Back from DCA and No Crowds!

[kincal]

My DD (10) and I went to DCA yesterday. It was our first visit to DCA. I thought we might be in for crowds with Spring Break, but we were pleasantly surprised. We arrived at 8:10am and were amazed by the lack of people around. It made for a perfect park day - we walked on just about every ride - including Soaring. The longest wait was for Screamin' at 6:30pm - a 10 minute wait!

My DD's favorite attraction was Screamin'. She also liked the bakery and tortilla factory tours - which I thought were interesting as well (although our family is in the industrial automation business so that may account for part of our interest). She also liked the Redwood Challenge Trail. I liked Disney Animation - what a fun place! I was actually disappointed in Soaring - the scenery changes were quite abrupt and there were little black spots "dancing" all over the screen that were quite distracting.

DCA is definitely not Disneyland - it is a much different experience. I can say that I missed a bit of the Disney feel that I get when I am at Disneyland - but the place grew on me as the day went by.

All in all, we had a wonderful day together.

 

[Greg K.]

...not sure the Disney executives would share your feelings about that "pleasant surprise." Attendance at DCA has not been what they expected, by a long shot. There are continuing reports of irritated and disappointed guests receiving comps into Disneyland.

That said, I'm hoping things will remain uncrowded for a while. Or at least until we finish our visit next month.

<font color=blue>
<font face="Alaska">"It's the time of your life, so live it well..."

Greg K.
Forest Hills, NY
<font color=maroon>
Grand Floridian: '96,'97,'99
Disneyland Hotel: '00
Paradise Pier Hotel: '01
</font>

 

[SweetP]

Kincal,

did you visit Disneyland also? I am just wondering about their crowds. We are arriving May 3rd and hoping not to deal with lots of people. I know all the Disneyland hotels were full so we are staying at a neighbot hotel....thanks!

October 1997 - Caribbean Beach
August 1998 - Coronado Springs
October 1999 - Villa at the Institute
September 2000 - Disney Institute
May 2001 - Awaiting Disneyland and DCA

 

[Greg K.]

We're arriving on May 4th and lucked out with a room at Paradise Pier, which we were able to change later to the Grand Californian. But the Disneyland Hotel, our first choice, is still booked solid.

I'm wondering about crowds, too, and thinking they might start to swell with the warmer weather.

BTW: Our Disney reservationist said there's a 72 hour cancellation policy, so there's a good chance rooms will open up then.

Keep trying!

<font color=blue>
<font face="Alaska">"It's the time of your life, so live it well..."

Greg K.
Forest Hills, NY
<font color=maroon>
Grand Floridian: '96,'97,'99
Disneyland Hotel: '00
Grand Californian: '01
</font>

 

[SweetP]

You are absolutely right. I am going to continue calling and hopefully I will get a great deal!!!

October 1997 - Caribbean Beach
August 1998 - Coronado Springs
October 1999 - Villa at the Institute
September 2000 - Disney Institute
May 2001 - Awaiting Disneyland and DCA

 

[robinb]

I think that the crowds will increase once Park Hopping is available.


-- Robin

 

[pnelson]

SweetP,

We went in March over a weekend including a MOnday. It was cloudy the first 2 days and DCA was not crowded. On Monday, it was sunny and we went to Disneyland. It was so crowded that by 11 o'clock you couldn't move. Unbelieveable for a MOnday really. I don't know if it was this way because it was the first sunny day Anaheim had had in a while or what. I would expect Disneyland to be crowded on your visit.

About your room, did you try calling the hotel directly? I first tried on the website and through a travel agent. Sold Out!! When I called the hotel directly, there was a room available.

[This message was edited by pnelson on 04-11-01 at 05:03 PM.]

 

[kincal]

SweetP-

My DD and I did not go to Disneyland this visit. We only live an hour away and have visited Disneyland often - we wanted to see DCA. I think we lucked out with so few people there.

I'm not sure what the crowds will be like the first part of May - won't most of the Spring Breakers be back at school before the summer break? I hope so for you, although if the hotels are full that may not be the case.

I always prepare myself for crowds - that way if there aren't any it is a nice surprise.

Whatever happens, enjoy your visit!

 

[SweetP]

Thanks for the suggestion to call the hotel directly, I had not thought of that. But now that we are so close to May 3rd we are thinking that we're just going to stay where we are and use the extra $$$ to treat the kids to Universal Studios and a few readlly nice dinners and possible the Lion King play.

Has anyone seen it yet in L.A.?

So far as the crowds go, we are trying to prepare as much as possible. When we go to WDW we always go on off season to avoid crowds. So by arriving early and taking breaks, I hope we can manage.

Keep the great ideas coming!!!!

October 1997 - Caribbean Beach
August 1998 - Coronado Springs
October 1999 - Villa at the Institute
September 2000 - Disney Institute
May 2001 - Awaiting Disneyland and DCA

 

[Greg K.]

I saw "The Lion King" here in New York, and it's a stunner. Bring a hanky. The first five minutes alone brought tears to my eyes! I could barely hear the lyrics to "The Circle of Life" because the audience was gasping, cheering, applauding and laughing. It's amazing.

If there's anything more ingenious on stage right now, I haven't seen it.

<font color=blue>
<font face="Alaska">"It's the time of your life, so live it well..."

Greg K.
Forest Hills, NY
<font color=maroon>
Grand Floridian: '96,'97,'99
Disneyland Hotel: '00
Grand Californian: '01
</font>

 

[minniecarousel]

Hey - SweetP - we'll be there at the same time! I called Grand Californian directly and got a room for 3 nights - @ $315 per night! (for some reason Friday night was "only" $285) But, we feel that it'll be worth it, for the park-hopping priveleges! We're driving down, and if we leave by 5 AM - we'll be there by 11AM!! I'll be wearing my lime green ribbon - probably on my fanny pack!

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Lair/9541/tcarousel.gif" width=114 height=87 border=0>

 

[SweetP]

I'll have my green ribbon on also.....I'll make sure I speak if I see yours

Happy Planning!!!

October 1997 - Caribbean Beach
August 1998 - Coronado Springs
October 1999 - Villa at the Institute
September 2000 - Disney Institute
May 2001 - Awaiting Disneyland and DCA