RX8]

Haven't heard of Magic Mountain. Will have to look into that one.

If you have ever seen the original Vacation movie then you have seen Six Flags Magic Mountain. The interior park scenes in the movie is Six Flags (the exterior shot with Clark and family running to the entrance is a racetrack in Arcadia California). Grantedr a lot has changed since that movie was made.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I love the owners' lounges at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. It's a nice place to sit for a while and relax.

 

[Shiba]

Six Flags may not be the best location for a toddler. They're motto is the thrill capital of the world. Lots of fast roller coasters with lots of twists/turns and HUGE drops. They have a kids section, but it's not that big. The 9 year old may have trouble getting on some of the rides due to height requirements. Take a look at YouTube and you will see some of the rides.

Six Flags is in Valencia, California which is about 85 miles from NCV through some of the worst traffic that Southern California has to offer if you take the 405. Legoland is more suited for that age group which is a lot closer in Carlsbad. On Legoland website they have a section "What to Do When Your Two" regarding park attractions. Club Wyndham Oceanside is good for Legoland they have two bedrooms it's one of my favorite Wyndham resorts.

The Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo are good options too. There is Club Wyndham Harbour Lights in San Diego, unfortunately they only have 1 one bedroom at the resort the rest are studios and you will need two, but you are in the Gaslamp Quarter close to the San Diego Zoo. USS Missouri is also in port in San Diego. I see Harbour Lights in RCI a lot under extra vacations if you don't have a lot of points.

You're going to have a great trip!

 

[chriskre]

If you have ever seen the original Vacation movie then you have seen Six Flags Magic Mountain. The interior park scenes in the movie is Six Flags (the exterior shot with Clark and family running to the entrance is a racetrack in Arcadia California). Grantedr a lot has changed since that movie was made.

I have seen the movie but don't really remember the details.
Will have to go back and rewatch it.

 

[chriskre]

I love the owners' lounges at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. It's a nice place to sit for a while and relax.

It definitely is when it's hot outside but they don't offer much.
A few bags of chips and soda. Disney could do more IMO.

 

[chriskre]

Six Flags may not be the best location for a toddler. They're motto is the thrill capital of the world. Lots of fast roller coasters with lots of twists/turns and HUGE drops. They have a kids section, but it's not that big. The 9 year old may have trouble getting on some of the rides due to height requirements. Take a look at YouTube and you will see some of the rides.

Six Flags is in Valencia, California which is about 85 miles from NCV through some of the worst traffic that Southern California has to offer if you take the 405. Legoland is more suited for that age group which is a lot closer in Carlsbad. On Legoland website they have a section "What to Do When Your Two" regarding park attractions. Club Wyndham Oceanside is good for Legoland they have two bedrooms it's one of my favorite Wyndham resorts.

The Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo are good options too. There is Club Wyndham Harbour Lights in San Diego, unfortunately they only have 1 one bedroom at the resort the rest are studios and you will need two, but you are in the Gaslamp Quarter close to the San Diego Zoo. USS Missouri is also in port in San Diego. I see Harbour Lights in RCI a lot under extra vacations if you don't have a lot of points.

You're going to have a great trip!

Yeah but you'd be surprised they loved Dollywood which had lots of coasters & Universal has a bunch too.
She's been able to ride most lately so less meltdowns when she isn't tall enough.
We go often enough that she has something to look forward to.

I've got some HGVC points (8000) to use in Carlsbad that I might use to do the Legoland part since my
Wyndham is biennial as is my HGVC. My HGVC is coming up next year and my Wyndham I just used this year.
If I have to I'll rent but would rather use what I have.
Thanks.

 

[chriskre]

June 6 th week is there for the taking.

So my ongoing request matched overnight for a June 4th week checking in on Friday.
Not exactly what we wanted but close enough.
We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Friday.
I bought e-plus so will watch for a swap.
If not, this will work.
Woo Hoo! Disneyland bound!!!
So my 1 bedroom unit wouldn't see it but matched the ongoing.
Now I know.

 

[heathpack]

So my ongoing request matched overnight for a June 4th week checking in on Friday.
Not exactly what we wanted but close enough.
We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Friday.
I bought e-plus so will watch for a swap.
If not, this will work.
Woo Hoo! Disneyland bound!!!
So my 1 bedroom unit wouldn't see it but matched the ongoing.
Now I know.

Sweet. That's a nice week to be in SoCal. Do you already know about grad nights? https://www.disneytouristblog.com/grad-nites-disneyland/

 

[Red elephant]

So my ongoing request matched overnight for a June 4th week checking in on Friday.
Not exactly what we wanted but close enough.
We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Friday.
I bought e-plus so will watch for a swap.
If not, this will work.
Woo Hoo! Disneyland bound!!!
So my 1 bedroom unit wouldn't see it but matched the ongoing.
Now I know.

Awesome!! That’s what we are told here to do when you cannot see something.

 

[chriskre]

Sweet. That's a nice week to be in SoCal. Do you already know about grad nights? https://www.disneytouristblog.com/grad-nites-disneyland/

I didn't think about grad night.
Thanks.

2027 Grad Nite Dates:

• May 2027: 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26 and 27, 2027
• June 2027: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11, 2027

 

[PeniSoo]

I need help.
I'm heading to California next June with the kids and grandkids.
So need help with planning a Disney centered but also want to include some sites.
In total 3 adults and a 9 year old and a toddler.

We are going for a week in early June.

Prefer 2 bedrooms but 1 bedroom will do if absolutely can't get a 2 bedroom.

What I own.
8000 HGVC points.
168K Wyndham points
200 DVC points
Marriott 1 bedroom deposited to II to exchange from BPT.

Was thinking to exchange to Marriott Newport Coast into a 2 bedroom if I can
get it in early June. I haven't put in any requests yet. When do those units
get deposited?

If not then I'd do HGVC someplace, maybe Carlsbad (kind of far for Disney)
and then do a split stay using Wyndham or DVC to do Disney?

I'd prefer not to have to move with the logistics of children and the stuff.
This is really going to be a Disneyland centered trip but I do want to see if
we can do some day trips to a national park if it's doable or at least to see
the PCH?
I don't want it to be totally about Disney although they do. LOL

Oh and cheap flights from Miami to LA, how best to handle buying 3 adult
and 1 child plus a toddler ticket.
I have about 100K AA FF miles to use as well.
Was going to use them for Hawaii but might not have enough for that trip anyway.
I haven't flown in 10 years so am out of the loop.

Thanks.

We used HGVC points to stay a few nights at Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, close to Disney (a short Lyft or bus ride away) a few months ago. (There's a charge for parking at Great Wolf as well as at Disney; given the time to get from the Disney parking structure into the park, using alternative transportation is highly recommended - especially if you get Lyft to/from the Disneyland Hotel.) The place was full of families enjoying the wave pool, the water slides, and the lazy river. The breakfast buffet was quite good. We enjoy going to the Downtown Disney Live stage for live music Thursday - Sunday evenings; also DJs and live music in the afternoons - FREE (other than parking and refreshments). The stage faces a large expanse of padded astro-turf with little hillocks at the far end down which kids love to roll. In terms of air travel, I regularly fly Southwest from Oakland to Tampa. If you're plans aren't likely to change, Basic is fine, otherwise go with Choice. Book at least three weeks in advance and look for the weekly deals (available Tues - Thur usually). SNA (John Wayne Airport) is closest to Disney but often pricier; LGB (Long Beach) is next closest and is the nicest airport (very SoCal and easy to get in and out of); LAX is often the least expensive but it's a pain getting in and out of there by car. (For people travelling light, there's a free shuttle to the LAX Metro Transit Center from whence you can take the LA Metro - $1.75 to Norwalk - and avoid all the traffic.)

 

[cthewrld]

So my ongoing request matched overnight for a June 4th week checking in on Friday.
Not exactly what we wanted but close enough.
We'll check in on Sunday and check out on Friday.
I bought e-plus so will watch for a swap.
If not, this will work.
Woo Hoo! Disneyland bound!!!
So my 1 bedroom unit wouldn't see it but matched the ongoing.
Now I know.

We go to NCV every year and started going back to Disneyland a couple of years ago, after a couple of years off, with my Grandaughters, now aged 4 1/2 and 18 months. Using HOV lanes we find it takes about an hour to drive there in the morning, door to DL gates. We go as early as possible as it’s quieter in the morning (We did Rope Drop last year, you need to be at the gate around 7:15am).
I would rather pay for Lightning Lane Pass than park hopper, it’s cheaper and you get on most of the bigger rides using that without having to line up for hours.
We’ve been to SeaWorld, San Diesgo Zoo and Balboa Park which are a lot of fun (about 1 1/2 hour drive)
Going to Legoland this year.
Laguna Beach is lovely even just for a wander around and going for a coffee. They have a nice Famers Market Saturday mornings.
San Juan Capistrano and Dan Point is nice.
We also just like spending time at the resort, there is so much going on there for everyone, Pool Bingo, Teddy Bear Building and last year my GD won Disco Bingo.
I think you will easily fill up a week at this resort, it’s our favourite place to go.

 

[chriskre]

We go to NCV every year and started going back to Disneyland a couple of years ago, after a couple of years off, with my Grandaughters, now aged 4 1/2 and 18 months. Using HOV lanes we find it takes about an hour to drive there in the morning, door to DL gates. We go as early as possible as it’s quieter in the morning (We did Rope Drop last year, you need to be at the gate around 7:15am).
I would rather pay for Lightning Lane Pass than park hopper, it’s cheaper and you get on most of the bigger rides using that without having to line up for hours.
We’ve been to SeaWorld, San Diesgo Zoo and Balboa Park which are a lot of fun (about 1 1/2 hour drive)
Going to Legoland this year.
Laguna Beach is lovely even just for a wander around and going for a coffee. They have a nice Famers Market Saturday mornings.
San Juan Capistrano and Dan Point is nice.
We also just like spending time at the resort, there is so much going on there for everyone, Pool Bingo, Teddy Bear Building and last year my GD won Disco Bingo.
I think you will easily fill up a week at this resort, it’s our favourite place to go.

This resort has been on my bucket list for a while.
I wish we could do the entire week.
Maybe, we shall see.

I agree with doing the LL instead of park hopper.
I've never been much of a park hopper.
We get it for free on our pass and I rarely use it.
I hate the rushing around.
You waste so much time going thru security and
getting on and off transportation to move parks.
I'd rather be on a ride or chillin' in the park.

 

[chriskre]

We used HGVC points to stay a few nights at Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, close to Disney (a short Lyft or bus ride away) a few months ago. (There's a charge for parking at Great Wolf as well as at Disney; given the time to get from the Disney parking structure into the park, using alternative transportation is highly recommended - especially if you get Lyft to/from the Disneyland Hotel.) The place was full of families enjoying the wave pool, the water slides, and the lazy river. The breakfast buffet was quite good. We enjoy going to the Downtown Disney Live stage for live music Thursday - Sunday evenings; also DJs and live music in the afternoons - FREE (other than parking and refreshments). The stage faces a large expanse of padded astro-turf with little hillocks at the far end down which kids love to roll. In terms of air travel, I regularly fly Southwest from Oakland to Tampa. If you're plans aren't likely to change, Basic is fine, otherwise go with Choice. Book at least three weeks in advance and look for the weekly deals (available Tues - Thur usually). SNA (John Wayne Airport) is closest to Disney but often pricier; LGB (Long Beach) is next closest and is the nicest airport (very SoCal and easy to get in and out of); LAX is often the least expensive but it's a pain getting in and out of there by car. (For people travelling light, there's a free shuttle to the LAX Metro Transit Center from whence you can take the LA Metro - $1.75 to Norwalk - and avoid all the traffic.)

I've seen these GWL exchanges in the website but they are a ridiculous amount of points.
I only have a measly 8000 points so probably not enough to do this.
I don't get why they have so much inventory with this company now on the site.
It would be fun but we have ways to do this much cheaper with cash here locally.

Southwest doesn't fly out of my city.
I am in Miami and would have to go to Fort Lauderdale.
It's doable but inconvenient.
Haven't done it in years.
I'd have to do the long term parking since the savings would be gone with the Ubers.

I have about 110K FF Miles with AA that I am going to see how far I can go with those.
Maybe I can get a few more by opening another CC with them before then and get more miles.
I have to get back on Flyertalk and get back in the game.
Haven't flown in 10 years. I'm out of practice.

 

[mountainboy]

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!

Hmmm. I'll have to check out Wyndham Oceanside.
I could use my HGVC points thru RCI and see if I can get something in Wyndham if necessary.

You have been given excellent advice by many!
May add, as Hilton owner, you may also stay at any of the HGV Carlsbad properties for a few days (as right next to LegoLand) & with May Grey & June Gloom, usually should have plenty of inventory, esp at MarBrisa (bookable very soon at the 9 mo mark)... This obviously won't be good for Disney but lovely properties IF LegoLand (or any of the many things at San DIego, @klpca or @davidvel kindly shared, resonate with you)...
Have a great vacay & enjoy the precious time with your loved ones!

 

[mountainboy]

I have about 110K FF Miles with AA that I am going to see how far I can go with those.
Maybe I can get a few more by opening another CC with them before then and get more miles.
I have to get back on Flyertalk and get back in the game.
Haven't flown in 10 years. I'm out of practice.

On AA's website, looks like excellent availability right now for 1 way economy for only 13.5k AA pts (nice for a transcon nonstop for June peak season); 8 flights nonstop daily to LAX from MIA, so should be able to book...
Best!

 

[SmithOp]

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THE HANGAR — Long Beach Exchange

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