D23 Expo plus days in DL - Help?

[lisakramer]

Hi all -
We are headed west this summer for a 2 week trip. We are starting with a couple days in LA, then driving down to Anaheim for the D23 Expo.
We're booked into the Disneyland Hotel for 4 nights. I'm hoping to get one of the new rooms. Fingers crossed.
We will be at the Expo Friday and Saturday and then are planning to do DL/CA Sunday and Monday. I'm an expert at WDW, but this will be my 1st time at DL.
We are a family of 3. Our son is 3 yrs old.
What kind of tips can we get for our trip? I'll be calling to book dining tomorrow. I'm planning to do a character bfast and a dinner. What other dining is unique to DL?
I was thinking of getting a 3 day park hopper so that we could go into one of the parks one evening after the Expo, but I don't know if we would actually have time or enough energy to do it. Maybe Downtown one night?
After DL and the Expo we are headed for a week in San Diego! Fun!
I appreciate any tips, tricks and other good info!
Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi all -
We are headed west this summer for a 2 week trip. We are starting with a couple days in LA, then driving down to Anaheim for the D23 Expo.
We're booked into the Disneyland Hotel for 4 nights. I'm hoping to get one of the new rooms. Fingers crossed.
We will be at the Expo Friday and Saturday and then are planning to do DL/CA Sunday and Monday. I'm an expert at WDW, but this will be my 1st time at DL.
We are a family of 3. Our son is 3 yrs old.
What kind of tips can we get for our trip? I'll be calling to book dining tomorrow. I'm planning to do a character bfast and a dinner. What other dining is unique to DL?
I was thinking of getting a 3 day park hopper so that we could go into one of the parks one evening after the Expo, but I don't know if we would actually have time or enough energy to do it. Maybe Downtown one night?
After DL and the Expo we are headed for a week in San Diego! Fun!
I appreciate any tips, tricks and other good info!
Thanks!

Lots of tips here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also, you will not be able to book dining for August until June. Dining at DLR works differently than WDW. Reservations are not as necessary - although still a good idea. Part of the reason is that visiting DLR is a more dynamic experience than WDW in that easy park hopping and easy access to hotels and DTD makes for a much more "seta of the pants" experience. Dining reservations run counter to that.

Also be aware that Sunday and Monday after D23 will likely be swamped with crowds of AP holder after the summer blockout lifts Sunday. If you can visit DLR before D23 you will have an easier time of it. See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[skiingfast]

We're booked into the Disneyland Hotel for 4 nights. I'm hoping to get one of the new rooms. Fingers crossed.


What kind of tips can we get for our trip? I'll be calling to book dining tomorrow. I'm planning to do a character bfast and a dinner. What other dining is unique to DL?


I was thinking of getting a 3 day park hopper so that we could go into one of the parks one evening after the Expo, but I don't know if we would actually have time or enough energy to do it. Maybe Downtown one night?

Rehabbed room is sure bet. You can relax your fingers.

You can only book two month out so take you time on that. Also only Goofy's Kitchen has Character Dinners. I would suggest the Plaza Inn for the Minnie and Friends Breakfast. It's inside DL, and has a fantastic selection of characters. Blue Bayou is a top choice, make a reservation and expect to wait 15-20 minutes to sit by the water and 3yo can watch the POTC boat go by.

3 day hopper sounds good. If you don't get into the park after expo maybe the day you arrive or leave you can sneak a few hours in.

 

[nunzia]

Will your son be with you at the Expo? It is really geared toward adults..lots of sitting in lecture halls, etc..is there a reason you are only doing the Expo 2 days? If it's like last time, Sunday will be full of activities as well, especially since it is one day shorter than last time, I'd think they'd stuff Sunday even fuller.

 

[franandaj]

Nunzia is right about the Expo being more adult oriented. There will be some things for kids, but most of it will be seminars that will drive a kid bonkers!

As far as unique dining, Napa Rose Chef's Counter is great! Get a sitter one night and treat yourselves to a adult night out. I really like the Bengal BBQ for a QS. I liked Goofy's for Characters, and the kids got a chance to burn off extra energy with Goofy.

 

[lisakramer]

We are brining our son to the Expo mainly because we don't have anywhere else to take him, lol. We are out to Cali on vacation and don't have any friends/family in the area that he could stay with. I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving him with someone I've never met before. Are there child care options at DL?

 

[skiingfast]

We are brining our son to the Expo mainly because we don't have anywhere else to take him, lol. We are out to Cali on vacation and don't have any friends/family in the area that he could stay with. I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving him with someone I've never met before. Are there child care options at DL?

There is. It's like in WDW where the hotels have a 3rd party that does in room daycare for big $.