1st DLR visit -- Any tips?

[sam08223]

Hi -- DW & I (50 somethings) (DVC members and WDW vets) making 1st trip to DLR late Oct. Flying into John Wayne Airport late Sat night -- leaving Wed. Booked @ Grand Californian. Looking for tips -- Best way to get to Grand Califorian from airport, Maybe 2 nice dinners, any special "not miss" secrets ???? Thx in advance --

 

[ScooterL]

Since you're staying at the GC...for a really nice dinner I recommend Napa Rose! Steakhouse 55 and Hook's Pointe over at the Disneyland Hotel are good, too. If you want to eat in the parks...lots of people really like the Blue Bayou, but I'm not much of a fan - the atmosphere is great, especially if you get a table next to the water, but the food is mediocre for the price. I like the Vineyard Room at Disney's California Adventure, though for a more moderately priced meal, the Trattoria is good, too. You can find menus for restaurants at the Disneyland Resort at: http://allearsnet.com/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm

Driving Directions...From John Wayne, I would take the 55 freeway to Interstate 5 north, then get off on Harbor Blvd. At the light at the top of the off-ramp, turn right, then get in the left lane and turn left at the first light onto Ball Rd. At the second stop light, turn left onto Disneyland Dr., then stay to the right - following the signs to Downtown Disney/Resort Hotels rather than to the Theme Parks. I believe that the left turn into the Grand Californian is at the second stop light - it's marked, though. You can pull into the entrance and have your car valet parked, or if you want to self-park, you can leave your car while you check in and get your parking pass, then take your car to the parking lot across the street.

Since you're familiar with WDW I would suggest doing things that are unique to Disneyland/DCA, or substantially different, like a lot of attractions in Fantasyland, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, the Indiana Jones attraction, Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years, the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Disneyland Railroad between Tomorrowland and Main Street, and Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. At DCA, don't miss the Aladdin show - it's spectacular. California Screamin' is a great coaster, and Monsters, Inc. is fun. The Animation Building has some interesting things to do, though I guess a lot of the interactive activities there are at Disney-MGM Studios now.

In late October you'll be there for the Disney's HalloweenTime celebration - lots of decorations and special things for that! The parks really look great. You'll also be able to see Haunted Mansion Holiday, which I think is really well done.

As a resort guest you'll be able to do Early Entry at Disneyland on the Monday and Tuesday of your stay - DL opens an hour early. Most of Fantasyland and several attractions in Tomorrowland (including Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage) are open during EE.

Depending on your October dates you might also be able to attend one of the Mickey's Halloween Treat parties at DCA - they aren't as elaborate as the Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween parties at WDW (no special fireworks or parades), but there's lots of trick-or-treat stops and special lighting and decorations, and it's a fun event. There's more information on it at http://allearsnet.com/dlr/tp/dca/mht.htm

Hope that helps!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi -- DW & I (50 somethings) (DVC members and WDW vets) making 1st trip to DLR late Oct. Flying into John Wayne Airport late Sat night -- leaving Wed. Booked @ Grand Californian. Looking for tips -- Best way to get to Grand Califorian from airport, Maybe 2 nice dinners, any special "not miss" secrets ???? Thx in advance --

You will have a great time. Here is some reading material for you if you want to bone up on DLR (plus there is more material in the wdwinfo.com section of DIS):

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

HydroGuy Tips Compilation www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[disney-super-mom]

If you're not renting a car, the best and easiest way to get from John Wayne to the Disneyland Resort is by taxi or taxi van.

Taxis and taxi vans are readily available right across from the baggage claim area. No need to reserve ahead of time.

It's about a 15 minute ride, and the cost will be around $40-$45 plus tip. Some taxi drivers offer a flat rate, which is about $35. Just make sure you ask the driver for a flat rate to the Grand Californian.

Have a wonderful first visit to Disneyland!

(we'll be there in late Oct too, staying at the Paradise Pier)

 

[quadaunt]

Also, subscribe to RideMax (www.ridemax.com) which will not only offer you some great tips for the DLR, but formulates a touring plan for you based on the attractions you would like to do. If you search for "RideMax" on this site you will find a few threads critiquing its service.

 

[farmfresh]

Use the GCH entry to DCA, and remember you can get in at 9.30 am to ride soarin.

 

[sam08223]

Thanks for all the info. Any idea when park schedules will be out?

 

[mattmommy]

Hey NJ, we're exit 10. Be prepared for when people say how far you've come to CA. Very different than half of the NY/NJ area empty into Orlando.