Advice on shows/parades/etc dessert parties/dining packages

[ninafeliz]

It sells out very quickly. To answer another question you asked, yes, there are reservation alert services for Disneyland. Probably the same companies that do alerts for WDW. I don't have names at hand but I'm sure you can find them with a web search. Or if you've already used a certain service for WDW, check and see if they also cover DL.

After asking I did what I should have done and searched, and yes, the site I used for WDW also does DL so I signed back up. I figured it's worth $9 even if I don't end up getting anything through them.

I don't see any way to differentiate the seated dining package vs the regular ones on the Disney site or the reservation finder ones, so I don't actually know how to watch for an opening at that one (I think they call it premium dining package on the description page).

 

[Tinkaboo]

So they do one fireworks show, but if you watch from Galaxy's Edge they play different music and do star wars projections, if you watch by IASW they have projections on it , and if you watch from Fantasmic you can see the actual fireworks in addition to projections on the water screens? And I assume a disney or christmas soundtrack everywhere but GE? So you only also see the castle if you watch from main street - which will be chaos? This is very confusing for the first time lol. For a first time (and not likely frequent repeat visitor) what would you recommend?

YOU GOT IT...see, it's not so bad!

 

[ninafeliz]

It sells out very quickly. To answer another question you asked, yes, there are reservation alert services for Disneyland. Probably the same companies that do alerts for WDW. I don't have names at hand but I'm sure you can find them with a web search. Or if you've already used a certain service for WDW, check and see if they also cover DL.

YOU GOT IT...see, it's not so bad!

LOL! I like less choices so I can do it all though!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Something else to keep in mind is that fireworks get canceled at DLR much more frequently than at WDW. Sometimes there are high winds that you aren't even aware of.

Last time we were there, we were too tired to stay and walked past a packed Main Street to exit. We hung out in the esplanade waiting to see our view from there and heard the announcement that they had been canceled. Lots of disappointed guests, but it happens.

 

[Tinkaboo]

The RBT Fantasmic rezzies go REALLY fast cuz it's a small area to begin with but honestly, for the best, most perfect view, you want to be down front on the water. You will see everything so close...it's not like WDW at all.

You will love the Dessert party because you get a lot of personal attention and some wonderful goodies and it's just very relaxing to be able to watch the show while enjoying a nice cup of cocoa on a chilly evening.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Interesting, thanks, I can do that. Any reason to have my only DCA EE day be Friday vs Sunday?

Personal preference about how you want to start your park visit. Do you want your first impression to be of walking into Main Street or walking into DCA?

LIke I said, DL is so foreign to me. We have park hoppers with the LLMP, so you would suggest instead of just trying to roll the LLMPs we should stack for later in the day?

Using Lighting Lanes before 11am is a waste. Save them for later. I usually start checking around 10 am to see how the return times are and to start stacking.

So they do one fireworks show, but if you watch from Galaxy's Edge they play different music and do star wars projections, if you watch by IASW they have projections on it , and if you watch from Fantasmic you can see the actual fireworks in addition to projections on the water screens? And I assume a disney or christmas soundtrack everywhere but GE? So you only also see the castle if you watch from main street - which will be chaos? This is very confusing for the first time lol. For a first time (and not likely frequent repeat visitor) what would you recommend?

Yes

Fireworks once per night.
The fireworks can be seen from various locations in the park
Each location has an area where they show projections.

Fantasmic , IASM and The Castle all have the same projections and soundtrack.

Galaxys Edge has Star Wars soundtrack.

Its set up that way for locals, multiple experiences happening at the same time means its a way to get locals to return to the park. Its not set up for tourists on a one and done visit to Disneyland California.

 

[ninafeliz]

Rancho del Zocalo for me is the best Dinning option its pretty cheap, the food is good and you can get two shows for it with Fantasmic and the Fireworks if you see the first show

Awesome to hear! I chose it because I liked the menu there better than River Belle Terrace, and the day I am going it looks like Cafe Orleans wasn't an option (or it was sold out, but it didn't list it as an option like it did on another day I checked).

 

[Tinkaboo]

And I know it's frustrating that the daily schedule isn't up yet...DL is just that way whereas WDW schedule is way out there.

It should be up as soon as stupid Halloween gets out of the way...lol

You will love the parks, it's so close and everything will be so beautifully decorated. The GC will have a gorgeous display in the lobby. I'll be watching for a trip report when you get back home!

 

[ninafeliz]

The RBT Fantasmic rezzies go REALLY. Fast cuz it's a small area to begin with but honestly, for the best most perfect view, you want to be down front on the water. You will see everything so close...it's not like WDW at all.

You will love the Dessert party because you get a lot of personal attention and some wonderful goodies and it's just very relaxing to be able to watch the show while enjoying a nice cup of cocoa on a chilly evening.

Usually we take comfort and ease over how good the view is, I hate jostling for a square foot - but with the reserved dining package you think we'll be fine with the view no matter what? I'm not the tallest haha!

I love WDW dessert parties - particularly pre covid ones - so I hope the WOC one is good!

 

[ninafeliz]

Personal preference about how you want to start your park visit. Do you want your first impression to be of walking into Main Street or walking into DCA?


Using Lighting Lanes before 11am is a waste. Save them for later. I usually start checking around 10 am to see how the return times are and to start stacking.


Yes

Fireworks once per night.
The fireworks can be seen from various locations in the park
Each location has an area where they show projections.

Fantasmic , IASM and The Castle all have the same projections and soundtrack.

Galaxys Edge has Star Wars soundtrack.

Its set up that way for locals, multiple experiences happening at the same time means its a way to get locals to return to the park. Its not set up for tourists on a one and done visit to Disneyland California.

Thank you for the great advice! I forgot - we can't chose LL times af DL can we - we have to take the next available? So no point in looking first thing unless you want right away I presume? It is going to be so difficult to not be grabbing them the second we walk in.

And good point about first impressions - maybe I'll change our first day to DL from DCA.

 

[ninafeliz]

And I know it's frustrating that the daily schedule isn't up yet...DL is just that way whereas WDW schedule is way out there.

It should be up as soon as stupid Halloween gets out of the way...lol

You will love the parks, it's so close and everything will be so beautifully decorated. The GC will have a gorgeous display in the lobby. I'll be watching for a trip report when you get back home!

I'm really excited about going back, and about going for the holidays! My husband let me choose where and when to go, and I really wanted Christmas decorations to be up and this was the only weekend that worked for us - so here we are!

 

[ninafeliz]

When you say "the change reservation never works," do you mean on the Disneyland website? Call Disneyland instead. The phone center CMs are very helpful with modifying resort reservations. I did so when I couldn't get a discount applied properly on the DL website.

Yes, online. I hate calling, it takes forever even for something quick.

 

[ninafeliz]

Also...be aware that this might be the "dance event" weekend...
@LKing, I tried searching for your wonderful event calendar but it must be buried somewhere. Is Dance the Magic this same weekend?

Ugh...

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Thank you for the great advice! I forgot - we can't chose LL times af DL can we - we have to take the next available? So no point in looking first thing unless you want right away I presume? It is going to be so difficult to not be grabbing them the second we walk in.

And good point about first impressions - maybe I'll change our first day to DL from DCA.

You are welcome

Correct, its only next available times at Disneyland.

You only get one shot at that first impression, that first OMG we are here moment , which is something people dont think about

 

[Tinkaboo]

Some other cool things to do...make sure you tour Cars Land after dark and if possible, schedule your day for Sh-Boom at sunset...I'm sure it will be a different song for the holidays but it's just a fun little thing to do as they light up the land.

Do RSR at least once at night...totally different experience than in daytime. Single rider line goes faster or purchase the pass if you want to ride together.

Ohmigosh I'm just getting excited writing about all this...can't wait for my trip!

 

[irlandaise]

When you say "the change reservation never works," do you mean on the Disneyland website? Call Disneyland instead. The phone center CMs are very helpful with modifying resort reservations. I did so when I couldn't get a discount applied properly on the DL website.

Yes, online. I hate calling, it takes forever even for something quick.

I agree, but the Disney CMs know how to do things that can't be done on the website.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Also just a heads up in the afternoon/early night DCA has a TON of free live musical shows many of which are themed to the Holidays or Holidays around the world
Below is an example of one of the shows

As for Rides that I feel are better at night time

1) Small World Holiday (if you can't ride it, at the very least come over to this ride to see all the lights on the attraction), bonus the Train ride from Toontown to Tommorrowland is fun because you also get to see the small world lights from another angle
2) Big Thunder Mountain
3) Casey Jr Train
4) Radiator springs Racers
5) The Matterhorn
6) Incredicoaster
7)Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters Bonus Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
8) The Mainstreet Vehicles (riding when all the lights are up is magical)

Also just a shout out to walking around DLR at nighttime during the Holidays, its just wonderful everywhere. Lands like San Fransokyo Square and Carsland are even better with the extra lights. The Trail from The Little Mermaid ride and past the Grizzly Rapids water ride, and Main street are just attractions in themselves during the holidays at night

 

[irlandaise]

I don't see any way to differentiate the seated dining package vs the regular ones on the Disney site or the reservation finder ones, so I don't actually know how to watch for an opening at that one (I think they call it premium dining package on the description page).

Yes, it's very confusing. The one you want is the "Premium Dining Package at River Belle Terrace":

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/en-ca/dining/disneyland/fantasmic-dinner-packages/

I think I tried a free alert service before my last trip to DL a year ago and had trouble understanding whether I was setting an alert for the premium or standard RBT package. Hope you can figure that out.

 

[irlandaise]

As for Rides that I feel are better at night time

[list deleted]

Also, for future reference after the refurb, Storybook Land Canal Boats. Especially during the holidays when the buildings, bridges, etc. are decorated with Christmas lights.

Also just a shout out to walking around DLR at nighttime during the Holidays, its just wonderful everywhere. Lands like San Fransokyo Square and Carsland are even better with the extra lights.

A note to everyone (not just JD): it's "Cars Land," not "Carsland." I see the latter a lot, probably because people always think of the historical Disneyland names like "Frontierland" and "Fantasyland." But Cars Land is named after a trademarked franchise, so the "Cars" has to be separate.

 

[maleficent55]

Another amazing thing you should definitely carve time out to do is to spend a little time in your lobby, you said you’re at the Grand Californian?

The lobby is incredible at Christmas time
Huge tree, a treat cart/counter with so many amazing delectable treats and even little shot glasses made of cookie to have hot chocolate or alcohol, Christmas carolers, live piano playing…
It’s the epitome of Christmas to me
Grab a reservation at the Heartstone Lounge if you can, lunch or dinner , it’s so so good!