Disneyland & CA Questions

[Terk-1]

Going in October (Thursday & Friday) for the first time in many, many years and had some questions for you DL experts.

1. How early does the parks open?
2. How late do they stay open?
3. What are the must-do's at each park? (I'm not a rollercoaster person, so stuff like Splash, Space, etc., I won't do)
4. How long does it take to get to DL from the Grand Californian?
5. I'd like to do Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. Would it be worth leaving a park, going there, then going back to the park?
6. Do they show Fantasmic every night or only on certain nights?
7. Do they show the Electrical Parade @ CA every night or only on certain nights?
8. If you had to choose between dinner @ Goofy's kitchen or the Fantasmic dessert thing, which would you choose & why?
9. Is watching Fantasmic @ DL that much of a difference than the one in WDW?
10. I'd like to stay until Saturday, but am not sure how to convince my brother. I'd be paying for the hotel. I just thought since we'd be in a park all day, it would be nice to just relax and then head back to his home the next morning. How do I plead my case? Should I just go for 2 days solo, then have him join me on the 3rd day (he's not as in to Disney as I am)?

Thank you!!!!!

 

[iceskatejen]

Ok, I think I can answer these.

1. DL--9 or 10 (meaning Main Street open 30 minutes before posted opening). DCA--10 (Gates open at 9:30.)
2. On Thursday DCA probably will close at 6, DL at 7 or 8. On Friday DCA 10, DL 11 or midnight. If you can stay for Sat hours would likely be 8-11 or midnight.
3. I'm taking you're just not a thrill ride person. I guess at DCA Soarin', the Aladdin show, Animation building, and anything else that catches your interest. At DL, Pirates (if it's open--current rumor has it down for rehab in Oct), HM-Holiday, Buzz Lightyear, and anything else that you want.
4. 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how fast you walk (assuming you don't stop for anything other than security).
5. Yes
6. That time of year, Fri, Sat and Sun nights only.
7. Same as above.
8. Goofy's. I can't pay what is equivelent to a single day, single park admission for dessert and a seat. I'll wait for the show, thanks. At least with Goofy's I get a full meal (including dessert), plus some great character interaction, and it's cheaper. Make sure you see DL's new fireworks from the hub at least once, though.
9. YES!!!!!!!!! DL is so much better (well, all the DLer's think so anyway, but so do a lot of WDWers who've seen both).
10. My only way to suggest it is that you want to see the ELP, Fantasmic, and you've got to see the fireworks from the hub--it's best to be there on at least two nights where they're going to be shown so you're not racing around, and they won't be on Thursday.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for your help. Few more questions:

1. When do they usually post the park hours for October?
2. When can I make PS arrangements for either inside DL or in the hotels?
3. If DL closes at 7 or 8pm, would it be too late to dine @ Goofy's?
4. How many characters do they usually have there (Goofy's)?
5. Do they sell the refill mugs @ GC? If so, how much and is there a fee for refills?
6. How late does DTD stay open?
7. Is the fireworks show @ DL shown every night in October or again, just certain nights?

 

[iceskatejen]

Ok, I'll do my best with these--don't know many of the hotel qs.

1. 2-3 months in advance--start checking in July, though you may need to wait until August.

2. 60 days out for the hotel restaurants. I've heard variations on 60 days-6 weeks for in-park restaurants.

3. I don't think so.

4. Lots--Goofy is always there. I've also seen Chip & Dale and Pluto both times I've been. Alice is usually around. I've seen Max, Minnie, Rafiki, Aladdin & Donald. I think which characters are there varies a bit.

5. I think so, but have no clue about refills.

6. Some things stay open as late as 2am, but most places have various closing times. I think most of the shops and restaurants stay open until at least 9 or 10 most nights, later on weekends. I've seen WOD open past 11pm.

7. Just Fri, Sat and Sun nights. If the park closes at 7 it's often not dark enough yet for fireworks in Oct.

 

[RADOPT]

you've got to see the fireworks from the hub--it's best to be there on at least two nights where they're going to be shown so you're not racing around, and they won't be on Thursday.

iceskatejen put this in both post and it can not be said enough. I was there on Saturday- we were not able to get to the hub and missed some of the show. Tink spends alot of time flying around the castle so when she is in the air, the fireworks are off to the left of the castle.You also want to be able to see the matterhorn as tink takes off from there but they also use it in the show.

Also, disneyland closes one hour after the stated time so you can shop, get something to eat. We love to be near the castle at closing as mickey says goodnight and the castle changes colors.