Disneyland help

[mmouse50]

I am in need of help - I am a planner and it has been a long time (15 years or so) since I last visited Disneyland (usually do World because of cheaper airfare) so I have no clue on where to start looking for info. I get alot of my Disneyworld info off this board but there are other sites that I look at also: like for dining menus, dining prices, etc. Where do I start for Disneyland? I am planning on visiting next July with my grandkids and we will be staying at the Disneyland hotel. Can anyone point me to websites that would have pretty current menus and dining prices? What are the must do's for Disneyland? We love doing the dessert parties for the fireworks in Florida but I have found out that California doesn't do them on a nightly basis. Any special things that I can do for them (ages, 8,14,18)? I am open to all suggestions as I am at loss for what Disneyland has to offer. I will be picking up the Birbaum's book and unofficial guide book today from Barnes and Noble so I can atleast familiarize myself with some offerings, but I know that people's personal experiences are usually better at telling the story.

 

[Rich M]

Sounds like a great trip in the making. For me I use the Disneyland website for menus and pricing as they are pretty accurate. Depending how long you plan to stay I would recommend park hoppers for sure and Genie+. Make sure you utilize the hotel guest entrances for DCA when you can. Even the one that says Paradise Pier Guest I have seen Disneyland Hotel Guest using it. For me the not to miss attractions are everything. I think Disneyland is very easy to do all the big rides in a 3 or 4 day trip easily especially with Genie+. Don't forget to plan out to see World of Color which does have a dessert party if you want a seat. There are some of us regular Disneyland folks that will ship you out a current map if you would like one. I don't plan to go back until Feb as of now but would be happy to send you one after I get back. I would be happy to answer any other questions you have as I am a Disneyland Magic Key Holder and have been going since I was 10 years Old.

 

[mmouse50]

Thank you so much for all your info. I currently have 4 day hoppers with Genie+. My first plan is to do a Monday through Friday 3rd week of July - thinking that weekends would be worse, but being summer and Disneyland being supposedly a "locals" park vs World being a "tourist" park I am not sure that is a good move. Any thoughts - weekdays vs weekends in July? Southwest is opening air on Thursday so just trying to plan a date range, changing dates for hotel is easier than changing flight dates.

 

[Rich M]

Thank you so much for all your info. I currently have 4 day hoppers with Genie+. My first plan is to do a Monday through Friday 3rd week of July - thinking that weekends would be worse, but being summer and Disneyland being supposedly a "locals" park vs World being a "tourist" park I am not sure that is a good move. Any thoughts - weekdays vs weekends in July? Southwest is opening air on Thursday so just trying to plan a date range, changing dates for hotel is easier than changing flight dates.

I definitely avoid the weekends. In July it will be crowded and hot so just have patience. Utilize the Genie+ to the max. You will get 30 mins early park access which doesn't seem like a lot but you can get a lot done. Remember when going to Disneyland from the Disneyland hotel it is a little bit of a hike. The security lines usually open up at 7 AM and can be a very long line to begin with but the security is right outside the Disneyland Hotel so once you are through you can just walk through DTD all the way to the turnstile. If you opt not to rope drop and Disneyland is your first park of the day then scan in at the Monorail and start your Genie+. Then go out the exit of the monorail and hit starbucks. I have found if done correctly you can do 8 to 10 Genie+ a day. Are you set on July because of the grandkids out of school?

 

[Tinkaboo]

My weekends were the best! Almost all MKs were blocked and crowds were much lower. July, however, is HOT AND HUMID…unbearable if you are not used to humidity.
Afternoon breaks a must and then close the park.

Hopefully Fantasmic will be back…

 

[starlite_]

Hopefully Fantasmic will be back…

Fantasmic is supposed to be back for Spring. So def not in late January.

 

[RunDisney Matriarch]

As a fellow planner, I highly recommend disneytouristblog.com. You can't beat Tom's advice and itineraries. For the current menus and pricing, you can hop on your Disneyland app. Have a great trip!

 

[ktlm]

I would not avoid weekends in July. We have been in July many times. The annual passes are blocked on weekends and Saturday and Sunday are always our least crowded days. If you are avoiding any day, it should be Monday. For some reason Mondays are always the most crowded days.

The Disneyland website itself is probably the best source for restaurants and menus. Also, in my opinion DLR has MUCH better counter service food than WDW. You can definitely do fine there without a bunch of reservations if you don't want your scheduled tied down.

If you like dessert parties, I would highly recommend the World of Color dessert party. World of Color is unlike anything at WDW, and the dessert party provides you with a seat at a table with a good view. Definitely worth not having to try to find a spot and stand up in the crowd-- especially if you are short like me.

The good thing about DLR is that it is much easier to plan than WDW. I do recommend hoppers-- it only takes 5 minutes to get from the inside of one park to the inside of the other. They are only separated by a plaza and you don't have to go through security again to hop through parks. Genie+ is also very helpful and it does include your Photopass and ride photos.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Thank you so much for all your info. I currently have 4 day hoppers with Genie+. My first plan is to do a Monday through Friday 3rd week of July - thinking that weekends would be worse, but being summer and Disneyland being supposedly a "locals" park vs World being a "tourist" park I am not sure that is a good move. Any thoughts - weekdays vs weekends in July? Southwest is opening air on Thursday so just trying to plan a date range, changing dates for hotel is easier than changing flight dates.

This past summer, Saturdays in July were really low crowds due to almost all of the Magic Keys (annual passes) being blocked out.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Fantasmic is supposed to be back for Spring. So def not in late January.

OP said she is planning for July…not sure where January entered the discussion

 

[starlite_]

OP said she is planning for July…not sure where January entered the discussion

You are 100% right, I got confused between this post and the other one asking for help for late january.

 

[LKing]

Don't over think the crowds. You have plenty of days, Genie+ and park hoppers and a Disney hotel (with early entry). Note that next year, early entry will alternate between the two parks.

It is not necessary to plan all of your meals in advance. Disneyland has great counter service restaurants. Depending on the kids' interest, you might want a reservation at Lamplight and/or Blue Bayou, but other than those, I would go with the flow on where and what you eat.

During the summer the dinner/dessert parties are available more days than during off season. As was mentioned, Fantasmic is an unknown at this point. World of Color dessert party is something you should put on your list and plan around.

More than anything else, what are the kids (and you) interested in doing while you are here? Are the kids early risers or night owls?

Edit: Here are a few threads that you might find helpful
Rope Drop Strategy - https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...lanes-and-individual-lightning-lanes.3863236/

WOC Dessert Party Seating - https://www.disboards.com/threads/woc-dessert-party-table-with-pictures-of-view.3930746/

Dining Suggestions - https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...-serve-for-5-days-or-really-any-days.3922608/

 

[redleader74]

I've learned over many years of travel that weather is a big issue for me (I can't stand heat!). If this applies to you then it's a great thing you're staying nearby at the DH, where you can easily take a break from the park during the midday heat, take a dip in the pool, etc. All the times I've visited DL during hot weather I've needed these afternoon breaks.

 

[mmouse50]

Thank you for all the wonderful info -coming from the gulf coast of Texas we are definitely used to humidity and heat but that doesn’t mean we love it. Since we will be on central time I am assuming that we will be good for early entry atleast on day 1 and 2 after that who knows. If I sort of break the parks into sections and just try to accomplish those sections and head back to swim a little (I dont think that i will get out of not having pool time after they see the pool) and then head back for the evening to complete any part of the section we didnt get to will hopefully work.
Definitely want to see World of Color.

 

[starry_solo]

I think by summer, the fireworks will be available many evenings.

Have a good time!

 

[irlandaise]

If I sort of break the parks into sections and just try to accomplish those sections and head back to swim a little (I dont think that i will get out of not having pool time after they see the pool) and then head back for the evening to complete any part of the section we didnt get to will hopefully work.

That sounds like a good approach. You may find that, because Disneyland is so compact (both the park of that name and the entire resort), you'll be able to jump to another section if there's a low wait time on a ride you want. But you can decide about that once you're there and see how your family is doing with the initial section plan.

And a hotel/pool break during the day is an excellent idea!

 

[RunnerMom71]

I wouldn't necessarily break up the parks by section *unless* you have little ones and depending upon your priorities. Genie + (only reserve rides after 10 am - those first few hours are to be taken advantage of for minimal lines) is your guide for most of the day. There are some great video to study upon to maximize use at DL & DCA.

If they are on the younger side Fantasyland, Toon Town and Cars Land are just fantastic and immersive for the. younger set. Take advantage of "sun set" in Cars Land when the neon goes up. It's so cool!

If characters are a priority you're in for a treat at DL and DCA - so much more accessible and free roaming vs. WDW. They'll love it

Fantasyland is definitely to be taken advantage of for EE as is Pixar Pier and Cars Land in DCA

Highly recommend those afternoon breaks at the pool!

 

[redleader74]

Thank you for all the wonderful info -coming from the gulf coast of Texas we are definitely used to humidity and heat but that doesn’t mean we love it. Since we will be on central time I am assuming that we will be good for early entry atleast on day 1 and 2 after that who knows. If I sort of break the parks into sections and just try to accomplish those sections and head back to swim a little (I dont think that i will get out of not having pool time after they see the pool) and then head back for the evening to complete any part of the section we didnt get to will hopefully work.
Definitely want to see World of Color.

Oh and speaking of which, definitely be mindful of park hours and closing times. With the longer opening hours during the summer, taking an afternoon break and heading out again fully refreshed at dusk makes it feeling another whole new day....with some strategy and a whole lotta imagination, you can make your four days feel like eight!

 

[SpaceMan5]

Take a bow fellow Disneyland DISers. Offering up great advice as usual. Just waiting for @DizMe and @Pluto468 and a few others to chime in.

My thoughts, take afternoon breaks, get the Hoppers and have a great time!

 

[AprilsZoo]

Blue Bayou is pricey, but very good and the servers are typically fantastic. It’s special because it is inside Pirates of the Caribbean. Ressies go extremely fast. If you haven’t snagged a ressie, check the app the each night and again in the morning. They get a lot of cancellations from people who change their minds since it is an expensive option. You can sometimes get waitlisted by going to the host(ess) stand and asking first thing in the morning.

When hopping, once you’ve tapped into both parks, you can pick genie+ times in either park, regardless of where you are right then. You won’t be able to choose times for genie+ for the opposite park until you’ve tapped in there, though. Hopping is currently allowed after 11 am but I hope DLR will start allowing anytime hopping soon, like they will be doing WDW.

I think they do fireworks every night in summer. Off season it’s weekends only. They may still do the projection show even on non-fireworks nights.
Projections are done on the castle, and the buildings of Main Street. One of the best projection & fireworks views is in front of IASW. The projections are shown on the fasçade, and it’s easy to see the fireworks from there too. You do miss the flight of tinker bell from the Matterhorn to the castle to start off the fireworks, which is cool to see.

I’ll post more hints later.