A Few Questions

[MN96]

Hello all, I'm a WDW veteran but next year I'll be taking my first trip to Disneyland! I am sure this has been asked before, but what should be required reading for someone like myself?
Also, what are the can't miss snacks at DLR? Anything else that shoudldn't be missed (other than rides and shows)?
Is pin trading a big thing at DLR?
Do the parks still do vinylmation trading?

Thank you in advance for any and all help!

 

[Sherry E]

Welcome!

A good start would be this thread that HydroGuy put together, specifically for WDW vets who visit DLR - http://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/.

When are you going to DLR next year? The time of year might help us to give you more information on what to do, other threads that might help you, etc. The time of year might even dictate some of the snack choices around DLR!

Someone else can hopefully tackle the pin trading and Vinylmation questions.

 

[MN96]

Thank you very much, and I will be going in early August!

 

[lalasmama]

Generally, vinylmation and pin trading aren't as big at DLR as I have heard they are at WDW. There are several places/CMs that trade though. Just not a lot guest-to-guest trading (at least that I have been privy to).

 

[figment_jii]

Is pin trading a big thing at DLR?

Pin trading is quite popular in DLR. I would say that it's about the same as at WDW, but it feels like there is less at DLR because there are fewer CMs at DLR (i.e., two parks instead of four and only three hotels). I've found CMs with lanyards in most shops and many of the shops also have a pin board (usually behind the main register).

Do the parks still do vinylmation trading?

Both DLR and WDW discontinued Vinylmation trading with CMs back in February. You do still (sometimes) see non-CM traders hanging out in front of D-Street, but there are no more Mystery Boxes or Clear Boxes in the parks.

 

[MN96]

Generally, vinylmation and pin trading aren't as big at DLR as I have heard they are at WDW. There are several places/CMs that trade though. Just not a lot guest-to-guest trading (at least that I have been privy to).

Ok thank you, the cms were what I was mostly asking about anyway. I'm not a huge collector or anything, they're just fun souvenirs for me so I wouldn't look for guest to guest trading anyway. Thank you very much!

 

[MN96]

Pin trading is quite popular in DLR. I would say that it's about the same as at WDW, but it feels like there is less at DLR because there are fewer CMs at DLR (i.e., two parks instead of four and only three hotels). I've found CMs with lanyards in most shops and many of the shops also have a pin board (usually behind the main register).


Both DLR and WDW discontinued Vinylmation trading with CMs back in February. You do still (sometimes) see non-CM traders hanging out in front of D-Street, but there are no more Mystery Boxes or Clear Boxes in the parks.

Thank you, glad to hear about the pins!
I had heard they discontinued trading in the parks at WDW, but wasn't sure if they had at dor as well, that's too bad.
Do they still trade at d street? And idk if this was ever more than a rumor but I read somewhere that there was a test where cms wore Vinylmation belts and traded. That isn't still going on is it? Assuming it was happening in the first place that is.

 

[figment_jii]

Do they still trade at d street? And idk if this was ever more than a rumor but I read somewhere that there was a test where cms wore Vinylmation belts and traded. That isn't still going on is it? Assuming it was happening in the first place that is.

I have not seen any CMs at D-Street trading recently (there were CMs wearing Vinylmation belts/lanyards in the Star Trader shop before they stopped trading). There was no trading in May or July (that's when I've last checked).

 

[AZpharmacist]

I really enjoyed reading "The unofficial guide to Disneyland." Lots of good info. There are a ton of threads on food on this board. In generally, you'll see certain things recommended over and over again such as the corn dogs at the wagon on Main Street, fried pickles at carnation cafe, the chicken dinner at
Plaza inn, mint juleps, dole whip, monte cristo (eat at Blue Bayou--it's awesome in there), pommes frites and Mickey beignets at cafe Orleans. At DCA, they have a ton of grown up dining but unfortunately, I haven't had any yet bc I had never been there before my last trip (and I was with a toddler). Do try the lobster nachos at the cove bar and eat at Flo's bc it over looks RSR.

 

[AZpharmacist]

I forgot to mention my favorite thing! The Matterhorn macaroon at Jolly Holiday. Sooo good

 

[MN96]

I have not seen any CMs at D-Street trading recently (there were CMs wearing Vinylmation belts/lanyards in the Star Trader shop before they stopped trading). There was no trading in May or July (that's when I've last checked).

Ok thank you again for the info!

I really enjoyed reading "The unofficial guide to Disneyland." Lots of good info. There are a ton of threads on food on this board. In generally, you'll see certain things recommended over and over again such as the corn dogs at the wagon on Main Street, fried pickles at carnation cafe, the chicken dinner at
Plaza inn, mint juleps, dole whip, monte cristo (eat at Blue Bayou--it's awesome in there), pommes frites and Mickey beignets at cafe Orleans. At DCA, they have a ton of grown up dining but unfortunately, I haven't had any yet bc I had never been there before my last trip (and I was with a toddler). Do try the lobster nachos at the cove bar and eat at Flo's bc it over looks RSR.

Thank you very much, I'll have to try some of those!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

I like Birnbaum's Guide for the basics. It isn't really an insider's guide (it's the "official" guide, after all) but it will give you a good overview of the parks and help you familiarize yourself with layouts, rides, etc. I also have the Kindle version of The Disneyland Book of Secrets by Leslie Le Mon, which has copious amounts of information but no photos within the text (at least the version I have) so it is a lot of reading but she's a local who goes to the parks a lot so it is written from the viewpoint of a fan, a local and a visitor.

 

[MN96]

I like Birnbaum's Guide for the basics. It isn't really an insider's guide (it's the "official" guide, after all) but it will give you a good overview of the parks and help you familiarize yourself with layouts, rides, etc. I also have the Kindle version of The Disneyland Book of Secrets by Leslie Le Mon, which has copious amounts of information but no photos within the text (at least the version I have) so it is a lot of reading but she's a local who goes to the parks a lot so it is written from the viewpoint of a fan, a local and a visitor.

Thanks I will have to look into those!

 

[Plaid Princess]

What are the can't miss snacks at DLR?

The food at DLR is better in general than WDW, but that being said... snack wise be sure to try out the Chili Lime Corn on the Cob, anything from the Cozy Cone Motel, Mango Slices with Chili, Mint Juleps, Beignets, Jalapeno pretzels, Dole Whip (I know they have it in FL, but it tastes better when eaten in the original Tiki Room ), the Grilled Cheese Dips from Jolly Holiday Bakery (it comes with soup to dip in), Marshmallow sticks from the Candy Shop (different flavours each month), Sourdough Breadbowls, Bengal BBQ Chicken Skewers and Tiger Tales... I'm sure I'll edit and add to this list, but basically... try everything!

Anything else that shouldn't be missed (other than rides and shows)?

Check out the bread making at DCA, it's fun and you get a sample of the delicious Sourdough Bread!

Is pin trading a big thing at DLR? Do the parks still do vinylmation trading?

As others have said, trading isn't really a big thing at DLR. You'll see a few die hards camped out at designated trading locations, but most people out here don't bother with it.

 

[MN96]

The food at DLR is better in general than WDW, but that being said... snack wise be sure to try out the Chili Lime Corn on the Cob, anything from the Cozy Cone Motel, Mango Slices with Chili, Mint Juleps, Beignets, Jalapeno pretzels, Dole Whip (I know they have it in FL, but it tastes better when eaten in the original Tiki Room ), the Grilled Cheese Dips from Jolly Holiday Bakery (it comes with soup to dip in), Marshmallow sticks from the Candy Shop (different flavours each month), Sourdough Breadbowls, Bengal BBQ Chicken Skewers and Tiger Tales... I'm sure I'll edit and add to this list, but basically... try everything!



Check out the bread making at DCA, it's fun and you get a sample of the delicious Sourdough Bread!



As others have said, trading isn't really a big thing at DLR. You'll see a few die hards camped out at designated trading locations, but most people out here don't bother with it.

Thanks, I'll definitely check out some of the snacks and the bread making thing!

 

[madmaxx]

Don't forget to try the California style foods (Napa, the Trattoria, Paradise Garden Grill). While not snacks, these are some of the special California things we enjoy when we travel south to our favourite park.

 

[GusGus77]

We are planning to go in a few weeks and I loved the unofficial Disneyland guide. I read it cover to cover. I was bored with the Birnbaum's guide and stopped about halfway through. As someone familiar with Disney (we are WDW vets) the Birnbaum's book just did not tell me enough of what I wanted/needed to know. (The pictures are good, though.) It would be more useful for someone not familiar at all with Disney Parks, though. The unofficial guide is good for both those who have never been and those who are familiar with the parks. There is also a few times where the differences of WDW and DLR are pointed out.

 

[MN96]

Don't forget to try the California style foods (Napa, the Trattoria, Paradise Garden Grill). While not snacks, these are some of the special California things we enjoy when we travel south to our favourite park.

Thanks I'll have to check some of those out!

We are planning to go in a few weeks and I loved the unofficial Disneyland guide. I read it cover to cover. I was bored with the Birnbaum's guide and stopped about halfway through. As someone familiar with Disney (we are WDW vets) the Birnbaum's book just did not tell me enough of what I wanted/needed to know. (The pictures are good, though.) It would be more useful for someone not familiar at all with Disney Parks, though. The unofficial guide is good for both those who have never been and those who are familiar with the parks. There is also a few times where the differences of WDW and DLR are pointed out.

Thanks I'll look for that book!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Another suggestion regarding guidebooks is to check your local library (or libraries). The editions they have may be dated but it is worth taking a look at any you can get your hands on to see which you feel is worth buying in a newer edition. GusGus77 loved The Unofficial Guide but was bored by Birnbaum's while I recommend Birnbaum's and find The Unofficial Guide to be more like a plan of attack for the commando visitor. Everyone has their own opinion and every guide has their fans so you can buy all of them or try to figure out ahead of time which one is more your speed.

 

[MN96]

Thanks I'll have to stop by the library this week

Another suggestion regarding guidebooks is to check your local library (or libraries). The editions they have may be dated but it is worth taking a look at any you can get your hands on to see which you feel is worth buying in a newer edition. GusGus77 loved The Unofficial Guide but was bored by Birnbaum's while I recommend Birnbaum's and find The Unofficial Guide to be more like a plan of attack for the commando visitor. Everyone has their own opinion and every guide has their fans so you can buy all of them or try to figure out ahead of time which one is more your speed.