My sis who is a DLR vet thinks we're doing it wrong

[Masonmj84]

WDW vet here making his first trip to DLR since childhood.

When we go to WDW, we like to go all out (do splits stays at deluxe resorts and typically eat two TS meals a day, including a lot of character breakfasts and dinners at signature restaurants). We also love the immersive experience that WDW offers and typically spend our entire vacation on Disney property.

So, we're trying to replicte that type of vacation as much as possible at DLR. Planning to stay at DLH for 5 nights with dinners at Blue Bayou (Fantasmic package), Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, Carthay Circle (WOC package), Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose. Breakfasts at PCH Grill, Storytellers, and Steakhouse 55 (the other two mornings we plan to just grab an early quick bite so as to take full advantage of EMH/MM). We typically just sort of wing it/snack for lunch.

Anyway, here are my sister's (DLR vet who has never done WDW as an adult) criticisms of our plans:

1. We're way overpaying for lodging by staying at DLH when there are other places just as good and just as close that are FAR cheaper.

2. We have too many TS meals scheduled (her take is that CS meals provide much more bang for the buck and take much less time).

3. Character breakfasts are a rip-off.

4. Three of our dinners (Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose) are at places unsuitable for our kids (ages 11 and 5).

Her other criticsm is that we're gong from May 17-22 and will just miss the beginning of the 60th anniversary (we've already purchased our plane tickets). She thinks we would be better off paying to move our flights back a week and then using the savings to stay at a cheaper hotel and not eating as many TS meals.

With regard to her last point, my take is that May 17-22 is still a good time to go because refurbs to all the major attractions (fingers crossed) are supposed to be done by then but it will be less crowded than after the 60th officially starts. So, even though we'll be missing some of the new 60th stuff, I see that week as somewhat of a sweet spot.

I don't know quite what to make of her points about the restaurants because I've only eaten TS at WDW. Are character breakfasts at DLR less worthwhile than at WDW? Are the nicer TS restaurants at DLR more adult-oriented than WDW signatures (we've taken our kids to virtually all of these, except, of course V&A)?

Personally, I think a lot of her beef with our plans has more to do with differing touring styles than DLR versus WDW. At WDW, we only like to stay in the parks from RD until 1-2 pm, then go back to the resort to swim/nap, followed by a nice TS dinner. She, on the other hand, likes to go commando style, ride as many rides as many times as possible, and only use the hotel for sleeping, which is not our style.

In any event, I'm interested to hear others' perspectives on our plans versus my sister's opinions.

 

[mom2rtk]

There is not right or wrong way to do Disney. Looks like you guys each need to give a little and compromise.

 

[Saimaeve]

Everyone likes to do the parks differently. I'm a huge fan of Table Service meals, Moderate or Deluxe resorts, and more relaxed touring. I may close down the parks, but I don't time out every step like some people.

Others like to have it all planned out. That's great. Whatever someone wants to do on their vacation is their choice.

 

[pmaurer74]

I completely understand what you are doing. We are WDW vets and are conditioned to do it this way. It feels weird to not be able to do ADRs and I am frustrated there are only a few character meals as eel usually do about 6 of them. We are staying on property and I am frustrated their are no deals like I am used to. I wonder if Disney is missing a marketing opportunity here for all inclusive packages like we are used to? Though I am hoping the trip will be less stressful without all the ADRS and FP+. We are planning right now on 7 nights and 4-5 days in the parks and spending 2 days off site at the beach or touring. If feels weird to not do what we are used to. Have a great trip!

 

[mom2rtk]

Something to keep in mind about the table service meals is that a DLR trip is often a shorter than a WDW trip. We also do a lot of TS meals at WDW. So on our first week long trip to DLR, we scheduled a lot of TS meals. I wanted to try them all. But with only 5 park days, it did start feeling like we were constantly having to stop and go eat. I don't have that feeling at WDW, probably because we usually have a 9 or 10 day ticket there.

DLR may only have 2 parks compared with WDW. But there are nearly as many attractions in those 2 parks as there are in all of WDW. It's still a lot of ground to cover when you add in fireworks, WoC and Fantasmic.

 

[mom2rtk]

I completely understand what you are doing. We are WDW vets and are conditioned to do it this way. It feels weird to not be able to do ADRs and I am frustrated there are only a few character meals as eel usually do about 6 of them. We are staying on property and I am frustrated their are no deals like I am used to. I wonder if Disney is missing a marketing opportunity here for all inclusive packages like we are used to? Though I am hoping the trip will be less stressful without all the ADRS and FP+. We are planning right now on 7 nights and 4-5 days in the parks and spending 2 days off site at the beach or touring. If feels weird to not do what we are used to. Have a great trip!

Disney offers all inclusive deals at WDW to fill hotel rooms. They have far fewer rooms at DLR to fill, so they don't need to offer the deals.

I will say that on our trip back in 2014 we cut back on ADRs and upgraded to APs so we could add park entry on arrival day and departure day. We even popped in to eat at Ariel's Grotto on our non-park day so we didn't have to interrupt park time to do it another day. That made a HUGE difference for us. The trip was much more laid back and enjoyable. We live half way across the country so can't pop back in to use our APs a lot. But we will schedule this year's trip just inside the 1 year window and still come out ahead.

 

[nicolispicoli]

I don't think you're doing it wrong, I wanna go on that trip! I think you're going at a perfect time, while you will miss certain events in the park for the anniversary, you never know, they could do some run-throughs a few days before. If you're not worried about missing them, then it's no big deal.

For the restaurants, she may be a little right about bringing your kids to some of those. I know they have Pinocchio's Workshop that is available to you at GCH(for a fee), if you're staying at one of the resort hotels. You could always take the kids there and enjoy a meal without them. However, I am sure there are people who take their kids to those for meals and have no problems.

For the hotel, I would stay at the DLH if I were you. If you're used to a certain resort at WDW, staying at an offsite resort wouldn't make sense to me.

Character meals are the same as what you're used to at WDW and for me and my kids, they are worth it.

5 days is enough time to be able to take breaks for all those TS meals and enjoy your time. The parks probably won't be too slammed as most are either waiting for that weekend to actually begin with anniversary activities or for summer break.

I think you're are used to planned at WDW, so you went that route, this is a great plan! Have fun!

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to Disneyland. That being said...I don't know if you're expecting DLR to be like WDW, but they are very different. So please do not go to DLR expecting it to be like WDW. Both are amazing trips, but there are some major (and minor) differences. With regards to your specific questions/comments:

1. We're way overpaying for lodging by staying at DLH when there are other places just as good and just as close that are FAR cheaper.

I don't know that I'd say the motels along Harbor Blvd, Katella, and Ball Road are "just as good" as the onsite locations, but many are definitely cheaper. Staying onsite will help with the "Disney Bubble", but the real world does "intrude" at DLR almost regardless of where you stay. You can see/hear the "real world" from inside the parks, so the Disney Bubble isn't quite as strong at DLR.

2. We have too many TS meals scheduled (her take is that CS meals provide much more bang for the buck and take much less time).
3. Character breakfasts are a rip-off.

I think this is no more and no less true than it is at WDW. So as long as you know the amount of time it'll take (I'd estimate between 60 and 90 minutes for a TS meal) and the cost, I see no reason not to do a lot of TS locations and character meals if that is what you want.

4. Three of our dinners (Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose) are at places unsuitable for our kids (ages 11 and 5).

This one all depends on your children. The three dinners are at "nicer" locations (think, kind of like the Signatures at WDW) and guests do expect to have a nice, quiet meal. So as long as your children are well behaved and aren't going to bother the tables around you, I see no reason why they can't dine at Carthay, Steakhouse 55, and/or Napa Rose.

Her other criticsm is that we're gong from May 17-22 and will just miss the beginning of the 60th anniversary (we've already purchased our plane tickets).

The new fireworks, parade, and WoC shows will debut on May 22nd. So if you're staying through the night of May 22, you will probably have a good chance of seeing at least some of the new shows. My guess is that there will be media previews and potentially an AP preview sometimes that week, but I don't think those will be open to the public. In honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if DL closes earlier on at least one or two nights leading up to the debut of the 60th stuff.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

We do a sit down ts meal every night. Once upon a time on a Friday night I didn't have ressies somewhere, and the CS lines were ridiculous.... After that I will never go without dinner ressies. I think your plans look fine. We love to stay on property, even though off-site is cheaper. Your dates look good to me... Missing major holidays, which is our primary objective. We also like character breakfasts. And try to plan them early (like 1st seating) when the parks open at 9. That way we have a good, fun breakfast and still make rope drop. Just go and have fun!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

It sounds like a fun trip. There are no right or wrongs. We don't do so much ts just because it's faster to do cs and the food isn't our main draw. As for the nicer, non-kid friendly places, it's an amusement park for kids. If you're kids can sit calmly and quietly, no big deal.

If I could afford DLH or one of the resort hotels all the time, I definitely would. Yes, there are perfectly good hotels on Harbor with a shorter walking distance and better prices, but there's something special about staying onsite. That being said, it's not something my family of 5 can afford anymore. It's not as good of a value as the wdw hotels.

I would consider at least staying 1 more day to see the 60th kickoff. The anniversary celebrations are always so fun. It's not necessary, but when else are you going to get a chance?

 

[pmaurer74]

"Disney offers all inclusive deals at WDW to fill hotel rooms. They have far fewer rooms at DLR to fill, so they don't need to offer the deals.

I will say that on our trip back in 2014 we cut back on ADRs and upgraded to APs so we could add park entry on arrival day and departure day. We even popped in to eat at Ariel's Grotto on our non-park day so we didn't have to interrupt park time to do it another day. That made a HUGE difference for us. The trip was much more laid back and enjoyable. We live half way across the country so can't pop back in to use our APs a lot. But we will schedule this year's trip just inside the 1 year window and still come out ahead."


This makes a lot of sense... thanks!

 

[YukonMommy]

Chiming in.....

1. We're way overpaying for lodging by staying at DLH when there are other places just as good and just as close that are FAR cheaper.
This is such a personal preference. There are tonnes of hotels around DL that are cheaper and way cheaper than the DL hotels. DL is set up so differently that WDW in that way. There are a lot of options right across the street from DL.

2. We have too many TS meals scheduled (her take is that CS meals provide much more bang for the buck and take much less time).
We ate every supper at a TS (whether it be in or out of the park). We enjoyed the CS at lunch time though.

3. Character breakfasts are a rip-off.
We love Character Brekkie's! Once again depends on your family. We make it a point to do at least 1 per trip as we all have a blast at them!

4. Three of our dinners (Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose) are at places unsuitable for our kids (ages 11 and 5).
Depends on your children. If you have done these types of meals before (a bit fancier, quieter atmosphere, etc) and they have done well then I say YES! I know we could take our 4 children into any one of those and not have a problem.


With regard to her last point, my take is that May 17-22 is still a good time to go because refurbs to all the major attractions (fingers crossed) are supposed to be done by then but it will be less crowded than after the 60th officially starts. So, even though we'll be missing some of the new 60th stuff, I see that week as somewhat of a sweet spot.
Sounds like you are pretty excited about your dates, so why not just keep them as is.

Are character breakfasts at DLR less worthwhile than at WDW?
Any ones I have been to have been fabulous and worth every minute and every penny.



Personally, I think a lot of her beef with our plans has more to do with differing touring styles than DLR versus WDW.
There is no right or wrong way to do Disney, there is just your way! I say listen with an open mind to her suggestions and then do your vacation your way!

Have a Magical time!

 

[jenjersnap]

We tour WDW pretty much exactly the way you do, but I am dialing it back a little at DLR because we have only 5 days. Sort of in between our WDW way and your sister's way.

The on property hotels are much more expensive, but, if it is in your budget, I wouldn't hesitate to stick with them.

We are eating one TS a day, but we plan to hit the lounges (Trader Sam's, Cove Bar...wish we could do Carthay Circle lounge but I need those biscuits - LOL) for a couple other meals. I have found the character meals to be pretty comparable to WDW's, generally, just fewer options and, now, a lot of character repetition but your choices have a good mix so that isn't an issue.

We plan to still take a rest during the most crowded part of the day.

I am far from a DLR expert, just wanted to share my thoughts in case they are helpful.

 

[lovebug33]

It's up to you. That vacation is not the way I would do Disneyland. But that is me and my kids will be 1 and almost 3 when we go. No way I want to do that many sit downs. We will only do one. And I refuse to pay money to stay on site. That doesn't make my way right and yours wrong. HOwever, I wouldn't go with your sister because that would be tense.

 

[MommyJKM]

:

1. We're way overpaying for lodging by staying at DLH when there are other places just as good and just as close that are FAR cheaper.

2. We have too many TS meals scheduled (her take is that CS meals provide much more bang for the buck and take much less time).

3. Character breakfasts are a rip-off.

4. Three of our dinners (Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose) are at places unsuitable for our kids (ages 11 and 5).

Her other criticsm is that we're gong from May 17-22 and will just miss the beginning of the 60th anniversary (we've already purchased our plane tickets). She thinks we would be better off paying to move our flights back a week and then using the savings to stay at a cheaper hotel and not eating as many TS meals.

Well it sounds like your sister is a "budgeter" and you are a "vacationer"
To ME, vacation to Disneyland is vacation. Why would you stay off-site if you can happily afford to stay on-site? Here are my 2cents:

1. No where off-site is as good as on-site. Period.

2. We prefer to do TS because my theory is sitting for those 45-60 mins is a break. And I prefer to eat and feed my family "better" foods that provide energy and fulfillment. Trust me, the kids get their ice cream or churro or whatever snack, but our family does better with not grabbing corn dogs and sprinting around. Plus we take that time to talk and everyone decides the next step/how there day is going/etc.

3. You can't quantify the character breakfasts as an all out rip-off. It depends on what you value as importance. We like Ariel's Grotto for the Princess interaction but we go knowing the food is horrible and we are paying for my DD to get to see her princesses. Goofy's Kitchen food is really salty and processed but if your kids want to see Goofy, Chip & Dale, Pluto and Minnie they'll be happy and you make do with the salad bar. We love the Minnie&Friends at Plaza Inn because the atmosphere is great, characters are good, and....Mickey Waffles.
The Riverbelle Terrace is the only place in the park with Mickey Mouse pancakes if that's a requirement for you WDW vets

4. We take my DD to all those restaurants. Kids aren't frowned upon anywhere. YOU know your kids and if they'll behave and be happy or be overwhelmed and stress you out. My DD is 4-yrs old and LOVES Carthay and even has a favorite waitress. I DO suggest Pinnochio's Workshop at GCH and doing the Chef's Tasting Counter at Napa Rose! Lovely meal and you are only a few feet from your kids, yet so far away.

I have a family member who sounds like your sister...and she always says she's saving money so they can "afford" to go to Disneyland but in reality she's a budgeter and likes controlling those aspects of things...which is GREAT! But my choices are different and I like to spend what I spend and enjoy at Disneyland.
I would NOT stay at a cheaper hotel and do counter service when you can stay at DLH and eat wherever you want!

Enjoy!!!!!

 

[SMD]

I think that there's a good argument to be made that if you're staying on site you should take advantage of EMH and not schedule hotel character breakfasts on park days. Otherwise, DLR is not WDW and they don't really claim to be the same. Sometimes expecting them to be the same will lead to disappointment. For example, staying on property to stay in the bubble. As pp said, the outside intrudes at DLR. As long as you're not spending the extra money for that reason, you may avoid that particular disappointment. Also, not all TS are created equal. For example, I would not do Plaza Inn breakfast and Blue Bayou Fantasmic package on the same day. You're giving 2 1/2 hours of park time for dining experiences that go slowly. On the other hand, Cafe Orleans service is pretty quick and it's basically 1 course. I'd still probably stick to 1 TS per day, though. Check the prices on the online menus, that money could be better spent on other things in the parks or even upgrading to club level.

 

[VandVsmama]

This is YOUR vacation, not your sister's, do what you want and she can do DL like she wants when she goes to DL.

The DLH is pretty special. There is no comparison between it and the motels nearby. If I had the funds to stay at DLH every time, then I totally would!

I like scheduling one TS meal per day because it forces us all to sit down for an hour and take a breather. I think your meal ideas are just fine.

About kids in nice dining establishments, it varies by family. We took our daughters to eat at Blue Bayou when YDD was 4 and she thought it was great and was very well behaved. You know your kids better than anybody, so do what you feel is best for your crew. And if your sister doesn't like it, then, well, she will just have to be frustrated I guess.

Re: the dates you are going...I think your dates are great. Plus you've already bought plane tickets. If your sister wants to go to DL during the 60th anniversary summer, then she can definitely do that but these are the dates that YOU are going and that's that.

In other words, just because somebody is telling you to do something doesn't mean that you have to do what they think you should do. Make your own decisions based on what works best for you and ignore the naysayers and have a lovely time at the happiest place on earth!

 

[ktlm]

Let me be sure I understand- she is not going with you so this is not a dispute as to how you are all going to do things, she is just saying what she thinks of your plans. In that case, I say stick with what you want to do. Fellow WDW vet here, with trips to DLR also annually for the last few years. Here are my opinions:

1. DLH- We love DLH. Being WDW vets, we like the Disney bubble and do not want to see the outside world. DLH lets you do that. The walk to the park is through DTD, so you never leave Disney property. We have stayed at DLH on every trip and I have not regretted it. We like the rooms, the gift shops, the bar, and the restaurants. CS breakfast at DLH leaves a lot to be desired when you are used to WDW, but we just skip our usual at the resort and stop for Beignets in DTD at the Jazz kitchen express, or pick a croissant or something up at the park.

2. 2 TS meals a day is quite a bit, but at least they are breakfast and dinner. We do find that DLR has much better CS food than WDW and there are a ton of great options. We usually do one TS a day. There is usually one day we do 2, because we like Minnie's Breakfast and typically we will do that on the day we do WOC dining in the evening. That said we typically only do 1 TS a day at WDW too, so if 2 is your norm, I don't see any issues with that at DLR. If you really want to do 2 TS a day, there is no reason not to do so, but do realize that there are some decent CS options at DLR. Allears.net has all the DLR menus, just as it has the WDW menus if you want to check out some of the CS options.

3. Historically, we have thought that DLR has better character meals than WDW. Unfortunately, Goofy's Kitchen was just standardized and made just like at WDW meal- but previously at both Goofy's and Minnie's we saw more characters than we ever do at WDW character meals and with more variety. One morning we saw 11 characters at Minnies. We loved that at DLR character meals, you never knew who you were going to see (until they just ruined that at Goofy's recently). Ariel's has pretty much always been a Princess meal just the same as WDW, although even there we have had some variety as to which Princesses pop up. We have never done Storytellers so I can not speak as to that one.

4. It's Disney, there are not any restaurants that are not suitable for kids. Do you take your kids to somewhat nice restaurants at home? If so, there is no reason not to do the same at DLR. Look at the menus for these places at Allears.net. Is there something on the kids or regular menu that your kids will eat? If so, the restaurant is perfectly suitable.

As far as the 60th anniversary stuff, if you don't mind missing the new entertainment and most the refurbs are over, then it is not that big a deal. I would have a concern about media preview nights. There definitely is a possibility that you may see a park closing early in the evening for a media event. Usually, it will just be one of the 2 parks though. Seems like we ran into that when we were there one trip-- I think it was our trip just before Carsland opened- but it might have been when WOC first opened- we always seem to miss something by a few days. Also when we were there right before Carsland opened, it was a little rough being there and knowing that Carsland was complete and hearing from AP holders and CMs who were allowed to preview it about how great it was but not being able to see past the wall and knowing we were missing it by days!

 

[Canuck16]

We did a split stay at WDW last May and stayed at POR and BC. But when we go to DLR we always stay offsite as we don't find it to be worth it for us to pay the extra cost when we can stay just as close offsite and all we lose out on is EE to DCA. But that is just us....if you want to stay on site at DLR then go for it as it is your vacation.

Have fun and enjoy as DLR and DCA are awesome parks!!!

 

[Malcon10t]

I see nothing wrong with your plans. For me, I usually plan only 1 of the big 3 restaurants during a trip, but that is because we will be back in a couple months. Is your 5yo old enough for the big 3? Really depends on him. Can he sit properly through a 2-3 hour meal? If so, not a problem. Hotel? Yes you could get cheaper, but if you are used to staying at the Moderates or deluxes, I'd stick with the DLH. I like the character meals at DL, especially Surf's Up. I like counter service, especially French Market, Pizza Port, Rancho, and Plaza Inn. But with your plans, especially if this is a rare trip, I'd stick with your plans. (BTW - We are arriving the night of the 22-25....)