Critique my itinerary?

[Travis B]

I'm pretty much done planning my May DLR trip, and would love if y'all could look things over to see if I've made any blunders or if there are suggestions you'd like to make. Everyone here gives such good advice - I know that suggestions here are worthwhile.

Sat 5/7 - Arrive at SNA early afternoon, Uber to Eden Roc hotel where we will be staying. Check out DTD, possibly meet up with DBF's friend who lives in the area, and just relax/check things out.

Sun 5/8 - First of our five park days. I was going to wait to start until the 9th, but POTC will be down and I must do Pirates at DLR. So basically the goal for this day is to ride POTC at least once, walk around, get the feel of the park, do attractions, and have a try to enjoy without worrying about what we're 'accomplishing'. I know it will be busy, so I'll be happy just strolling and doing a few rides. Maybe we'll do a mid-day break. I also have reservations for WOC dessert party for this night, so at some point (maybe for sunset?) transition over to California Adventure.

Mon 5/9 - Only plans for this day are Aladdin's Oasis PTN package lunch at 1. Doing this because Blue Bayou is under refurb and unavailable. Park time. Then PTN and fireworks that night, probably staying in the same Small World PTN area for the fireworks.

Tues 5/10 - Cali Adventure day? Have reservations at Wine Country Trattoria at 4:30, will arrive super early and try to get patio spot in order to watch parade. Thoughts on this? Worth it? Are you sensing the theme of me not liking being stuck in crowds? Maybe we'll snag a WOC FP if we feel like we want to watch it again.

Weds/Thurs 5/11-12 -Going to the parks, generally doing whatever the crap we want.

Friday 5/13 - Check out of Eden Roc, get rental car, drive down to San Diego. Would appreciate advice regarding best times to drive, and any interesting spots to stop on the way. We will not be in a hurry and I want this portion of our trip to be the relaxation after touring the parks all week. Checking in at Best Western Plus Island Palms something-or-other on Shelter Island, water view room (which I'm sooo excited about).

Sat 5/14 - Enjoy San Diego. Maybe the zoo, Balboa park, scenic overlooks.. Again, generally whatever the crap we want to do.

Sun 5/15 - More San Diego time. (Or somewhere else, as we will have a car.) Eventually heading back up to a hotel next to SNA. Returning rental car. Then we fly back home the 16th.

God bless you if you've made it this far, lol! I tend to super-plan on my WDW trips, and if you can't tell already I'm really trying to leave this open and be spontaneous. Is that a mistake? Anything else I should set in stone now so I don't miss?

Also, any suggestions for our post-DLR weekend are most welcome. It will just be me and my partner, both mid 30's, pretty low-key guys. More antique store than night club.

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you might have!

 

[texasgingerbread]

On your first day since you have hoppers I would keep track of the return time FP for RSR and hop over to DCA and grab RSR FP tickets for a time at dark that doesn't interfere with WOC. It's super easy. When the return time was 30 minutes prior to what we were wanting my hubby would head that direction and hop over to grab FP. By the time he got there it was our selected time. For example, if it's 10:30am and the return time 8PM and you want 8:30PM then head over because by the time you get there the 8:00PM will be gone. When you hop to DCA try for a FP to Soarin when you first walk in and maybe you could ride Soarin and RSR as well as do WOC in DCA that night.

I personally would not eat at WCT unless it's on your list to do anyway. We ate there for the WOC package and it was good for that but if I wasn't getting something out of it, I would choose to eat elsewhere. The nice thing about the Pixar Parade is you only need to grab a curb seat 10 min before it comes by and there are no crowds. We did have a 4:40 res and watched the parade here too.

San Diego - I would visit La Jolla if you haven't been. So picturesque! Have magical trip! Don't know if you're interested in Huntington Bech but we loved the Hyatt there...it's a gorgeous resort with a spa, grottoes, pools tht all overlook the beach (across Highway 1 but no obstruction and you cannot see the cars because you are semi-elevated). I would return there in a heartbeat. You can check out chairs and umbrella from concierge and cross their private bridge and you're on the beach! Everything is close by dining wise and shopping wise. It's very much for locals.

 

[SMD]

There really isn't anything relaxing about driving to San Diego. Just try to time it so it takes you 2 hours instead of 3. Getting off the freeway for stops just adds time and stress because of how far everything is from the freeway. I guess you could take South Coast Highway from Encinitas through Torrey Pines. There are lots of traffic signals you'd avoid by staying on the freeway. I would definitely get back on the freeway and not continue the surface street route to Shelter Island. You could do a character breakfast outside the parks and be at the beach for lunch without stops, which seems more relaxing than taking yourself in and out of traffic for stops on what could be a short trip.

If you're heading back to an SNA area hotel for the last night it makes more sense to make any stops on the way back. Especially since more things would be open midday than in the morning when you're on your way down.

 

[Travis B]

On your first day since you have hoppers I would keep track of the return time FP for RSR and hop over to DCA and grab RSR FP tickets for a time at dark that doesn't interfere with WOC. It's super easy. When the return time was 30 minutes prior to what we were wanting my hubby would head that direction and hop over to grab FP. By the time he got there it was our selected time. For example, if it's 10:30am and the return time 8PM and you want 8:30PM then head over because by the time you get there the 8:00PM will be gone. When you hop to DCA try for a FP to Soarin when you first walk in and maybe you could ride Soarin and RSR as well as do WOC in DCA that night.

I personally would not eat at WCT unless it's on your list to do anyway. We ate there for the WOC package and it was good for that but if I wasn't getting something out of it, I would choose to eat elsewhere. The nice thing about the Pixar Parade is you only need to grab a curb seat 10 min before it comes by and there are no crowds. We did have a 4:40 res and watched the parade here too.

San Diego - I would visit La Jolla if you haven't been. So picturesque! Have magical trip! Don't know if you're interested in Huntington Bech but we loved the Hyatt there...it's a gorgeous resort with a spa, grottoes, pools tht all overlook the beach (across Highway 1 but no obstruction and you cannot see the cars because you are semi-elevated). I would return there in a heartbeat. You can check out chairs and umbrella from concierge and cross their private bridge and you're on the beach! Everything is close by dining wise and shopping wise. It's very much for locals.

Good advice on RSR - would I track the return times using the Disneyland app? Thanks for the heads up on WCT. If it's that easy to get parade viewing I may just skip it.

 

[Travis B]

There really isn't anything relaxing about driving to San Diego. Just try to time it so it takes you 2 hours instead of 3. Getting off the freeway for stops just adds time and stress because of how far everything is from the freeway. I guess you could take South Coast Highway from Encinitas through Torrey Pines. There are lots of traffic signals you'd avoid by staying on the freeway. I would definitely get back on the freeway and not continue the surface street route to Shelter Island. You could do a character breakfast outside the parks and be at the beach for lunch without stops, which seems more relaxing than taking yourself in and out of traffic for stops on what could be a short trip.

If you're heading back to an SNA area hotel for the last night it makes more sense to make any stops on the way back. Especially since more things would be open midday than in the morning when you're on your way down.

Thanks for the reality check, I think we will leave Anaheim mid-morning to try and avoid rush hour just head straight down on the most efficient route.

 

[jsmla]

On your first day since you have hoppers I would keep track of the return time FP for RSR and hop over to DCA and grab RSR FP tickets for a time at dark that doesn't interfere with WOC. It's super easy. When the return time was 30 minutes prior to what we were wanting my hubby would head that direction and hop over to grab FP. By the time he got there it was our selected time. For example, if it's 10:30am and the return time 8PM and you want 8:30PM then head over because by the time you get there the 8:00PM will be gone. When you hop to DCA try for a FP to Soarin when you first walk in and maybe you could ride Soarin and RSR as well as do WOC in DCA that night.

Does everyone in the party need to go to DCA for RSR FPs? If we spend the morning in Disneyland could DH head back to the hotel afterward while I hop over to DCA to get FPs for both of us?

Thanks and sorry for the hijack!

 

[texasgingerbread]

Does everyone in the party need to go to DCA for RSR FPs? If we spend the morning in Disneyland could DH head back to the hotel afterward while I hop over to DCA to get FPs for both of us?

Thanks and sorry for the hijack!

No, one person can hop over to DCA but needs to take all the tickets with them so just know you won't have them in DL during this time to grab any FPs.

 

[texasgingerbread]

Good advice on RSR - would I track the return times using the Disneyland app? Thanks for the heads up on WCT. If it's that easy to get parade viewing I may just skip it.

yes, the disneyland app will have return times. If by chance it's acting up use Ask Otto 714-520-7090.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/07/got-a-disneyland-resort-question-just-ask-otto/

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For Sun, 5/08, as long as you will be trying to get to DCA by sunset, head over a little earlier to get to Cars Land so that you can see the neon lighting of Rte. 66. Really fun! Also, if you think you will want to see WOC a second time, use your first time on Sunday night to scope out the area to see where you would want to view the show the next time. That way you will have a better idea of which area you want (blue or yellow?) and where to head once the areas open.

 

[keolalessary]

I'm pretty much done planning my May DLR trip, and would love if y'all could look things over to see if I've made any blunders or if there are suggestions you'd like to make. Everyone here gives such good advice - I know that suggestions here are worthwhile.

Sat 5/7 - Arrive at SNA early afternoon, Uber to Eden Roc hotel where we will be staying. Check out DTD, possibly meet up with DBF's friend who lives in the area, and just relax/check things out.

Sun 5/8 - First of our five park days. I was going to wait to start until the 9th, but POTC will be down and I must do Pirates at DLR. So basically the goal for this day is to ride POTC at least once, walk around, get the feel of the park, do attractions, and have a try to enjoy without worrying about what we're 'accomplishing'. I know it will be busy, so I'll be happy just strolling and doing a few rides. Maybe we'll do a mid-day break. I also have reservations for WOC dessert party for this night, so at some point (maybe for sunset?) transition over to California Adventure.

Mon 5/9 - Only plans for this day are Aladdin's Oasis PTN package lunch at 1. Doing this because Blue Bayou is under refurb and unavailable. Park time. Then PTN and fireworks that night, probably staying in the same Small World PTN area for the fireworks.

Tues 5/10 - Cali Adventure day? Have reservations at Wine Country Trattoria at 4:30, will arrive super early and try to get patio spot in order to watch parade. Thoughts on this? Worth it? Are you sensing the theme of me not liking being stuck in crowds? Maybe we'll snag a WOC FP if we feel like we want to watch it again.

Weds/Thurs 5/11-12 -Going to the parks, generally doing whatever the crap we want.

Friday 5/13 - Check out of Eden Roc, get rental car, drive down to San Diego. Would appreciate advice regarding best times to drive, and any interesting spots to stop on the way. We will not be in a hurry and I want this portion of our trip to be the relaxation after touring the parks all week. Checking in at Best Western Plus Island Palms something-or-other on Shelter Island, water view room (which I'm sooo excited about).

Sat 5/14 - Enjoy San Diego. Maybe the zoo, Balboa park, scenic overlooks.. Again, generally whatever the crap we want to do.

Sun 5/15 - More San Diego time. (Or somewhere else, as we will have a car.) Eventually heading back up to a hotel next to SNA. Returning rental car. Then we fly back home the 16th.

God bless you if you've made it this far, lol! I tend to super-plan on my WDW trips, and if you can't tell already I'm really trying to leave this open and be spontaneous. Is that a mistake? Anything else I should set in stone now so I don't miss?

Also, any suggestions for our post-DLR weekend are most welcome. It will just be me and my partner, both mid 30's, pretty low-key guys. More antique store than night club.

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you might have!

Sounds like a lot of exciting things to be done!

We have stayed at the Eden Roc for the past 5 years, even before their renovation. It is a great location, within walking distance to DTD and the parks. If you're up for walking 10-15 minutes, I'd say do it. It's not worth parking a car at Disney's lots and catching the tram, in my opinion. You will walk north towards Disney and cut through The Grand Californian. If you're going to DCA you can use The Grand Californian's entrance after 10 or 11am, I believe. Please note that this entrance has been extremely long since they added the metal detectors. If you're going through to DTD or Disneyland you will enter the huge double doors of The Grand Californian and immediately take a left, once in the grand lobby. You will pass a restroom on the left, go down some stairs, pass the conference halls and head right through double sliding doors. You will take another left after that and you'll be right in DTD.

Not sure if you knew how to do this already but some people will try to get to DTD by following signs and it takes them forever. Disney does not put signs out to use The Grand Californian's entrances/short cut to DTD. You should also hang out in the lobby area of The Grand Californian and soak it all in.

Are you traveling alone or with family?