August 2010 trip - WDW vet

[pixarmom]

First, thanks so much to all of you for all of the great information on this forum, particularly the post for WDW vets! We are long-time WDW vets with three boys, and I have not been to DL since I was nine years old. Our touring style at WDW is a combination of what Hydroguy and Hound 109 describe, with help from the Unofficial Guides. We plan strategies, arrive before park opening, park hop, and stay until parks close, and we use both fastpass and babyswap a lot. We ride favorites multiple times, and we never wait more than 15 minutes. We always stay on property at WDW (for immersion, not for breaks - we don't go back during the day - long story, but it works better for us that way.)

Given all of that, I have a few specific questions, so I'm hoping someone has a few moments to answer:

1) During babyswap time at WDW, we make use of everything Pixar. I've seen DLR has Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, Bugs, Monsters and the Pixar parade. If anyone knows where to find more characters, stores, shows, etc. involving anything Pixar, I would really appreciate the tips!

2) We are visiting DLR for a couple days before our annual Newport vacation, and the DLR dates are pretty firm - August 21-23. I've read the AP thread, and I'm concerned. Our flight lands at LAX on the morning of the 21st, so we were planning to swim and tour hotels and downtown disney on the 21st, and then develop our park hopping plans for the 22nd and 23rd, but I'm wondering if we should adjust that based on the crowd information. We've been to WDW during value and peak season, and we always strategize to avoid any problems during peak season, but I'm not nearly as confident in my ability to navigate DLR during high season (especially when the AP blackout lifts!)

3) I originally planned to book the room only at GCH, and add the package later, while watching for discounts or special offers. Then a DLR rep advised me that they charge a change fee for any changes in reservations (unlike WDW). Is that accurate, and does anyone recommend booking now or is it better to wait?

Thanks!!

 

[JustAKid]

I wish I could have an infinate amount of wisdom to return the favor, unfortunately I, like you, haven't been to DL since I was a child. I'm sorry, and I hope you get your questions answered. Just wanted you to have some sort of response. Thanks again for all of your help with the Newport thing.

 

[Hound 109]

Your "touring style is a combination of Hydroguy & Hound"????? !!!!



Comments below.

First, thanks so much to all of you for all of the great information on this forum, particularly the post for WDW vets! We are long-time WDW vets with three boys, and I have not been to DL since I was nine years old. Our touring style at WDW is a combination of what Hydroguy and Hound 109 describe, with help from the Unofficial Guides. We plan strategies, arrive before park opening, park hop, and stay until parks close, and we use both fastpass and babyswap a lot. We ride favorites multiple times, and we never wait more than 15 minutes. We always stay on property at WDW (for immersion, not for breaks - we don't go back during the day - long story, but it works better for us that way.)

If you're staying at the GCH you'll be steps from the GCH when in DCA. Even if you don't take a break at WDW, you might want to give it a try at DLR, if only for a change of clothes (after Griz Rapids) & a 30 minute break from the sights & sounds during the crowded afternoon.


Given all of that, I have a few specific questions, so I'm hoping someone has a few moments to answer:

1) During babyswap time at WDW, we make use of everything Pixar. I've seen DLR has Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, Bugs, Monsters and the Pixar parade. If anyone knows where to find more characters, stores, shows, etc. involving anything Pixar, I would really appreciate the tips!

The Bugs Life in DCA area has the cute Heimlich Chew Chew Train. Crush (same as in Epcot) is also enjoyed in DCA. Since you're asking about characters & stores, I'd ask this same question again with PIXAR in the question & i bet more people respond. (i'm clueless about stores & don't pay much attention to the characters). I do think the Cars hang out near Soarin' though.


2) We are visiting DLR for a couple days before our annual Newport vacation, and the DLR dates are pretty firm - August 21-23. I've read the AP thread, and I'm concerned. Our flight lands at LAX on the morning of the 21st, so we were planning to swim and tour hotels and downtown disney on the 21st, and then develop our park hopping plans for the 22nd and 23rd, but I'm wondering if we should adjust that based on the crowd information. We've been to WDW during value and peak season, and we always strategize to avoid any problems during peak season, but I'm not nearly as confident in my ability to navigate DLR during high season (especially when the AP blackout lifts!)

With only 2 days....& since you're arriving in the morning, I would strongly urge you also enjoy the parks the day that you arrive. (do you know the days of the week?) Get your bearings, get a few "must do's" out of the way that aren't obvious like Aladdin, Storybookland, Toy Story, maybe Nemo & the Fireworks.

Personally, I'd do the "hotel & DTD touring" for a couple of hours each afternoon (when it's crowded). The DLR hotels & DTD are literally a couple of minutes from the parks (by foot or by Monorail).

The price of a 3 day hopper vrs. a 2 day hopper is well worth the cost, especially if you can tour for 3 or more hours.


3) I originally planned to book the room only at GCH, and add the package later, while watching for discounts or special offers. Then a DLR rep advised me that they charge a change fee for any changes in reservations (unlike WDW). Is that accurate, and does anyone recommend booking now or is it better to wait?

Hopefully someone can help on this. I remember this topic discussed a couple of months ago. Maybe pose this question again with "Package vrs. Hotel direct" in the tag line & you'll get some responses from those who've already walked in your shoes.

Thanks!!

 

[pixarmom]

I wish I could have an infinate amount of wisdom to return the favor, unfortunately I, like you, haven't been to DL since I was a child. I'm sorry, and I hope you get your questions answered. Just wanted you to have some sort of response. Thanks again for all of your help with the Newport thing.

That's so nice of you! Thanks!! (And ask more Newport questions at any time!)

 

[pixarmom]

Your "touring style is a combination of Hydroguy & Hound"????? !!!!



Comments below.

Our boys have a LOT of energy, so we do, too! Thank you so much for all the great information (about DLR and about posting - I'm new to both.) I'm sold on the 3-day pass idea, especially if there are particular times that it will be best to get out of the parks.

You asked about the days of the week: August 21 (arrival day) is a Saturday and all APs (except premium, I see!) are blocked. August 22 is a Sunday and only the SoCal select are blocked. August 23 is a Monday, and no APs are blocked. Any additional suggestions based on that information would be great!

 

[Judy from Boise]

you should have nice long hours, so that break may be a good idea, or a swim in the great GC pool. One tip is to use that last hour of each evening wisely. get into a e-ticket ride queue about 20 minutes prior to "closing" to get that last ride of the day done on "bonus" time.

 

[pixarmom]

you should have nice long hours, so that break may be a good idea, or a swim in the great GC pool. One tip is to use that last hour of each evening wisely. get into a e-ticket ride queue about 20 minutes prior to "closing" to get that last ride of the day done on "bonus" time.

Thank you, Judy!! I'm now sold on both the 3-day pass and the break during the day. I really appreciate this DL-specific advice, and our kids aren't as interested in the night parades and shows, so this is good to know!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you, Judy!! I'm now sold on both the 3-day pass and the break during the day. I really appreciate this DL-specific advice, and our kids aren't as interested in the night parades and shows, so this is good to know!

I noticed you found some of my posts already. If you read this one below it will agree with Judy and give more background on why hotel breaks work so well in the summer.

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[Hound 109]

Our boys have a LOT of energy, so we do, too! Thank you so much for all the great information (about DLR and about posting - I'm new to both.) I'm sold on the 3-day pass idea, especially if there are particular times that it will be best to get out of the parks.

You asked about the days of the week: August 21 (arrival day) is a Saturday and all APs (except premium, I see!) are blocked. August 22 is a Sunday and only the SoCal select are blocked. August 23 is a Monday, and no APs are blocked. Any additional suggestions based on that information would be great!

I wouldn't be concerned about the APs. But do count on the parks (especially DL) being semi-crowded to crowded on Sat....& from 11am - 8pm on Sun & Mon.

Obviously things can change in 10 months, but if it was me....& i was:

- arriving at noonish on a Sat. in August.
- Staying at the GCH for two nights.
- Plan on enjoying DLR for 6-8 hours on Sat. & most of Sunday & Monday

.... then I would use Sat. as my get aquainted with the parks day. & do a few things where long lines aren't as much an issue. Such as:

- Pick up a Buzz or BTMRR FP when you get to DL
- Pirates Lair Island.
- Horse Drawn Carriages
- Star Tours
- Jedi Training
- Maybe get Storybookland or Nemo out of the way.
- Fireworks
- the Aladdin Show in DCA. (I know your boys don't do shows, but it's great!)

Sunday - (GET UP EARLY!!!)

- MM. Read Hydroguy's many tip threads which discuss MM, FPs & touring strategies.
- Basically it's best to start in DL, hop (at some point) to DCA. Then a few steps in the afternoon to your GCH room / pool (via the GCH/DCA entrance) for a break. Back to DCA (or explore DTD....which is also adjacent to the GCH....look at a map) for a couple of hours....then back to DL at night (hopefully with 3-5 FPs in your pocket...which you'll need because it will be more crowded).
- On Monday repeat the process of Sunday (but w/o MM, so you can start an hour later). Catch the rides you missed the first two days....or repeat the favorites....but pick up FPs as you tour.

How old are the kids? Have they done Jedi Training at WDW?

 

[HydroGuy]

I wouldn't be concerned about the APs. But do count on the parks (especially DL) being semi-crowded to crowded on Sat....& from 11am - 8pm on Sun & Mon.

Obviously things can change in 10 months, but if it was me....& i was:

- arriving at noonish on a Sat. in August.
- Staying at the GCH for two nights.
- Plan on enjoying DLR for 6-8 hours on Sat. & most of Sunday & Monday

.... then I would use Sat. as my get aquainted with the parks day. & do a few things where long lines aren't as much an issue. Such as:

- Pick up a Buzz or BTMRR FP when you get to DL
- Pirates Lair Island.
- Horse Drawn Carriages
- Star Tours
- Jedi Training
- Maybe get Storybookland or Nemo out of the way.
- Fireworks
- the Aladdin Show in DCA. (I know your boys don't do shows, but it's great!)

Sunday - (GET UP EARLY!!!)

- MM. Read Hydroguy's many tip threads which discuss MM, FPs & touring strategies.
- Basically it's best to start in DL, hop (at some point) to DCA. Then a few steps in the afternoon to your GCH room / pool (via the GCH/DCA entrance) for a break. Back to DCA (or explore DTD....which is also adjacent to the GCH....look at a map) for a couple of hours....then back to DL at night (hopefully with 3-5 FPs in your pocket...which you'll need because it will be more crowded).
- On Monday repeat the process of Sunday (but w/o MM, so you can start an hour later). Catch the rides you missed the first two days....or repeat the favorites....but pick up FPs as you tour.

How old are the kids? Have they done Jedi Training at WDW?

I would add that if I was arriving late I would focus more on shows than rides as you are on a level playing field with everyone else. Except maybe for World of Color that may require passes. Do the rides Hound mentions but also give priority to shows on the first day if arriving late.

 

[JustAKid]

I wouldn't be concerned about the APs. But do count on the parks (especially DL) being semi-crowded to crowded on Sat....& from 11am - 8pm on Sun & Mon.

Obviously things can change in 10 months, but if it was me....& i was:

- arriving at noonish on a Sat. in August.
- Staying at the GCH for two nights.
- Plan on enjoying DLR for 6-8 hours on Sat. & most of Sunday & Monday

.... then I would use Sat. as my get aquainted with the parks day. & do a few things where long lines aren't as much an issue. Such as:

- Pick up a Buzz or BTMRR FP when you get to DL
- Pirates Lair Island.
- Horse Drawn Carriages
- Star Tours
- Jedi Training
- Maybe get Storybookland or Nemo out of the way.
- Fireworks
- the Aladdin Show in DCA. (I know your boys don't do shows, but it's great!)

Sunday - (GET UP EARLY!!!)

- MM. Read Hydroguy's many tip threads which discuss MM, FPs & touring strategies.
- Basically it's best to start in DL, hop (at some point) to DCA. Then a few steps in the afternoon to your GCH room / pool (via the GCH/DCA entrance) for a break. Back to DCA (or explore DTD....which is also adjacent to the GCH....look at a map) for a couple of hours....then back to DL at night (hopefully with 3-5 FPs in your pocket...which you'll need because it will be more crowded).
- On Monday repeat the process of Sunday (but w/o MM, so you can start an hour later). Catch the rides you missed the first two days....or repeat the favorites....but pick up FPs as you tour.

After reading this post I thought you might be interested in the Welcome tour. Here's a thread about it, including perks which are listed in post #6. Thought that since you don't have a whole lot of time, this might help you. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2287666

 

[pixarmom]

Thank you Hound, HydroGuy and JustaKid!!! I really appreciate the helpful responses, and I'm already feeling more confident - even if I don't know DLR, at least I have this great information and a much better idea of the factors that should influence our plans.

In answer to the question about ages and Jedi training, funny you should ask! Our boys are 3, 10 and 11 (that's why we combine babyswap along with fastpass - great for the older boys.) The older boys have both participated in Jedi Training at WDW, but in separate trips - the cast member picked one or the other. They are trying to figure out how they can both be selected at the same time (matching tower of terror t-shirts have not worked!)

 

[Judy from Boise]

have them sit next to each other and each hold a sign saying "don't pick me...pick my brother"

 

[JustAKid]

Thank you Hound, HydroGuy and JustaKid!!! I really appreciate the helpful responses, and I'm already feeling more confident - even if I don't know DLR, at least I have this great information and a much better idea of the factors that should influence our plans.

In answer to the question about ages and Jedi training, funny you should ask! Our boys are 3, 10 and 11 (that's why we combine babyswap along with fastpass - great for the older boys.) The older boys have both participated in Jedi Training at WDW, but in separate trips - the cast member picked one or the other. They are trying to figure out how they can both be selected at the same time (matching tower of terror t-shirts have not worked!)

I've heard that matching shirts worked, because the CM see that they're together, but those were Star Wars themed shirts. I've also heard a LOT about signs, including how to smuggle them in. I know it's silly to keep posting thread links, but it really is the best way to get a lot of information across so....here's a link about how to get your child noticed at Jedi Training in DL http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699&highlight=Jedi

Also, here's one about clever signs people have used...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2278357&highlight=Jedi

 

[pixarmom]

Excellent! "Pick my brother" signs and the Star Wars t-shirts (we have plenty of those - not a problem!)