Changed from WDW to California

[pauldolling]

We have had to change our family vacation from Florida to California becuase of Hurrican Frances. We had our entire vacation cancelled by our tour operator at 10.45 yesterday, just 36 hours before we were due to fly out of the UK to Orlando. We really feel for the residents of Florida as this is there home,

We managed to book flights from heathrow airport London flying the next day (today) and are now looking forward to our second Disneyland vacation. The last time we went to Ca was 6 years ago so we are really looking forward to leaving in 3 hours time. Our two kids ( 3 1/2 and 2 are really exited too)

 

[lap3]

That's too bad you had to change your plans. WDW would have been fun. Have a great time here in Southern California. From what I hear, Disneyland is going through some renovations to get ready for next year. Nonetheless, I hope you and your family have a great time!

 

[pauldolling]

Thanks lap3, just glad we can still have a vacation and get away from all the stress!
Looking forward to the Californian sun!

 

[PAFamily]

We actually did the same thing! We were scheduled to arrive in WDW Saturday but changed our plans and we are now going to Disneyland! Any advice for a WDW veteran with 2 small kids? This is our first Disneyland experience.

 

[iceskatejen]

One tip--get to Fantasyland early because none of the rides offer Fastpass, and by 9:30-10:00 (if the park opens at 8) all the lines will be long, though they usually go down a bit during parades. If the park opens later, generally Fantasyland will just get crowded faster.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

First off- enjoy Tarp land as thats ALL DL seems to be right now-

but the good news is Big Thunder reopened this week

so I think all the big rides (except Space) are open for the Labor Day weekend (I know Snow Whits Adv is closed)

If you have small kids start in Fantasyland as you can get most of them rode before 11ish and little to no lines

If you have older kids start on the West side (Frontierland/Critter/Adventureland)

Splash/Thunder/Indy/Roger/Star Tours(iffy) still have Fast Pass, Mansion and Pirates do not-

HAVE FUN!

-em

 

[ksjayhawks]

Here's a little more info on fastpass. Not all machines are networked, so you can get one fastpass at a networked machine, then go to those that aren't and get more.

From another poster:

"First off, there are TWO networks, one for the Disneyland Park, and a second for Disney's California Adventure. They are totally separate, so you can always get one FASTPASS for each park.

Independent Machines (AKA Stand-Alone)

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin(DL)
Star Tours(DL)

Grizzly River Run (DCA)
Muppet Vision 3D (DCA)
It's Tough to be a Bug! (DCA)"

 

[jlmarr]

I'm curious how these folks did on Sunday with the record high temps - it was 102° in my shaded patio. But it was a dry heat. Seriously though, the last time I was at WDW in August it was unbearable. I thought this past weekend was quite nice despite the heat.

 

[lap3]

Originally posted by jlmarr
I'm curious how these folks did on Sunday with the record high temps - it was 102° in my shaded patio. But it was a dry heat. Seriously though, the last time I was at WDW in August it was unbearable. I thought this past weekend was quite nice despite the heat.

That's what I was wondering! I PM'd OP asking how their vacation was so I guess we'll have to wait and see...

 

[PAFamily]

We didn't mind the heat at all, in fact, it was a relief from the humidity on the east coast. Temperatures in the 80s to 90s are terrible when you have high humidity. We loved the weather, with the cool evenings (relatively) it made for great vacation weather. We are jealous we can't experience those temps year round!!!!

 

[lap3]

Originally posted by PAFamily
We didn't mind the heat at all, in fact, it was a relief from the humidity on the east coast. Temperatures in the 80s to 90s are terrible when you have high humidity. We loved the weather, with the cool evenings (relatively) it made for great vacation weather. We are jealous we can't experience those temps year round!!!!

I know what you mean. I go out to Carlisle, PA once a year on business and the humidity can get to you. Although we have our fair share of crime, smog, traffic, and crowds, the weather is by far the biggest attribute of living out here. It's a tragedy but sometimes we take it for granted. Glad to hear that you had a great time...