DL over Easter Weekend-first timers....

[trampslady]

We are in the area starting Thursday afternoon before Easter, and as big WDW fans, we thought we might spend those three nights prior to a cruise from San Diego visiting Disneyland. How bad can we expect the crowds to be? And, would the Doubletree Hotel be okay compared to an onsite hotel? We were hoping to save a few $$ and spend it on the cruise instead! We are DVC Members with BC as our home resort, but we've stayed everywhere at WDW.

[TeacherDad]

Expect capacity crowds, especially Fri-Sun when you are there. Expect extra-long lines. We have been at this time before, and were amazed at the number of people in the park. It is managable until 10am during this time period. While returning to our hotel at noon for lunch, we were amazed at the number of people (with small children and tots in strollers) entering an already overcrowded DL. The line to get into DL was even huge. I figured these must be locals with AP's. No one else in their right mind would enter at such a time and during capacity crowds.

[GreenGirl8]

Take advantage of the early morning time. Get to the park at opening and grab a fastpass for attractions like space mountain and then ride. You will be able to come back with all those fastpasses later in the day when the park is very crowded. Hop over to California Adventure during peak times. Even when DCA is packed, the walkways are much wider and more tolerable than Disneyland. Avoid Adventureland during peak hours unless you have a fastpass for Indian Jones!

[HydroGuy]

We are in the area starting Thursday afternoon before Easter, and as big WDW fans, we thought we might spend those three nights prior to a cruise from San Diego visiting Disneyland. How bad can we expect the crowds to be? And, would the Doubletree Hotel be okay compared to an onsite hotel? We were hoping to save a few $$ and spend it on the cruise instead! We are DVC Members with BC as our home resort, but we've stayed everywhere at WDW.It wasn't clear whether this is your first DLR trip or not. My advice on hotels is summed up here:

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862)

WDW vets are accustomed to being further from the parks and longer transportation times to the parks. At DLR this is totally unnecessary, and gives up one of DLR's biggest advantages over WDW, IMO. Namely, hotel options within easy walking distance.

If this is your first trip to DLR, you might find some useful info here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599)

[trampslady]

Thanks so much for the advise. Yes, this will be our first-ever visit to Disneyland. Looking forward to it!