1st time DLR Visit – need advice

[JediMasterMatt]

Greetings. Long time lurker, first time poster.

My wife and I are regular visitors to WDW and are making our first trip to DLR this August. I need some advice from the West Coast regulars to help plan how to make the most out of our vacation. If you don’t mind, I’d like to pick your brains on a few things.

- Our trip is scheduled from Saturday 8/25 – Saturday 9/1. I picked this week because it was the last week of extended summer hours and historically has been a slower than normal summer period. Touring Plans has DL in the 2’s during the week and DCA in the 5’s and I read several references in posts online that this week has historically been a good compromise as refurbs start in earnest the following week (HM goes down on Monday 8/27) and the hours are still 10pm or later. Does this seem like a good plan as we definitely wanted to steer clear of any of the major rumored refurbs like Indy or BTMRR?

- I’m mentally prepared for dealing with 85 degree + weather; but, was wondering if the DLR regulars believe that this resort is better for dealing with the heat than WDW due to the smaller size and distances between attractions and seemingly more shade? Unfortunately, my wife is disabled due to a chemical spill damaging her lungs, so she will be using an ECV and limiting the hours she’s in the parks. In Orlando, she will typically go into the parks in the AM and then leave during the late morning and return in the early evenings; but, hopefully with the lower humidity , smaller parks, and more shade in DL she will be able to stay out a bit longer.

- Regarding her use of the ECV, does anyone have any experience with the use of the disabled sections at WoC and Fantasmic at times when the parks are similarly busy? I don’t know how long we need to plan on getting her to each of the shows. Also, does the disabled person with a guest access card need to get Fastpasses for the 2nd showing of WoC? Is it usually busy enough to require it?

- Since I’ll be focused on photography, I think I will try to do both Magical and WoC on a few of the nights. From what I’ve read, this should be possible as long as I move fast. Likely on the nights I try this, my wife will be waiting for me at WoC for the 2nd showing; but, on a couple of the nights – I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to get the dinning reservation plan to make sure we won’t have any issues? I know that not all of the views in the reserved section are great; but, she would be likely placed in the disabled section and from the maps I’ve seen, they have good viewing angles. My only concern would be if it would be a bit too wet that close.

- The Subs at DL are something I’m a bit more concerned about how my wife will be able to handle. She can walk short distances; but, gets fatigued very quickly. Is the loading on this the same as 20k Under the Sea was at the MK? A short steep stairway down and then up out of the sub? Do you enter from the back of the sub and exit through the front? I know they have the simulated accessible version available; but, she would like to try the regular attraction. Perhaps if I can get her to load first she can walk in and sit immediately and not be standing and waiting while those in front are getting seated, she won’t get as fatigued. It’s the climb out that has me concerned.

I’m sure I’ll think up a few more questions as we get closer to going and many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

 

[PigletSeeker]

The heat will be much more tolerable in CA than FL! The sun doesn't really break through in LA until around 10 am. Cool and gloomy until then, so take advantage of getting there early. The heat is at it's worst between 1 and 4, but as soon as the sun starts going down just a little it's immediate relief. Nights are cool, even in summer. I wouldn't say they do a great job shading queues, but it still won't be as bad as WDW in summer (or even fall). Heck, I've been burning up at WDW in December!

The subs have an alternate experience for those that can't navigate the stairs or who get claustrophobic. That would probably be best in your situation. Just ask the CM at the queue entrance.

Have fun!

 

[PigletSeeker]

Oh just reread and saw you want to try the regular subs. You enter and exit from the same side. The first people in will be the last people out. The staircase is probably only about 6 or 7 steps, but it is awkward and twisty.

 

[rtfelt]

You still need a FP to WOC whether disabled or otherwise. I think this show still might be full. They started showing an 11:15 show of WOC because of high demand. Many locals will still be there this week, so you should get the FP just in case.

After knee surgery, I had to use a wheelchair, and I've watched WOC from the disabled viewing area. There are ones closer to the front, where you can get wet, and others nearer the back where you won't. You can choose which one, just get there in time to get the one you want. I never saw Fantasmic with my wheelchair, so I don't have any experience there

It can get hot this time of year in S. CA--not Florida (high humidity) hot, but hot still the same, but there are a lot of shady places to "hang out" and unlike Florida with the humidity, the shade is MUCH cooler than in direct sunlight.

 

[Shock13]

I saw WOC a couple of weeks ago in the disabled section closest to the front so got an excellent center view. The only negative was that I got soaked. I wore a jacket so my clothes were okay but my hair drenched.
Fantasmic has a designated section but it is to the side.

Regarding the Subs, I was not a fan. I thought the staircase in/out of the subs were steep and difficult to handle even though there were not very many. Because I was so worried about managing the steps, I hit my head on a low hanging beam. If she does decide to go on it, tell her to take her time. Those people behind you can wait a few extra seconds.

 

[jdb in AZ]

The handicapped section for Fantasmic! is off to the right side as you view the stage, next to the Mark Twain. It's close to where the dragon comes up, so you should be able to get some good photos of her. A CM told us about a great spot to see the fireworks right after the first showing of F! It's right there by the Mark Twain so it's very easy to get to. We were able to see Tinkerbell fly over the trees. Haven't ever seen Dumbo fly, but oh well. Some fireworks "purists" will line up in front of the castle hours before the fireworks, but I guess we're not that pure.

DH and I have seen WOC from the blue handicapped section twice, and haven't gotten wet either time. But we weren't close to the water. We did need the blue fastpasses to enter. If you arrive at WOC and Fantasmic! handicapped areas an hour early, that should give you a great viewing spot.

We were able to go on the subs. Wheelchairs and ECV's are mainstreamed through the regular line, but the CM had us enter the sub after everyone else, so we exited first. DH has bad knees/ankles/back but was able to handle the spiral stairs.

Since your wife has an ECV she really shouldn't need a GAC. CM's see the ECV coming and automatically know the passenger has issues.

 

[chrissiecutie]

We have seen F! several times from the disabled viewing area. It's a very small section & I would plan on arriving early to get a good spot. They allow the disabled person & their entire party to sit/stand in this area so it does fill up fairly quickly. The last couple times we've been its facing the river on the right hand side, very close to where the normally dock the big boat. Sorry...can't remember the name of that boat, Mark Twain maybe??

Anyways, it's a good viewing spot...

ECV use is super easy at DLR. They also have roped off sections for normal parade viewing too, so make sure you take advantage of that!

 

[DLR29]

Just a heads up...not sure you want to hear this but Touring Plans is about as reliable as a weatherman in predicting DLR crowds (well maybe slightly better ). Point is, I'm telling you now that DLR will probably be a bit more crowded than you might think.

Here's the logic: The Southern California AP holders have lots of block-out days where they can't come to the parks (tradeoff because it's cheaper than the APs with fewer blockout days). There are about a million (yup) AP holders at DLR (much different than WDW). These SoCal AP holders are blocked out pretty much all summer starting next week. The blockout days are lifted on the 20th of August.

I'm sure you're aware that DCA just opened Buena Vista Street and Carsland. If these SoCal AP holders don't get to see these new attractions before next week, they will have to wait until 8/20 to see them. That means the week of the 20th and the week of the 27th (the 20th moreso but still) will have lots of AP holders who have been itching all summer to go to DLR but have been blocked out. They will want to squeeze in one last DLR trip before the school year gets into full swing. This will be especially true for the lowest level of AP because August will be their first possible chance to see these new attractions. The 25th will be the least crowded day even though it's a Saturday because only 2 out of the 4 types of AP holders can come on those days, whereas starting on the 27th, any AP holder, regardless of # of blockout days, can show up.

This has happened the past few years with several new attractions opening each summer.

Just a warning. It won't be terrible, but don't expect low crowds either, especially in DCA.

If you can, the week starting on Monday August 13th will probably be much better crowdwise, plus you'll have longer park hours!

 

[ArchOwl]

Greetings. Long time lurker, first time poster.

Welcome!

My wife and I are regular visitors to WDW and are making our first trip to DLR this August. I need some advice from the West Coast regulars to help plan how to make the most out of our vacation. If you don’t mind, I’d like to pick your brains on a few things.

- Our trip is scheduled from Saturday 8/25 – Saturday 9/1. I picked this week because it was the last week of extended summer hours and historically has been a slower than normal summer period. Touring Plans has DL in the 2’s during the week and DCA in the 5’s and I read several references in posts online that this week has historically been a good compromise as refurbs start in earnest the following week (HM goes down on Monday 8/27) and the hours are still 10pm or later. Does this seem like a good plan as we definitely wanted to steer clear of any of the major rumored refurbs like Indy or BTMRR?

While historically those have been slower times, it is believed that this year we may see some increased crowd levels due to SoCal APers being unblocked August 20th. These locals will have been blocked all summer from seeing Carsland and will be anxious to return to the parks. Even in years past, the first few days after the APers will unblocked have been noticeably busier and that was without a whole new land to explore. I am not saying this to try and change your mind, but so that you will not have unrealistic expectations regarding crowd levels. Touring Plans does not have the same handle on DL crowds as they do on WDW crowds, so take their projections with a grain of salt. They currently have August 20th as a 5 out of 10 and I think everyone here would agree the crowd levels will be much higher. The good news is that you will probably miss refurbs and have decent hours. Also be advised that the end of your trip will be bumping up against a holiday weekend, which will also contribute to crowds. However, with a good touring plan, you can still have a good time!

- I’m mentally prepared for dealing with 85 degree + weather; but, was wondering if the DLR regulars believe that this resort is better for dealing with the heat than WDW due to the smaller size and distances between attractions and seemingly more shade? Unfortunately, my wife is disabled due to a chemical spill damaging her lungs, so she will be using an ECV and limiting the hours she’s in the parks. In Orlando, she will typically go into the parks in the AM and then leave during the late morning and return in the early evenings; but, hopefully with the lower humidity , smaller parks, and more shade in DL she will be able to stay out a bit longer.

First, I am sorry to hear about your wife. I hope she has a great time at DL! The best thing about the DL weather is the lower humidity! I have spent some summers in the South and the humidity is just killer. I much prefer the CA summer because the mornings and evenings are very pleasant. Sure, it can get warm in the afternoon, but that is when I take a break anyway. The smaller park size should be helpful as well. There isn't necessarily more shade in DL, in fact I have heard that we have more outdoor queues than WDW. But utilizing a good touring plan and mastering FP should help keep you out of most extended queues. We're you planning on renting an ECV from an outside company?

- Regarding her use of the ECV, does anyone have any experience with the use of the disabled sections at WoC and Fantasmic at times when the parks are similarly busy? I don’t know how long we need to plan on getting her to each of the shows. Also, does the disabled person with a guest access card need to get Fastpasses for the 2nd showing of WoC? Is it usually busy enough to require it?

I have used the handicapped sections at WOC in summer. You absolutely need a FP to enter these areas, or have dined at one of the restaurants that give preferred seating. Have you seen the WOC super thread? It has a lot of very good information.

Just as a side note, the ECV acts like a Guest Assistance Card. Of course, if your wife has other needs besides the ECV, she can get a GAC for those. I just didn't want you waiting in line to get a GAC if you didn't have to.

- Since I’ll be focused on photography, I think I will try to do both Magical and WoC on a few of the nights. From what I’ve read, this should be possible as long as I move fast. Likely on the nights I try this, my wife will be waiting for me at WoC for the 2nd showing; but, on a couple of the nights – I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to get the dinning reservation plan to make sure we won’t have any issues? I know that not all of the views in the reserved section are great; but, she would be likely placed in the disabled section and from the maps I’ve seen, they have good viewing angles. My only concern would be if it would be a bit too wet that close.

It seems as though the preferred dining area is going through a big transition with the addition of the Carthay Circle Theater as a WOC dining option. I would look at the latest info coming from the WOC super thread to make my decision. From early reports it appears that dining at the CCT gives you a much better view with a much shorter wait than had been with other dining options. The CCT dining section also appears to have a handicapped section with good views, so I would definitely look into that.

- The Subs at DL are something I’m a bit more concerned about how my wife will be able to handle. She can walk short distances; but, gets fatigued very quickly. Is the loading on this the same as 20k Under the Sea was at the MK? A short steep stairway down and then up out of the sub? Do you enter from the back of the sub and exit through the front? I know they have the simulated accessible version available; but, she would like to try the regular attraction. Perhaps if I can get her to load first she can walk in and sit immediately and not be standing and waiting while those in front are getting seated, she won’t get as fatigued. It’s the climb out that has me concerned.

Yeah that is a twisty, awkward and steep staircase. As others have said, you exit where you entered, so first to board is last to leave and so on. I was in rehab post knee surgery on one visit and the CMs were very nice. I was off to the side in the queue and they had me board last. They were waiting for me when I returned and told me to take my time on my way up. They gave me a helping hand and my DH pushed me up from behind. . Not the most dignified method, but it worked and everyone was very nice about the whole thing.

I’m sure I’ll think up a few more questions as we get closer to going and many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Hope that helps and have fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

Given your situation with your DW I think you made a great choice of time to go. No one has any idea of what the crowds might be like at that time because of all the new stuff, but historically they are lower.

Touring plans park crowd ratings have not gained credibility around here. I think they are trying harder but they do not seem to have a good grasp of DLR patterns yet. Frankly I would not believe any of their crowd ratings at DLR.

85 degree heat is much more tolerable at DLR then WDW. But also with the closer hotels it is easier to get out of the heat and I recommend that.

All I know about ECV at F! is they need to be in the back of the sitting section. If you try for first show you will need to get there early to hold your spot.

We are still trying to get our arms around the new WOC dining options. Hopefully someone else with ECV experience can help.

From what you said I would stay away from Nemo Subs at DL. It is steep and claustrophobic. I never did 20k at MK but your description sounds like Nemo Subs.

Best wishes for a great trip!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

- I’m mentally prepared for dealing with 85 degree + weather; but, was wondering if the DLR regulars believe that this resort is better for dealing with the heat than WDW due to the smaller size and distances between attractions and seemingly more shade? Unfortunately, my wife is disabled due to a chemical spill damaging her lungs, so she will be using an ECV and limiting the hours she’s in the parks. In Orlando, she will typically go into the parks in the AM and then leave during the late morning and return in the early evenings; but, hopefully with the lower humidity , smaller parks, and more shade in DL she will be able to stay out a bit longer.

Orlando heat is much worse than out here....even still I would suggest that since you will be coming at the end of Aug., to kind of stick to that same plan...only difference is that she may be able to stick it out till 1 pm or so and then return near 5ish when the sun starts going down...you are still going to be out in it regardless of being a smaller park..in fact, wdw has more parts of their rides that are covered than DL does...when building DCA they rememdied that but a lot of the older rides dont have enclosed queues all the way through...



- The Subs at DL are something I’m a bit more concerned about how my wife will be able to handle. She can walk short distances; but, gets fatigued very quickly. Is the loading on this the same as 20k Under the Sea was at the MK? A short steep stairway down and then up out of the sub? Do you enter from the back of the sub and exit through the front? I know they have the simulated accessible version available; but, she would like to try the regular attraction. Perhaps if I can get her to load first she can walk in and sit immediately and not be standing and waiting while those in front are getting seated, she won’t get as fatigued. It’s the climb out that has me concerned.


i never rode 20k UTS but yes it is a steep stairway (spiral) with only one way to get in or out (the top)..it would actually be better for her to go in last so she is first one out than going in first because she would need to walk sideways across the seats to get out...however, as pigletseeker stated, there is a viewing area per se that gives you the same experience without actually getting in the ride

Just a heads up...not sure you want to hear this but Touring Plans is about as reliable as a weatherman in predicting DLR crowds (well maybe slightly better ). Point is, I'm telling you now that DLR will probably be a bit more crowded than you might think.

Here's the logic: The Southern California AP holders have lots of block-out days where they can't come to the parks (tradeoff because it's cheaper than the APs with fewer blockout days). There are about a million (yup) AP holders at DLR (much different than WDW). These SoCal AP holders are blocked out pretty much all summer starting next week. The blockout days are lifted on the 20th of August.

THIS is exactly why I think TP is a crock...

I'm sure you're aware that DCA just opened Buena Vista Street and Carsland. If these SoCal AP holders don't get to see these new attractions before next week, they will have to wait until 8/20 to see them. That means the week of the 20th and the week of the 27th (the 20th moreso but still) will have lots of AP holders who have been itching all summer to go to DLR but have been blocked out. They will want to squeeze in one last DLR trip before the school year gets into full swing. This will be especially true for the lowest level of AP because August will be their first possible chance to see these new attractions. The 25th will be the least crowded day even though it's a Saturday because only 2 out of the 4 types of AP holders can come on those days, whereas starting on the 27th, any AP holder, regardless of # of blockout days, can show up.


I agree 100% on all levels with what you are saying!!

btw OP, are you bringing your own ECV or renting???

 

[bakerudall]

I thought I felt a surge in the force when I logged in today.

Welcome, Jedi Master Matt!

 

[Argento]

Our trip is scheduled from Saturday 8/25 – Saturday 9/1. I picked this week because it was the last week of extended summer hours and historically has been a slower than normal summer period. Touring Plans has DL in the 2’s during the week and DCA in the 5’s and I read several references in posts online that this week has historically been a good compromise as refurbs start in earnest the following week (HM goes down on Monday 8/27) and the hours are still 10pm or later. Does this seem like a good plan as we definitely wanted to steer clear of any of the major rumored refurbs like Indy or BTMRR?

SoCal schools are still on summer break the week you've planned so I would prepare mentally for very crowded parks. As HydroGuy pointed out, TouringPlans is fundamentally broken when it comes to getting reliable crowd estimates for DLR.

 

[HydroGuy]

The handicapped section for Fantasmic! is off to the right side as you view the stage, next to the Mark Twain. It's close to where the dragon comes up, so you should be able to get some good photos of her. A CM told us about a great spot to see the fireworks right after the first showing of F! It's right there by the Mark Twain so it's very easy to get to. We were able to see Tinkerbell fly over the trees. Haven't ever seen Dumbo fly, but oh well. Some fireworks "purists" will line up in front of the castle hours before the fireworks, but I guess we're not that pure.

DH and I have seen WOC from the blue handicapped section twice, and haven't gotten wet either time. But we weren't close to the water. We did need the blue fastpasses to enter. If you arrive at WOC and Fantasmic! handicapped areas an hour early, that should give you a great viewing spot.

We were able to go on the subs. Wheelchairs and ECV's are mainstreamed through the regular line, but the CM had us enter the sub after everyone else, so we exited first. DH has bad knees/ankles/back but was able to handle the spiral stairs.

Since your wife has an ECV she really shouldn't need a GAC. CM's see the ECV coming and automatically know the passenger has issues.

I have asked the F! CMs and have been told that the HC section is for wheelchair only - no ECVs. ECVs are taken into the regular section at the back of the sitting area.

 

[chrissiecutie]

I have asked the F! CMs and have been told that the HC section is for wheelchair only - no ECVs. ECVs are taken into the regular section at the back of the sitting area.

Strange...this has never been our experience. When travelling with my sister & her ECV, we always are directed to the roped off disabled section. Last time we were there, it was off to the right near the boat. If I remember correctly,there were several large rocks right in front of the fence to the river and DS was climbing all over them until F! started.

 

[HydroGuy]

Strange...this has never been our experience. When travelling with my sister & her ECV, we always are directed to the roped off disabled section. Last time we were there, it was off to the right near the boat. If I remember correctly,there were several large rocks right in front of the fence to the river and DS was climbing all over them until F! started.

Fortunately no one in my family needs a wheelchair or ECV so I have no direct experience. Last August I asked a CM at the HC section and that is what they said. The section sounds like the same one - far to the right near the MT. I would trust your experience over mine.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Fortunately no one in my family needs a wheelchair or ECV so I have no direct experience. Last August I asked a CM at the HC section and that is what they said. The section sounds like the same one - far to the right near the MT. I would trust your experience over mine.

We didn't travel with my sister last time, so it has been 2 years or so. Maybe they've changed things?? But in the 25+ years that I've been traveling with HC family members, they've never had a separate area for wheelchairs vs. ECVs. This goes for all HC sections- parades, fireworks, F!. I find it strange that they would try and distinguish between the 2 and have separate areas. Makes no sense to me.

The only time we've ever encountered any real difference came from a mobility standpoint instead of what type of chair you're in. For example, my sister is able to get in and out of her chair by herself, so it makes getting on rides much easier. But for rides like HM & the moving belt, they have to stop the belt so she can walk onto the doom buggy.

We've also been told by some CM's that if you're in a push wheelchair then you can't use the HC enterances to rides. Which most enterances are just the exits...the CM's say that only ECV's get to use the HC enterance. One CM actually told me it was because they figured if you were in an ECV then you were "really" handicapped. We didn't listen and used the HC enterance like we always do but it was at this point that my sister switched from having Dad push her in a wheelchair to using an ECV. Seems to me it shouldn't matter what type of chair you're in- disabled is disabled.

 

[HydroGuy]

We didn't travel with my sister last time, so it has been 2 years or so. Maybe they've changed things?? But in the 25+ years that I've been traveling with HC family members, they've never had a separate area for wheelchairs vs. ECVs. This goes for all HC sections- parades, fireworks, F!. I find it strange that they would try and distinguish between the 2 and have separate areas. Makes no sense to me.

The only time we've ever encountered any real difference came from a mobility standpoint instead of what type of chair you're in. For example, my sister is able to get in and out of her chair by herself, so it makes getting on rides much easier. But for rides like HM & the moving belt, they have to stop the belt so she can walk onto the doom buggy.

We've also been told by some CM's that if you're in a push wheelchair then you can't use the HC enterances to rides. Which most enterances are just the exits...the CM's say that only ECV's get to use the HC enterance. One CM actually told me it was because they figured if you were in an ECV then you were "really" handicapped. We didn't listen and used the HC enterance like we always do but it was at this point that my sister switched from having Dad push her in a wheelchair to using an ECV. Seems to me it shouldn't matter what type of chair you're in- disabled is disabled.

If there is a difference at F! between wheelchair and ECV I suspect it has more to do with the fact that ECVs are accomodated at the rear of the sitting section. When I asked I was trying to firm up boundaries and info on the Fantasmic Superthread. After that I updated the map in that thread. So I just took what the CM said at face value. And the CM was explicit because I asked casually about the HC section and while she stood at its entry point she volunteered info about it being wheechair only. I was surprised because I thought HC always included ECV and she said not at Fantasmic.

In any case I still would put more stock in your personal experience even if it was 2 years ago.

 

[chrissiecutie]

If there is a difference at F! between wheelchair and ECV I suspect it has more to do with the fact that ECVs are accomodated at the rear of the sitting section. When I asked I was trying to firm up boundaries and info on the Fantasmic Superthread. After that I updated the map in that thread. So I just took what the CM said at face value. And the CM was explicit because I asked casually about the HC section and while she stood at its entry point she volunteered info about it being wheechair only. I was surprised because I thought HC always included ECV and she said not at Fantasmic.

In any case I still would put more stock in your personal experience even if it was 2 years ago.

Good to know! I think I'll have to ask and see what they are saying now. Last time we went with my sister she was indeed in her ECV. The CM just opened the roped off area for us and didn't specify "front" or "back" of the section. Since we were one of the first groups there, we of course went right to the front. I remember everyone in the wheelchair section being super accomodating of everyone else. We went to the later showing and DS was getting tired so I opened up his stroller & he watched from there. Normally you are NOT allowed to keep strollers up in the normal viewing areas...but HC section, no one seemed to mind. We had push wheelchairs & ECV's all mixed in together in the HC section and this has always been our experience. I hope they keep it this way because it really doesn't make any sense to separate the 2. I understand not allowing strollers up in the normal viewing areas because it can block others view- however, with wheelchairs or ECV's the height is roughly the same. Plus, family members are standing in this section...so we all try and be accomodating of those sitting in chairs so that they can see as well.

 

[TEK224]

Another thing that could also boost crowds later in the week of 8/27 is that is the DL Half-marathon weekend. People may arrive early to hit the parks for a few days before the race.