Advise from DLR vets for a relaxing trip

[My<3BelongsToMickey]

Hello! I hope you have a fantastic time at DL! I grew up going to WDW every year for family vacation, but then went to college in southern CA and ended up staying here after graduation. Though it did take me a while to warm up to/ get used to the DL resort, I now embrace it as my Disney home away from home. So, here's my two cents:

1. What gives you that Disneyland feel that keeps you coming back?
Interactions with friendly guests and CMs, the sights and smells, and the "so happy I can't contain it" grin I get on face when I enter the Disney property.

2. What is your favorite on-site meal (quick service and table service) at either park?
I really enjoy the teriyaki chicken at chinese restaurant at the fisherman's wharf area in DCA... and despite my healthy food tendancies, I've recently fallen in love with the hand-dipped corn dogs (which I have hated all my life) at the red cart on main street... de-lish!

3. Where do you go on property that is a little out-of-the-way to beat the crowds and get a bit of Disney relaxation?

4. What is your favorite minor or quirky attraction that is Disneyland unique?

My answer for both 3 & 4 is Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Seeing this show is the highlight of each and every one of my DLR trips. If you don't like shows, this may not be of any help. But if you enjoy comedy, give it a try! Although, it comes with a crowd (audience) It's a great 45 min. break from the day in an air-conditioned theater

 

[Estella]

Make sure you do POTC!! Much better at DL!

Definitely need to do POTC - I agree much better at DL. I think I also like the Haunted Mansion better at DL - something's different about the entrance or exit (been awhile since I went to DL so can't recall what exactly makes it different).

You can also get the beignets out at DTD at the Jazz Kitchen Express.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

You can also get the beignets out at DTD at the Jazz Kitchen Express.

Mmmmm. Jazz Kitchen Express. Another restaurant I just missed in my reading. Sounds great. Thanks again.

 

[taaren]

Mmmmm. Jazz Kitchen Express. Another restaurant I just missed in my reading. Sounds great. Thanks again.

Jazz kitchen is in DTD btw. If you don't want to do table service at Cafe Orleans and just want beignets there's also the Mint Julep Bar over by River Belle Terrace which has only drinks & fried snacks. Not as good as the real ones in Louisiana, but a very close second. The only difference is the vanilla & raspberry dip you get at TS.

 

[Piglet99645]

I spent several hours at Disneyland by myself one crowded Saturday.... and I enjoyed just getting a snack and parking on a bench and people-watching...... Having no kids was "relaxing" for me.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

I was just looking as the Park Hours for May (hoping the days for the beginning of our trip were posted--which they are not) and noticed that on May 7th, DLR would close at 5:00 for a private event. Does anyone know how much it would cost to rent DLR?

 

[taaren]

I was just looking as the Park Hours for May (hoping the days for the beginning of our trip were posted--which they are not) and noticed that on May 7th, DLR would close at 5:00 for a private event. Does anyone know how much it would cost to rent DLR?

Not sure but Oprah has done it on occasion. Its closing early for the POTC4 Premier so I don't think anyone is 'renting it' that day - except perhaps if money is changing hands between whoever promotes Disney films and DLR? But since they are both Disney subsidiaries I would guess its not a rental issue. I know that for the fairy tale weddings if you want a wedding in the park after hours (ie before normal park opening hours or after closing), there's a minimum of 50K expenditure (or it was a few years ago, probably higher now ...). But the May Check In thread has more details as does another POTC4 Premiere thread but I don't have the link for the latter. Just a bit off-topic for this thread so perhaps better to ask over there?

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Not sure but Oprah has done it on occasion. Its closing early for the POTC4 Premier so I don't think anyone is 'renting it' that day - except perhaps if money is changing hands between whoever promotes Disney films and DLR? But since they are both Disney subsidiaries I would guess its not a rental issue. I know that for the fairy tale weddings if you want a wedding in the park after hours (ie before normal park opening hours or after closing), there's a minimum of 50K expenditure (or it was a few years ago, probably higher now ...). But the May Check In thread has more details as does another POTC4 Premiere thread but I don't have the link for the latter. Just a bit off-topic for this thread so perhaps better to ask over there?

Thanks for the response, but I feel kinda dumb---I had intended to start a new thread about park rental--not hijack this one!

 

[blackjackdelta]

1. What gives you that Disneyland feel that keeps you coming back?
Walking down main street, smelling the smells eminate from the shops and seeing the Partners statue. On exit stopping by Walts apt and seeing the light on.
2. What is your favorite on-site meal (quick service and table service) at either park?
TS-Clubb 33 and then the BB. QS-RBT, love having a sandwich and people watching out side by POTC.
3. Where do you go on property that is a little out-of-the-way to beat the crowds and get a bit of Disney relaxation?
The animation academy, cool, quiet and love the drawings. Love sitting on the balcony and watching the world go by.
4. What is your favorite minor or quirky attraction that is Disneyland unique?
I love riding the railroad and the sights and sounds of the people. I love to watch the faces of the children as they explore the park and wish I could see through their eyes and think what they are think.

Jack

 

[rokstedy]

1. What gives you that Disneyland feel that keeps you coming back?

The overwhelming sense that ever detail at the park is designed and implemented for my benefit. They may be in it for the money, but they get it by being interested and concerned about what makes me happy. And they deliver and it's in the details.

2. What is your favorite on-site meal (quick service and table service) at either park?

I'm not that crazy about most of the restaurants at the park. The food is fine, but nothing I'd go crazy over. I guess my favorite would have to be the Bengal BBQ.

3. Where do you go on property that is a little out-of-the-way to beat the crowds and get a bit of Disney relaxation?

Tom Sawyers island for lunch. There are benches on the other side of the first cave that sit alongside the rivers of america. Very quiet, very enjoyable.

4. What is your favorite minor or quirky attraction that is Disneyland unique?

I'd have to go with Storybook land. I am a student of the history of the park and Walt, and thus am perhaps more aware of just how personal that ride was to Walt.