9/23 one day visit- too much closed?

[MagicRat]

We are a Vacation Club family of WDW vets (me, DW, DS8, and DD10) who will be making our first visit to DLR next week (staying in 1BR in GCV the nights of 9/22 and 9/23) and are planning one park day on 9/23.

Looking at the schedule, it really looks like there is so much that we would want to see that will be closed in general or just for that day that I'm seriously considering whether we want to spend the money for the one-day park hoppers for the four of us. Toy Story, Aladdin, Star Tours, Roger Rabbit are all down for refurb, and Indiana Jones (which I had been seriously hyping to my DS because it's his favorite movie) is down for that day. I also saw on one of the sites that it looks like they have a lot of DCA just boarded up in general. Add to that my kids have never really been into "thrill" rides at WDW (e.g., Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Splash), and I'm just not sure if it's worth dropping close to $400 for the day. (to be honest, I know we will go, and there are lots of things they'll want to ride and see but I don't want it to take away any of the Magic that we always feel in WDW)

Not really sure what my question is, except maybe whether I am over worrying about the number of closures for those days? Am I going to feel like I'm walking around a construction zone?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Even with all the closures you won't run out of things to do for your 1 day! Why are you in Cali in the first place? 4 people don't fly all the way across the country to spend 2 nights at VGC and only 1 day at the parks!

 

[Raindown]

Disneyland doesn't have that many walls up but DCA has a few. Honestly, unless you know what it usually looks like it might be hard to notice. I'd say if anything you'd notice it more in DCA.

 

[sonnyjane]

I'll be very honest - DCA is not very "magical" right now. There are tons of closures and as you said, the construction walls are up almost everywhere it seems. Disneyland, however, other than the few closures you mentioned, should be fine. The Halloween overlays for Haunted Mansion and Space will be up by then and there are no major construction projects right now. In other words... I'd spend most of the day at Disneyland since you only have one park day. If you want to pay extra for a park-hopper pass, then you can go check out DCA, but I guess if you wanted to save about $100, you could just stick with a one-park ticket for each of you and stay in DL.

 

[skiingfast]

I agree with Crazy Duck there will be a lot to do anyway.

It will be unfortunate that Indy and Roger Rabbit will be down since they are unique to DLR.

In DCA not many rides are down just a handful or small shops and dining spots. But nothing major other than TSMM.

Still this is the tip of the iceberg of what DLR has to offer.

 

[Funball]

I'll be very honest - DCA is not very "magical" right now. There are tons of closures and as you said, the construction walls are up almost everywhere it seems. Disneyland, however, other than the few closures you mentioned, should be fine. The Halloween overlays for Haunted Mansion and Space will be up by then and there are no major construction projects right now. In other words... I'd spend most of the day at Disneyland since you only have one park day. If you want to pay extra for a park-hopper pass, then you can go check out DCA, but I guess if you wanted to save about $100, you could just stick with a one-park ticket for each of you and stay in DL.

actually the construction walls that seem imposing are the ones near farmes market area and bugs land. the one in sunshine plaza its just there and it doesnt seem impsoing. you don't really notice the one for areil, not a whole lotta walls ARE up in that area, they are re-furb hyperion outside and the wall behind it, but other then that, its still park that is still being built--there is just soo much to do at DCA besides taking photo of the construction walls!

 

[MagicRat]

Crazy- we're basically doing a "barnstorming" family trip for a week. Seeing family in LA, taking the kids to DLR, and then going for a couple of days out to Vegas (waking up in Disney and going to sleep in Vegas could possibly be the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!)

We usually plan a week in WDW during the fall, but wanted to really take our kids outside their comfort zone- so we're going to DLR! Also, I know people will question taking them to Vegas for some time, but I have things pretty packed for those 2 days and nights with family-friendly type stuff (at least while the kids are up) and my kids have never seen the desert. We homeschool so places like Hoover Dam are wonderful educational opps.

Sonny- I'd thought of skipping DCA to save the $100 but DCA has a lot of stuff I know they'll want to do and just see it since we're there- the Ferris Wheel and Monsters, Inc. (not in WDW), Soarin' and Animation Academy (two of our favorites in WDW), Golden Zephyr and Silly Swings (which I MAY be able to get them on). Plus, I want to go on California Screamin even if it's by myself.

Brings up another issue- WOC. I'm sure we'd love to see it, but everything I hear sounds like it is a hassle, particularly with young children. Sounds like I can get fastpasses pretty easily in the morning since we're staying at Grand Californian Villas, but I know the kids will not want to wait around for an hour waiting for it to start. If we're not going to be at the front (probably not getting there until just before the start), is it a waste of time to even go with the kids?

By the way, I know I'm totally contradicting myself by saying there won't be anything to do, but then naming everything we want to do. I don't mean to sound negative, but I know WDW very well and like to plan as much as possible while we're there, so it's the "not knowing" factor that makes me nervous. Thanks for all of the replies!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Maybe you could hit the parks the night of the 22nd and get some of the shows out of the way, like World of Color. You can get your WOC fastpasses by buying a picnic lunch thinggy ahead of time so you don't have to get to the park too early and wait around! Either that of you'll have a 50-50 chance of watching WOC from your room or a 100% chance of watching it from the viewing terrace on the GCH (these don't provide as good a views though)

 

[DahliaRW]

Honestly, I don't think you're missing much as far as roger rabbit is concerned. That is probably our least favorite thing in DL, it's really lame, IMO.

I do think there is plenty to do, even with the closures. You'll still probably wish you had more time!

 

[MagicRat]

Crazy- I was actually more concerned about the wait before the show starts (I've heard that you need to get there by 7 or so to get any type of view for kids even with a FP). We're planning on hitting the parks from GC when they open so I don't think getting the FP will be a problem.

I've requested a parkview room but who knows if I'll get it. Either way, even if it's from the viewing terrace, can you get a somewhat decent look at WOC from GC? I was under the impression that you pretty much couldn't see anything from the viewing terrace. My kids are not the type that need to be in the front row for that stuff and will be happy hearing the music and getting some look at it. I'd love to be able to cross that off of our to-do list on the non-park day at the hotel. Either that or just show up with our FP on the park day at 8 right before it starts and be able to at least see it.

 

[skiingfast]

Crazy- I was actually more concerned about the wait before the show starts (I've heard that you need to get there by 7 or so to get any type of view for kids even with a FP). We're planning on hitting the parks from GC when they open so I don't think getting the FP will be a problem.

I've requested a parkview room but who knows if I'll get it. Either way, even if it's from the viewing terrace, can you get a somewhat decent look at WOC from GC? I was under the impression that you pretty much couldn't see anything from the viewing terrace. My kids are not the type that need to be in the front row for that stuff and will be happy hearing the music and getting some look at it. I'd love to be able to cross that off of our to-do list on the non-park day at the hotel. Either that or just show up with our FP on the park day at 8 right before it starts and be able to at least see it.

You really don't want to watch from the GCH. You can, kind of like watching the MK fireworks from the POLY but it's not like being on the hub.

You will want to get FP tickets, wether by the machines in the morning or with a meal later on.

From what I understand a FP can give you a great view or ok view. It really depends on how you work the crowd and claim a spot. Not when you show up to stand around.

 

[Tink91]

WOC is definately worth seeing - I agree, you should try and get the best view possible, especially if so many rides are down...