A question for all of the DL vets

[dkal95]

We are headed to DL on Monday, just me and my 16 year old daughter. We've never been to DL but consider myself an expert on all things DW. I feel so lost and overwhelmed not knowing a single thing about DL. LOL

If you could give me just one park tip what would it be?

And if you were only eating at one Disney restaurant in the parks, which would that be?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Well my first tip would be to read Hydroguys "DL for WDW Vets" Guide if you haven't already:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And if you were only eating at one Disney restaurant in the parks, which would that be?

That’s a toughy as we have many foodie traditions when we visit the parks and it also depends on what type of "food mood" we were in.... I think if I could only choose only one place to eat it would be Rancho Del Zocalo since they have good variety for different tastes on their menu.

Our other must do's for eating are usually-
-Blue Bayou- this is a great "experience" restaurant... especially if it’s your first time to DL.
-Big Thunder BBQ
-Main Street Corn Dog Cart
-Whitewater Snacks at the GCH
-Flo's V8 in DCA

 

[YukonMommy]

My park tip would be...relax! DL is more compact than WDW so there is less time going between rides, parks, etc.

As for restaurants in DL
-the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is a must do for my family

Check out the DL website and go to their interactive map. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/ This way you can get a feel of the parks and jot down your must do's!

Have a most magical time!

 

[figment_jii]

If you're only going to have one TS meal at DL, I would probably opt for Blue Bayou. It's the iconic restaurant and Disneyland. Located inside the PotC building, it's a fun place to eat, especially if you get a waterside table.

If you want a slightly more casual meal, I would probably opt for Cafe Orleans in NOS. It has great food and a nice atmosphere. It is also a good place to do some people watching while you eat.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I completely agree with the tip to relax. Let the magic happen, don't try to force things! So many people ruin their visit by stressing out and trying to control everything. There is so much more to DLR than rides -- enjoy the atmosphere, music, food, people watching, etc. Let the magic surprise you -- you'll be glad you did!
Yes, food recs can be difficult (different strokes and all). But, as the pp said, BB is iconic -- try to eat there. Call the Dine Line now to see if there is an opening for Monday. If not, show up before they open to get a walk up spot. If that doesn't work out, the fried chicken at the Plaza Inn (no reservations needed) is tasty and filling.

 

[jina]

I can't limit it to 1- here are 3

its supposed to be 90 in Anaheim Monday. Make an ADR for lunch or dinner @ Blue Bayou, arrive 20 min early and request a waterside table.

another must do - arrive for rope drop and go on your must rides first, then relax!

- get a fastpass for Indy since that's not at WDW

 

[jina]

I can't limit it to 1- here are 3

-its supposed to be 90 in Anaheim Monday. Make an ADR for lunch or dinner @ Blue Bayou, arrive 20 min early and request a waterside table.

-arrive for rope drop and go on your must do rides first, then relax!

- get a fastpass for Indy since that's not at WDW

 

[lovebug33]

I would eat at big thunder. Best restaurant ever. My tip would be to not overplan. Just be.

 

[mickey4489]

If you want to see world of color the morning you go to DCA go straight to grizzly river run and there should be fast passes for WOC right next to it. It will eliminate the need to wait all night for a good seat

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For WOC info, read Hydroguy's WOC Superthread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717. Everything you need to know is in there. Read the first post carefully, then maybe the last several pages for recent info.
To clarify the previous post, there is no seating for WOC (except for VIP and handicap seating). All regular viewing spots are standing.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

...If you could give me just one park tip what would it be?...

To let yourself relax. DLR doesn't need the same level of planning that WDW does or even close to it. Don't worry if you don't know everything before you go. DLR is a great place to go with the flow. It's much more laid back/forgiving than WDW.

 

[jlmarr]

One tip - park hopping is easy! If you ran it would be less than 60 seconds.

 

[jlmarr]

Ok, another one - be sure to see Aladdin at the Hyperion Theatre in DCA.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Blue Bayou for table service meal, as close to waterside as you can- it's such a neat experience! Something smaller you can only ride in Disneyland: Alice in Wonderland, find it as you exit Tomorrowland into Fantasyland. It's a (mostly) dark ride.

Take advantage of early morning for sure! Don't try to take the monorail in if your EMH is for Disneyland, walk to the gate instead. We found it advantageous to walk to the gate for DCA EMH as well as the entry line at GCH was wrapped around the building.

At night our sore feet preferred to wait for the monorail instead of fighting the Main Street and downtown Disney crowds. As for the train our party utilized it all the time for getting around the park because we needed frequent rests and a place to sit. If you're a park trooper you probably won't find it the most efficient way of getting places as the park is so small. (Unless it's in station just about to depart Main Street for New Orleans and that's where you're headed, that's a case where it's quicker than walking.) But I encourage at least one round the kingdom tour as it's an attraction in itself with narration included (it even goes through Splash Mountain and the outside of Small World).

Someone mentioned Aladdin and I totally second! It's an ideal afternoon break, great show. Don't worry about lining up early as there are LOTS of seats. Have fun!!!!!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Oops- sorry for the excess info on the monorail, train and GCH, I'm getting my thread answers mixed up- must be time for bed lol!

 

[bayoulife4me]

Yeah, relax the pace and take in the spirit of Walt. This is the Park that started it all. If there's one thing to recommend, it would be to walk across the drawbridge entrance into Fantasyland.

 

[laughinplace199]

OP, we're arriving on Wednesday and I feel the same way. I've read lots of threads (including Hydroguy's), which helped, but I still feel kind of lost. Maybe it's because I can't visualize things and where they are? I don't know.

But I do know that threads like this make me feel better. Most people say that DL is a lot more relaxed and go with the flow, so that's what we're going to do.

One thing I will do is have each person in our family pick one or two must-do rides. As long as we get those accomplished, anything else we do will be a bonus.

 

[mrsmacsparky]

Echoing some others. Just enjoy the charm and intimacy that DLR has to offer. It's not overwhelming and you'll appreciate that things are close to each other. It will be hot so plan hitting those indoor attractions like Aladdin or enjoy a Dole Whip inside the Tiki House in the afternoon. Get a FP for Indy first thing. Cafe Orleans has yummy food, Mickey Beignets and great atmosphere...but make a reservation. Those are easy to make even day before.

 

[sheetz]

If you find yourself in Tomorrowland around lunchtime you can catch the monorail and it'll drop you off in Downtown Disney just a few steps from Earl of Sandwich.

 

[chabelita545]

In DCA, we love Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. It's near Goofy's Sky School.