Disneyland Help - First time(ish)

[amckenz]

Hi all!

I'm heading to DL for the first time since I was a young kid and could use some advice. I've been to WDW several times but need some help when it comes to DL.
I'll be coming with my husband as part of our honeymoon in Southern California. We're not staying in a Disney hotel and are coming from Canada so the exchange rate means we need to be pretty cost conscious.

I'll only have two days there and will not be getting a park hopper. Which park should we visit the first day and which the second?

Are there any extras you recommend to make the most of our (short!) time there?

If we're only looking for one sit-down meal, what's the best choice for a couple looking for some romance and hoping not to break that bank?

As we'll be there in mid-November, I'm thinking we'll be there during the holidays. Are there any special events etc that we should plan for??

And lastly, the two times I've taken my fiance to WDW, he's managed to plan an amazing surprise for me (private desert fireworks viewing) and I'm hoping to return the favour this time around. What do you suggest?

Thanks for your help and if there's anything else I should know - please pass along the info!

 

[Winnowill]

I'll only have two days there and will not be getting a park hopper. Which park should we visit the first day and which the second?

Whichever does NOT have EMH/MM so you're not immediately at a disadvantage from people who had earlier access than you have.

If we're only looking for one sit-down meal, what's the best choice for a couple looking for some romance and hoping not to break that bank?

Wine Country Trattoria at DCA is a good one that isn't too expensive. I love that place.

And lastly, the two times I've taken my fiance to WDW, he's managed to plan an amazing surprise for me (private desert fireworks viewing) and I'm hoping to return the favour this time around. What do you suggest?

The World of Color Dessert Party should be on your radar. $80/person, you get an actual table and chair, plus adult beverages and nice desserts.

 

[chickapin parterre]

* what are your dates? Wednesday is the best day and you want to enter Disneyland on days that do not have a "T" in the proper name of the day.

* Extras? please define that. Because if you were there last as a young kid, one day will not be enough for Disneyland, let alone all the extras.

 

[amckenz]

* what are your dates? Wednesday is the best day and you want to enter Disneyland on days that do not have a "T" in the proper name of the day.

* Extras? please define that. Because if you were there last as a young kid, one day will not be enough for Disneyland, let alone all the extras.

Dates are Tuesday and Wednesday.

With extras, I guess I mean things like dessert parties etc.

I know 2 days wont' be enough to cover it all, but it's all we could fit in (aka all my fiance would agree to!)

Thanks!

 

[Winnowill]

In that case, do DCA on Tuesday and DL on Wednesday. Mid-November the Christmas decorations will be going up, so you'll get to see some of that. Haunted Mansion's holiday overlay will be on - don't miss that! They do an overlay for It's a Small World, too - depending on your dates, that may be on by then, too.

 

[peachiepie]

And lastly, the two times I've taken my fiance to WDW, he's managed to plan an amazing surprise for me (private desert fireworks viewing) and I'm hoping to return the favour this time around. What do you suggest?

I know someone else has already suggested this...but World of Colour Dessert Party!

 

[SteveMP]

I usually look online at the park hours, as they can very dramtically by day of the week and month etc. as for dinner, the Blue Bayou inside of pirates is my favorite sit down place. Otherwise Wine Country Trattoria outside seating at night(unless raining), still never been to Carthay Circle.

 

[BriannaRuth]

What Winnowill said about dates ... WCT is my favorite at DCA and Blue Bayou my favorite at DL, as well. Personally I'd go for BB over WCT but I do really like WCT. To make BB a little less expensive, go for lunch -- the ambiance is exactly the same because it's dark inside -- arrive 20 minutes early and ask for a table by the water. If you have the budget, consider adding a cocktail at Carthay Circle on your DCA day.

 

[amckenz]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts! I can't wait to visit!!!

 

[mlnbabies]

We will be staying off site and have 2 day hoppers. We are going Dec. 1-4. What time should we line up since we can't take advantage of EMH or MM?

 

[PiratesMansion]

We will be staying off site and have 2 day hoppers. We are going Dec. 1-4. What time should we line up since we can't take advantage of EMH or MM?

I would line up at least 30 minutes before opening, and do the park that doesn't have EMH or MM that day (DL is Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; DCA is all other days). If your first priority is Guardians at DCA, I might push it a bit earlier since they start lines for both Standby and Fastpass once the gates open.