Advice for a DLR newbie with only one day

[OBH]

I'm attending a conference in Long Beach starting next weekend and have decided to trek over to Anaheim to see the original House of Mouse on my free day. I'll be on my own and will have about 6 hours. Any advice on how to get there or what I must do will be most appreciated. I've been to WDW several times, but never to DLR. I wish I had more time and a buddy, but I just cannot miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks for your help!

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm attending a conference in Long Beach starting next weekend and have decided to trek over to Anaheim to see the original House of Mouse on my free day. I'll be on my own and will have about 6 hours. Any advice on how to get there or what I must do will be most appreciated. I've been to WDW several times, but never to DLR. I wish I had more time and a buddy, but I just cannot miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks for your help!

If you do not have a car - which it sounds like you do not - then maybe Karmel Shuttle? I have used them before.

As for what to do, wow that is hard for 6 hours. Sounds like you will be alone so if you want to do some rides then knowledge of the single rider (SR) lines will be helpful. See this link:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32518085&postcount=5

I would suggest doing Indiana Jones using SR. If you can go to DCA then Radiator Springs Racers or California Screamin using SR. Matterhorn using SR is a possibility if it interests you.

At least walk through Fantasyland. It is much better at DL - but more compact and crowded.

Other rides to consider...

At DL that are unique from WDW

Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
POTC (not unique but better at DL)

Walk thru New Orleans Square

At DCA

Can't think of any unique that are worth the time with your short duration - except for RSR and CA Screamin

Walk thru CarsLand

HTH

 

[OBH]

Thanks for the shuttle recommendation. I was hoping for something like that. I'm not planning to get a park hopper since I'm only there for such a short time so I won't see CA. My top "wishes" to see and do are the Matterhorn, Pirates, Indiana Jones and Space Mountain. I wish I had more time, but at least I'll get to see a little bit. I just couldn't go all that way without seeing some of DLR.

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the shuttle recommendation. I was hoping for something like that. I'm not planning to get a park hopper since I'm only there for such a short time so I won't see CA. My top "wishes" to see and do are the Matterhorn, Pirates, Indiana Jones and Space Mountain. I wish I had more time, but at least I'll get to see a little bit. I just couldn't go all that way without seeing some of DLR.

I'd start with an FP for Space. Matterhorn and Indy have single rider. POTC line moves quickly. Check the refurb schedule for your dates, though.

 

[OBH]

Thanks for the tip! I'll head over to Space Mountain first. I'll be there Sept 20 so I'll just make it before the Matterhorn rehab according to the latest data that I've seen.

I really do appreciate all the tips. I know it's a stretch to go for just half a day and want to make the most of my visit.

 

[Sherry E]

Space Mountain will be in its Ghost Galaxy overlay, for Halloween Time.

Haunted Mansion will be Haunted Mansion Holiday -- a full, extensive, detailed overlay for Halloween Time and the holiday season.

Stop in at the Halloween Carnival in Frontierland, where you will find the Conjure a Villain tent, Halloween characters, crafts, games, treats, etc. There will also be a new magician, fortuneteller and juggler entertaining the crowds as well.

Stop by the Dia de los Muertos display in Frontierland, as well as the Ray Bradbury Halloween Tree.

Main Street will be decked out in its "Pumpkin Festival" motif.

 

[disnia]

I'm attending a conference in Long Beach starting next weekend and have decided to trek over to Anaheim to see the original House of Mouse on my free day. I'll be on my own and will have about 6 hours. Any advice on how to get there or what I must do will be most appreciated. I've been to WDW several times, but never to DLR. I wish I had more time and a buddy, but I just cannot miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks for your help!

I'm in the same boat! I'll be there on Friday the 19th for one day. Two co-workers coming with me so at least I have company (aka witnesses) for my Disney fix. I never thought I'd get there, so I haven't researched or even listened to the DL podcast! All I can remember are Trader Sams, Indiana Jones, and Mr. Toad.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

My tip would be not to forget to enjoy how charming DL is. Heard a quote from Tony Baxter that WDW was made to be spectacular, but DL was made to be charming. Couldn't agree more. 6 hours doesn't sound like a lot of time, but DL is so much smaller than MK, so you can make better use of your time. Have a great time, enjoy the Halloween Time decorations and atmosphere, and soak in the magic!

 

[Filipina]

I have used Uber in the past but not in your area, but you can check for a quote on Uber.com. I was very pleased with them and considering you don't have much time, it will probably be quicker than a shuttle but cheaper than a taxi and easier. It's like have a personal car and you don't have to worry about money exchange because you prepay everything.

As far as 9/20, it will be a Saturday and as an FYI, locals like to flock to the park in the later hours so I would recommend you get there right when it opens at 9AM. There is Magic Morning hours that day at 8AM but it will still be less crowded then later on in the day.

There are already good suggestions regarding the rides you want to see so I ditto the recommendations. Maybe if time allows, try to see Haunted Mansion with the Holiday overlay, Ride in the front of the Monorail since you can't do that at WDW, go see the Marvel characters at Innoventions, and ride Small World because ours is a little different and has Disney characters in them. I know you're going to think our Castle is small but take the time to walk through it, that's always fun and the Sleeping Beauty dioramas are nice.

HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[OBH]

I'm in the same boat! I'll be there on Friday the 19th for one day. Two co-workers coming with me so at least I have company (aka witnesses) for my Disney fix. I never thought I'd get there, so I haven't researched or even listened to the DL podcast! All I can remember are Trader Sams, Indiana Jones, and Mr. Toad.

I've thought about sending out an email to other conference attendees to see if anyone else wants to go, but just don't know if going with strangers will be any better than going alone. Wish I could do what you are doing! I feel confident, though, that I'll be safe on Disney property by myself. I've wandered around MK and Epcot by myself many times and never had the slightest hestitation.

 

[OBH]

My tip would be not to forget to enjoy how charming DL is. Heard a quote from Tony Baxter that WDW was made to be spectacular, but DL was made to be charming. Couldn't agree more. 6 hours doesn't sound like a lot of time, but DL is so much smaller than MK, so you can make better use of your time. Have a great time, enjoy the Halloween Time decorations and atmosphere, and soak in the magic!

Thanks for the advice! I think of DL as walking where Walt walked. What could be better?

 

[OBH]

I have used Uber in the past but not in your area, but you can check for a quote on Uber.com. I was very pleased with them and considering you don't have much time, it will probably be quicker than a shuttle but cheaper than a taxi and easier. It's like have a personal car and you don't have to worry about money exchange because you prepay everything.

As far as 9/20, it will be a Saturday and as an FYI, locals like to flock to the park in the later hours so I would recommend you get there right when it opens at 9AM. There is Magic Morning hours that day at 8AM but it will still be less crowded then later on in the day.

There are already good suggestions regarding the rides you want to see so I ditto the recommendations. Maybe if time allows, try to see Haunted Mansion with the Holiday overlay, Ride in the front of the Monorail since you can't do that at WDW, go see the Marvel characters at Innoventions, and ride Small World because ours is a little different and has Disney characters in them. I know you're going to think our Castle is small but take the time to walk through it, that's always fun and the Sleeping Beauty dioramas are nice.

HAVE FUN!!!!

Thanks! I had not thought about uber. I've never tried it, but a friend just recommended it as the way to go rather than a taxi. I really do appreciate all these great nuggets!