10 years later, finally going back to Disneyland, a few tips please

[frjohnk]

Went with the wife to DL in 2006, then to DW in 2007, being from Canada I knew it probably would be a few years, but not 10 to get back to Disney. We had plans to come a few years ago but they fell through but now

We are coming back with 4 kids in tow, and another one in the oven! My father and sister will also be joining us for help. Staying at the Desert Inn and Suites for the week, with a 1 night pit stop at DLH.

We have some dinner reservations at Blue Bayou, Plaza Inn, and Tortilla Jos and makeover for the girls at BBB. I have a decent touring plan ( I think, hope ) for each day in the parks with some flexibility.

1 gonna catch a NHL game at the Honda center, best way to get tickets?

2 are there decent places to view World of Color WITHOUT having to wait too long for the show?

3 same with fireworks?

4 Disneyland Pool is heated right? Looks the weather will be good at the beginning of this week for swimming at the waterpark.

5 how earlier should we line up for the FROZEN show during the this week? We have Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon free for this. And what show time during the day is usually the busiest?

6 Security looks to be way different from 10 years ago. What can we expect on the first day to get through the gates?

7 Staying at the DLH should give us 2 early entries into the parks PLUS we should get an early entry from our 5 day park hopper as well right?

I know there is alot here, but any help would be appreciated. We leave in less than 20 hrs

 

[kristabelle13]

Went with the wife to DL in 2006, then to DW in 2007, being from Canada I knew it probably would be a few years, but not 10 to get back to Disney. We had plans to come a few years ago but they fell through but now

We are coming back with 4 kids in tow, and another one in the oven! My father and sister will also be joining us for help. Staying at the Desert Inn and Suites for the week, with a 1 night pit stop at DLH.

We have some dinner reservations at Blue Bayou, Plaza Inn, and Tortilla Jos and makeover for the girls at BBB. I have a decent touring plan ( I think, hope ) for each day in the parks with some flexibility.

1 gonna catch a NHL game at the Honda center, best way to get tickets?

2 are there decent places to view World of Color WITHOUT having to wait too long for the show?

3 same with fireworks?

4 Disneyland Pool is heated right? Looks the weather will be good at the beginning of this week for swimming at the waterpark.

5 how earlier should we line up for the FROZEN show during the this week? We have Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon free for this. And what show time during the day is usually the busiest?

6 Security looks to be way different from 10 years ago. What can we expect on the first day to get through the gates?

7 Staying at the DLH should give us 2 early entries into the parks PLUS we should get an early entry from our 5 day park hopper as well right?

I know there is alot here, but any help would be appreciated. We leave in less than 20 hrs

1. From the Ducks, Stubhub or 714 Tickets. I've used all with no probs. 714 is online but has an office directly across from Honda Centre.

2. I can't recommend WoC Dining package at Carthay Circle highly enough. It's so delicious - absolutely (imo) the best food on property. And you get an awesome view without the wait.

3. I'm not sure if Remember Dreams Come True will have projections on Main Street? But if they do - I've had awesome luck walking up Main Street on the sidewalk and looking for a gap on edge to slip into near the clock on Main Street. (That starts this week, right? If not - ignore me! )

4. Yes!

5. No advice.

6. 95% of the time you'll have to go through a metal detector. Bags open, patience. Also, if coming in Harbor entrance, look for far left tent. It often opens during morning rush and can have much shorter lines.

7. Are you using the Magic Morning before you check in? If so, yup, no prob. If it's after, I'm not sure how that works, sorry!

Safe travels and have fun!!

 

[Nonsuch]

1 gonna catch a NHL game at the Honda center, best way to get tickets?

Ticketmaster sells both direct from the Ducks and resale from Season Ticket Holders (which are sometimes below original face value). Stubhub is another option.

It's been several years, but I'll likely never return to Honda center. Security screening staff were both inefficient and very rude.

Staples Center is a much better venue, worth the longer drive.