DL Newbie ... a bunch of random questions ...

[Dawn414]

Hey all!

Although I have planned many a WDW trip for my own family and others, I am an absolute novice for DL and have a few questions ...your insights are appreciated!

1) We are staying off-site (about 23 miles away) in Newport Coast... I'm thinking we will need to leave at least an hour ahead of park opening in order to get there FOR opening ... yes?

2) How is the parking? How much?

3) I've heard the FP's for the Racers are kind of like TSM at WDW ... if you don't get them first thing you may not...We have 3 day park-hopper and two of the days we are going have early morning EMH at California Adventure so I have some concerns about that.

4) How are the crowds at the end of May/early June? We will be there on 5/29, 5/31 and then either 6/1 or 6/2 (Fri, Sun & then Mon or Tues).

5) Best counter service? We have 1 sit-down for the Color show package, but are fine with counter service.

6) How far in advance do you need to get to Fantasmic? At Hollywood Studios, depending on the day, you sometimes have to be there at least an hour in advance of showtime...

Thanks all!!! We are SO excited to be checking out the original and California Adventure!

Dawn McG

 

[coaches24]

QUOTE="Dawn414, post: 53539744, member: 119058"

Hey all!

Although I have planned many a WDW trip for my own family and others, I am an absolute novice for DL and have a few questions ...your insights are appreciated!

1) We are staying off-site (about 23 miles away) in Newport Coast... I'm thinking we will need to leave at least an hour ahead of park opening in order to get there FOR opening ... yes?

We like to be one of the first in line so we can head for FL at rope drop (assuming you start in DL) and be one of the first on PP so we can get it done before the line forms.

2) How is the parking? How much?

Can't help you here. Others will know about this however.

3) I've heard the FP's for the Racers are kind of like TSM at WDW ... if you don't get them first thing you may not...We have 3 day park-hopper and two of the days we are going have early morning EMH at California Adventure so I have some concerns about that.

From reading in here the FPs for RSR have been lasting longer but do still get used up early. Others can give better times but it seems they last till around lunch time or a little after now.

4) How are the crowds at the end of May/early June? We will be there on 5/29, 5/31 and then either 6/1 or 6/2 (Fri, Sun & then Mon or Tues).

We went for the last week of May 3 years ago and it was busy but not terrible. Use the mornings wisely to get your must dos done. Then when it gets crowded you can go to some of the lesser crowded rides/ attractions or see shows.

5) Best counter service? We have 1 sit-down for the Color show package, but are fine with counter service.

I don't remember the names of most of the places I like so don't know how much help this is but the Mexican place in frontier land is pretty good.
I like the burger place next to Soarin in DCA as well and eat there often when we go.
The place in FL near the carousel has some good options as well.
You will find plenty of options for CS.

6) How far in advance do you need to get to Fantasmic? At Hollywood Studios, depending on the day, you sometimes have to be there at least an hour in advance of showtime..

I haven't been for this but it seems they now use FP for this show. So it's more like WOC in how it works. I will experience this mid June when we go next so you might be telling me how to do this one


Thanks all!!! We are SO excited to be checking out the original and California Adventure!

Dawn McG[/QUOTE]

I hope your trip is magical and that you love the parks as much as I do.

 

[Bubblegum1286]

Hey all!

Although I have planned many a WDW trip for my own family and others, I am an absolute novice for DL and have a few questions ...your insights are appreciated!

1) We are staying off-site (about 23 miles away) in Newport Coast... I'm thinking we will need to leave at least an hour ahead of park opening in order to get there FOR opening ... yes?


2) How is the parking? How much?

3) I've heard the FP's for the Racers are kind of like TSM at WDW ... if you don't get them first thing you may not...We have 3 day park-hopper and two of the days we are going have early morning EMH at California Adventure so I have some concerns about that.

4) How are the crowds at the end of May/early June? We will be there on 5/29, 5/31 and then either 6/1 or 6/2 (Fri, Sun & then Mon or Tues).

5) Best counter service? We have 1 sit-down for the Color show package, but are fine with counter service.

6) How far in advance do you need to get to Fantasmic? At Hollywood Studios, depending on the day, you sometimes have to be there at least an hour in advance of showtime...

Thanks all!!! We are SO excited to be checking out the original and California Adventure!

Dawn McG

1. Yes. That takes into account traffic and parking.
2. Parking is $18 I believe for a full day. Getting there early will certainly be in your favor for parking.
3. The Racers are easily one of the most popular CA rides. Better safe than sorry, just get your FP first thing and don't worry about it after that.
4. Crowds are going to be bad no matter what. CA has wider streets than DL, so the crowds disperse more evenly (ie. less overwhelmingly) at CA than DL. However, getting there at rope drop, taking a break in the afternoon to people watch or enjoy a snack or do a less popular attraction like the Tiki Room will give you the opportunity to miss the busiest times (mid afternoon), and then you can jump back into the action in the evening.
5. At CA, Flo's Cafe is great. You can sit and watch the Racers fly by outside a huge window. My son LOVED the atmosphere. The food was pretty good too if I remember correctly (haven't eaten there since '13, but that's still fairly recent). Hungry Bear in Critter Country in DL is nice. Burgers, fries, but the atmosphere is awesome. You can find a table overlooking the water and watch the Mark Twain boat float on by.
6. People line up ridiculously early for Fantasmic. Your comparison to HS is a fair one. Some people are nuts about it and start lining up REALLY early. We don't care so much about the shows (have a son with special behavioral/mental health needs who can't sit still for long), so this isn't as important to us.

BTW- welcome to DL. Have a fantastic time

-Kat

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Hey all!

Although I have planned many a WDW trip for my own family and others, I am an absolute novice for DL and have a few questions ...your insights are appreciated!

1) We are staying off-site (about 23 miles away) in Newport Coast... I'm thinking we will need to leave at least an hour ahead of park opening in order to get there FOR opening ... yes?
I live in Irvine which is about 10 miles from DLR. I leave home an hour before opening, and barely make it. There's traffic, the shuttle/tram, bag check and the turnstile to deal with.
2) How is the parking? How much?
Unless it's gone up in the last few weeks, parking is $17/day with re-entry privileges if you leave. You should park at the Toy Story lot to save time.
3) I've heard the FP's for the Racers are kind of like TSM at WDW ... if you don't get them first thing you may not...We have 3 day park-hopper and two of the days we are going have early morning EMH at California Adventure so I have some concerns about that.
RSR fastpasses run out within the first couple hours of the day, so you will want to get yours at or near opening. RSR also has a single rider line that almost never exceeds 30 minutes. Because RSR is open during EMH, most of those people will ride it then, and focus on TSMM and Soarin' (since it will be open when you are there).

4) How are the crowds at the end of May/early June? We will be there on 5/29, 5/31 and then either 6/1 or 6/2 (Fri, Sun & then Mon or Tues).
Crowds will be heavier than normal because the 60th anniversary celebration begins on May 22. Parks will be especially busy at night. I'd suggest trying to go on Saturday instead of Friday, because most APs will be blocked.

5) Best counter service? We have 1 sit-down for the Color show package, but are fine with counter service.
You can't go wrong with CS restaurants at DLR. They are much better than WDW. Hungry Bear, Plaza Inn, El Rancho Del Zocalo at DL, and Corn Dog Castle, Pacific Wharf and Flo's at DCA are very good.

6) How far in advance do you need to get to Fantasmic? At Hollywood Studios, depending on the day, you sometimes have to be there at least an hour in advance of showtime...
Fantasmic is pretty-much all Fastpass now. I'm not sure if people are allowed to line-up anymore. Before FP, they literally camped out for hours to save spots along the river. You will need to get your FP's early over at Big Thunder Trail. Fantasmic also has a dinner package, and River Belle Terrace is another very good CS option.
Thanks all!!! We are SO excited to be checking out the original and California Adventure!

Dawn McG

 

[ZoZo]

I think the 60th Anniversary celebreation is beginning the third week of May this year. This may really impact crowd levels, so plan accordingly.

 

[Disney845]

3) I've heard the FP's for the Racers are kind of like TSM at WDW ... if you don't get them first thing you may not...We have 3 day park-hopper and two of the days we are going have early morning EMH at California Adventure so I have some concerns about that.

I am at the parks now. We went to DCA this morning and it was an EMH day. We arrived just at 10am. The line for RSR FP was back to the entrance to Carthay Circle Restaurant. It was a quickly moving line and we were at the fast pass kiosks in about 5 minutes. When we pulled the passes they were already for between 1:10 - 2:10. We passed the kiosks around 1 and noticed they were all gone for the day.

We rode RSR twice today. Once using our fast pass and once single rider line. The single rider line got us through the line and onto the ride in under 10 mins, our fast pass line was over 20.

6) How far in advance do you need to get to Fantasmic? At Hollywood Studios, depending on the day, you sometimes have to be there at least an hour in advance of showtime...

We did Fantasmic yesterday when there were two showings. We intentionally got our FP for the later of the two shows and had a yellow section FP.

We watched the fireworks then did some more attractions and had a snack while most people lined up. We arrived at our FP yellow area about 15 mins before the show and had an amazing spot. We were almost dead center (just steps away from Pirates entrance). We were also the first standing row (every row in front of us were seated on the ground).

 

[SMD]

They don't distribute FPs during EMH, so you're not at any disadvantage there. There is also a single rider line.

You have to figure at least 30 minutes to park, get the shuttle and bag check. 1 hour is not early enough to park open. Plus on non-EE days they usually start opening the gate up to 30 minutes early. Sometimes if you arrive 30 minutes after park opening you'll walk right in whereas an hour early there would have been a line. But you're going at a pretty busy time, so you might want to just shoot for rope drop the first day and leave extra early.

Parking is $17, you get in and out privileges and can switch lots if you want to. But 23 miles is pretty far for a midday break.

 

[Dawn414]

thank you all SO much for the insights...

I do have one question though ... what does most APs will be blocked mean?

 

[coaches24]

thank you all SO much for the insights...

I do have one question though ... what does most APs will be blocked mean?

there are different levels of annual passes you can buy. The most expensive is good every day all year long but the others have days they can't be used (mostly weekends, holidays and summer) so that can have an effect on crowds. If passes are blocked then people with the cheaper annual passes can't be in the parks that day.

 

[luulu1999]

thank you all SO much for the insights...

I do have one question though ... what does most APs will be blocked mean?

Annual Passes are blocked...at DL there are a TON more locals and AP holder's than at WDW most Saturdays during the summer are blocked for them unless they have the premium one

 

[Dawn414]

thanks for the response ... I changed our Color show reservation to Thursday instead of Friday since the park opens an hour earlier (not including EMH) ... SO EXCITED!

 

[ktlm]

Fellow WDW vets here- that have taken to alternating coasts. We have gone the exact same time you are going for 3 out of the last 4 years. Our first park day has always been that Saturday after Memorial Day and we go to the parks every day through the next Wednesday. On Saturday and Sunday the crowds have never been too bad- we have always felt it was pleasant and very manageable. We were originally surprised at how low the crowds were over that weekend. That Monday and Tuesday have always felt very crowded. Wednesday, the crowds have subsided and are manageable again. I'm not sure what the Annual Pass block out days are this year, but when we have been there in the past, most have been blocked out over that weekend, but there are also some APs where those are about the last weekdays they can go before they are blocked out for the rest of the summer- so those people flock to the park on Monday and Tuesday. You might check the AP block out list. Also, with the 60th Anniversary Celebration having just started, I'm not sure if that will change things. If the APs have about the same schedule this year, my best guess would be that would amp up the crowds even more on Monday and Tuesday with people trying to catch the special 60th Anniversary items before the pass black out.

I think you will find that he counter service at DL is far superior to what you find at WDW. I think it stems from there being lots of locals that grab CS. You also will find that unlike at WDW, if you suddenly want TS, you may not have too hard a time grabbing a reservation. Allears.net has the menus for all the DL CS and TS locations, just like it does for WDW.

Like WDW (pre FP+), there is no FP distribution during EMH--- but you will find that people start lining up to grab RSR FPs during that time, and they will also be in the line making the line already longa at park opening. If you can do RSR on a non EMH day and be there at opening (search on here for the "wide right" method), that would be best. On an EMH day, you should still be able to get FP. In our experience they were around until 11 or 12 (but I would go as early as you can-- the line moves fast even when it looks huge). RSR is fantastic at night, and Carsland is beautiful at night. Also RSR does have a single rider line. My DD was 8 on our last trip, and we rode RSR several times using single rider.

Have a great trip!

 

[V2000]

Radiator Springs Racers is a must! Get a fast pass by 9am and you should be good. I think they are pretty much gone by 10am.
The crowds will be heavy because of the 60th anniversary but don't let that get you down. California Adventure is the least crowded park. Disneyland crowds are gone after the last night time shows. Get your fast passes for your must see rides first.
These are my home parks. I've been to WDW 2 time but I can honestly say that I can see all the differences. The rides are a little different from WDW and there are even rides that WDW doesn't have!

Fantasmic is also a little different. It's a must see for the peter pan feature and I won't spoil it for you. The ending is also amazing!
Fast pass for this event is a must. You only have to show up 30 mins before show starts with fast pass. I even recommend the dining package for reserved seating. I can tell you hands down for that package Blue Bayou is the way to go. Orlando doesn't have this! The restaurant is inside Pirates of the Caribbean. Very beautiful! When you check in as for water view.

Other best restaurants (in my opinion) are BBQ Thunder Ranch and Steakhouse 55. Reservations are a must.
Steakhouse 55 is located in the Disneyland Hotel but the beauty of the Disneyland resort is everything is walking distance. (Or take the monorail)

Counter service I like Village Haus Restaurant or Pizza Port. At either park please try a corn dog! They are Disney made and they are great!

You'll have an amazing vacation! I'm excited for you! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Magic Band Defender]

Hey all!

Although I have planned many a WDW trip for my own family and others, I am an absolute novice for DL and have a few questions ...your insights are appreciated!

1) We are staying off-site (about 23 miles away) in Newport Coast... I'm thinking we will need to leave at least an hour ahead of park opening in order to get there FOR opening ... yes?

4) How are the crowds at the end of May/early June? We will be there on 5/29, 5/31 and then either 6/1 or 6/2 (Fri, Sun & then Mon or Tues).

5) Best counter service? We have 1 sit-down for the Color show package, but are fine with counter service.

We stayed in Newport Coast early last June and visited DLR 2 days. We stayed at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas. You might allow yourself 15 extra minutes to get there. Traffic can be brutal and there is no telling where you'll have to park.

One of the days we were there was a "grad day". I had never heard of it before, but do NOT go during a grad day. The other day was busy, but not crazy. More like a WDW crowd level 6. Grad nite was like a 9.

We really enjoyed Flo's Cafe for counter service.

Have fun!

 

[limace]

A quick question-how does one get EMH at DCA staying offsite?

 

[ktlm]

Here is the link to the annual pass blockout calendar. You can see that for the Southern California Select, they are blocked out Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31. Then Monday-Thursday June 1-4 are the last days they can go for the summer. You can bet those people will be flocking those days to see the 60th Anniversary events and items which started on May 22. So, I would say- just like we have experienced 3 out of the last 3 years for time starting the Saturday after memorial day- your lowest crowd days will be Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/

 

[plutos1fan]

Speed Racers is a must! Get a fast pass by 9am and you should be good. I think they are pretty much gone by 10am.
The crowds will be heavy because of the 60th anniversary but don't let that get you down. California Adventure is the least crowded park. Disneyland crowds are gone after the last night time shows. Get your fast passes for your must see rides first.
These are my home parks. I've been to WDW 2 time but I can honestly say that I can see all the differences. The rides are a little different from WDW and there are even rides that WDW doesn't have!

Fantasmic is also a little different. It's a must see for the peter pan feature and I won't spoil it for you. The ending is also amazing!
Fast pass for this event is a must. You only have to show up 30 mins before show starts with fast pass. I even recommend the dining package for reserved seating. I can tell you hands down for that package Blue Bayou is the way to go. Orlando doesn't have this! The restaurant is inside Pirates of the Caribbean. Very beautiful! When you check in as for water view.

Other best restaurants (in my opinion) are BBQ Thunder Ranch and Steakhouse 55. Reservations are a must.
Steakhouse 55 is located in the Disneyland Hotel but the beauty of the Disneyland resort is everything is walking distance. (Or take the monorail)

Counter service I like Village Haus Restaurant or Pizza Port. At either park please try a corn dog! They are Disney made and they are great!

You'll have an amazing vacation! I'm excited for you! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Hi,

I agree with V2000. I rally like village Haus Restaurant. Another suggestion for a good quick service place to eat is Plaza Inn. Therir fried Chicken is the best!!! The Plaza Inn is a quick service meal restaurant for lunch and dinner. Have a magical trip!!!

-Plutos1fan

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Speed Racers is a must!

I've heard many different (incorrect) names for many attractions. This is a new one.

 

[SMD]

A quick question-how does one get EMH at DCA staying offsite?

It's currently only offered for on site guests.

 

[limace]

Thanks-I thought so. Was confused by OPs report of getting two while staying offsite? Or maybe I misunderstood their lodging plans.