Bunch of questions from someone who's been away from DLR for a while

roma753

Earning My Ears
Joined
Jul 20, 2011
Messages
14
Hi there!

I'm a former Floridian who has lived in Northern California for a very long time. I haven't been down to DLR for over 8 years (and WDW has been even longer). My mom just called me, and she's arranging a trip to DLR for all of my siblings (we're all adults), and both of my brothers will be bringing their 3-year-old sons for their first ever trips to DL! They live in central California, so they are planning to drive down, spend the day, and drive back. Personally, I think that's crazy, so I just booked two nights at a walking-distance hotel for a reasonable rate. But now I have a bunch of questions!

1. I'll be driving down and checking into the hotel, probably around 2 pm on a Friday. I'll be meeting my family for the Big Reunion trip to DL on Saturday morning. FIRST QUESTION: Is it worth it for me to buy a 2-day pass and visit the park on a Friday night by myself?

2. I went when DCA opened, but I was underwhelmed. My family on Saturday will be visiting DL only. Should I bother to go back to DCA on Friday? Should I just go get a park-hopper so I can bounce between the two parks on Friday night?

3. Let's say that I end up saving the money and don't go to a park on Friday. Is there enough to do at Downtown Disney on a Friday that I won't get bored?

4. And the dumbest question. I'm debating getting a travel vest / photographers vest to wear instead of carrying a backpack. This way I could carry my camera, sunscreen, glasses, and even a guidebook. Does anyone have any experience with one of those?

5. Any suggestions about guidebooks or itinerary websites? I'm really into hidden Mickeys/backstage info/imagineering details/park trivia.

6. Any suggestions for iPhone apps?

Thanks so much in advance!
Bill
 
I can suggest a couple of good reads:

The Disneyland Encyclopedia: The Unofficial, Unauthorized, and Unprecedented History of Every Land, Attraction, Restaurant, Shop, and Event in the Original Magic Kingdom by Chris Strodder

Mouse Tales and More Mouse Tales, by David Koenig (he also wrote Realityland, which was like Mouse Tales for WDW).

The Vault of Walt by Jim Korkis - he's sometimes on one of the disney blogs- I can't remember if I heard him on DisUnplugged or somewhere else, but the book is great!

I'm sure others can speak to your other questions ;) but I'm a backpack gal, so I'd skip the vest.
 
Have fun!!!!

1. I'll be driving down and checking into the hotel, probably around 2 pm on a Friday. I'll be meeting my family for the Big Reunion trip to DL on Saturday morning. FIRST QUESTION: Is it worth it for me to buy a 2-day pass and visit the park on a Friday night by myself? YES! It will give you time to explore the park on your own, at your own pace.

2. I went when DCA opened, but I was underwhelmed. My family on Saturday will be visiting DL only. Should I bother to go back to DCA on Friday? Should I just go get a park-hopper so I can bounce between the two parks on Friday night? Again, I suggest yes. DCA has changed A LOT since it opened and there are so many wonderful new rides. If you love roller coasters you have to try California Screamin'

3. Let's say that I end up saving the money and don't go to a park on Friday. Is there enough to do at Downtown Disney on a Friday that I won't get bored? You could see all of DTD in one night. Boredom depends on your interests. There are varied shops to check out and great food to enjoy, but the more interactive shops are designed for kids (ie. Lego Store, Build A Bear, etc.)

4. And the dumbest question. I'm debating getting a travel vest / photographers vest to wear instead of carrying a backpack. This way I could carry my camera, sunscreen, glasses, and even a guidebook. Does anyone have any experience with one of those?Nope, sorry, but we always carry a backpack or camelback and they are handy

5. Any suggestions about guidebooks or itinerary websites? I'm really into hidden Mickeys/backstage info/imagineering details/park trivia. If you have an Iphone, the MouseWait app has a list of the Hidden Mickey's. There is also a book of Hidden Mickey's with a checklist that is sold at most bookstores in the travel section as well as at DLR. A lot of trivia you can find on DIS or online. However, I love the two books, "Mouse Tales" and "More Mouse Tales"....they had a lot of back stories and secrets I enjoyed reading.

6. Any suggestions for iPhone apps? hehe....see above...I also like the Wishing Stars app
 
Welcome back Roma. :thumbsup2

If you're arriving at 2pm Friday, I'd get a 2 day park hopper....period. Reasons & comments in your post below:

Hi there!

I'm a former Floridian who has lived in Northern California for a very long time. I haven't been down to DLR for over 8 years (and WDW has been even longer). My mom just called me, and she's arranging a trip to DLR for all of my siblings (we're all adults), and both of my brothers will be bringing their 3-year-old sons for their first ever trips to DL!

Sounds great....but you'll be glad that you have that 2 day hopper after their 2nd meltdown or desire to ride Goofy's coaster 4 times in a row. (you can slide over to DCA & ride Griz Rapids or Screamin' Single rider :)).


They live in central California, so they are planning to drive down, spend the day, and drive back. Personally, I think that's crazy,

You're right....they're nuts, but that's their problem. :laughing:


.....so I just booked two nights at a walking-distance hotel for a reasonable rate. But now I have a bunch of questions!

Very smart. You can enjoy 6-10 hours of DLR on Friday (& depending on how early they arrive on Sat., you'll enjoy a couple of early morning hours on Sat.


1. I'll be driving down and checking into the hotel, probably around 2 pm on a Friday. I'll be meeting my family for the Big Reunion trip to DL on Saturday morning.

When do they arrive?? If not by 7:30am....then meet them INSIDE the park.


FIRST QUESTION: Is it worth it for me to buy a 2-day pass and visit the park on a Friday night by myself?

Definitely agree with Mrs.Pinup. 2 day Park hopper pass & you can go Single commando on Friday afternoon & evening. & maybe the first couple of hours on Saturday.


2. I went when DCA opened, but I was underwhelmed. My family on Saturday will be visiting DL only. Should I bother to go back to DCA on Friday? Should I just go get a park-hopper so I can bounce between the two parks on Friday night?

Lots to keep you busy at BOTH parks on Friday (& when you want to on Sat.) Must do's in DCA would include Screamin, Soarin, TOT, Toy Story, Griz Rapids, Monsters Inc, Bugs Life (if you haven't done it).....& possibly 4-6 other attractions along with maybe WOC.


3. Let's say that I end up saving the money and don't go to a park on Friday. Is there enough to do at Downtown Disney on a Friday that I won't get bored?

You're a guy. It's a shopping mall. The family will be dragging you thru it anyway on Sat......skip DTD & do the parks solo on Friday. :cool2:


4. And the dumbest question. I'm debating getting a travel vest / photographers vest to wear instead of carrying a backpack. This way I could carry my camera, sunscreen, glasses, and even a guidebook. Does anyone have any experience with one of those?

Not a dumb question. You're a guy. You have no kids to schlep stuff for. NO backpack, NO vest. (Memorize the guidebook or put the highlights on a piece of paper or your phone). The only thing you need is CARGO pants. Phone, your one key, small sunscreen, sunglasses & camera.....all goes into Cargo pockets. Hands free & no stinkin' purse....er i mean backpack. :)


5. Any suggestions about guidebooks or itinerary websites? I'm really into hidden Mickeys/backstage info/imagineering details/park trivia.

Great info posted by Pinup & Alysa above......& ttf pooh below. :)


6. Any suggestions for iPhone apps?

I defer to others.

Thanks so much in advance!
Bill

Bill, know FP & know how to park hop. Read the following threads (& my one day report in my siggy below) & put together a plan for Friday (& the first 2 hours of Sat.). You don't have to follow the plans, but when you make a plan, you're learning how to work the parks. Then report back. :hippie:

Threads you should know:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

& my park hop thread - "Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

Have a great time at Walt's Park. :thumbsup2

:)
 

As far as reading up I could not agree more with getting your hands on a copy of the Disneyland Encyclopedia. I got it from our local library and could not put it down. I talked about it so much that my DH bought me a copy off of ebay.

Secondly, see if you can find a copy of Walt Disney Treasures: Disneyland Secrets, Stories & Magic. I found a copy at my local library. It's out of print now and most copies that can be found on ebay will go for anywhere from $70-$100++. It's a fantastic 2 DVD series all about DLR with interviews from those who helped create the Park to those who are continuing with the updates. It also has a lot of original footage from the parks opening. Really, a great DVD if you can find it and are into the historical side of DLR, which I really got into while planning our upcoming trip.

As far as staying for enough time, I'd say splurge and get the 2 day pass if you can and enjoy yourself. If you're reading up on the history that might be a great time to explore some of the places you read about.
 
I'll go out on a limb here and suggest since you are staying 2 nights, that you get a 3 day parkhopper. You'll use a day for Friday night, a day for Saturday and a day for Sunday morning. If you get the 3 day hopper you have access to MM on Sat. or Sun. AND you won't have to get any one else up and out the door for park entrance that early (7 am). It's really the perfect time to get the FL rides done - or in your case maybe a chance to ride Star Tours with only a small wait.

You can hit the repeats that you want to see on Sunday or any rides that you wanted to ride, but didn't get a chance to ride and then head home.

Most hotels will hold your stuff for you in a secure room, so you don't have to leave it in your car and you might be able to leave your car parked in the hotel/motel parking lot until afternoon.

Good luck with your trip planning. :thumbsup2
 
I'm NOT a guy, but I agree with Hound on the no purse...backpack...vest thing. All I carry are my phone, room key, parkhopper, yuppie food coupon (20 dollar bill) and camera. And I don't always carry the camera!!!!
 
Another awesome book - Mousejunkies by Bill Burke!! It's awesome- I've lent my copy to everyone!! It's a little WDW-centric, but it talks about other parks too.
 
I'm NOT a guy, but I agree with Hound on the no purse...backpack...vest thing. All I carry are my phone, room key, parkhopper, yuppie food coupon (20 dollar bill) and camera. And I don't always carry the camera!!!!

I'm with Dobie and Hound on this, also. I carry my phone, one credit card, driver's license and a 20 (I love my pockets). DH usually carries the parkhoppers and FP's in his lanyard and the camera and of course, his wallet.
 
Secondly, see if you can find a copy of Walt Disney Treasures: Disneyland Secrets, Stories & Magic. I found a copy at my local library. It's out of print now and most copies that can be found on ebay will go for anywhere from $70-$100++. .
Really?! I have that movie. Crazy expensive!
 





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