A WDW fanatic finally heading to DL/DCA - any tips?

[TIGGERSMOM]

After about 200 trips to WDW we are finally heading to Disneyland. I can't tell you how excited we are. And seeing as this may be our only trip to DL for a while and probably my only one with my DS (17). I am looking for any and all tips on maximizing our stay - PLEASE HELP US OUT.

Our trip particulars so far:

Arrriving 7/23 around 11:00am (LAX)
Staying at Grand Californian for 8 nights
departing 7/31 at 4:00pm

How many days should we plan on parks?
I know it is smaller than WDW but we want to do all we can.

Is it easier to do side trips through the hotel offers or on our own?
We will have a car.

What would you recommend as a must see or do?
I.E. - restaraunts, tours, shows etc..

I pin trade - any suggestions there?

Would also love to know about crowds, climate anything you might think would help. This is the first time heading to a Disney property I feel like I know absolutely nothing and everyone depends on me for Disney trips.

So any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[daannzzz]

Your hotel choice puts you in a great spot. For a semi relaxed time you will need one day for DCA and twof full days at Disneyland. It will depend on how much you are interested in the differences in all the attractions from WDW. I find it fun to compare the two instead of sayin "Oh, well I have been on that at Disneyland, I don't need to ride it here." Some of the the attractions are almost identical but it doesn't hurt to do them! ;) When you walk in the front of Disneyland be prepared for everything to look so small. It never botheres me until after I started going to WDW in 1996. The buildings on Main St. are smaller and the castle is really small looking compared to the MK. The whole park is smaller but there is alot crammed into smaller spaces. My advice is to see everything.
DCA should be easy to do in a day unless it is super crowded. I assume you will have park hopper passes so you could pop over to DCA when time permits and see a couple things. Other than the the Maliboomer and Orange Stinger I would say try everything here too and if you like Space Shots and Wave Swingers then do those too.
You should go to the Blue Bayou for Lunch as it is the most atmospheric restaurant. Other good places with a bit of style are...
The Plaza Inn
The French Market
Carnation Cafe

At DCA i have only eaten at Avalon Cove which is a Character meal. It was very good and fun. The Winery is suppose to be good as well.
At the hotels we really liked the Stroyteler Cafe at the GC. Napa Rose is suppose to be excellent.
At Disneyland Hotel I loved Hooks Point and Goofy's Kitchen.
Personally I think it would be easier to do side trips on your own. Using your car will be faster than the busses or shuttles.

[ivanova]

I vote for side tripping on your own ... gives you the greatest flexibility. What kinds of side trips are you considering?

I agree one full day for DCA (you'll have direct park access from the hotel, puts you in the park near the Grizzly River Rapids ride) and two days at DL.

I recommend hitting the parks at/before opening, do what you can, and utilize FastPass. You might be able to do DCA nonstop without a mid-day return to the hotel, but at DL on both days I would recommend heading back to the hotel during the heat of the afternoon to cool off in your room or enjoy the pool area. Then return to DL in the late afternoon or early evening. DL hours tend to be longer - opens before DCA and closes after DCA.

As for restaurants, Blue Bayou in DL is great for lunch (basically same menu as dinner but less expensive) and you are inside the Pirates of the Carribean. Very nice. Priority dining would be highly recommended.

In DTD I would recommend Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen if you like New Orleans cajun food, Hurricanes, etc. VERY good. Definitely need a priority dining (PS at WDW) for this one.

Haven't eaten in DCA yet ... but I've heard folks say that the Soap Opera Bistro is good. Soap Opera Bistro (just realized it doesn't have a good acronym!!) is to soap operas what 50's Prime Time Cafe at MGM is to sitcoms.

The only place in GC we've eaten so far is White Water Snacks ... it's basically buffeteria style but also does a limited cooked to order menu. Pretty good cooked to order breakfasts IMHO. It's a good alternative when Storyteller is overflowing with folks wanting a character meal.

Granville's Steakhouse at the DL Hotel is also good.

[tinagirl]

Wow,
Have I got some tips for you - Sit back this will take a while.
Ahem...Here goes, if you have any more questions or want me to check something out for you, I'd be happy to....in fact, here is my e-mail cstevenson@socal.rr.com just ask anything.

On to the tips! Woohoo!

Disneyland Tips:
-Go counterclockwise. As is true at the Magic Kingdom in WDW, many folks stay right (my goodness people, are we a nation of "drivers" or what?!?)...so instead of choosing to go to Tomorrowland head over to Adventureland, and start there.
-See the Tiki Room - at the peak of the day when lines are longest. It'll be good to see the original after all those times "under new management". Also, check out Tarzan's Treehouse, the Disney Gallery, and Tom Sawyer's Island during hot and crowded afternoons in July.
-Schedules aren't perfected, but Critter country, and Fantasmic should both be reopened when you arrive, so you shouldn't have a problem with that. (I miss my country bears...Dang Hrmph Pooh)(@$#$&)
-YOU MUST SEE BELIEVE!!! Believe is so great...a wonderful fireworks "spectacular" too bad you won't be here for the Holiday one (or holiday Haunted Mansion, or Holiday Small World)

New Orleans Tips:
-They are right, you should eat at the Bayou. I usually make a ressie for 3:45 on a Thursday. Why? 3:45 is the latest lunch of the day, so you will save a few bucks, and Thursday is typically the best special plate of the week. (you can't guarantee this, because sometimes they change it around, for 3 weeks straight it will be Thursday and then it will skip one and be a Saturday, so it's odd) What is this great special, you ask? Beef Tenderloins, Crab Cakes, and Scalloped potatoes...MMMMMmmmm!
-If you decide to try for the Fantasmic Desert bar, make sure you ask at your hotel when you check in. Us "normal" folks have to do it early in the morning on the day we want to do it, but I have heard tall tales of hotel guests being able to "priority seat" this elusive event.
-If you want a quick dinner in New Orleans Square, be sure to pick up a bread boule (their spelling) of Clam Chowder, Gumbo, or Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup and find a quiet chair. The quiet chairs are hidden. Take your grup and go up the stairs that lead to the Disney Gallery. Go through the Gallery to the courtyard. There are a few tables, and chairs, and a lovely fountain. If the place is quiet, you may have a Gallery CM come out and entertain you.
-Pirates is quite different than the WDW one, but you'll see the stroller patrol taking their wee ones in usually between noon - six. Before or after those times, the lines lighten a lot. You can fastpass it, but it usually isn't necessary.
-The Haunted Mansion has fastpass, but you usually don't need it. The lines get much shorter at night.

Tomorrowland Tips:
-If you eat at Pizza Port, think about getting the Kid's spagetti, it is very very filling and only costs $5. (I eat this and feel happy, while my nonlistening family get other pasta and have so much extra that gets wasted.)
-Innoventions is good when the day gets hot.
-Fastpasses are available for Space Mountain, Star Tours, and the Autopia.

Fantasyland:
Alice in Wonderland/Matterhorn/Peter Pan/StorybookLand Canal boats and Mr. Toads wild ride are the most crowded...so try those during parades or fireworks.
-MATTERHORN-They have pretty much eliminated the dual lines for Matterhorn on busy days. Now they typically have one that starts in the (sometimes reaches all the way back to where the phantom boats/boat ride used to be) and it feeds into the middle. The left side is a faster ride, while the right one is longer. Yes the water at the end of the matterhorn has a purpose...it acts as a natural braking system, helping to slow down the cars. And yes, the Matterhorn does have a Basketball court inside it...well half of one at least. As this is the grandaddy of all steel coasters, it is my favorite "big kid ride" in the park.
-Small World/Believe - A good tactic for both seeing a good view of Believe and then riding small world with no wait is to watch the fireworks in front of the small world promenade instead of in front of the castle (true you have to spin around when you think believe is over, so that you can see tink, and then spin back for the finale), but you get a better experience, I think, when you can stretch out instead of being pinned down. Plus there are no trees to obstruct your view. Then when it is over, walk over to Small World...Voila, no wait. We do this all the time during X-mas when both of them are holiday and small world can have upwards of an hour and a half line.
-Casey Jr. - Ride it at night, just before the park closes for a faster ride...the operators actually run it, and will give you a quick romp through the miniature world of storybookland if there aren't frightened kids, but you should still go on either it or the boats to see it during the day.

Critter Country - Or rather Splash Mountain Land now that the bears are gone:
Get a fastpass first thing in the day. You're going in July, believe me,you'll need to be cooled off when 2:00 pm rolls around.
Also, go on the explorer canoes earlier in the day, as you won't want to get more sweaty in the afternoon.

Main Street - GO IN THE NEW GREAT MOMENTS WITH MR. LINCOLN!!! You'll love it. Besides, it looks like you need a little trim.

Toontown - Go in the evening, and by all means NEVER use the bathroom there. I'll give bathroom tips a bit later. Gadget's go coaster is fun, but it is just like Goofy's Barnstormer, so I would skip it in favor of Rodger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Let me know if you get Benny the cab...I always get Lenny (his brother?:))

Frontierland.
Mark Twain: Ride on the top level so you can hear the narration.
Big Thunder:Get a fastpass if the line is over 40 min. Also, try not to go during main mealtimes if you get queasy easy. Since the Westward Ho! McDonalds' Fry Wagon is open during meal times, you may walk off the ride, right into the aroma and sight of food.
Columbia: Ride the columbia and go downstairs to see the replica of how ye ole sailors worked and lived.
Tom Sawyer's Island: Go in the afternoon and have a snack in the shade. Note: They used to sell food on the island, but no longer, but they do have bathrooms and trash cans, so feel free to bring over your own. Then go for a run through Injun Joe's Cave.

Adventureland:
See Tarzan's Treehouse, when it's not too busy...bang on some pots at the end.
Jungle Cruise: Try to go once during the day to see everything, then again at night. The skippers get tired, and a bit funnier at night. They just seem more eccentric, and have more of a good time.
Indiana Jones: The line does have tons of details, but you whiz by them now that fastpass is open for this ride. Fastpass an regular lines join at the entrance of the temple, so even if the sign says 40 minutes, try to gauge yourself, and if you've never been, try to go through the line on the outside. If you're hungry and doing this in the afternoon, grab a bengal skewer and snack in line (or bring over yummy fritters with apples from new orleans).
Tiki Room: Must see, especially in the afternoon. (I know you won't be "too cool" to sing along!)

Bathrooms:
Good Main Street Bathrooms:
Between the carnation cafe and the rear of the emporium (left side of the street)
-Clean, uncrowded, but a bit small.
Right side of the street just past the Plaza inn, as you head towards tomorrowland.
-Clean, uncrowded, always cool, medium size.
Ok MS bathrooms:
To the right just as you enter the park...behind the bank.
Bad MS bathrooms:
To the left as you enter the park...just in front of the fire station.
-Especially as you enter or leave the park...it's just used so much that it is hard to keep clean.

Good Adventureland Bathrooms:
INSIDE the tiki room - well not really, but sort of. Go through the turnstile to the waiting area for the tiki room, and head up the stairs...make a left and you'll see the bathroom with a funky painting on the front.
-ALWAYS clean, nobody knows it's there...amaze other folks in the queue who think that you have special potty privileges.
Ok Adventureland Bathrooms:
Right in front of you as you enter adventureland.
-They check it often, and it is one of the largest bathrooms in the park, so even though it is't immaculate, it is always there when you need it.

Good New Orleans Bathrooms:
Actually excellent - the one in the blue bayou is clean, well maintained, and very elegant.
Club 33 bathroom? Dunno, never been.
Ok New Orleans Bathrooms:
Around the back near the train depot and the rear of French Market.
-Again, alot of folks don't know it's there, but still, it manages to get crowded, as it is the only open one in this land.

Good Critter Country Bathrooms:
Below Hungry bear. - Very large, Very Clean, only one mirror, though. (only one in Critter country)

Great Frontierland Bathrooms:
Between Rancho Del Zocalo and the carnation dance floor on Main Street (back walkway). Clean, nicely appointed...heavy front door, often more petit folks need a hand opening it up.
Ok Frontierland Bathrooms:
On Tom Sawyer's Island.
One of the original structures on the side of the island was converted to a bathroom in the 80's. It isn't spectacular, but again, it is there when you need it.

Great Fantasyland Bathrooms:
Next to the Fantasyland Theatre, just beware of it after a show lets out.
Clean, many stalls, always has paper products, they even decorate it at Christmas.
Ok Fantasyland Bathrooms:
Between Village Haus and Big thunder along the back trail between Fantasyland and Frontierland.
-Sometimes crowded, and clean, but sometimes has papers on the floor.
On the path from Main Street that runs past Ariel's Grotto and takes you between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Has 2 entrances and says "Prince or Princess" above the door.
-Sometimes crowded, and weird design...this is the only one bathroom in Disneyland where I've actually lost someone.

Tomorrowland:
Great Bathroom:
Between autopia and innoventions next to the Tomorrowland train depot. No one ever seems to know it's there.
Ok Bathroom:
Next to the exit for Space Mountain:
Always cold, often crowded, sometimes door latches don't work properly.

Well, I think that's all of it, then again, that is only DISNEYLAND! I haven't even started on DCA/Knotts/Universal (not worth it)/Magic Mountain (only if you're a daredevil)/Medieval Times/Wild Bills, and dozens of other things, so again, I reiterate, if you have any question, e-mail me, and I'll get back to you with an answer asap.
All my best wishes
~Tina:smooth:
<table width="350" border="0" bgcolor="#000099"><tr bgcolor="#FF6B40"><td width="125" bgcolor="#1C1CFF"><div align="center"><img src="http://www.geraldfield.com/nadinesplace/muppetquiz/gonzo.jpg" width="125" height="108"></div></td><td width="177" bgcolor="#1C1CFF"><p align="center"><b><font size="3" color="#B0B0FF">You are Gonzo!</font></b><font color="#B0B0FF"><br><font size="2">You're a bit loopy, and many people have trouble figuring out exactly what you're supposed to be. You take pride in your eccentricity and originality.</font></font></p></td></tr><tr bgcolor="#000099"><td colspan="2"><div align="center"><font size="1"><b><a href="http://www.geraldfield.com/cgi-bin/unofficial/quizzes/sfesurvey.cgi?whatmuppetareyou" target="_blank"><font color="#7575FF">Take the <i>What Muppet Are You?</i> Quiz!</font></a></b></font></div></td></tr></table>

[Judy from Boise]

Hey Lisa ! finally coming to the Best Coast huh !!!!!;)

In July I would think you want 5 days to split up between the 2 parks, DD, and lots of pool time at the resort. I would think your son would enjoy 1 beach day ( maybe a busy place like Santa Monica or Venice ? ) . I would consider 1 bus type tour if you want to see the "star's homes in Beverly Hills, rodeo drive etc.....just because the narration is good.

[Judy from Boise]

Lisa, did you watch Survivor tonight ? There was a young man on the episode tonight that reminded me of your son !

[sueg]

Happily, DS(15) still enjoys WDW, even after many trips. He always loved Mr. Toad's Wild Ride & was SERIOUSLY bummed when it was replaced at WDW. He still is critical of Pooh ride. So he was thrilled to ride Mr. Toad several times at DL. We also thought POC was way better at DL, esp. after having lunch at Blue Bayou & waving to the "pirate" boats as they glided by our table. On a completely different note, don't miss Soaring over California. There is nothing like it at WDW. Our family tried to imagine a Florida equivilent, Soaring over Florida, but after the Everglades & the Keys, the ride sort of fell short.

[TIGGERSMOM]

WOW!! You guys are great. I am now getting even more excited - hey I even have bathrrom advice now - LOL!! Actually this is good advice to know there are bathrooms I avoid at WDW too.



We want to do some of the touristy stuff - Stars homes - Universal - Hollywood Blvd. I would love to do San Diego Zoo also.

Judy - I did see Survivor. I was blown away - he did so look like my son, right down to the little goatee Geoff has decided looks lovely. Yep we are finally making the big leap west - who knows I may get hooked on DL too - wouldn't the family love that - LOL!!

sueg - you just made my DS's day. He is also a Mr Toad lover and was heartbroken when it closed at WDW. Although we may end up spending all day riding only that.

tinagirl - WOW! I will definitely email for more stuff - although I can't imagine what you missed.

this is great!!!

[year2late]

If your package included tickets, you might want to consider turning them in for APs. The discounts alone made it worthwhile.

I usually opt for taking the side trips on the weekends. Disney is notoriously busy then in comparison to other Anaheim and San Diego attractions. That statagy has worked for years with me. You can still come back at night and enjoy DLR nighttime happenings (fireworks,Electrical Parade.)

If nobody else has said it....don't expect it to be like WDW - at all.

And take a deep breath before you see the castle. Remember it is not the size :D that matters!

[ceejay13]

I think everyone has done a great job of answering your questions. As far as the Blue Bayou is concerned, we try to get the very first ressie at 1130 so we can get a table directly on the water. It is magical to watch the Pirates boats go by and as previously stated lunch is much more reasonable than dinner. Also, the tip about the AP is a great one. We have purchased APs the past two years and it has saved us a ton of money. We stayed at the GC last year and paid over $300/night for a theme park view. We return next week for a 4 night stay, theme park view and are paying $199/night.

[Planogirl]

Wow Tina!

I printed off your suggestions. Such wonderful detail! :)

[tinagirl]

I'm glad you like the tips. Boy, do I have many more...I could fill a book! I've been visiting the Happiest Place on Earth since 3 months after I was born. (A family member worked at the Disney Channel when it was first starting out, and the company was a lot more of a family....remember this is before Eisner, when Ron Miller was still in control...before any sports teams, disney stores, Tokyo, Paris, and more...in fact, Epcot still wasn't opened when he started working there <before I was born> as he was one of the planners for the channel itself and worked on the project <which is now in lotsa homes> before the building even went up in Burbank). As a child, my family used to go on Sundays just to ride Dumbo (my favorite as a wee one) and eat at the blue bayou. Now, as an adult and an A.P. I go at least once a week. :) I know the place in and out, but I'm always surprised at little things that even "I" didn't notice..hehe.

I don't want to put up my LOOOONG list of tips for the resort or DCA, or Knotts Berry Farm (my favorite non-disney park), but let me just add a few wee ones.

Take some time in the late afternoon to go to the waterfalls at the Disneyland hotel. Most folks don't know where they are, and if they do, they don't know that there is a path leading down to them. It is really romantic to sit back in one of the tunnels behind the right set of waterfalls, and cozy up away from the world, while seeing...of course....the backside of water.

To find them just go past (or through) the sierra tower, and turn left at the Neverland Pool...you'll pass Croc's bits and see a store on your right. Just after the store, there is a little path leading down some steps, and by now you should let the sound of rushing water lead you to them. It is one of my favorite places (but I have many more.)

Also, for those going to DCA - See blast soon, as it will be leaving around November if the contract isn't renewed. It's in the Hyperion in the Hollywood section. Near where Tower of Terror is being built. There are rumors that a Broadway style Aladdin show will be at the Hyperion (after a possible Christmas show) but those are still up in the air.

My final tip for now...(I promise) is a DCA one. If you are going on GRR, and don't want all of your stuff to get soaked, then stop by the hidden lockers next to the entrance. (as the rafts don't have safe compartments for your things). At the left of the large GRR bear there is a Wooden Wall with a map. Walk between the Fastpass machines and the wall on the pathway and spin around...VOILA the Wall was hiding about 50 lockers, and guess what?!?!? THEY'RE FREE! Keep in mind that the lockers charge after an hour of use, (although they often up the time limit for busy days), but they are great for using when you are going on GRR. We usually put in our cameras, cell phones, pagers and such, as well as our jackets. Then, especilly if it is really cool day, you have a nice warm, dry jacket to come back to. Just don't forget your stuff, Ok?

All my best
~Tina
P.S. - Again, feel free to contact me for anything...I love helping whenever possible.
:smooth:
<table width="350" border="0" bgcolor="#000099"><tr bgcolor="#FF6B40"><td width="125" bgcolor="#1C1CFF"><div align="center"><img src="http://www.geraldfield.com/nadinesplace/muppetquiz/gonzo.jpg" width="125" height="108"></div></td><td width="177" bgcolor="#1C1CFF"><p align="center"><b><font size="3" color="#B0B0FF">You are Gonzo!</font></b><font color="#B0B0FF"><br><font size="2">You're a bit loopy, and many people have trouble figuring out exactly what you're supposed to be. You take pride in your eccentricity and originality.</font></font></p></td></tr><tr bgcolor="#000099"><td colspan="2"><div align="center"><font size="1"><b><a href="http://www.geraldfield.com/cgi-bin/unofficial/quizzes/sfesurvey.cgi?whatmuppetareyou" target="_blank"><font color="#7575FF">Take the <i>What Muppet Are You?</i> Quiz!</font></a></b></font></div></td></tr></table>

[TIGGERSMOM]

These tips are working great.

We just ordered our AP's. After figuring cost for at least 6 days in the parks - and I know we will want to hit them at night again after other touristy things - they were the most economical choice.

We got a better rate at GC when I called back and said we had AP's - dropped to under 200.00 - 169.00 to be exact. Just saved over $800.00 on hotel rate alone. Great tip!

If only half of these tips work we should have a blast.

tinagirl - hey keep them coming. I am printing these and putting them in all our luggage don't want to lose them so multiple copies are traveling with us. And I would bet a few others are doing the same.

So far tips from this board have saved my family approx $1300.00 between airfare and hotel - I just knew there was a reason I liked the DIS.

[ivanova]

So when the day grows closer ... how to we set up a pin meet at DL/DCA for the Sunday you'll be here (7/28 right?) ... do we post it on this board and/or the pin trading board under the "just for fun" section?

[TIGGERSMOM]

Sounds like a good idea. We can post on Collectors BD and list in Magical Meetings.

It would so great to do a meet in DL.

[AKASnowWhite]

Who needs a guidebook when a real live expert can give you tips!! I too am printing out your tips! I feel so *at home* at WDW, but this will be our first trip to DL, and like Tiggersmom, I don't know when we'll get back out that way again, so I want to make sure we do it right! :p

[Planogirl]

Tinagirl, please feel free to post as many hints and suggestions as you are willing. These are super and believe me, I'm printing them off as fast as I can. :)

Thanks so much.

[Lorihome2]

Well! I can't imagine there are any DL tips left, but I do have one tiny one. At the end of Main Street on the right hand side (as you face the castle), there is a red old fashioned corn dog stand. Don't let your trip go by without a trip - they are the BEST corn dogs in all the world!!!!

Have a wonderful time on our fair coast. Oh - you mentioned in an earlier post that you wanted to try the San Diego Zoo. You may want to go to the Wild Animal Park instead, since it's much closer to Anaheim. Unless you're dying to drive all the way down to San Diego to see the way cool stuff we have here!

Another side trip you might want to think about is Legoland. It too is in the northern end of San Diego county and not that far from Anaheim.

Have a blast!! :D

[TIGGERSMOM]

THANKS THESE TIPS ARE GREAT.

LORI - THANKS FOR THE SD TIP. I HAVEN'T RESEARCHED TRAVEL TIMES TO OTHER DESTINNTIONS - THANKS FOR THE TIP. SEEING YOU DRIVE MY WHOLE

STATE IN 3 HOURS CA IS A LITTLE DAUNTING.

[alleluia5]

Definitely go to the great moments with Mr. Lincoln....I was really impressed with this one.....nothing quite like it at WDW....wish they would bring it!

[teri]

Lisa, I assume you already read through the thread about Other Things to Do In Southern California, at the top of the page.

Wild Animal Park is the best, highest quality animal park we have ever visited, ever. Be sure to take the monorail ride, which is about an hour long. If you can, go on a cool, cloudy, day. The San Diego Zoo has hills and is HUGE. It is a beautiful, beautiful zoo, worth a full day's visit, but be prepared because it is hard on the knees. Sea World is very nice, if you are into it. Belmont Park has an historic coaster that is a fun, nostalgic ride, but that is about it for that place. San Diego has alot to offer.. we were there for 5 days and were busy the whole time, barely scratched the surface.

Blue Bayou is the *best* themed restaurant in any Disney park or resort, anywhere. The food is OK, too. :) Don't miss it!

[Dana_Buckley]

I would even consider staying in SD a night or two! Personally, I like the zoo better than the Wild Animal Park. It will be a bit of drive, 2-2 1/2 hrs. It's not too bad though, you can take the carpool lane for awhile. I go up & back in the same day with my 2yo. SeaWorld is close to the zoo (that is why I suggested staying a night down here) You could drive down to SeaWorld in the morning, stay the night, hit the zoo early (animals are more active), take advantage of the escalators up the hills! Then head back to DL. I can't help with hotels though, never stayed in one here :) Have a great trip!

[TIGGERSMOM]

Looks like we are going to do a night in SD after reading all the things to do.

I can't wait to see everything.

teri - thanks for the knee advice. teri knows my knee situation and I really appreciate the heads up.

[AKASnowWhite]

bump :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[tinagirl]

Hi,
I thought I would post some restraunts at the resort that are hardly ever open. I know some folks do the "plan your day" thing on Disneyland.com, and end up with restraunts that aren't open on their agenda.
In Disneyland
- Cafe Orleans - Open on Weekends, but typically not during the week. Also closes earlier than French Market. It's a shame, because it has a really good Chicken Salad in a bread boule.
- Village Haus - Usually open, has a cute theme, but during the Fantasyland refurbs, and changes to the carousel, has been closed more often than usual.
- Any food in Toontown - Usually closes early and often.
- The "healty" side of Tomorrowland Terrace. One side serves burgers and Chicken Sandwiches (which is always open), while the other has veggie wraps and such (which is sometimes closed).
- Troubadour Treats (next to the Fantasyland theater) - Open just before any shows there (currently Mickey's Detective school). The only place in the park to serve Funnel cake year round. Also has other food, but make sure you go when you have the chance, as it is open so rarely.
- Blue Bayou - Closes between Lunch and Dinner for about an hour. Not really a big deal, but important to know. Usually the last lunch ressie is for 3:45, and they officially close from 4:00 - 4:45 or so.
- Golden Horseshoe - During the shows (Billie Hill or on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Variety show with Dana Daniels {really great, funny, cool, so. cal magician and comic - you'll love Luigi, trust me}) it is open, but otherwise isn't. Has burgers, Chili, Fries, Pretty much standard fare, but the mile high cake...oooh 5 layer chocolate cake is enough to sooth any tired mom, im my humble opinion.

At DCA:
- All 4 restraunts in Hollywood & Dine - Closed during revamp of Superstar Limo. May open for summer, but has been closed for a while.
- Soap Opera - Open for dining on Weekends, but you're only going to get a tour on the Weekdays.
- Maliburritos - I have NEVER seen this place open in the 50+ times I've been to this park. Even during preview Days, It was closed!
- Lucky Fortune Cookery - Good teriyaki bowls, but usually closed on Weekdays.


That's about it, I hope this helps you to steer away from restraunts that aren't usually open.

One more DCA food tip. If you are going with young kids, I like to take my younger cousins to Taste Pilots Grill, to get popcorn chicken and happy potatoes. The potatoes are in the shape of little happy faces, and they really seem to like it.

Just a tip.
All my best
~Tina :)

[BobbiKK]

These tips are wonderful!! Tina--i am going to email you!

[klwally]

Wow!! this is a great thread.

I myself am also going for the first time to DL this weekend for a 4 day girls only trip! I've been to WDW so many times (vacation club member). So this is a real treat for me. Your tips here helped out greatly. Thank you! Btw, staying at the Grand Californian with a DCA view - couldn't resist it!

[ivanova]

Hope you enjoy our little ol' park ;) we'll be there ourselves hopefully Sunday morning for a few hours.

BTW there's a kid's only (ages 3-9) pin trading meet from 1:30 - 3:30 PM at DL if you didn't already know about it.

Make sure to report back to us here and let us know your thoughts!!

[almostGoofy]

Tinagirl, you have a ton of great tips but I have to disagree with you on the Lucky Fortune. Last summer my 4 year old daughter and I had a girls day out at DCA. I had the Terriyaki chicken and my dd had the childs meal. The Terriyaki bowl was the worst I ever tasted! The chicken pieces were tiny slivers of boiled chicken with terriyaki sauce poured over it and not a very good sauce at that. My daughter's childs meal was an eggroll on a stick. There might have been some rice to go with that too; don't remember exactly. It was the only child's meal they had at this place.

Otherwise, I think all of your tips are perfect. The only amendment I would make for your DL tips is if you have small children, I would head to Fantasyland first if you are there at opening. The line for Dumbo is shortest then and just gets longer and longer as the hour passes. This ride is such a huge favorite for the preschool set but is such a slow loader. It only shortens late in the evening closer to closing when most families with young children have left the park. The line for Peter Pan also gets long quickly and stays long for a good part of the day. Unlike WDW, there is no fastpass for this ride or, for that matter, for any ride in Fantasyland.

[tinagirl]

Almost Goofy:
I do agree with you about Dumbo. All kids (even big kids) want that black magic feather at least once in their Disneyland day. (Even though the CM's do take it away from you before you even fly...hrmph...hehe)

I also agree that small kids can start their day in Fantasyland, although I typically start my cousins in Toontown. The reason is that they always want to go on Gadget's go coaster, but will often lose their nerve if they wait until later in the day. Then, one in particular gets frustrated with himself, and gets a bit grumpy.

I think most of all, folks need to find out what works for them. So all your opinions are valid, in that they will help others figure out the best thing for their trip.
For that Kudos to all of you. :)

~Tina
P.S. - I really do enjoy the cookery. I feel that the Teriyaki Chicken bowl is great for a quick meal while waiting for the Eureka or Electrical parades, and I'm sorry that you had a poor experience there. I have eaten there many times, and though it isn't comprable to blue bayou or something, I feel it is similar to a Teriyaki bowl at Jack in the box. If you like those, you'll like these. You may be right about the kids'meal though. When visiting with the cousins (the only kids our family has), we usually get the kid's meal at Taste Pilots or Whitewater, or one of the many options at Hollywood & Dine. I am definitely no expert on Kids meals, so just do what seems good for your kids.

[ivanova]

Tiggersmom:

Had we discussed trying to do a pinmeet at DL while you were there? I lost most of my email so I don't remember!!!

[boo72]

Thank you everyone, especially tinagirl, for all the great tips and ideas!! My DH and I are going to DL/DCA the first week in September for our 1 year anniversary. I have pondered all the same things as tiggersmom. I will be printing out all the suggestions for us to take a long! I am even more excited for our trip after reading this!

If I have any more questions, I know where to go!

[TIGGERSMOM]

Just bumping this up because of the great tips listed.

[*Flower*]

We'll be out there in August, and my DH has an allergy to MSG.

How can I find out if it is in any food there?

Any information or phone numbers to contact someone abou this would be helpful!!

Thanks-

:confused: :confused:

[tinagirl]

I was under the impression that Disney stopped using MSG in all of their food long ago, if ever included.

Here's how to make sure.

Call Disney Guest Relations @ (714) 781-7290.

They should either know or should transfer you to Disney Dining.

I wish I knew of an 800 # but unfortunately, I don't.

Maybe someone else will know.

~Tina

[*Flower*]

Thanks Tina!

I knew the WDW doesn't, I just wasn't sure about DL.

You're such a help!!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[geffric]

Thanks for all the tips, I was just checking in to say that we have been at WDW for the past 10 years, we are DVC .

And now for the very first time we are going to where it all started -- Disneyland. We are arriving 8/3 - 8/11. I am looking for tip and hints. We like the Cyrstal Palace at MK are there any places like that at Disneyland??? - meaning a character buffet??

What happened to the Country Bears???

Thanks
Susan

[raidermatt]

The Country Bears were taken out to make way for the Pooh dark ride (still under construction).

Not sure about the character buffets. I know the hotels have some, but I don't think the park does (but again, I'm not positive about that).

I heard that they were converting one of the restaurants for character meals, but once again, am not completely positive about that.

[ivanova]

The Plaza Inn in DL on Main Street has a character breakfast (pseudo buffet style; is all you can eat) with the Pooh characters.

Don't know if the lunch & dinner meals or character or not.

[tinagirl]

The plaza is the only character dining in DL, and yes, it is only for breakfast. I find that character dining isn't really necessary here. Because of the intimate nature of the parks, I have never had a hard time finding characters (when I wanted to), except perhaps around September, which is always the most empty time of the year, but allows for plenty of quality time in toontown.
Plaza Price
Breakfast - $17.99 Adult/$9.99 3 - 11/no charge under 3

As per everywhere else:

DCA:
Avalon - Character dining at Lunch and Dinner ( I am unsure about Breakfast). It is an order off of the menu place, but I have had a more relaxing, yet character interacted meal here than anywhere else. I loved the food, and have always had a hard time finishing it. Kids meals are served in a sandpail with condiments in the shovel. (I think they do this at a resort in WDW, but I don't remember which one - maybe Cape May). Has many options from Pastas to Pot Pies to Seafood. Older reviews were very poor, (when it first converted from Wolfgang Pucks to Character dining), but since early June, every time I've gone was fantastic. The penne pasta is my fave. Mmm.
For the Lunch Price, you get a starter (soup or salad) an Entree and Cotton Candy for dessert. (You can order other deserts for a fee, but it is much less than $5 for cake everywhere else..I think it was $2.50 - The chocolate cake with Carmel Corn extra was very good. For the dinner price (though I have never been) you are supposed to get a starter, Entree, Choice of Yummy desert plus cotton candy. Drinks are extra.
Lunch - $12.95 - Unsure about kids
Dinner - $19.95 - Unsure about kids


Disneyland Hotel:
Served Buffet Style:
Goofy's Kitchen - Features character buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet has a yummy spread including Mickey Mouse waffles, and the lunch and dinner buffets feature carved beef and ham as well as several other entrées, a dessert bar, and salad bar. While you eat, the "classic" characters come around for a visit. Last time I went (a while ago) they had a kids buffet with chicken nuggets (mickey shaped of course) mac' and cheese, and mini corn dogs.
Breakfast - $16.95 Adult/$9.95 3 - 11/$3.95 under 3
Lunch - $17.95/$9.95/$3.95
Dinner - $26.95/$9.95/$3.95

Grand Californian:
Storytellers:
Happy Campers Breakfast with Chip & Dale.
This offers a breakfast buffet, but if your kids are picky eaters, and you're not, or vice versa, you also have the option of picking individually priced a la carte items off of a menu.
Buffet Price
Breakfast - $17.95/$9.95/$3.95

Paradise Pier Hotel:
Minnie & Friends breakfast:
Haven't been to this one. I know that some folks like it and some don't...however, I do know that often they have hard to find characters like Merlin & Gaston.
Breakfast - $16.95 Adult/$9.95 3 - 11/$3.95 under 3

Practically Perfect Tea:
Tea Cakes & Crumpets - Ah, Poppins :)
Only available on Wednesdays & Weekends this is a really fun experience. There are two teas - Breakfast and afternoon. While breakfast serves crepes, crumpets, cakes, scones and quiches (and of course Mickey waffles), some items change to sandwiches and deserts at noon. This has very limited seating, and is a fun experience, even though it is the most expensive in the DL resort!
$21.95 for adults and $13.50 for anyone under 11. Make an 11:30 ressie, and you may be able to have a taste of both teas.

:)
~Tina



All of these places can be contacted by calling for priority seating at (714) 956-6755.

[ivanova]

FYI - breakfast at the Plaza this past Sunday was $18.95 per adult, so they've probably had a slight price increase.

[tinagirl]

Hmm..I wonder if other places raised their prices too.
Maybe someone could post if they know about anywhere else.
~Tina

[phins_jazy]

Wow!!! What wonderful tips Tina!!! I'm putting them all in a word document so that when we take our first trip next Dec we'll have them handy. I may end up emailing you as it gets closer to our departure date. :) :teeth:

[tinagirl]

Bumping - I think someone was asking for this thread.

~Tinagirl

[jlima]

I would try to ride the Casey Jr Circus Train and Mr Toad's Wild Ride and anything else that's not in WDW. This is the park that Walt built and so many things are different. Wait until you see It's a Small World . . . you'll be thrilled because it's so much cooler that the ride in Florida!

:bounce:

[tinagirl]

That's very true...
Here is a list of things that you won't find in WDW's Magic Kingdom itself in Florida: (I had no shame in lifting them from Deb's site...hehe. ;))

Alice in Wonderland (Fantasyland)
Casey Jr. Circus Train (Fantasyland)
Fantasmic (Similar but not identical to show at the MGM-Studios)
Gadget's Go Coaster (Toontown - Similar to Goofy's Barnstormer)
Goofy's Bounce House (Toontown)
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Main Street)
Honey I Shrunk the Audience (located in WDW's Epcot Future World)
Indiana Jones (Adventureland)
Innoventions (located in Epcot's Future World)
Jolly Trolley (Toontown)
Matterhorn Bobsleds (Fantasyland)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Fantasyland)
Original Enchanted Tiki Room (Adventureland)
Pinocchio's Daring Adventure (Fantasyland)
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (Toontown)
Sailing Ship Columbia (Frontierland)
Sleeping Beauty (Fantasyland)
Sleeping Beauty's Castle (Magic Kingdom has Cinderella's Castle)
Star Tours (located at WDW's Disney-MGM Studios)
Storybook Land Canal Boats (Fantasyland)
Tarzan Treehouse (Adventureland)
~Tina

[BobbiKK]

Another price increase: just got back last night from our wonderful California vacation and we stayed at the Grand Californian, and the buffet breakfast at Storytellers (with chip and dale and pluto) was $18.95 for adults (had no kids with us so I didn't notice the kids prices, sorry).