Disneyland queries from Ireland, help appreciated :)

[irishdancer86]

Hi guys,

I am a big fan of the podcast so hopefully Mary jo or some of the team spots this...love all their shows

Hopefully someone can give me advice, going to California on our honeymoon itinerary as follows

Mon 4th August - sat 9th August San Francisco including day trip to Yosemite, Alcatraz night tour and wine tasting,
Saturday 9th Aug - Monterey / Carmel
Sunday 10th Aug - Pismo beach
Monday 11th August - Santa Monica
Tuesday 12th August - day tour of LA

Depart Santa Monica the Tuesday evening and arrive at the Disneyland resort before leaving on Friday:
- staying offsite
- 3 day hopper incl one magic morn
- had hoped to do disneyland park first but the early morning is Thursday
- unsure if ema will or should affect our plans

Any suggestions on a park strategy? To best maximise our time.. Already had a look at the super thread...

Should we use our third day for our first evening or last morning?

Also was wondering if there is any place to get a first visit or honeymoon button before we head into the parks?

Dining choices are hopefully carthay circle and cafe Orleans...

All info greatly appreciated

Super excited to visit disneyland

 

[GracieB]

What a wonderful honeymoon.

A lot of brides buy special mouse ears with a small wedding veil attached.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Great honeymoon!
I myself prefer evenings in DL. If you are going to see fireworks, fantastic, and WOC, you will need 3 evenings. Remember "closing" time means last opportunity to get in a queue, so 15 minutes prior to closing you can also head into line for one of the Mountain rides. You will not be rushed as you slowly stroll down main st, as it is always open for 60 minutes past official closing.

 

[MichaelaF]

Your schedule looks great! My friends from NI just honeymooned in SoCal and we got to meet up with them at DL, it was great to see them.

We've never done EMA so I can't really speak to that, but most folks are saying to avoid it because they crowds are awful. In any case, since you have a Park Hopper, it's a quick walk across the street to the other park if you change your mind either way.

I would use your third day in the evening, so long as you aren't too tired from the rest of your day.

As to your button question, you can get those at the ticket windows or City Hall (which is just to your left when you enter the park).

Have fun!

 

[Jennafoo]

Hi...I'm from San Francisco so I wanted to give you a little non-DL feedback.

First of all, Yosemite is a LONG way from SF. It's quite a drive (along two-lane highways) and would probably take up a couple of days at least. Also, August is a very busy time at Yosemite and camping/hotel spots go fast.

Alcatraz is also something you need to buy tickets before believe it or not. The tours can often sell out.

Finally, it may all be in California, but we have VERY different weather than So Cal. Once the fog rolls in, it can get really chilly on the Wharf (where Alcatraz is), so you'll want to wear layers...

Let me know if you have anymore questions about the Bay Area.

 

[Jennafoo]

Hi...I'm from San Francisco so I wanted to give you a little non-DL feedback.

First of all, Yosemite is a LONG way from SF. It's quite a drive (along two-lane highways) and would probably take up a couple of days at least. Also, August is a very busy time at Yosemite and camping/hotel spots go fast.

Alcatraz is also something you need to buy tickets before believe it or not. The tours can often sell out.

Finally, it may all be in California, but we have VERY different weather than So Cal. Once the fog rolls in, it can get really chilly on the Wharf (where Alcatraz is), so you'll want to wear layers...

Let me know if you have anymore questions about the Bay Area.

 

[rtfelt]

I've never personally done EE but know from others it can be very busy, but the 7am EE is probably the best. A lot of people don't want to get up that early on vacation. If you want to use your EE I would leave that park before RD at the other park to fake advantage of fewer crowds. The parks are so close this is easy to do. Then you can go back to DL later. I would do an evening just because the night time shows are so great, and you don't want to miss them. However if rides are more important than 3 mornings at Rd or EE will give you the most. You want to make sure you see WOC at DCA and both the fireworks and Fantasmic at DL. You can do both DL shows in one night if you go to the later F! Which I would suggest anyway because it's less crowded and you don't have young kids who want to go to bed. If you have any specific questions those are easier to answer. I also concur with PP, Yosemite from San Fransisco is a LONG way. I don't know if you've been to the states before but most Europeans I meet are not prepared for how big and spread out the US is.

 

[Nonsuch]

I agree with PP, Yosemite is not a day trip from San Francisco (particularly during August). Yosemite Valley is packed with cars all summer, it's difficult to find parking anywhere

Consider visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

The added expense (relative to your trip) is rather small, so you could go for a 4-day hopper. Use your 3-day hopper on your arrival night to see Fantasmic! (show can be canceled, so it's always a good idea to see F! early in the visit).
On your third day, if you want another morning, upgrade to a 4-day hopper.

 

[GracieB]

I agree with PP, Yosemite is not a day trip from San Francisco (particularly during August). Yosemite Valley is packed with cars all summer, it's difficult to find parking anywhere

Consider visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

The added expense (relative to your trip) is rather small, so you could go for a 4-day hopper. Use your 3-day hopper on your arrival night to see Fantasmic! (show can be canceled, so it's always a good idea to see F! early in the visit).
On your third day, if you want another morning, upgrade to a 4-day hopper.

Yosemite is 4 hours from SF, more in traffic. It is not practical as a one day trip, though possible.

 

[Jennafoo]

Yosemite is 4 hours from SF, more in traffic. It is not practical as a one day trip, though possible.

That's a LONG four hours. I live right on Highway 1, so I know whereof I speak. With traffic and such it can take a lot longer than four hours. As I said, you'll want to plan a couple of days. YMMV but no one I know would consider Yosemite from here in less than a couple of days. ESPECIALLY in August.

 

[Jennafoo]

Yosemite is 4 hours from SF, more in traffic. It is not practical as a one day trip, though possible.

That's a LONG four hours. I live right on Highway 1, so I know whereof I speak. With traffic and such it can take a lot longer than four hours. As I said, you'll want to plan a couple of days. YMMV but no one I know would consider Yosemite from here in less than a couple of days. ESPECIALLY in August.

 

[Jennafoo]

Apologies for the double posts. Not sure why my browser is doing that.

 

[HollyL]

Welcome Irishdancer! I just want to say, I love your country, I have visited twice and can't wait to visit again. My husband is actually going to spend a week out in Dingle in a few weeks, but I need to stay home with our young kiddos.

I hope you enjoy your California honeymoon! I grew up in San Francisco, and vacationed in Southern California every Summer, you will have a wonderful time!

I see you're going in August, San Francisco itself shouldn't be too different weather-wise from what you are used to, but brace yourself for Southern California heat in August, it can be pretty brutal if you're not accustomed to it.