A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

[quantumottle]

Bumping to let the forum regulars know that I have done a complete update of the OP so it is now 100% up to date.
With 58,000 views I am glad to see this thread is still going strong!

Thanks so much for the work on this post HydroGuy. I seem to know so many people going to DL for the first time over the next year, and I always send them to this post. Just know, you have helped a lot more than the DisBoards regulars. Thanks again!

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Bumping to let the forum regulars know that I have done a complete update of the OP so it is now 100% up to date.

With 58,000 views I am glad to see this thread is still going strong!

TY for doing this and the updates

Does DL still do the hand stamps, do you think they will still be doing them in 2013? TY!

 

[HydroGuy]

TY for doing this and the updates

Does DL still do the hand stamps, do you think they will still be doing them in 2013? TY!

They still do them and apparenly biometrics are coming. I have no idea of the timing.

 

[nytimez]

Thanks for this thread... planning my first trip to DL at the end of June.

I'm hoping Cars Land will be open by then but if not looks like there will be plenty to do just the same.

 

[clayfolks]

We decided yesterday that we are doing a road trip in August to DL and then north. We haven't been to Disneyland in 36 years. That was A-E ticket days. Can't wait to get there. You have relieved quite a bit of my stress. Thank you.
~Sue

 

[basketkat]

This was so informative! Thank you so much!

 

[Ware Bears]

Starting to plan our first trip to Disneyland for next summer and this has been really informative. Thank you!

 

[lah3hh]

I am so impressed with this thread and the information content provided...job WELL done!

We have taken a couple of short trips to DL but being from the Midwest not nearly as many as WDW. This information does a remarkable job of comparing the two locations without any negative tones...and for that purpose I truly commend the writing.

We are going to be once again at DL in April (prior to our DCL Hawaii sailing) and again in May after we disembark. I will use much of the great details provided her on our upcoming trip.

I do have one question that I am sure someone will answer because the DIS folks have such knowledge...where is the best place to pre-purchase DL/DCA park tickets? I am assuming it is best to buy them ahead of time but are there websites or locations that provide the best pricing? Your feedback in this area would be greatly appreciated!!!

Other than that, California here we come in just a couple of months.....

 

[KSL]

Just echoing everyone else's comments on such great information and so helpful to those of us more familiar with WDW. Thank you !!

 

[KDilly]

Just echoing everyone else's comments on such great information and so helpful to those of us more familiar with WDW. Thank you !!

AGREED! Such a good resource!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I am so impressed with this thread and the information content provided...job WELL done!

We have taken a couple of short trips to DL but being from the Midwest not nearly as many as WDW. This information does a remarkable job of comparing the two locations without any negative tones...and for that purpose I truly commend the writing.

We are going to be once again at DL in April (prior to our DCL Hawaii sailing) and again in May after we disembark. I will use much of the great details provided her on our upcoming trip.

I do have one question that I am sure someone will answer because the DIS folks have such knowledge...where is the best place to pre-purchase DL/DCA park tickets? I am assuming it is best to buy them ahead of time but are there websites or locations that provide the best pricing? Your feedback in this area would be greatly appreciated!!!

Other than that, California here we come in just a couple of months.....

The two reliable and reputable sites frequently referenced around here are:

www.arestravel.com
www.getawaytoday.com

I have used Ares but never GAT. But I would not hesitate to use GAT.

Thanks for the nice review of my OP!

 

[luckyman_apd]

This is an awesome read. Thanks so much! It will help east coasters like myself plan!

 

[allardk46]

My DH and I are planning our first trip to DL in September (my kids have already been - how is that????) He is running the 1/2 marathon there.

This thread is fantastic and really help us set our expectation right. We are huge WDW fans and did not know what to expect in DL.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thanks for the nice review of my OP!

 

[LAWalz23]

Thank you Hydro Guy for a great and informative thread! Would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for this WDW vet but DLR first-timer. My family and I are going in July for 6 days and will be staying at GC Villas as we are DVC members. Is there anywhere that we could watch Colors of Wonder at the GCR? We will be traveling as a group of seven with my Mom who needs a wheelchair to visit the parks. We will definitely do the dessert box for Fantasmic but is there any benefit to the Colors of Wonder dinner package as opposed to getting the fast passes first thing the am we plan to watch? Any other hints that might make the parks or DTD easier with a wheelchair? Thanks very much for any help you can provide.

 

[ArchOwl]

Thank you Hydro Guy for a great and informative thread! Would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for this WDW vet but DLR first-timer. My family and I are going in July for 6 days and will be staying at GC Villas as we are DVC members. Is there anywhere that we could watch Colors of Wonder at the GCR? We will be traveling as a group of seven with my Mom who needs a wheelchair to visit the parks. We will definitely do the dessert box for Fantasmic but is there any benefit to the Colors of Wonder dinner package as opposed to getting the fast passes first thing the am we plan to watch? Any other hints that might make the parks or DTD easier with a wheelchair? Thanks very much for any help you can provide.

You will for sure want to check out HydroGuy's thread on World of Color: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

There is a viewing deck at the GCH, but it is not ideal and would be difficult to see. It is a side view with lots of obstructions. You will barely see the projections at all.

The thread above does a good job of hashing out the benefit of the World of Color dining packages. Bottom line, if you were going to have a nice sit down dinner anyway OR you won't have time to obtain a FP during the day, the WOC dining may be a good plan.

The thread highlighted above has a chart that shows where the handicapped sections are. They are in the back, but on a raised portion. There are benches there for those who need them, and also spots where you can roll up a wheelchair to a railing with a clear view. You absolutely need a FP to enter these areas even with a wheelchair. I have seen the show from the blue handicapped and yellow handicapped. Both are excellent views. The handicapped section of the preferred dining area is smaller and is taped off on the ground, not separated with ropes. It is closer to the show, however.

As a note, the queuing system when you have a wheelchair is a bit different. The CM should direct you, but you will have a separate waiting area in front of your color and be allowed to enter first. Once people are settled, the rest of the color is allowed in.

I hope this answers your questions and that you have a great visit!

 

[LAWalz23]

You will for sure want to check out HydroGuy's thread on World of Color: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

There is a viewing deck at the GCH, but it is not ideal and would be difficult to see. It is a side view with lots of obstructions. You will barely see the projections at all.

The thread above does a good job of hashing out the benefit of the World of Color dining packages. Bottom line, if you were going to have a nice sit down dinner anyway OR you won't have time to obtain a FP during the day, the WOC dining may be a good plan.

The thread highlighted above has a chart that shows where the handicapped sections are. They are in the back, but on a raised portion. There are
benches there for those who need them, and also spots where you can roll up a wheelchair to a railing with a clear view. You absolutely need a FP to enter these areas even with a wheelchair. I have seen the show from the blue handicapped and yellow handicapped. Both are excellent views. The handicapped section of the preferred dining area is smaller and is taped off on the ground, not separated with ropes. It is closer to the show, however.
As a note, the queuing system when you have a wheelchair is a bit different. The CM should direct you, but you will have a separate waiting area in front of your color and be allowed to enter first. Once people are settled, the rest of the color is allowed in.
I hope this answers your questions and that you have a great visit!

Thanks very much for the answers! It will make our planning much easier!

 

[sam93]

Thanks very much for the information! This is a great guide, really made me want to go - I've been to WDW multiple times but never DLR, will be exciting to visit Walt's park.

 

[Bibbidi]

Thanks OP for the great info on DLR. We are considering taking a trip there next summer after about 13 trips to WDW over the years. Your information is such a great starting point for our planning.

 

[arthur06]

We just booked 3 nights at VGC in November and I am actively planning a SoCal trip. This had tons of great information. Thanks so much.

DW has never been to DLR, only to WDW, which she loves. I told her be prepared, she will love DLR. She is not a big AK fan or a fan of the buses. With DTD and both parks being so close together and staying at GC, she will love the place.