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

[SMD]

One thing about the dates. Yes, there will likely be a media event. For the 50th, there was a day where Main St and the hub were lined with radio station booths. For more recent media events, areas of the park or the whole park were closed. I would at minimum be prepared for DL to close early on the 21st or to be closed the whole day for prep and/or media.

 

[SplashMo]

You are fine. As long as you have Park Hoppers and arrive early each day to the parks that is the main thing.

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.

Personal choice..

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).

I do agree with the time aspect but again a personal choice. I prefer TS Lunch in the parks as it is a good time to relax and take a break. But you choices are very tasty.

3. Character breakfasts are a rip-off.

Love Character Breakfasts and would not pass on these...

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

Kids will be fine...

 

[keishashadow]

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. 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.

my take as a long-time WDW vet, planning our 5th trip to DL:

don't try to replicate a WDW @ DL. DL is special, and historic, with it's own inherent charms. It's a totally different vibe imo.

Staying onsite gives you the early entry perk and convenience to walk back easily to on-site resort. Pre VGC we would stay @ DLH, and loved it. Haven't seen the redo of the pool in person, but it looks great imo. If we can't get a room @ VGC for October, will book DLH even though I could book one of the Hiltons on points. Yes, the hotels on harbor are close, but just don't have the resort amenities we enjoy (really nice pool, immersive Disney vibe). If we visited there several times a year and were just looking for somewhere to flop for a long weekend, I would certainly check out reviews on trip advisor and stay in one if price was right.

I wouldn't dream of skipping Blue Bayou and thought the character meal @ DLH worth every penny (real actors, lots of interaction!) but the CS offerings @ DL are heads & shoulders above the WDW offerings. Varied offerings and the food is usually of good quality. Since we have a car @ WDW and visit several times a year, we often eat offsite for our main meal but do have our favorite TSs there that we rotate. However, I never feel as though I am sacrificing anything at the DL CSs we enjoy vs a TS. As for 2 TS a day, that is too much food for us, especially in the FL heat/humidity but you know what works best for your family.

 

[Pucka1378]

Sounds like my dream trip to DLR! We really enjoy TS meals and always book them and we are AP holders and go a lot. If I could afford DLH every time we go that is where I would stay. But, we get to do way more trips staying off property.

 

[sheetz]

On one hand it's your vacation and you should do as you want. On the other hand DL is different than WDW and you may be setting yourself up for disappointment if you are expecting them to be the same.

One area I might side with your sister is that of dining since DLR has good variety and quality of counter service restaurants. And keep in mind that dinng al fresco is a very California thing since the weather is usually so nice. It's not like in FL where you need to get away from the heat and rain.

 

[jemmi]

I agree with what everyone else is saying, your sister and yourself have two different ways to vacation. I think your plans sound wonderful! We're going to Disneyland in April and we're also staying on property and I have have a few TS meals booked. I enjoy TS meals, they allow us to slow down and talk about our day and give our feet a break from all the walking. I've only done Goofy's Kitchen and Surf's Up character meals and I loved them both. I felt they were comparable, if not better, to the character meals at Disneyworld. The characters took time with us and the food was good. I still dream of the avocado salad at Surf's Up. This time we're going to try the Minnie's breakfast at Plaza Inn and Ariel's. I wouldn't worry about what your sister is saying, it's your vacation, go and have fun!

 

[lorijohnhill]

Ok, I have to pipe in here also!

To me, there is no comparison for staying at a Disney Resort HOTELS and a basic Harbor Blvd MOTEL. It is a personal preference thing. I happen to prefer hotels to motels. There is a higher level of service and I hate trying to drag all my stuff up to the room myself. That being said, I can't often afford that luxury at Disneyland. When I can do it, there is no question. I have stayed at all three DLR hotels. DLH has the most Disney feel to me. And the light up, musical, headboard can't be beat! The atmosphere on the grounds is superb. The walk to the parks, under the hat and through DTD is fun and entertaining. My daughter and I made it a tradition to swing into Hagen Daas on the was back to our hotel. Such fun memories! You can also swing into Anna & Elsa's Botique and get a free sprinkle of fairy dust in your child's hair. PPH felt basic and kind of old to me. Much less "in the bubble" than the others. GCA is luxurious! Beautiful and more grown up, while still being kid friendly. Also the closest location.

Sorry, more info than you asked for.

I would like to add a cute story about character breakfasts. I do at least one on every trip. We went with some friends on our last visit and they had never been to one before. My friend and her daughter we're absolutely blown away by the experience. We went to Minnie's at the first seating and saw 10 characters. My daughter started repeatedly saying "tick tock" any time Captain Hook came into the area and he would freak out and run away. It didn't take long until the entire area was doing it. On the way out my daughter ended up getting into some kind of strange martial arts "fight" with Chip. This went on for a good five minutes. Then he proceeded to pose the girls is funny positions for photos. Then Max got into the mix and wanted to be in the photos also. It was incredible.

Long story to say that character meals are not a ripoff, in my opinion. The more you interact and show interest in the characters, the more they play with you.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

I think your dates are just fine, for the reasons you mentioned.

Regarding hotel, I have found staying on-site to be a much better value at WDW than at DLR. However, that doesn't mean staying on-site at DLR is completely valueless - it's just not something I choose to do every time. I think that everyone should stay on-site at least once, but after that one time I never really felt the need to do it again, the savings by staying off-site outweighed the positives of being on site. The "Disney bubble" is something I enjoy as well, but with the hotels along Harbor being as close or closer to the entrance than the on-site hotels, I honestly didn't feel much of a difference in the "bubbleness" or staying on or off site. If you're staying off-site that close, you're really just going through one crosswalk with tons of others walking to DLR as well, so it's kind of fun to see the excitement. I can see maybe staying on site more often if I was into using the pool or other facilities, but I don't, so I care more about proximity to the park entrance.

As for dining...I think that there are a couple of differences that would cause me to make less ADRs than I would at WDW. The first is that CS at DLR is really great; TS is good too, it's just that if I opt for CS I don't feel like I am "settling," I feel like I am still getting a really great meal. There are several CS items that have become favorites of mine (I am definitely getting another chicken gumbo breadbowl next time I go!) so I am excited to get those each time, meaning I'm not spending as much time with TS. Another difference is that I spend less time at DLR, about half the time as at WDW. This means there just isn't as much time to set aside for a sit down meal, time that I would rather be using to take in the rides or various shows that I could otherwise miss. I usually visit DLR for three days, and schedule 1-2 TS meals during that time.

I do not opt for character dining at DLR because I feel like I get my "fill" of characters just walking around the parks. I don't have children, so I would only be doing it for my own benefit and I don't find it worth it. There are more roaming characters in DLR than WDW, so I feel satisfied in that regard.

 

[cindernat]

You're going to be there the same time as us, and staying at the same hotel! What we did was extend our trip by one night to accommodate being there for the 22nd. Unfortunately this cost us $600 in flight cancellation fees :| Not ideal but anyway, I personally think it'll be worth it! We are also doing 1 character dining, and dining at Blue Bayou one night. But this is our first Disneyland trip and we're from Australia, so it's a once in a lifetime trip for us.

 

[Ratherbeatdisneyland]

This sounds like my dream vacation to DL! If you can do it all the more power to ya!!

 

[mom2rtk]

the CS offerings @ DL are heads & shoulders above the WDW offerings. Varied offerings and the food is usually of good quality.

I was just coming back here to add that thought.

OP, don't make assumptions about the CS offerings at DLR based on your experience at WDW. Totally different. And much better.

 

[DLfan4]

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.



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.
.

Everyone has their own preferences, so just do what works for your family.
regarding #2 - its nice to get out of the elements and sit and relax at a table service.
regarding #3 - character meals are a great experience. its not a rip-off if it creates great memories.
regarding the timing. I would suggest you keep your dates as scheduled. the park will probably be empty (low crowds) because everyone else will be waiting for the 60th stuff to start. i

 

[nikkislaght]

I just dont understand why it matters what your sister thinks... do what you want and have a great time doing it... tell her to mind her own business

 

[corinne76]

oh geez, your sister needs to take her opinions out of it! Jk
But really, those are HER opinions. This is YOUR trip. You do what you want, even if it is "wrong" to someone else. Because it's right for your family. Plus, it sounds like you don't get to do DL often. you should see and do everything you want to.

I actually do plan much like your sister, because I'm a budgeter and I do save throughout the year to go to DL.
For us, staying onsite just isn't worth it because we rarely spend time in the room but I have stayed at the Disney resort here in Hawaii and the experience is head and shoulder above staying across the street. If I had the funds and we had time to take advantage of the amenities, I'd stay on site for sure.
My kids aren't into characters much. If they were, I'd plan a character meal too. They sound fun!

I think your plan sounds wonderful. Since DH works out of home, we are kind of limited on time. We usually travel for a week. If we could spread things out, your plan sounds absolutely lovely.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[tarheelalum]

The dates you are going are not that bad. Most of the refurbs will be completed by then so I don't have any issues with them.

But I think your sister is absolutely correct on number 1,2,3,4. But then again its not my vacation or your sister's, its your vacation and you should do what YOU want. So enjoy yourself and have a great trip!!

 

[bcla]

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).

All four of those criticisms are on point, but so what? Everyone has their own priorities. The first three are about cost, and I can't say that I disagree that those things mean spending beacoup bucks. However, if it's your priority to do those things, then why not? Whether or not you feel your kids are ready for an "upscale" dining experience is up to you to decide.

I'm by nature cheap and not likely to have more than one table service meal on a trip anyways. Heck - I'd probably go off site for at least one meal. That's just me.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I wouldn't say that you're "doing it wrong", but your sister has made some good points. I agree with her when it comes to your touring plan.

Doing the parks from rope drop to 1-2 p.m. is more feasible at WDW than at DLR. At WDW, you have to pace yourself, and you usually will set aside many more days to tour the World. At DLR, if you pace yourself that much over a five day trip, you're likely to miss out on some things. Plus, bear in mind that this is your first DLR trip, and you will probably not want to miss much. At WDW, since you've been there many times, it's no big deal if you miss a couple attractions on any given trip.

Also, I agree that the on-site hotels at DLR are outrageously overpriced. There are only two of them, and both are very high end in terms of pricing. There are a great deal of hotel/motels in the area which are a much better value, and several are practically at Disney's doorstep.

At WDW, the perks of staying on-site make it worthwhile, and there are enough levels for most budgets. But at DLR, it's out of the question for most people. You can almost pay for a return trip just by changing your hotel plans on this trip!

In any case, have a great visit.

 

[l4dyj8]

I personally like staying within the Disney bubble. We saved once and stayed at HoJo. Everyone recommends it. But honestly, I was sad. Yes, it was fine but it was missing something. dLH and pp may be further in dustance but it doesn't feel like it. To PP, we always go through GCH. But we've gone by DD as well. It's a nice walk.

We've been to Carthay Circle a few times. DD was about 3 the first time. She was fine. Although during their opening, they didn't offer crayons/paper! I gad crayons but no paper. The server was accommodating (back of an old specials menu). But Ever since, I made sure to pack our own (rookie mom I was). But they offer them now. You know your children.

I will add that there are mixed options on some Character meals. I personally didn't care for Goofy's. More so because it feels far from the parks and makes kids restless. But just a warning. Many love it

Have a wonderful time. Ding second guess your plans. Do leave some wiggle room though

 

[bumbershoot]

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.

I cannot even fathom touring Disneyland in that way. Cannot imagine it. Sure, you're getting some use out of the expensive hotel, but what about the expensive tickets? Nope, coudln't do it. I'd listen to your sister there. (though I couldn't do it at WDW, either. Only time we've done such a touring plan is at Universal Orlando, when DS and I were sick and woke up thinking we were better, only to figure out after lunch that we weren't and needed to quarantine ourselves again)

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.

Absolutely.

And the only character meal we'll do anymore is Surf's Up.

Also, I agree that the on-site hotels at DLR are outrageously overpriced. There are only two of them, and both are very high end in terms of pricing.

Er, 3 onsite hotels. All outrageous now. But 3.

 

[SplashMo]

I like to Rope Drop the parks. Have a nice Table Service Lunch as a break (and I run for FP before going in to eat). Also in DCA there is the Aladdin show which is good for a break. But no going back to the hotel. Of course after three days you should be able to ease up a bit...