Disneyland newbie looking for advice

[SarahInMN]

Hi all -

My DH and I are WDW pro's (more or less - ) at this point but neither of us have been to DL in over 20 years.

We just booked the Grand Cali Villas cool1: I never thought we'd get to use our DVC points there) for May; we're flying into SNA and having car service, so we won't have a rental.

I am now starting to strategize our dining and day to day plans.

I have some questions and am looking for tips.

1) What's the hardest dining ressie to get? Is it Blue Bayou?
2) For dining ressies, it's 60 days in advance and no 60+10 rule correct? Is it important to strategize dining plans around early admission hours?
3) We usually buy AP's ahead of our trips to WDW because its easier. Is there any reason to not buy ahead at DL? One of us is getting an AP and the other is getting a park hopper.
4) Are there any special DL must do's in terms of out of the way/underrated things? like special counter service treats or underrated to do's?
5) anything else I should be thinking about or know?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I don't even know that you would even need dining reservations in May. DL is a lot more relaxed in terms of reservations.

I think if you just read this site over the months, you will glean a ton of info. There is a dining in pictures type thread that has lots of info and inspiration.

 

[MinnieMom13]

Oooooh . . . the villas . . . nice!

1. The hardest reservation is probably the chef's table at Napa Rose. I've never had a problem getting the restaurant of my choice when booking 60 days out, but I've never tried to get the chef's table.
2. It's 60 days out for us normal folks. I don't know if DVC gets a earlier window.
3. I can't think of any reason to not buy the AP in advance. Prices are likely to go up again this spring, so that's a good reason to buy before you go.
4. You'll likely get a different answer for this one from everyone you ask! I love churros (they come with chocolate sauce at the Cozy Cones), but can't understand the appeal of the popular tiger tail (I don't care for sugar on top of a sugary marshmallow). I think the Toy Story zoetrope in the Animation Building is awesome but underrated; apparently I'm right since they're pulling it for an Anna & Elsa meet and greet.
5. Be sure to read HydroGuy's thread on DL tips for WDW vets.

 

[SarahInMN]

I don't even know that you would even need dining reservations in May. DL is a lot more relaxed in terms of reservations.

That is really good to know!

5. Be sure to read HydroGuy's thread on DL tips for WDW vets.

I had not seen/found that thread yet - we just booked the villas yesterday so I'm now going to into all out planning mode. Thanks for the tip on Napa Rose - I really would have thought Blue Bayou was the toughest simply because of the location. The Churros sounds fab!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I think the Toy Story zoetrope in the Animation Building is awesome but underrated; apparently I'm right since they're pulling it for an Anna & Elsa meet and greet.

Oh no! I love the zoetrope. Where did you hear they're replacing it with an Anna & Elsa meet & greet?

 

[larryz]

4) Are there any special DL must do's in terms of out of the way/underrated things? like special counter service treats or underrated to do's?
5) anything else I should be thinking about or know?

Thanks in advance!!

(4) Trader Sam's.
(5) Ahi Poke. Shrimp Tacos. Krakatoa. Zombie Head. Napa Rose's Apple Soup.

 

[gottalovepluto]

1) Blue Bayou

2) This will kill the WDW planner in you but chill! You can easily get these at your 60 day mark, heck you can get them with slightly limited time choices just a few weeks out during the summer rush time!

5) Take some time to enjoy the lounge & bar at Carthay Circle one night. The bartenders are specially trained and make all drinks in classic methods. The menu even has the drinks of that era! They also serve appetizers and deserts, we spent a lovely hour and a half there relaxing- it was such a surprise & a trip highlight!

 

[HydroGuy]

1) What's the hardest dining ressie to get? Is it Blue Bayou?

Yes BB is the hardest.

2) For dining ressies, it's 60 days in advance and no 60+10 rule correct? Is it important to strategize dining plans around early admission hours?

It is not like WDW. And it is not 60 days in reality. It is two months.

No it is not important to strategize about dinign at all.

See

"What WDW Vets Need to Know About Dining at DLR" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2914467

3) We usually buy AP's ahead of our trips to WDW because its easier. Is there any reason to not buy ahead at DL? One of us is getting an AP and the other is getting a park hopper.

If you all staying at the GCV then I cannot think of a reason to wait on buying APs.

4) Are there any special DL must do's in terms of out of the way/underrated things? like special counter service treats or underrated to do's?
5) anything else I should be thinking about or know?

Someone referred to this link. It should help with these questions:

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

 

[SarahInMN]

(4) Trader Sam's.

this is already on the list - I am ridiculously excited about Trader Sam's!

2) This will kill the WDW planner in you but chill! You can easily get these at your 60 day mark, heck you can get them with slightly limited time choices just a few weeks out during the summer rush time!

5) Take some time to enjoy the lounge & bar at Carthay Circle one night. The bartenders are specially trained and make all drinks in classic methods. The menu even has the drinks of that era! They also serve appetizers and deserts, we spent a lovely hour and a half there relaxing- it was such a surprise & a trip highlight!

I am starting to get the sense that the pace and planning for DL is a whole different ball game than WDW! It is going to be hard!

Thanks for the tip on the lounge/bar at Carthay - it is one of the restaurants on our "to eat" list - your description of the bar sounds fabulous!

"What WDW Vets Need to Know About Dining at DLR" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2914467

Thanks for the link to this thread! We want to balance nicer dining with fun, "must eat" or "must try" bar/counter service/food stand items.

 

[DetroitDisney]

Anything you reallllllly want do, just book a reservation.

Overall, it's not an issue.

Example. I was just at DCA yesterday (Friday) and it was slammed because of the Halloween party closing Disneyland. Went to Wine Country Tratoria and was told they were full for the night, reservations only. I pulled out my iPhone and booked a reservation for an hour later. Boom.

Side note, WCT was amazing. As is the blue bayou. Don't visit Disnyland and miss out on Blue Bayou.

 

[Chuckers]

Bengal BBQ's meat on a stick is spicy and wonderful! It's in Adventureland opposite the Indy ride.

The Monte Cristo sandwiches at Cafe Orleans are GREAT!

Do The Storybook Land Canal boats at night. It's SO pretty.

Casey Jr's train is also great at night.

There is a walkthrough in Sleeping Beauty's Castle that many people don't know about. It's on the Fantasyland side and it has dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.

 

[JandD75]

Bengal BBQ's meat on a stick is spicy and wonderful! It's in Adventureland opposite the Indy ride.

The Monte Cristo sandwiches at Cafe Orleans are GREAT!

Do The Storybook Land Canal boats at night. It's SO pretty.

Casey Jr's train is also great at night.

There is a walkthrough in Sleeping Beauty's Castle that many people don't know about. It's on the Fantasyland side and it has dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.

These are my faves, too! Also, not sure about the BB reservations--I've never called in advance. Just walked up to the restaurant first thing in the morning and asked for a reservation. Always got a good time. But if others are telling you to call ahead, maybe you should.

'Don't miss' experiences (IMHO) are the ones not available in WDW--Cars Land (especially Luigi's Tires, since it will soon be replaced with a different ride) WOC, Indy, Roger Rabbit, Matterhorn, etc. Hope you have a great time!

Family and I took 10-15 trips to DL before we ever went to WDW. While we love both, DL is still our favorite. The charm, the beautiful layout of that park, the unadvertised stuff, like swing dancing, the Dapper Dans, the band, all make it a terrific place to be!

 

[SarahInMN]

Side note, WCT was amazing. As is the blue bayou. Don't visit Disnyland and miss out on Blue Bayou.

thanks for the tip on WCT - I will be moving it up on the "to eat" list! We are super excited about BB.

Bengal BBQ's meat on a stick is spicy and wonderful! It's in Adventureland opposite the Indy ride.

The Monte Cristo sandwiches at Cafe Orleans are GREAT!

Do The Storybook Land Canal boats at night. It's SO pretty.

Casey Jr's train is also great at night.

There is a walkthrough in Sleeping Beauty's Castle that many people don't know about. It's on the Fantasyland side and it has dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.

Thanks - we love doing counter service/food stands of "must have" treats! And the ride tips: excellent! We may have overlooked those rides for night and missed the walkthrough.

'Don't miss' experiences (IMHO) are the ones not available in WDW--Cars Land (especially Luigi's Tires, since it will soon be replaced with a different ride) WOC, Indy, Roger Rabbit, Matterhorn, etc. Hope you have a great time!

We are pretty excited about the rides not at WDW and have heard that Pirates is tons better (although granted thats so subjective) at DL vs WDW.

Thanks all for the great advice - keep it coming! (I have a note started in Evernote titled "Disboard Advice for DL" )

 

[superlarz]

We are pretty excited about the rides not at WDW and have heard that Pirates is tons better (although granted thats so subjective) at DL vs WDW.

I would argue that Pirates being better isnt subjective, unless you already feel like the one at WDW is too long.

Unless you are only going for 1 day you are going for 1 day, you will have plenty of time to check out all of the attractions, multiple times. While tempting to focus on the unique attractions, you should just plan to do everything you like, unique or not. Other than Soarin (and maybe The Little Mermaid) everything else is different enough to be worth doing. Some things youll like much better, other things not as much. Many rides are subjective as to which is better.. except Pirates.. that is better at DL

 

[SarahInMN]

Unless you are only going for 1 day you are going for 1 day, you will have plenty of time to check out all of the attractions, multiple times. While tempting to focus on the unique attractions, you should just plan to do everything you like, unique or not. Other than Soarin (and maybe The Little Mermaid) everything else is different enough to be worth doing. Some things youll like much better, other things not as much. Many rides are subjective as to which is better.. except Pirates.. that is better at DL

We will have 4 full park days plus a 1/2 day (arrival day) and hopefully can hit most of everything (except for coasters and ToT - we are not thrill ride people) and our favs multiple times. We can't wait to experience DL Pirates!

 

[DetroitDisney]

We are pretty excited about the rides not at WDW and have heard that Pirates is tons better (although granted thats so subjective) at DL vs WDW.

Not subjective. DL Pirates is the same as the WDW Pirates, but it has a whole extra beginning part. So its the Pirates you know and love, but MORE. As I said in my other post, the extra parts dont really add a TON to the ride, but its so serene and wonderful. I must admit, that I probably enjoy those beginning parts as much, if not more, than the rest of the ride.

 

[Chuckers]

I LOVE Peter Pan at DL more than WDW. The star field is awesome.

I thought Alice was great, but I've seen that they refurbed it and it's even better now.. I'll have to go back soon.

I can't believe they're ditching Luigi's tires? It's such a unique ride and fun... but I can see it being a really slow loader.

You have to do Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin in Toon Town.. it's a lot of fun and you don't HAVE to spin the car.

Notice the attention to details, especially in Fantasyland, look at the tops of the buildings.. even the weathervanes are themed.

Take the steam train all the way around the park. There's scenes in specific areas that you don't see at WDW. Also, when you're at the station, you'll hear the "office" broadcasting a morse code. That 'broadcast' is the speech that Walt gave on opening day. On the steam train, all the seats face into the park. This is because Walt didn't want anyone to see the city outside the park as it would ruin the immersion.

If you watch the fireworks show from behind the castle, there's a projection on the front of It's a Small World during the show.

Red Rocket Pizza Port (a.k.a. R2P2), next to Space Mountain, has a decent Chicken Fusilli and, I believe, is one of the few places that offers soda refills.

The monorail, while it does go outside the park to DTD, is more of a ride than a mode of transportation. The trains don't have a/c, it's interesting to ride the monorail with the windows open.

 

[LKMAMA]

4 park days is more than enough time to do everything at DL. This isn't WDW where you have to plan your days out or for your travel time between parks. You can really park hop in minutes and make decisions on a moments notice.

Having just got back from WDW, I can say that our POC is nicer, as is our Fantasmic. Trust me...you don't want to miss DL's Fantasmic. If you don't have priority seating with a dining reservation, get to the viewing area early and stake out a spot right in the front. It is spectacular. And while the Dinosaur ride at AK is nice, Indy at DL is a better jeep ride experience.

For quick eating, Bengal BBQ has some awesome meat on a stick snacking options. The Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is an awesome all you can eat BBQ place in DL that is amazing.

In all, enjoy Walts park. When you enter main street you can look above the firehouse and see the windows to his personal apartment. They still keep a light on for him there.

 

[SarahInMN]

You have to do Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin in Toon Town.. it's a lot of fun and you don't HAVE to spin the car.

Notice the attention to details, especially in Fantasyland, look at the tops of the buildings.. even the weathervanes are themed.

Take the steam train all the way around the park. There's scenes in specific areas that you don't see at WDW. Also, when you're at the station, you'll hear the "office" broadcasting a morse code. That 'broadcast' is the speech that Walt gave on opening day. On the steam train, all the seats face into the park. This is because Walt didn't want anyone to see the city outside the park as it would ruin the immersion.

Great tips - we might have skipped Roger Rabbit - and great reminder to take the steam train!

4 park days is more than enough time to do everything at DL. This isn't WDW where you have to plan your days out or for your travel time between parks. You can really park hop in minutes and make decisions on a moments notice... When you enter main street you can look above the firehouse and see the windows to his personal apartment. They still keep a light on for him

Thanks for the reminder on his apartment! And the reinforcement of park hopping and planning on short notice - I tend to not overplan WDW anymore because we go frequently but I have this "first time in DL must do everything feeling." When in reality living in Oregon now (vs Minnesota) makes DL resort a much more frequent possibility.

 

[Diszona]

Not subjective. DL Pirates is the same as the WDW Pirates, but it has a whole extra beginning part. So its the Pirates you know and love, but MORE. As I said in my other post, the extra parts dont really add a TON to the ride, but its so serene and wonderful. I must admit, that I probably enjoy those beginning parts as much, if not more, than the rest of the ride.

It also has and extra drop, longer cavern/skeleton scenes and the ending with the drunk pirates firing at each other. It is almost twice as long as the MK version, however I like the building and the queue at MK a lot more than the DL one. Overall, while the MK ride is great it is like a Cliff Notes version of the DL ride.


For a fun little touch to check out at the popcorn machines around the park. Each one has a little guy rotating the popcorn inside that is themed to land (rocketeer in Tomorrowland, etc.).