Disneyland????

[franandaj]

Also if you stay at the VGC, and I thought that it was some kind of exclusive access to TSM, but on another thread I'm finding out that anyone can get in this line if they get into DCA early enough, if you go out the exclusive entrance about 20 minutes before the park opens they form a queue for TSM outisde grizzly rapids. When we stayed there last year, the park opened at 10AM and we went out there at 9:30, about 9:55 they led us all over to the ride and let us on before people who lined up at Sunshine Plaza. We were getting off the ride as people were running to get in the queue.

Someone else told me that this is not exclusive to GCV guests and evidently people who come in the main gate early and walk over to the queue area can get in the line, but I only saw hotel guests in the line and they checked our passes before letting us out through the gate.

 

[stopher1]

Two other small differences that people mention -- no fastpass for TSM at disneyland. That's actually a plus and minus. If you do rope drop on a reasonable day, you can ride multiple times before it gets crazy.

While this is true, no FP, DCA's TSMM has a single-rider line. So if you are by yourself, or if your group is willing to separate, you can bypass a great deal of wait time by hitting that line. There are non-peak periods when they don't operate it, but when the parks are busy, it's pretty much open. We used it last summer and it saved a great deal of time. Plus it really helps to fill in those seats that would normally just go unused when you have an odd-numbered group in line.

 

[auralia]

three words Origional Tiki Room

 

[Snurk71]

Also, splash it a bit different -- you sit in the logs side by side and they hold more people.

I thought DL splash was single rider logs (everyone straddles a bench seat), except for the very back seat that can take 2 (though one had better be a small child). WDW's are two person seats (though I know we had DD between us when she was 4 or 5).

 

[stopher1]

I thought DL splash was single rider logs (everyone straddles a bench seat), except for the very back seat that can take 2 (though one had better be a small child). WDW's are two person seats (though I know we had DD between us when she was 4 or 5).

This is correct. DL has single, inline type seating for 7 guests. WDW has 4 rows of double seating, or 8 guests.

 

[gkrykewy]

Great thread! As it happens, we'll also be visiting DL for the first time next October. Staying for a week! It's probably excessive, but who knows when we'll be back?

We're flying in to SNA since I've read it's more convenient for DL than LAX. Actually have our fares booked already -- Southwest opened bookings through October last week, and they have some smoking deals.

 

[lark]

I thought DL splash was single rider logs (everyone straddles a bench seat), except for the very back seat that can take 2 (though one had better be a small child). WDW's are two person seats (though I know we had DD between us when she was 4 or 5).

Right -- I meant that Splash is different at WDW because it has 2 to a row. Since DL is my default park, when I said "different," I meant that little park in Florida is different from the one in California. ;0)

 

[stopher1]

Great thread! As it happens, we'll also be visiting DL for the first time next October. Staying for a week! It's probably excessive, but who knows when we'll be back?

We're flying in to SNA since I've read it's more convenient for DL than LAX. Actually have our fares booked already -- Southwest opened bookings through October last week, and they have some smoking deals.

SNA is only about a 15-20 min drive from DL. LAX is at least 45, before traffic. Southwest does give some great deals from time to time (they are my preferred carrier ). I wouldn't say a week is excessive, especially since you don't go all the time. There are lots of wonderful things to see, do, explore and enjoy in Southern California. Miles and miles of wondeful beaches are just about 20 minutes from DL, as well as so many other attractions as well. DL and DCA themselves are wonderful experiences. And even if you just stay at the resort and enjoy it - you'll definitely be able to experience everything that way. I hope you really enjoy your trip - that's awesome.

 

[gkrykewy]

SNA is only about a 15-20 min drive from DL. LAX is at least 45, before traffic. Southwest does give some great deals from time to time (they are my preferred carrier ). I wouldn't say a week is excessive, especially since you don't go all the time. There are lots of wonderful things to see, do, explore and enjoy in Southern California. Miles and miles of wondeful beaches are just about 20 minutes from DL, as well as so many other attractions as well. DL and DCA themselves are wonderful experiences. And even if you just stay at the resort and enjoy it - you'll definitely be able to experience everything that way. I hope you really enjoy your trip - that's awesome.

Thanks! We're excited. We're also going to be staying in San Diego for a few days with family after our VGC stay, so we should get plenty of SoCal flavor.

Love Southwest. ~220 round trip from Philly, flying into SNA and out of San Diego.

 

[BEANTOWNDR7]

Been there a bunch, use to live in AZ and I can tell ya, Disneyland is great, especially for Park Hopping and shopping in Downtown Disney. If you have kids with ya, the park hopping will be huge. Just beware, they are doing a huge refurbishment in California Adventure (which I love).

Try the Churros too, can't get enough.