Calling all EXPERTS!!!

[MUDisneyCouple]

HELP!! I'm new to the DL section of the DIS and I am in need of help from all you westcoast/DL experts. We have decided to make a trip from Vegas to DL for a two day trip to the parks...I have tons of questions - SORRY!

1. We only have 2 days - what should we see at DCA and DL?
2. How are the crowds in Oct? We'll be there from 10/18 - 10/19.
3. Would it be worth it to go to MHT one night while we are there - maybe the 18th? How are the crowds/lines for rides? Is MHT only at DCA?(we've never been to a holiday at any of the parks)

Thanks for the help! We just got back from a great trip to WDW and out of the blue were given this small opportunity - WOW! We really appreciate your help!

 

[DLR29]

1. We only have 2 days - what should we see at DCA and DL?
2. How are the crowds in Oct? We'll be there from 10/18 - 10/19.
3. Would it be worth it to go to MHT one night while we are there - maybe the 18th? How are the crowds/lines for rides? Is MHT only at DCA?(we've never been to a holiday at any of the parks)

1. If you've been to WDW several times and DL (never?) limited times, here's what I'd make sure to hit because of their uniqueness to the DLR:

Indiana Jones Adventure (like Dinosaur with better scenery and audio and everything)
Haunted Mansion Holiday (a twist on HM)
Pirate's Lair (Tom Sawyer Island with more stuff to explore)
Pinocchio, Mr. Toad (Fantasyland dark rides unique to DL, sorry but Alice in Wonderland will be closed during your visit)
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (controlled spinning dark ride in Toontown)
Matterhorn (1st tubular steel coaster in the world)
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (get there early or prepare to wait a while)
*California Screamin (If you're into the big thrill roller coasters)
*Grizzly River Run (If the weather's nice it's a good ride. better than Kali)
*Monster's Inc. (the only traditional style dark ride at DCA)

*at DCA

With 2 days, getting there early, using FP, and hitting big rides earlier while saving high capacity rides for the afternoon, you should see everything you want multiple times. I went for 2 days in December and got on 60 something rides last year.

2. Lower crowds than most of the year. Lines for major rides tend to be around the 30 minute mark at the longest. Many rides have much shorter lines.

3. Since you only have 2 days, I'd say skip the MHT and enjoy DL at night instead. Save your 29/39 dollars for gifts or a dinner or something. Especially not on Friday when Fantasmic and the fireworks are showing with the park open from 8 to midnight.

Definitely get to the parks at opening. Because Thursday is an early entry day, but a 2 day park hopper doesn't get you EE, DL will be more crowded if you enter at 10 (opening on Th), so I'd suggest going to DCA on Thursday at opening (10), see as much as you can (Aladdin is a good musical if you like that movie) and then hop over to DL when DCA closes. Then spend most of your day on Friday (entering at 8AM) at DL. If you want to see Fantasmic and the fireworks, I suggest seeing the later Fantasmic showing at 10:30 after the 9:25 fireworks.

Have fun!

 

[flyinshirer]

Woo Hoo! We are going to be there at the same time! We'll be there on Oct 18-21. I can't wait!

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Thanks for the info, DLR29! This will be our first trip to DL and it will only be for 2 days, so the insider info is GREAT!!! I'm bummed about Alice, but at least we're getting to go where Walt started it all.

Any other opinions on MHT? My DH and I are having a debate about it and would love more info on it. I'm guessing the extras are the characters, right? We've never been to anything holiday at any of the parks, but did go to the WDW Pirate/Princess hard ticket event which had extra fireworks and a parade...anything like that at MHT???

flyinshirer - are you going to MHT while you are there?

Sorry for all the ??s, just want to be prepared to get the most out of it!!

THANKS!!!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks for the info, DLR29! This will be our first trip to DL and it will only be for 2 days, so the insider info is GREAT!!! I'm bummed about Alice, but at least we're getting to go where Walt started it all.

Any other opinions on MHT? My DH and I are having a debate about it and would love more info on it. I'm guessing the extras are the characters, right? We've never been to anything holiday at any of the parks, but did go to the WDW Pirate/Princess hard ticket event which had extra fireworks and a parade...anything like that at MHT???

flyinshirer - are you going to MHT while you are there?

Sorry for all the ??s, just want to be prepared to get the most out of it!!

THANKS!!!!

If you're only going to be there for 2 days, I wouldn't waste my time with MHT. There is far too much to see and do in DL than to waste any time with something they're going to charge you $29 extra for. JMO... Have Fun!!!!

 

[flyinshirer]

I am assuming that MHT is the Halloween party thing? If it is, then yes. We are going on that Thurs the 18th. If it were just me and my hubby, we wouldn't go, but I have 2 girls and my sis. (7, 10 & 16) So we are all very excited to go.

 

[Leofoenget]

Thursday 18th and Friday 19th are good times to go. Thursday especially should have low crowds.

have fun

 

[Hound 109]

I would add the following attractions for the WDW vet "do not miss" list:

- Alice (unless it's being refurbed)
- Mr Toad
- Pinocchio
- Storybookland Canal Ride
(all of these are in FL, which is far nicer in DL thank MK)

EDIT - I MISSED THAT DLR ALREADY MENTIONED THESE.

- IASW (same ride, but much prettier layout than MK)
- Buzz (the pistols pull out & you can shoot 360 degrees. )

I you haven't read the HydroGuy stickys on the first page of the DL board, do so. (every one of them)

Have fun.

 

[TheZue]

I just wanna add I would do the teacups at night. Unlike WDW they are uncovered with really neat lights. The line is generally almost non existant and it's a quick detour while you are running around fantasy land Also behind the castle there is a sword in the stone display that looks AWSOME at night and is a great place for pics.

 

[tink2dw]

While behide the castle find the Princess And Prince restrooms!! I had been to DL 3 times before happening into the Princess restroom, it blows away any other bathroom facility in the parks. And is a Must do for the little Princess set!! They will love it!!!

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Awesome! Thanks a lot!

Still don't know about the Halloween party...what's DCA like at night? Are there any don't miss things at night there? I'm guessing that a day will be enough for DCA so we should spend more time at DL - is this right??

 

[DLR29]

Awesome! Thanks a lot!

Still don't know about the Halloween party...what's DCA like at night? Are there any don't miss things at night there? I'm guessing that a day will be enough for DCA so we should spend more time at DL - is this right??

DCA at night is nothing special except for maybe Screamin, ToT, and Grizzly River Run (which you won't want to do at night because of the temperature). A day is probably more than enough for DCA depending on what you want to do. There are only 5 major things that I have to see:
-Soarin
-California Screamin
-Tower of Terror
-Grizzly River Run
-It's Tough to be a Bug

There's also the Monster's Inc. ride and Turtle Talk w/ Crush and some people just love the Aladdin Musical. Other than that, there's not much that's very interesting. DL has tons of more interesting rides/things to do.

 

[jemilah]

Ok if you love Haloween then do MHT..........it is a great time and short lines for the rides. If Halloween is just another day for you then skip it. I would pick MHT over Fantasmic any day.

 

[eduk8r26]

Friday the 19th is sold out, has been for some time now.

 

[PixiePowered]

DCA is, IMO, a half day park. And an absolute must... SEE ALADDIN the musical! It's by far, the best musical in all of DL and WDW

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

You guys have been great sources of information...we truly appreciate it! If the 19th is sold out than it was not meant to be. We LOVE Halloween, but due to the shortness of our trip I didn't know if we would have the time. Oh, well...just means that we'll have to go back!

One more ? (don't shoot me ): Is HM in holiday mode all throughout the October?

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

An addition to my previous post: will the decorations be up all day or just for the party at night. We went to the Pirate/Princess party at WDW and they only put up the decor on the nights of the parties...THANKS!!!

 

[jemilah]

Yes haunted mansion will have the Nightmare theme.....it's awsome! Look on the disneyland.com website for all the special things they are doing for Halloween in both parks. It is a cool website , I have looked at it about 10 times!

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Thanks!!! Can't wait...this trip is totally a last minute add-on to a Vegas trip, so all the advice is great!!!