A little help/advice

[CStorm]

We are going to be in Anaheim for four days and really weren't going to do Disney because my kids aren't all that interested (been there, done that in Orlando attitude) and they want to do the beach.
With that said, the conference my husband is attending offered us $21 tickets after 4pm on Wed night, Aug 4. We are going to do DCA. We probably won't get over there until 5pm. We want to ride Soarin. Anything else is just a bonus. I'm considering WOC but don't want to pay the price for the dining package meal. The website says the last show is at 11:15pm. That's fine with us.
Here's my questions:
1. Will we be able to obtain FastPasses for Soarin once we get there or do you think it will be too late? Also, if we can't, how long do you think the wait will be?
2. Do you think we will be able to get FastPasses for WOC if we don't get in the park until 5?
3. Can you recommend a decent place to eat where Mom and Dad can get a beer? My kids are 14 and 12. Although my DH is a chef, we aren't incredibly picky and our expectations aren't real high. We are looking for a counter service burger and beer meal.

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

We are going to be in Anaheim for four days and really weren't going to do Disney because my kids aren't all that interested (been there, done that in Orlando attitude) and they want to do the beach.

First, having done WDW does not really count for DLR. Are they similar? Of course, in many ways they are. They are both Disney. But it sounds a bit like someone saying they are not interested in San Diego beaches because they went to the beach in Miami. Yes, they are both beaches with sand and ocean. But they are definitely not the same thing.

In any case, we are big beach people ourselves and have the good fortune of being able to be visit the beach (in San Diego) and DLR over the next few weeks. And while this is of course a Disney forum, frankly I am glad to hear about kids who would choose a natural setting like the beach over Disney. Too many kids today have an artificial lifestyle with video games and movies and internet and not enough getting into real things like beaches. We try hard to have a balance. So I will not try to talk you out of the beach on the basis of Disney being an inherently better choice. I do not think it is.

However...

Have any of you been to the beaches in Southern California before? Many folks new to California beaches have no idea how cold the water is there. Once they find out they can be a bit turned off. The Pacific Ocean circulates water along the west coast down from Alaska and even in peak summer the water is chilly. I would hate for your kids to choose the beach over Disney and then be disappointed in the beach and then miss Disneyland and the beach.

Just sayin...

So I will get off my soapbox now and try to help with your actual questions.

1. Will we be able to obtain FastPasses for Soarin once we get there or do you think it will be too late? Also, if we can't, how long do you think the wait will be?

Probably. This year is atypical for DCA because ToT FPs are closed because of construction by their FP machines and GRR FPs are closed for much of the day because of WOC FPs having taken over the GRR FP. So that puts more pressure on other FPs like Soarin.

2. Do you think we will be able to get FastPasses for WOC if we don't get in the park until 5?

Probably once again. It depends on the day.

3. Can you recommend a decent place to eat where Mom and Dad can get a beer? My kids are 14 and 12. Although my DH is a chef, we aren't incredibly picky and our expectations aren't real high. We are looking for a counter service burger and beer meal.

Sorry, not a beer drinker. They have several places that serve alcohol in DCA and in DTD. There is the Hearthstone Lounge at the GCH.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Not sure on the fast pass option for Soar'n but, if you don't mind risking getting split onto different flights, the single rider line is a good option. Otherwise I have seldom seen standby go for longer than an hour, and I like the line, as there is a lot of interesting stuff to look at.

For the burger part, I would hands down recommend Taste Pilots Grill, right next to Soaring. But I am pretty sure they don't have beer. The beer I know about is not far, just inside the Hollywood backlot at a window (award wieners?) on the left and they also sell hotdogs. You could send a runner for the beer though, while someone else gets the food. It is only about 2 minutes away.

As an option, you could duck out of the park through the Grand California Hotel exit, and go to White Water snacks, which is just to the left after you enter the resort. They sell beer and also have pretty good burgers (and great nachos!) It would be a short detour.

Below is a link to all ears restaurants at a glance, and Pacific Wharf is mentioned for beer, but I don't see burgers in that area. There are some other great choices though, including bread bowls of soup, and fish and chips etc.

Good Luck!

http://www.allears.net/dlr/tp/dca/dca_rest.htm

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

If you are planning on entering DCA, maybe you should head straight toward the back of the park for the rides that will close once WOC starts. I would imagine that Soarin would stay open until closing, while I believe Screamin closes once the water shows begin. And perhaps the Maliboomer? Your kids sound like good ages for those.

And I second Whitewater Snacks. Didn't know they sold beer, but its a good counter service place...and even though its just outside the park, its so close it hardly feels like it (except it always provides us for a nice break from crowds).

Have a great time!

 

[pixiewings71]

DLR and WDW are NOT the same...keep that in mind, DLR is Walt's Park, some of our best feedback comes from WDW vets who fall in love with DLR. Just keep that in mind.

If you decide you only want to do DCA then get a FP for Soarin', Screamin', ToT as soon as possible. I suggest going to the Pier and doing everything you can there and then heading back to the "front" of the park to get everything else in.

I don't know that you will have access to WoC FPs going in so late, you might want to look into eating dinner at WCT or getting the picnic option. They both come with FP to WoC, while the WCT is more $$ recent reports have been very favorable for the food that you get.

 

[Lissame]

I also want to comment about the beach/cold water, etc.

We were just at a beach house in Southern California a week ago, and it was so cold that we didn't venture into the water more than about once or twice, but only for a short time. That said, in 2007 we were in Oceanside in August and spent the majority of our time in the water, it was very hot out and the water felt good.

My point is--you never can tell about the weather. Don't discount going to DLR--keep it as an option. You may go to DCA and decide that one day at the beach is plenty and go back for more Disney! LOL

 

[amym2]

Ditto about the beach. When we were there a couple of weeks ago, the water was literally ice cold. Of course the air temp was colder than normal and it was cloudy, but still. I don't think I saw anyone actually swimming. Our kids were happy playing in the sand, but they are younger.

As far as DCA, when we were there on a weeknight, I'm pretty sure the Soarin FP were gone by 5, and if I remember correctly, the line was about 50 min. I agree that you'll want to ride California Screamin as well... fantastic ride and not really comparable to anything at WDW. In terms of food, I know with the Glow Fest going on in the backlot area, there's more alcohol around than normal. Pretty sure I saw a couple of people with beers. We ate at Pacific Wharf and enjoyed the soup and salad bowls. The kids loved the turkey sandwich they split. And it's great sitting by the water. There are other options right in that area as well (Mexican and Asian), so I'm sure everyone could find something.

 

[CStorm]

Thank you all so much for all your input! We are only going to the beach one day and since my DS12 has never seen the ocean, it's time. We are skiers and he's been to the mountains every year since he was 5 weeks old, just never seen the ocean. I'm aware that it's going to be cold but we are only going for one day.
One day we are going to Laguna with DH's brother and going on a boat for the day.
The only other full day we have in CA, we are going to Knotts Berry Farm. DH and kids are roller coaster junkies. From what I've read, they should love it.
DCA is simply a bonus for us. I LOVE Disney (WDW 4 times) and am glad we get the opportunity to at least experience a little of it .