DL Vets answer some ?s please...1 day trip soon.

[Sherry E]

i think only like an hour before park opens, or 2 hours. :| I remember going to parking at 7:30 but they wouldnt let us through just yet. i think park opened at 9 that day too.

Okay, thanks, Albort! So I am going on Tues. 7/21, which I think is a day when the park opens at 8:00 a.m., I think. So 7:00 is probably the time when M&F opens.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Thanks guys!

Man you guys are really helpful over here on the DLR boards!

I think we've decided to come up the night before. Which is really hard on me cause I'm gonna want to go to the parks the night before too. I love going commando and would prefer but I am with family who are definitely NOT commando. They've lived in SD for 5 years and have only gone to DLR once, and they only stayed 4-5 hours and were pooped-they had had enough.

I have enough points to get hotel rooms at the Sheraton Park Hotel. Is this a good place? If we do stay there can we park there all day or would that be a no-no if we were checking out that day? I have no problem getting to Anaheim at opening because I am two hours ahead but they might be put out by it. And I guess two day hoppers would be quite a bit more expensive than the 1 day base?

Doesn't my WDW AP get me anything at DLR?

Not even discounted tickets?

And Tables in Wonderland doesn't work there either I guess?

We will definitely want to ride:
Splash Mountain
It's a Small World
Alice in Wonderland
Mad Tea Party
Matterhorn
Mr Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight ? Different from WDW?
Pinocchio's Journey
Pixie Hollow Light and Water Show?
Big Thunder Mountain
Gadget's Go Coaster (is this like Goofy's Barnstormer?)
Roger Rabbit
Haunted Mansion ?Different from WDW
Pirates
Buzz Lightyear
Space Mtn-I am soooo excited my dd is going to ride this for the very first time at DLR! What is the height restriction here?

So, given all the above and the date of August 18, do you think we could manage all this from park opening til about 7pm or so? I need to remember we are 2 hours off so my dd will be very tired at 7pm. Also, what shows are not to be missed besides the evening shows?

We depart SD Airport the next morning at 9am. So we just won't be able to do a complete day, unless I get 2 day tickets and go in the night before.

Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[Hound 109]

Great info in the posts above.

Count me in the "consider a park hopper for the 6-8 "do not miss attractions & to escape DL when it gets packed at noon" camp.

I've got opinions in your post quote below:

Thanks guys!

Man you guys are really helpful over here on the DLR boards!

I think we've decided to come up the night before.

Great idea!

Which is really hard on me cause I'm gonna want to go to the parks the night before too. I love going commando and would prefer but I am with family who are definitely NOT commando.

Then you'll be the one with the (flexible) plan & you'll be in charge of & monitor the FP pickup (read HydroGuy's FP threads) & they'll "go with the flow" while you quietly & efficiently push them in the right direction the first (important) couple of hours at DL. In the afternoon when it's more crowded....all of you can "go with the flow"....or better still hop to DCA.

They've lived in SD for 5 years and have only gone to DLR once, and they only stayed 4-5 hours and were pooped-they had had enough.

They're newbies (they probably were "pooped" because they stood like lemings in long lines at the wrong time....possibly think FPs are "too much trouble".....you'll be the pro...& they'll be amazed.

I have enough points to get hotel rooms at the Sheraton Park Hotel. Is this a good place? If we do stay there can we park there all day or would that be a no-no if we were checking out that day? I have no problem getting to Anaheim at opening because I am two hours ahead but they might be put out by it. And I guess two day hoppers would be quite a bit more expensive than the 1 day base?

Hopefully others can comment on the Sheraton & the ART schedule, but you should be STANDING AT THE SECURITY GATE AT 7:20AM....YOU'VE GOT ONE DAY....MAXIMIZE YOUR FIRST HOUR.

Doesn't my WDW AP get me anything at DLR?

Not even discounted tickets?

And Tables in Wonderland doesn't work there either I guess?

Don't know...hopefully others will.

We will definitely want to ride:
Splash Mountain
It's a Small World
Alice in Wonderland
Mad Tea Party
Matterhorn
Mr Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight ? Different from WDW?
Pinocchio's Journey
Pixie Hollow Light and Water Show?
Big Thunder Mountain
Gadget's Go Coaster (is this like Goofy's Barnstormer?)
Roger Rabbit
Haunted Mansion ?Different from WDW
Pirates
Buzz Lightyear
Space Mtn-I am soooo excited my dd is going to ride this for the very first time at DLR! What is the height restriction here?

I'll give this one a try....remember, you must be early & have a touring & FP plan the first two hours....then the rest of the day will go more smoothly for you. Given your above attractions:

- Arrive at Security at 7:20am gets you at or next to the front of the turnstiles.
- Gate opens at 8am....Peter Pan first (always first ). Have a runner pick up a FP at SM if possible.
- Alice, then Matterhorn (both sides) or vice versa. (did you pick up the SM FP?...then do it Now!)
- Then Toady (or the Teacups) or vice versa.
- Pinocchio (& the Carousel?) Can you send a runner to Indy or BTMRR?
(at this point I'd probably head to the left side of the park, but you'd probably be best to do.....)
- Storybookland Canal Ride? Then IASW
- Into ToonTown when it opens. Goofy's ride, Roger Rabbit if no line, FP if there is one.
- At this point I'd walk (or take the train ALL the way around) to the left side.
- FP at Splash. (Third one)
- (Winnie? rarely a line & nab a snack at Pooh Corner)
- Maybe a late breakfast or early lunch....
- HM, Pirates, (Canoes? Pirate's Island? Jungle Cruise?)
- Did you get a FP for BTMRR? Then get one now....or get one for Buzz.

That's a start....& it's noon & you have 3-4 FPs & knocked out all but a couple off your list.

So, given all the above and the date of August 18, do you think we could manage all this from park opening til about 7pm or so? I need to remember we are 2 hours off so my dd will be very tired at 7pm. Also, what shows are not to be missed besides the evening shows?

Aladdin in DCA is a not to be missed show. Also in DCA, Soarin, Griz Rapids & Screamin' are E ticket rides.....& the Bugs life kid area & Monster's are great for the little ones.

We depart SD Airport the next morning at 9am. So we just won't be able to do a complete day, unless I get 2 day tickets and go in the night before.

Thanks for your help everyone!

Re-read all of HG's Tip Threads (especially his FP theads), get to the park EARLY (in line at 7:20am) & pick up 3-4 FPs in the early AM for use in the afternoon & early evening. You might find my one day trip report recap (in the link below) helpful as well.

Have a great time at Walt's park.


hound -

 

[Eeee-va]

Thanks guys!

Man you guys are really helpful over here on the DLR boards!

I think we've decided to come up the night before. Which is really hard on me cause I'm gonna want to go to the parks the night before too. I love going commando and would prefer but I am with family who are definitely NOT commando. They've lived in SD for 5 years and have only gone to DLR once, and they only stayed 4-5 hours and were pooped-they had had enough.

I have enough points to get hotel rooms at the Sheraton Park Hotel. Is this a good place? If we do stay there can we park there all day or would that be a no-no if we were checking out that day? I have no problem getting to Anaheim at opening because I am two hours ahead but they might be put out by it. And I guess two day hoppers would be quite a bit more expensive than the 1 day base?

Doesn't my WDW AP get me anything at DLR?

Not even discounted tickets?

And Tables in Wonderland doesn't work there either I guess?

We will definitely want to ride:
Splash Mountain
It's a Small World
Alice in Wonderland
Mad Tea Party
Matterhorn
Mr Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight ? Different from WDW?
Pinocchio's Journey
Pixie Hollow Light and Water Show?
Big Thunder Mountain
Gadget's Go Coaster (is this like Goofy's Barnstormer?)
Roger Rabbit
Haunted Mansion ?Different from WDW
Pirates
Buzz Lightyear
Space Mtn-I am soooo excited my dd is going to ride this for the very first time at DLR! What is the height restriction here?

So, given all the above and the date of August 18, do you think we could manage all this from park opening til about 7pm or so? I need to remember we are 2 hours off so my dd will be very tired at 7pm. Also, what shows are not to be missed besides the evening shows?

We depart SD Airport the next morning at 9am. So we just won't be able to do a complete day, unless I get 2 day tickets and go in the night before.

Thanks for your help everyone!

Are you going August 18th (Tuesday) or August 19th (Wednesday)? I thought you'd said Wednesday earlier, but maybe I read wrong. Wednesday is MUCH better for your Fantasyland itinerary, because you can get to Fantasyland first thing in the morning (provided you're there when the park opens ) and get those rides done much more quickly than you would be able to on a "Magic Morning" day, when certain park guests are allowed to get in to Fantasyland early. On Wednesday, I would estimate you could do all those Fantasyland attractions in maybe 90 minutes or 2 hours tops. Peter Pan first! (If you went on Tuesday, the line for Peter Pan could be 20 minutes or more, right when you walk through the gates.)

IF you could do a mid-afternoon break, that would be my suggestion, and then stay until close--but I know with the drive, that may not be plausible. Two days would be better than one but you are right; there's a very big price difference. ($69/$59 for an adult/child one-day, one-park pass, and $143/$123 adult/child for a two-day hopper.

You could always do Downtown Disney on the day you get in, and get your shopping out of the way, if that interests you. You could also visit the Disneyland Hotel grounds, which are kind of fun. For a kid, those little places can be as much fun as the main attractions, sometimes, and your non-commando travel companions might appreciate having a leisurely first day as well.

I don't personally think there are any "must-see" shows during the daytime, except for Aladdin, which I do not think will be running. I've heard good things about the little "Drawn to the Magic" (?) show at DCA, and also the Billy Hill show at the Golden Horseshoe. But given your timeframe I'm not sure it's possible to do your "must-dos" and the shows, so I'd not plan to see them. If you just have one day, from opening until 7, I personally would not go to DCA, but it is your choice.

The Pixie Hollow light show only starts after Pixie Hollow closes, which I THINK is later than 7 PM, but I'm not sure.

Gadget's Go Coaster is kind of like the Barnstormer--it goes through a quick cave but otherwise it's the same model and the track is similar, maybe even the same. I never rode the Barnstormer but I used to be a HUGE fan of Gadget so I know the DL ride well. The theming is pretty cute, since Gadget is a mouse-sized mouse.

I personally think it is potentially possible to do everything on your list if you go on Wednesday, except for Pixie Hollow's night show. But you might keep in mind that rides at DL have been breaking down quite a bit lately, so it's not impossible that one will go down during your trip, making it difficult or impossible to ride. On a 4-day trip, I saw Matterhorn, Splash, Gadget's Go-Coaster, and Pirates of the Caribbean all go down for part of one day, and have heard reports of Space Mountain going down at times too. Statistically, the odds are pretty good that you might come to a ride only to find that it's temporarily closed.

I think it will be a bit hectic, but if you (and/or the DIS board ) sit down and plan out how long everything takes, you can see if it could work. Will you have a Fastpass runner? (Maybe even a runner who is willing to skip an attraction?) If so, I think it'll be a lot more likely to happen.

If you'd like me to try to figure out your riding order/etc. I'd be happy to but I figure there are other people here with more experience. I have a recent 4-day visit and have used Ridemax, is all, though I am analytical.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Two days would be better than one but you are right; there's a very big price difference. ($59 for a one-day, one-park pass, and $123 for a two-day hopper.)

Gadget's Go Coaster is kind of like the Barnstormer--it goes through a quick cave but otherwise it's the same model and the track is similar, maybe even the same.

Hi Eeee-va! Forgive me if I missed something (I didn't read the entire thread) -- but the price for a one day adult admission is $69 and the 2 day hopper is $143 (the prices you listed are child prices). Just wanted to point that out for budget sake!

Also -- goes Gadget's coaster really go through a cave? Have I missed that everytime I ride? I guess the last time I rode that was with DD2 who was TERRIFIED, so I probably missed it!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Oh I can only imagine.

We are going on Tuesday August 18th. So that's a bad day to go?

Grizzly was mentioned...I want to make sure that the OP knows that the height req for that is 42". I know people think it's just like Kali, but Kali has a req that's something like 4 inches shorter than Grizzly. If the younger kiddo is a munchkin who has been on Kali, it's worth knowing ahead of time.

Is Grizzly very similar to Kali? My dd loves Kali so I guess we'll try it. I can get a two day hopper for $134 adult (discounted from my DSIL), not much of a discount.

What rides are not to be missed at DCA? And should I hop back and forth between the parks? How hard is it?

Other option is to go to DCA the night before and then spend the 18th in DL.

Also, none of the dining options look even remotely attractive. No character lunches? What's good for two young children for lunch? A buffet is good because it's fast and something without horrible food and something not so pricey??? Well this is Disney so I may need to compromise on one of those stipulations.


Also, since some of you asked my DB is in way north SD close to Carmel Valley. He says it will take 1 hour. ????
Thanks!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I'll give this one a try....remember, you must be early & have a touring & FP plan the first two hours....then the rest of the day will go more smoothly for you. Given your above attractions:

- Arrive at Security at 7:20am gets you at or next to the front of the turnstiles.
- Gate opens at 8am....Peter Pan first (always first ). Have a runner pick up a FP at SM if possible.
- Alice, then Matterhorn (both sides) or vice versa. (did you pick up the SM FP?...then do it Now!)
- Then Toady (or the Teacups) or vice versa.
- Pinocchio (& the Carousel?) Can you send a runner to Indy or BTMRR?
(at this point I'd probably head to the left side of the park, but you'd probably be best to do.....)
- Storybookland Canal Ride? Then IASW
- Into ToonTown when it opens. Goofy's ride, Roger Rabbit if no line, FP if there is one.
- At this point I'd walk (or take the train ALL the way around) to the left side.
- FP at Splash. (Third one)
- (Winnie? rarely a line & nab a snack at Pooh Corner)
- Maybe a late breakfast or early lunch....
- HM, Pirates, (Canoes? Pirate's Island? Jungle Cruise?)
- Did you get a FP for BTMRR? Then get one now....or get one for Buzz.

That's a start....& it's noon & you have 3-4 FPs & knocked out all but a couple off your list.

WOW! Hound you've done all my work for me! Thanks!!!!!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

If the 18th is a MM, should I spend the $$ to stay at a Disney hotel to be eligible or just do my best 1 hour behind everyone else?

How much more crowded will it be? I'm used to WDW where we avoid the EMH park.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

If you'd like me to try to figure out your riding order/etc. I'd be happy to but I figure there are other people here with more experience. I have a recent 4-day visit and have used Ridemax, is all, though I am analytical.

I have Ridemax too but thought it only worked on WDW. Are there 2 versions?

 

[Sherry E]

What rides are not to be missed at DCA? And should I hop back and forth between the parks? How hard is it?

Other option is to go to DCA the night before and then spend the 18th in DL.

Also, none of the dining options look even remotely attractive. No character lunches? What's good for two young children for lunch? A buffet is good because it's fast and something without horrible food and something not so pricey??? Well this is Disney so I may need to compromise on one of those stipulations.

Thanks!

DCA is SO close to DL - nothing at all like the layout of WDW. Here, you literally just exit out the front of DL, walk about 2 minutes across the esplanade to DCA and there you are. The entrances to both parks face each other! That is why so many of us recommend Park Hopping on this board - because DL tends to get very congested at times and DCA is an easy and less crowded place to retreat to during those times of day. $134 for a 2-day Hopper is not bad. You should take advantage of that! Also, DCA does not typically stay open too late, so planning to go there at night may be risky.

At DCA, you kind of have to see it for yourself - there are little gems about it that make it unlike other Disney parks, I think. Aladdin is a great show. Monsters Inc. is a cute ride. California Screamin' is very popular. Of course, TSMM and Soarin' are there too. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a nice little area. It has a lot to offer - very well worth the Hopper price.

Now as for food - we have to get you familiar with DLR restaurants!! There is lots of good food to be had. Much of the DLR food is underrated, I think.

Blue Bayou - while costly - is a one of a kind restaurant located inside the POTC ride. Great ambience! It is a crowd favorite. Carnation Cafe in DL is great. Wine Country Trattoria in DCA is great. There are even some really good counter service places in both parks. As for character buffets, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Goofy's Kitchen in the DLH - it is all you can eat, the food is great, the variety is even better (huge buffet) - and yes, it is not cheap, but as you say, it is Disney, so....

Goofy's serves breakfast and dinner, but they close during the day to prepare for dinner, and on weekends they stay open a bit later for late breakfast/brunch. Sometimes they close at noon, sometimes at 2 p.m. Ariel's Grotto in DCA is an all-Princess character meal and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is family style, and lunch and dinner are off the menu. Storytellers Cafe Critter Breakfast is menu ordering OR buffet, as is Lilo and Stitch. Minnie and Friends (tons of characters) is "buffeteria-style." All are breakfast only except for Goofy's and Ariel's, and as I said, Ariel's serves all day, and Goofy's stays open to noon or 2:00 p.m., then closes for a few hours, then reopens for dinner at 5:00 p.m. And Goofy's is ALL buffet, no menu orders.

And then there are other good places to eat in the 3 hotels: Steakhouse 55, Storytellers (during non-character meal hours), PCH Grill (non-character time), Napa Rose (expensive, upscale meal in the GCH). And even more choices in DTD.

True, there may not be the same selection of restaurants in DLR as there is in WDW, but I am sure you will be pleased with the dining.

 

[HydroGuy]

I have Ridemax too but thought it only worked on WDW. Are there 2 versions?

RM was originally developed for DLR. A WDW version came later.

We have used both.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is Grizzly very similar to Kali? My dd loves Kali so I guess we'll try it. I can get a two day hopper for $134 adult (discounted from my DSIL), not much of a discount.

Roughly similar but almost everyone says GRR is quite a bit better. Longer and more drops.

What rides are not to be missed at DCA? And should I hop back and forth between the parks? How hard is it?

Parkhopping at DLR is an entirely beast from parkhopping at DLR. It is much easier. See this excellent post:

"Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

What rides to not miss at DCA? In general here is my list. A WDW vet may want to drop off some.

1. Soarin Over California - ride is same as WDW but outside theming is much better

2. Grizzly River Run

3. California Screamin

4. Tower of Terror - same as WDW but no random drop sequences - yet

5. Toy Story Midway Mania - same as WDW

6. Aladdin Show - absolutely hilarious and better than any stage show at WDW

7. Animation Studios (included Turtle Talk w Crush) - great to do in the afternoon on a hot day because it is all air conditioned. You can easily spend 90 minutes here.

8. Monsters Inc - not terribly exciting but do it if you have time

Also, since some of you asked my DB is in way north SD close to Carmel Valley. He says it will take 1 hour. ????

As a former San Diegoan, I would say it would take one hour minimum. If you hit traffic then it could easily be 2+ hours.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

What's good for two young children for lunch?

Sherry and I were just talking about this in another thread so your question made me think of it, but at Carnation Cafe they have the Peanut Butter Painters Palette. It's adorable -- it comes out on a palette with the bread and peanut butter and little cups of marshmellows, raisins, jam and bananas. My DD loved it! And besides that, Carnation Cafe is one of our favorites anyway!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry and I were just talking about this in another thread so your question made me think of it, but at Carnation Cafe they have the Peanut Butter Painters Palette. It's adorable -- it comes out on a palette with the bread and peanut butter and little cups of marshmellows, raisins, jam and bananas. My DD loved it! And besides that, Carnation Cafe is one of our favorites anyway!

It is cute - I think I saw one sail past our table once. Great for kids! Good idea, Kayla's Mom!

And let's not forget Mickey Mouse pancakes at the River Belle Terrace....Mickey Mouse waffles at Carnation...decadent sundaes and desserts....all kinds of delicious healthy fruit around DLR - lots of things kids would like!

 

[Eeee-va]

I don't think Tuesday is a TERRIBLE day to go. Well, there is no such thing as a terrible thing to go--it's Disneyland! It's just going to make Fantasyland more challenging, mostly because Peter Pan's Flight (which doesn't have FP in Anaheim) will almost certainly have a line when you get in. If you're OK with skipping that then I don't think you'll have any other real trouble with the Magic Morning crowds--things will be busier than they would have been, but I don't foresee any problems. And of course if you want to do Peter Pan's Flight then you can manage it--it will just take longer.

Doesn't Toontown open just one hour after park opening? If so, then if you follow the excellent schedule you were given, I'm not sure that you'll be able to hit Toontown at opening? On a Magic Morning, it took us about 40 minutes to do all those Fantasyland things (minus IASW and the Storybookland boats), and we were literally the first people on Peter Pan's Flight that morning. Assuming even a 15 minute wait for Peter Pan and 15 minutes' wait spread between Toad, Alice, and the Matterhorn, plus the sheer length of time it takes to ride IASW and the Storybookland boats, I'd plan for it to be at more like 90 minutes plus before you make it to Toontown.

The good news is that Toontown will NOT be open to any guests before it opens to the public, so while Fantasyland will be busier than it would have been on Wednesday morning, Toontown will be less busy than it would have been on Tuesday morning. You should be fine getting there some time after opening, as long as you don't need to meet the characters.

Hi Eeee-va! Forgive me if I missed something (I didn't read the entire thread) -- but the price for a one day adult admission is $69 and the 2 day hopper is $143 (the prices you listed are child prices). Just wanted to point that out for budget sake!

Also -- goes Gadget's coaster really go through a cave? Have I missed that everytime I ride? I guess the last time I rode that was with DD2 who was TERRIFIED, so I probably missed it!

Ooops, thank you. Sorry about that! I'll edit.

And "cave" may be too strong a word for it, but yes, you go through some kind of earth/rock formation that has a roof, about halfway through (if you count the lift hill as part of the ride). But if you blinked you may have missed it. Here's my silent video of it taken on my ghetto phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_MMolxaSEk

Sorry your DD was scared! It has a bit of pep for such a small coaster, though.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

And "cave" may be too strong a word for it, but yes, you go through some kind of earth/rock formation that has a roof, about halfway through (if you count the lift hill as part of the ride). But if you blinked you may have missed it. Here's my silent video of it taken on my ghetto phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_MMolxaSEk

Sorry your DD was scared! It has a bit of pep for such a small coaster, though.

Thanks for the video -- totally didn't remember that! It does have a little pep -- she actually liked Matterhorn, POTC, was even ok on HM, but Gadget's got her!

 

[bumbershoot]

If the 18th is a MM, should I spend the $$ to stay at a Disney hotel to be eligible or just do my best 1 hour behind everyone else?

How much more crowded will it be? I'm used to WDW where we avoid the EMH park.

I'm not totally sure if this was answered fully...

Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun, are Magic Morning days. That means that Fantasyland and parts of Tomorrowland are open one hour earlier for people with 3+ day passes and onsite hotel guests. Those with the tickets only get one day to choose from; those onsite get any day during their stay where MM is offered. So you would either want to come down on Monday to stay the night and get MM on your check out day, OR come down VERY VERY VERY early on Tuesday, check in (aka "early registration"), then get MM on your day of checking in. We once checked in around 6am to get MM on that day.

The reason why you might want to figure out a way to do it is that if you're only going on Tuesday, IF you start the morning off in Fantasyland, it will already have full lines from the hour's worth of people already in there. Same-ish with Tomorrowland...instead of a FP for Space that is only 45 minutes later, it will be a couple hours. Or it *could* be. When MM is offered and you want to be in Fantasyland, you want to be part of MM so you're among the first.

From what I've read with EMH, you either want to be there for morning EMH, then hop out of that park, or just want to avoid EMH hours, because the park gets unbearable full. However, with EMH I'm not sure if it's limited to fewer lands or if it's the whole park...

Going on a Wednesday would be easier, because you have the same advantage for FL and TL as everyone else who is willing to get up early; there won't be that hour's worth of people in the lines already.


And I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but Space at DL is only a 40" requirement. It's rather different, I've heard, from WDW's Space; some say that WDW's version is more like Matterhorn in shakiness and seating...of course, Matterhorn's height req is only 35"!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Grace, I am reading fast but don't think your question about a WDW AP and TIW card has been answered. Sadly, neither of those will save you a dime at DLR! I wish they did, but I often have AP's at both WDW and DL, and neither one does a thing for the other. If you have a Disney Visa that saves you some money at World of Disney and if you have AAA, you can get 10% off most character meals (if not all). For sure AAA will save you 10% at the Plaza Inn's and Goofy's Kitchen.

Space at DL is much different than WDW's. You sit side by side, you have a sound track playing and its much smoother. Matterhorn is very similar in ride configuration and bumpiness to Space in WDW. Splash at DL is not side by side like it is at WDW. And Grizzly is better than Kali. It has two drops and its a bit longer and better themed.

I also avoid EMH's at WDW since they just pack in so many people. A Magic Morning at DL is a bit different. With only two parks to go to (and the fact they are connected and most people do both during a trip), a MM is a nice perk and should be taken advantage of when possible. As to whether an onsite hotel is worth it take advantage of a MM, hard to say. I think not. I'd just stay at that Sheraton on your points. A DLR hotel this close in would be very pricey. Now if you don't mind spending the money, go for it. I have stayed at all three of them and love them all. But only the GCH can really rival a WDW deluxe in theming and amenities. In fact, I think its a cut above the WDW deluxes, even the GF, but that's just my opinion!

To me a Magic Morning is wonderful and puts you at a disadvantage for Fantasyland primarily, if you don't go. But as far as the overall park, through the day, it doens't make the difference the way an EMH does. And the rides that will be harder to get on if you don't do a MM (and they are having one) are: Nemo subs, Peter Pan and Dumbo. None of those have fastpass and the lines build early. So by the time non MM guests arrive, those will be pretty crowded. In Tomorrowland, Space and Buzz will still have plenty of fastpasses and the other rides in Fantasyland will have lines but not unbearable lines when the park offically opens. None of the other lands are open for a MM. So those will still be nice and quiet for a bit after official opening.

If it were me, I'd get a two day, go myself that first night and then use my points at the Sheraton. That way you can soak up the ambiance and also, if you have two nights, you can see the fireworks and the Electrical Parade. See the fireworks the first night if you can, DL's fireworks do get cancelled from time to time due to winds and if you can only see one of the shows, the fireworks are better than the Electrical Parade, even though I love it (I like it better than Spectro personally).

Alladin is a must do show, but if its not running, that solves that! I do like the Bill Hill show, its cute and you can eat lunch or dinner while you watch so sort of kill two birds with one stone! Its not long, maybe 30 minutes. Arrive about 30-45 minutes before to get a table and get your food. It gets packed but not until its closer to show time.

Hope this helps and hope I'm not just restating what somebody else already did! I had to scan those other replies fast before I dash out.

 

[Hound 109]

If the 18th is a MM, should I spend the $$ to stay at a Disney hotel to be eligible or just do my best 1 hour behind everyone else?

How much more crowded will it be? I'm used to WDW where we avoid the EMH park.

EDITED: JUST READ AMY & DAN'S EXCELLENT POST & AGREE THAT GETTING A 2 DAY HOPPER & STAYING AT THE SHERATON MAKES MORE SENSE (TO ME) & WOULD BE MORE ECONOMICAL THAN ONE DAY/ONE NIGHT AT A DLR HOTEL. FOR ALL THE REASONS SHE GAVE (SOAK THINGS IN, SEE THE FIREWORKS, GET A FEEL FOR RIDE & FP LOCATIONS). PLUS WHEN YOU VISIT ON WED. YOU CAN ATTACK FANTASYLAND W/O THE MM FOLKS ALREADY BEING THERE.

MM is Tue/Thur/Sat/Sun.

My recommended plan in my previous post above assumes that it is NOT an MM day (unless you have MM privilidges....& If you do, i'd have to change the recommended plan a little).

Is it worth it to stay at a DLR hotel to get MM?? Possibly....(it would be worth $10 - $15 per person to me)....but the cost may be prohibitive.

But if you are going to DL on an MM day....& don't have MM privilidges....then your "avoid the EMH park" thought process is an accurate one. Best to avoid the the first 4-5 rides on my list (because they'll already be packed) & have a different ride sequence (but still pick up FPs as early & as often as you can).

If i was visiting "just one day".....I'd do it on a Tue. or Thurs ONLY if i was staying on site (& getting MM).....otherwise I'd go on Wednesday. (& follow my advice & the advice of others here).


Regarding DCA.....yes it's worth doing, Soarin', Screamin & Griz Rapids (& ToT) are all E ticket rides. ToT is similar (not quide as good) as WDW, & Griz is similar (& much better) than Kali. Plus, Monsters, Crush (same as WDW), the Bugs Life area (love Heimlich) the new Toy Story ride & the Redwood area are all great for the little ones.

As importantly, it's less crowded than DL & has better food choices so it's a great place to "hop" to at noon for 3-5 hours. (I also like the Trattoria for a "better than Olive Garden" meal & alfresco dining if it's nice out....& it's always nice in SoCal )

Then you "hop back" the 100 yards over to DL in the evening with the 4-5 FPs that you picked up that morning. Even if crowded, you can ride SM, Buzz, BTMRR &/or Indy & Splash that evening.

Look at HG's "How to use FP on a busy day" thread & my link below for examples of how Dis'ers with a little bit of knowledge (& getting there early & hopping) can "work the parks" effeciently & zig when others are zagging.

Ask 4 "motivated FP" diser's on a ride/touring plan & you'll get 4 different ride orders.....but each will be at the park early, be picking up FPs early & often, most would "hop" to DCA, & most would have the same general ride plans (with individual favorites plugged in or removed).

Me....i'l ride Pirates & Indy only once....but Buzz & BTMRR (& Screamin') 2-4 times.....& I'd skip Nemo (& the putt putt cars) altogether. Others love Nemo & Autopia.... & once on BTMRR & Buzz is enough.

Once you decide "the day" (or days) you're going....& where you're staying, & what restaurants you want, get a map out & do a touring plan thru lunch & come back here....we'll critique it for you.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I'm going against the grain here, but for a WDW regular who has been to WDW since TSMM opened and only has one day at Disneyland, I cannot recommend DCA if Aladdin is not showing. The very best DCA attractions that keep getting mentioned here are also at WDW. And most of the time, the WDW version is either identical (Soarin' or TSMM aside from the queues) or better (Tower of Terror).