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

[ninafeliz]

Thanks @irlandaise for linking to the page with events happening at DLR. Did people find it helpful? If so, I have a draft for 2026.

Dec 12- 14 will be very crowded. Dec 12 is the last day for Enchant MK to visit before being blocked for the holidays. It is also the last weekend that people can use their Costco tickets. I wouldn't be surprised if LL sold out that weekend. Dance the Magic is also that weekend. I believe the DTM parade is on Dec 13 which will make DL very crowded. I would do DCA midday on the day of the Dance the Magic parade.

This is already a very long thread. Below are some of my thoughts.

• Plaza Inn is at Disneyland. Plaza Gardens is at WDW
• The Christmas Fantasy Parades should be at 3 pm and 5:15 pm. The first parade starts at Small World and ends on Main Street. The second parade starts on Main Street and ends at Small World. It will be much easier to find a viewing location for the first parade. There is more viewing space near Small World than there is along the straight portion of Main Street. It takes approximately 20-25 min for the first dancers to appear, walk the parade route, and then exit. If you are standing at the end of the parade route, add 20-25 min onto the start time before you will see the parade. That's not to say that people will line up later, just that it is a longer wait. The parade itself is 15-20 min. If the second parade starts on Main Street at 5:15, it should finish at Small World by 6 pm. Fireworks aren't until 9:30 pm. Someone suggested waiting after the second parade for fireworks. That wouldn't be an efficient use of your time.
• Regarding fireworks, the least crowded area is near Small World. ROA is packed with Fantasmic viewers and Main Street is full of people who don't realize they can view fireworks from other locations. In front of the castle requires one to camp out for 3+ hours - especially that weekend.

As far as watching fireworks after WOC. There is no music or projections but you can see them from the top of Pixar Pier bridge (outside of Knick Knacks). You can also see them from the waterfront next to Poultry Palace (see below). Note that WOC Happiness is approximately 27 min long. Fireworks start at 9:30 so you need to hustle to get from Paradise Gardens Park to a viewing location.


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I strongly disagree with this statement. There were height restrictions when DLR was built and Disneyland's castle is smaller than WDW's. Main Street at WDW is both wider and longer than Main Street at DLR. Because of that, there is much more room to view fireworks from Main Street at WDW compared to DLR. Conveniently for all, Disneyland added projections onto ROA and Small World to allow more guests to view the projection show. Guests who didn't care about projections started watching fireworks from SWGE. It is a better (closer) view than anywhere else in the park. DLR saw an opportunity and capitalized on it. Fire of the Rising Moons is a great show. Shadows of Memory is extremely well done and, so far, is not available at WDW. Note, Shadows of Memory is a projection show that is not in conjunction with fireworks.

Well, thanks for the warning. I have no idea what DTM is, I will google it. I'm wondering if I should just forget the 30 min EE (30 min seems like a comically short time anyway to me) and do DL the 12th, DCA the 13th, and DL the 14th instead of DL/DL/DCA that I had decided to change to after the advice I got here (my original was DCA/DL/DCA to go with the EE days).

Very helpful information on the Christmas parade route, thank you.

We will see the fireworks from ROA after the first fantasmic dinner package on Friday night, and see the galaxy's edge version on the 14th - at least that's the plan. But since we have dessert parties/dining packages we have to either stick with the plan or cancel far enough ahead to get a refund for things.

 

[ninafeliz]

It's always best to book LL's right away. Each time you book one, you start the 2 hour timer to book your next LL.

After booking, you use the "modify" feature to move the LL back to the time you want to use it.

If you enter at 7 am, my dtrong suggestion is to book Indy and hope that it doesn't open right away. This would get you a valuable MEP.

But if we book right when we enter at whatever time it opens that day, won't the first LL be for say 8:00 am? When we could already be riding with short waits from what I've been gathering? Should I try to roll first available LLs for the morning, or try to get big rides for later in the day? But that brings up the issue that I can't choose later in the day if the LL hasn't made its way past morning yet. Learning a new park is hard lol!

 

[ninafeliz]

It's always best to book LL's right away. Each time you book one, you start the 2 hour timer to book your next LL.

After booking, you use the "modify" feature to move the LL back to the time you want to use it.

If you enter at 7 am, my dtrong suggestion is to book Indy and hope that it doesn't open right away. This would get you a valuable MEP.

Do you mean 7:30 am?

Early Entry starts at 7.30am
However they open the gates and scan everyone into Main Street just around 7.15am.
Early Entry people have a roped entrance at Plaza Gardens, while everyone else is held at The Hub.
Lightning Lanes can be booked once you are on Main Street but are not valid until 8.00am Official Park Opening and Rope Drop at the entrance to the Lands.
If you book a Lightning Lane for the first return time at 8.00am and that ride does not open at 8.00am, then it will automatically change to a Multi Experience Pass. (MEP)

So I'm assuming Indy often doesn't open right away? If it does on our day, should we just ride it then, and then get another LL as soon as we tap in for it? Being that is a ride not at WDW, and I've heard it's good, I do want to be sure to ride it.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Being that is a ride not at WDW, and I've heard it's good, I do want to be sure to ride it.

Someone created this amazing massive list that's all of the rides that are carbon copy clones at Disneyland and WDW, rides that are totally unique to Disneyland, and rides that exist in both parks but there are slight differences between them. I think the list would be helpful for you. I can't remember who created the list, but I am sure someone reading this will know exactly what I am talking about and will either tag the person who created it, or find it and post it in a reply.

 

[elvispursley]

Is there one fantasmic package that’s better than the others for viewing? I figure we have to eat so we might as well book a package.

 

[LKing]

Someone created this amazing massive list that's all of the rides that are carbon copy clones at Disneyland and WDW, rides that are totally unique to Disneyland, and rides that exist in both parks but there are slight differences between them. I think the list would be helpful for you. I can't remember who created the list, but I am sure someone reading this will know exactly what I am talking about and will either tag the person who created it, or find it and post it in a reply.

@BrianL created it. I think this is the most recent version.

DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Mark Twain Riverboat
Sailing Ship Columbia
Davey Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Jungle Cruise - No temple/tunnel, a bit shorter
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - even without the Nightmare overlay it is slightly different
Tiana's Bayou Adventure - single-file boats, does tend to get riders wetter
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
it's a small world - very similar though with Disney cahracter peppered in - it does have a much nicer exterior.
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool - may be new to you and is worth it if so.
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smaller screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin' - During the Food&Wine Festival they run it with the original Sorain' over California, in which case it is a must do!

 

[LKing]

But if we book right when we enter at whatever time it opens that day, won't the first LL be for say 8:00 am? When we could already be riding with short waits from what I've been gathering? Should I try to roll first available LLs for the morning, or try to get big rides for later in the day? But that brings up the issue that I can't choose later in the day if the LL hasn't made its way past morning yet. Learning a new park is hard lol!

You might look through this thread. @DLRExpert has been good about updating the first few posts in the thread.

Thread 'Rope Drop Strategy for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with Lightning Lane MultiPass and SinglePass - 2025 Update'

Dec 13, 2021

UPDATED 9/6/25 for Disneyland
This covers both a Early Entry (EE) and Non-EE plan.

The HUB (Rope Drop Area)
AL= Adventureland
GF= Galaxy's Edge and Frontierland
FL= Fantasyland
FTL= Fantasyland and Tomorrowland
EE= Early Entry path


Park Entrance for Early Entry
THERE IS NO EE entrance
MAKE SURE that if you are attending EE that you show up to the main entrances early. They are allowing both EE Disney hotel guests and Normal guests into the park at the same time. If you arrive late you are going to be far back in line. Ruining your 30 minutes of EE...

• DLRExpert
• Replies: 474
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

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[LKing]

Is there one fantasmic package that’s better than the others for viewing? I figure we have to eat so we might as well book a package.

Personally, I think the food at Cafe Orleans is better than River Belle Terrace. They are both the same price ($64). RDZ is the most affordable option ($39). It is cafeteria style counter service rather than table service. Many people choose this option for just the reason you mentioned - you need to eat anyway, so you might as well get a package.

Cafe Orleans sits in the middle with River Belle on one side and Rancho del Zocalo on the other. Dining package guests are asked to join the queue near Harbour Galley (red star on map below) at 8 pm. In reality, guest are guided down to the sitting area at 7:45 pm. You select your own seats - first come, first served. If you want to sit closer to the center or closer to the waterfront, I would be in line by 7:30pm. Bring a jacket, a blanket to sit on, and grab some snacks or desserts to enjoy after you are seated.

 

[elvispursley]

Personally, I think the food at Cafe Orleans is better than River Belle Terrace. They are both the same price ($64). RDZ is the most affordable option ($39). It is cafeteria style counter service rather than table service. Many people choose this option for just the reason you mentioned - you need to eat anyway, so you might as well get a package.

Cafe Orleans sits in the middle with River Belle on one side and Rancho del Zocalo on the other. Dining package guests are asked to join the queue near Harbour Galley (red star on map below) at 8 pm. In reality, guest are guided down to the sitting area at 7:45 pm. You select your own seats - first come, first served. If you want to sit closer to the center or closer to the waterfront, I would line up closer to 7:30pm. Bring a jacket, a blanket to sit on and grab some snacks or desserts to enjoy after you are seated.

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This is excellent—just the kind of advice I was hoping for! Last time we were at DL I was in a wheelchair and we sat in the handicap seating area.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Well, thanks for the warning. I have no idea what DTM is, I will google it. I'm wondering if I should just forget the 30 min EE (30 min seems like a comically short time anyway to me) and do DL the 12th, DCA the 13th, and DL the 14th instead of DL/DL/DCA that I had decided to change to after the advice I got here (my original was DCA/DL/DCA to go with the EE days).

Very helpful information on the Christmas parade route, thank you.

We will see the fireworks from ROA after the first fantasmic dinner package on Friday night, and see the galaxy's edge version on the 14th - at least that's the plan. But since we have dessert parties/dining packages we have to either stick with the plan or cancel far enough ahead to get a refund for things.

DTM is Dance The Magic, It's where a million little girls and their dance moms invade the park and perform in the parade. I got caught in it last December and NEVER AGAIN!

I usually come first week of December but last year because Thanksgiving was so late, we came second week, which wasn't all that bad until Saturday, which was the Dance day. That said, Sunday seemed pretty normal again.

 

[LKing]

This is excellent—just the kind of advice I was hoping for! Last time we were at DL I was in a wheelchair and we sat in the handicap seating area.

I can't remember when you are visiting. I posted some pictures of the current Fantasmic menus in this thread.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

That's a lot to try to fit in at night lol. But thanks, I will keep in in mind and make a list on my phone! I'm going to be happy to do most things, let along daytime and nighttime. I also love how things look with holiday decorations, I'm sure I'll take hundreds of photos.

It is but love giving people a heads up because its just a lot of free extra entertainment in park that people miss during the holidays because Disney mainly pushes the parades and fireworks

 

[Whistlebee]

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.

I highly recommend booking your LL's as soon as you are able. This way you start your 2 hour timer. You'll be able to book more lightening lanes throughout the day this way.

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.

I highly recommend booking LL's as soon as you enter the parks. This will start your 2 hour timer and allow you to book more lightening lanes throughout the day. Once you book your LL, you can continue to modify it and push the time back, if you do not want to use it right away. I agree, that you don't typically need to use LL's for the first couple of hours. Once your 2 hour timer is up (or once you scan into your LL) you can book your next one. Rinse and repeat all day long. Be aware, that on really busy days, LL's can sell out early, especially for popular rides like Guardians, Indiana Jones and Space Mountain. If you don't start looking for LL's until noon you could end up being very disappointed. Also, the modify feature is great and can help you get a better time for your LL.
I also highly recommend you start 2 of your days at DL, and one day at DCA. On your 2nd DL day, you can book your LL's for DCA as long as their return time is after 11am. Then when you hop you can have some LL's lined up for DCA.

The Star Wars projection show is really amazing, I definitely recommend seeing it. I personally, am less impressed with watching the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge. It's good and I enjoy it, but I prefer it from other locations. However, I am not a huge Star Wars fan. And, I come to the parks often enough that I can watch from various locations.

I am currently planning a trip to WDW and am equally confused about all of the different options, tips and tricks! It's a lot to figure out!

Enjoy and have a great trip!

 

[Whistlebee]

I highly recommend booking your LL's as soon as you are able. This way you start your 2 hour timer. You'll be able to book more lightening lanes throughout the day this way.

I highly recommend booking LL's as soon as you enter the parks. This will start your 2 hour timer and allow you to book more lightening lanes throughout the day. Once you book your LL, you can continue to modify it and push the time back, if you do not want to use it right away. I agree, that you don't typically need to use LL's for the first couple of hours. Once your 2 hour timer is up (or once you scan into your LL) you can book your next one. Rinse and repeat all day long. Be aware, that on really busy days, LL's can sell out early, especially for popular rides like Guardians, Indiana Jones and Space Mountain. If you don't start looking for LL's until noon you could end up being very disappointed. Also, the modify feature is great and can help you get a better time for your LL.
I also highly recommend you start 2 of your days at DL, and one day at DCA. On your 2nd DL day, you can book your LL's for DCA as long as their return time is after 11am. Then when you hop you can have some LL's lined up for DCA.

The Star Wars projection show is really amazing, I definitely recommend seeing it. I personally, am less impressed with watching the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge. It's good and I enjoy it, but I prefer it from other locations. However, I am not a huge Star Wars fan. And, I come to the parks often enough that I can watch from various locations.

I am currently planning a trip to WDW and am equally confused about all of the different options, tips and tricks! It's a lot to figure out!

Enjoy and have a great trip!

Edited for clarification: I recommend booking LL's at park entry, however you don't have to use them right away. You can modify your time slot, and use them late morning, or in the afternoon. This way you'll have more LL availability and you'll have more LL stacked for the busy afternoon period.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

I will say on the topic of LL, normally what I do is mostly hit rides I want right in the morning but by 9 AM use a LL on something Space or another ride I know I wont get on later in the day and then I start stacking. The issue with Stacking at 8 AM, is you wont be able to get a second one until 10 AM

Also some Rides that LL you dont need to book until your able ready to get on it normally are

Buzz Lightyear
Star Tours
Little Mermaid

These three rides normally you can get a LL for 15-30 mins before you heading over and it will be good to go by the time you get there...sometimes this is not true but mostly they are easier ones you can just hit without stacking and wasting 2 hours of not being able to use LL

 

[OlliePop27]

I will say on the topic of LL, normally what I do is mostly hit rides I want right in the morning but by 9 AM use a LL on something Space or another ride I know I wont get on later in the day and then I start stacking. The issue with Stacking at 8 AM, is you wont be able to get a second one until 10 AM

Also some Rides that LL you dont need to book until your able ready to get on it normally are

Buzz Lightyear
Star Tours
Little Mermaid

These three rides normally you can get a LL for 15-30 mins before you heading over and it will be good to go by the time you get there...sometimes this is not true but mostly they are easier ones you can just hit without stacking and wasting 2 hours of not being able to use LL

I think the key is to book one as soon as eligible each time and never cancel one. Use it or modify before it expires.

 

[Whistlebee]

I will say on the topic of LL, normally what I do is mostly hit rides I want right in the morning but by 9 AM use a LL on something Space or another ride I know I wont get on later in the day and then I start stacking. The issue with Stacking at 8 AM, is you wont be able to get a second one until 10 AM

Also some Rides that LL you dont need to book until your able ready to get on it normally are

Buzz Lightyear
Star Tours
Little Mermaid

These three rides normally you can get a LL for 15-30 mins before you heading over and it will be good to go by the time you get there...sometimes this is not true but mostly they are easier ones you can just hit without stacking and wasting 2 hours of not being able to use LL

I agree 100% and this is how I personally tour the parks. In my reply I was posting for a person that is not wanting to use LL earlier in the day. But we will start using it early, depending on crowd levels, and where we are at in the parks. It's can be great to use on a ride that has a small line but you know will have a really long line later. If you're there now, just ride it with the immediate LL, and then immediately book your next LL. And you don't have to circle back later in the day.