ABD Backstage Magic 4/17 - 4/22/11

[deann]

I was looking at the crowd calender for our April trip and because it is EASTER WEEK every day is a 10 level crowd at the parks. Anyone that has already been on the ABD trip or has been there during a holiday, how does it compare to the World? I have been to Disney World during Easter a couple of years ago and while it was not the easiest to get around it was still manageable if you got up early enough and then came back later in the evening. I know during our free time they hand out some fastpasses, but I am just curious as to whether or not we will feel like sardines or still be able to enjoy our free time.

I can't tell you how it compares to WDW as I haven't been there over any busy holidays. What I can tell you is that yes, you may feel like a sardine! A lot of the walkways at DL are really narrow. I usually avoid going to New Orleans Square, Critter Country and even Adventureland around Fantasmic. It can get really crowed where you feel like a sardine. DCA is not as bad as the walkways are a lot wider.

Most APs are blocked out that week. Deluxes are only blocked out Friday and Saturday. I usually do DL like WDW, up early and at rope drop, take an afternoon break (nap ), back around dinner time. However, if you want to take full advantage of your time at the parks. I would be sure to do all the major attractions first thing in the morning, get FPs and then visit less busy attractions during the day. Such as, the Tiki Room, Tarzan's Treehouse, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, IASW, Mark Twain Riverboat or the Columbia, Tom Sawyer's Island, Great Moments with Lincoln, the DL Railroad (don't forget you get to see the Audio-Animatronics from the Ford Magic Skyway attraction from the 1964's World Fair!), and Innoventions.
At DCA, you could check out the Mission Tortilla Factory and The Bakery Tour. Not very exciting but hey, free bread and tortillas! Also check out Blue Sky Cellar where you can see the changes coming to DCA. Animation Academy is a nice place to cool off and there are several things to do in there.

So yes, it most likely will be crowded but there are lots of attractions where you won't have to wait in long lines. I also like Jason's advice of going to DTD or the Grand Californian.

 

[rchristiansen]

I can't tell you how it compares to WDW as I haven't been there over any busy holidays. What I can tell you is that yes, you may feel like a sardine.....

I figured as much. I do see that the hours are extended the week we are there, so that should help a bit.

But I'd rather feel like a sardine in April at DL than in June or July in Orlando when we usually go to WDW. Ugh. I have vowed never to go to WDW again in the summer - and as Murphy's Law would have it - I have a conference mid-July in Orlando this year!

We went to DL last January so we got to see quite a bit since there were very little crowds, but still not everything. So, for us, even if we can't see it all this time around, we're OK with that. We are staying the full day on Friday so we plan on doing the parks that day and catching whatever we can!

----
So on a different topic - Jeff and I were talking about our photos we're going to take this trip. He suggested perhaps setting up a private Flickr group for our tour group that we can share our photos with. Jeff's renting a fancy-schmancy (my term, not his ) lens for his camera this trip and we have high hopes of some good photos. Anyone interested in a flickr account set up pre-trip? We'll have our laptop with us and usually upload our photos each day of our trip.

And then on a related topic - what areas of the tour are restricted to photography?

 

[skunkvette]

And then on a related topic - what areas of the tour are restricted to photography?

Almost all of the backstage/studio areas are no photo zones.

Any backstage arae at DL/DCA is not allowed.

Imagineering and Henson's are also restricted, your guides will let you know when photos are not allowed.

Walt Disney Studios did allow photos everywhere we went.

There are a few prohibited spots where the guides will photo with their cameras.

I still took over 1,000 photos in February.

 

[bigmoonmullen]

I figured as much. I do see that the hours are extended the week we are there, so that should help a bit.

But I'd rather feel like a sardine in April at DL than in June or July in Orlando when we usually go to WDW. Ugh. I have vowed never to go to WDW again in the summer - and as Murphy's Law would have it - I have a conference mid-July in Orlando this year!

We went to DL last January so we got to see quite a bit since there were very little crowds, but still not everything. So, for us, even if we can't see it all this time around, we're OK with that. We are staying the full day on Friday so we plan on doing the parks that day and catching whatever we can!

----
So on a different topic - Jeff and I were talking about our photos we're going to take this trip. He suggested perhaps setting up a private Flickr group for our tour group that we can share our photos with. Jeff's renting a fancy-schmancy (my term, not his ) lens for his camera this trip and we have high hopes of some good photos. Anyone interested in a flickr account set up pre-trip? We'll have our laptop with us and usually upload our photos each day of our trip.

And then on a related topic - what areas of the tour are restricted to photography?

I'm always interested in sharing pictures... so we would be in. I do NOT have a fancy camera but hope to get a few nice pictures, if I'm lucky.

Mark

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Hi all.

See Post 319 on Page 64 for Napa Rose update.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2521143&page=69

See you soon,

Mark

 

[safetymom]

Hi Mark. Do you have a link to that post? Not sure what thread you are referring to. Thanks.

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Hi Mark. Do you have a link to that post? Not sure what thread you are referring to. Thanks.

Kathy,

Thanks... I've updated the post.

Mark

 

[rchristiansen]

Do we know the times for each element of our itinerary yet? I'm normally not an early riser - I get going by about 9AM and I'm quite the night owl But with the time change I'm hoping we start early. Last year when we were at Disneyland we were up and ready at 7AM each day.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Do we know the times for each element of our itinerary yet? I'm normally not an early riser - I get going by about 9AM and I'm quite the night owl But with the time change I'm hoping we start early. Last year when we were at Disneyland we were up and ready at 7AM each day.

During the February trip, each day's breakfast began at approximately 7am.

It's impossible to have a set time for each element of the itinerary.

Timing depends on how long your group takes during eazch section.

You also have to deal with things beyond anyone's control...such as traffic.

 

[rchristiansen]

During the February trip, each day's breakfast began at approximately 7am.

It's impossible to have a set time for each element of the itinerary.

Timing depends on how long your group takes during eazch section.

You also have to deal with things beyond anyone's control...such as traffic.

Good to know - actually, glad that it's flexible. Also, glad that breakfast starts early!

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Another week closer!!!

 

[rchristiansen]

Another week closer!!!

WOOT!

What planning has everyone started? Here's what we have done so far:

• We got a few t-shirts from disneyshopping.com
• Jeff ordered his camera lens rental (I had a dream that he forgot his lenses entirely, so the next morning I made him order it!)
• We got the dog's kennel reservation made.
• I made a couple nights ressies for Stephanie in Pinnochio's Workshop.
• You ladies will appreciate this: In my email yesterday, I got a 30% off coupon for the Coach Outlet and part of my planning was considering purchasing a new purse for this trip. Haven't brought myself to buy it yet though!

 

[thekylers]

WOOT!

What planning has everyone started? Here's what we have done so far:

• We got a few t-shirts from disneyshopping.com
• Jeff ordered his camera lens rental (I had a dream that he forgot his lenses entirely, so the next morning I made him order it!)
• We got the dog's kennel reservation made.
• I made a couple nights ressies for Stephanie in Pinnochio's Workshop.
• You ladies will appreciate this: In my email yesterday, I got a 30% off coupon for the Coach Outlet and part of my planning was considering purchasing a new purse for this trip. Haven't brought myself to buy it yet though!

I keep watching the weather to get a feel for the temperatures. I want to start packing tomorrow. I always overpack and will probably pack and unpack about 3 times before the actual trip.

We know some people who live in the area and who will be visiting the same time, so made plans to meet up during our free time.

I was so excited I got word that I had received tickets to Conan yesterday, but found out that they tape at 2:30, which not work with our touring schedule.

 

[SusanWasHere]

Hey all!!
Wow - our trip is right around the corner! I can't believe it's almost here! A question for those that have been before about the luggage. I know it says one checked bag, but I'm curious about carry on. I usually bring a smaller rolling bag as a carry on and my backpack. Is this ok for an ABD trip? I'm so used to Southwest and bringing 2 checked bags bc I can lol. It's going to be tough enough to get all into one bag, but if I don't have my rolling carry on, I may die haha!! Can anyone help me? Thanks! Can't wait for our trip!!!

 

[bigmoonmullen]

I guess it's time to figure out what we want to do Saturday afternoon/evening on Sunday Morning.

What is everyone else planning on doing?

Mark

 

[Yvet]

I guess it's time to figure out what we want to do Saturday afternoon/evening on Sunday Morning.

What is everyone else planning on doing?

Mark

Pre or post ABD??

Pre:
Saturday we are going to UCLA and Westwood on Saturday i have been there in 2006 and want to show Emiel around all the places i ate, went to school, had some party time, did my groceries all that stuff.
We are planning to have dinner in Westwood.
Sunday morning just go to the hotel and hang around at the hotel and highland centre.
We could just set up an place for meeting each other!!


Post:
Saturday we don't have parktickets for that day and we are planning on a relaxed morning. Then early afternoon friends of ours arrive at DL and we are going to spend the afternoon and evening with them.
The Sunday we leave with a 08.35am flight to Orlando for more Disney fun!!!!

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Pre or post ABD??

Pre:
Saturday we are going to UCLA and Westwood on Saturday i have been there in 2006 and want to show Emiel around all the places i ate, went to school, had some party time, did my groceries all that stuff.
We are planning to have dinner in Westwood.
Sunday morning just go to the hotel and hang around at the hotel and highland centre.
We could just set up an place for meeting each other!!


Post:
Saturday we don't have parktickets for that day and we are planning on a relaxed morning. Then early afternoon friends of ours arrive at DL and we are going to spend the afternoon and evening with them.
The Sunday we leave with a 08.35am flight to Orlando for more Disney fun!!!!

Pre... We arrive around noon on Saturday and I have planned nothing. Maybe we will go to a movie in the evening at El Capitan. I'm open for meeting up either day.

See everyone soon.

Mark

 

[rchristiansen]

Pre - We arrive Saturday at noon also! Our plan is to get settled in, do lunch and then the Hollywood & Highland center. We promised Stephanie a trip to Madame Taussaud's , so we'll probably go that afternoon. Not sure what we'll do that evening. Probably just relax, exercise and maybe do the pool if it's warm enough.

Sunday, we have a car rental and are going to the Santa Monica Pier.

Post - We're staying all day Friday and acting like run-of-the-mill DL park tourists after Stephanie goes to the Studio Dis 365 for her makeover. She's been working on a chore chart for the last few months to earn her "Diva Makeover" We leave Saturday afternoon. Not sure what we're doing on Saturday morning yet.

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

This time around we are arriving and departing on start and end days. When we did it last year we added on before and after and did all of the local highlights!

We are arring on Sunday around noon and will be enjoying the area and on the Friday our flight is at 3pm.

 

[JWren1234]

Getting in on Saturday, planning on spending the afternoon at the Rennaissance gym (an awesome gym) and walking around the Hollywood & Highland complex. Dinner will most likely be at 25 Degrees (incredible burger place at the Roosevelt) or maybe CPK.

Sunday morning will be the gym again. Then, after checking in with the ABD guides, I'm thinking about going to the buffet jazz brunch at the hotel, the menu looks incredible. If I don't do that, I might go over to the Paley Center For Television/Radio in Beverly Hills.

Jason