Are there any on-site benefits at Disneyland?

[anneeb]

This is my first DL trip since childhood but I frequently go to WDW. I'm staying at the Grand Californian 5/25-5/30 and was able to book dining reservations for 5/25 today. On the app it shows the rest of the my dates but when I try to book I get an error message that the app can't check reservations at this time. On the website every day after 5/25 is greyed out. Does Disneyland not allow on site guests to book ADRs for the whole trip at 60 days from check in? Do I need to check daily? Also, for the World of Color and Fantasmic Packages do they release them at 60 days or sometimes do they get released late? I also see a Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace package but not sure if that has a good view of fireworks and not sure if this is something bookable? Any other suggestions for first time DL and what is the same and what is different compared to WDW?
Thanks!

 

[sophy1996]

At DLR dining reservations are booked day by day, even if you’re staying on-site. Dining packages may be released late; it’s not always consistent. The Terrace package is bookable but you pay even if fireworks are canceled that night (which is not uncommon due to Anaheim winds). It’s an OK fireworks view but you don’t see any projections, which is a big part of the show.

 

[mdmost]

ADRs are only open for the 60 days out so everyone gets the option to get them. So you can't go beyond 60 days like at WDW. You will need to be on every morning you want reservations. All dessert and fireworks packages should be available at 60 days out. Sometimes it's screwy and they don't load on those days. You can sign up for sites that will send you alerts when they are available. We can list them on here but you can google them. One issue is if there aren't nighttime shows during the week until around the week of Memorial Day so you won't be able to book packages. The World of Color and Fantasmic packages are really good. The dessert party is worth it. Fantasmic is better to watch from the Blue Bayou package spot and not River Belle. Our view was obstructed the last time we did it which wasn't as enjoyable. Thankfully, we had seen it before.

You get early entry and the ability to buy items and charge them back to your room with the app for staying onsite.