DLR planning frustration

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We'll be in DLR December 22-26 this year, staying on a good neighbor package at the Embassy Suites. It's our first DLR visit, and I'm feeling so overwhelmed! I got some excellent advice in an earlier thread that helped us select our hotel, and led us not to get the dining plan.

Now I'm trying to plan our days, and getting frustrated. I've grown spoiled at planning our WDW trips, because we know that resort so well. It's tough to be a newbie, again. My biggest frustration is that it doesn't appear Disneyland has published schedules and events for Christmas, yet. It seems strange not to be booking things 180 days out, like I do for Florida.

I've also complicated things by planning our first ever DLR trip during a holiday.

Here are a few questions I need help with:

1. It looks like the Candlelight Processional at DLR isn't like the Epcot version, in that there are not performances throughout the entire holiday season. I can't find a list of actual dates for 2010, but in past years, it appears the DLR Candlelight Processional was only done on two dates in early December. Am I correct to assume there won't be any performances when we're there December 22-26?

2. Park hours haven't been published past December 15th, and parade/show times haven't been published past November 30th.

• 2(a). What are the typical park hours for Christmas week? We're trying to squeeze a lot into 3 1/2 days, and I don't know whether I can count on late nights. Thanksgiving week is 8 am to Midnight every day. Can we count on something similar at Christmas?
  
  
• 2(b). Is World of Color usually held every day? Looking at November, this appears to be the case. There are some days when there is only one show instead of two, and different starting times each day, but it looks like it's held at least once each day. Is this the case? (I want to make sure it's not like WDW Hollywood Studios' version of Fantasmic, where you have to pick the right day to do the park if you want to see the show.)

3. How quickly do the World of Color dining packages go? Depending on whether these's a show scheduled for that date, I'm thinking of doing an Arial's Grotto WOC package for Thursday, December 23rd. 60 days before that date is this Sunday.

• 3(a). Do DLR dining reservations work like WDW, where you can make dining reservations for your entire stay based on your check-in date, or is it strictly 60 days from the date you want to dine?
  
  
• 3(b). We're not staying in a Disney hotel. We're staying in a good neighbor hotel that we booked through the Disneyland web site. If the answer to 3a was yes, does it still apply to a good neighbor booking?
  
  
• 3(c). I know Christmas is the busiest time. Do I need to start calling for this reservation right when the phone lines open? If so, what time is that?

4. I know we want to see Aladdin, and will make plans for that. However, I'm not sure we'll spend time on Fantasmic. We've seen the WDW version many times. Is there much difference?

5. I see mention online of some special buffets available on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, however, I can't find any specifics. Have these not been published yet? If they have, can someone point me to a link?

6. We'd like to try the Blue Bayou. (Reading the description of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats passing through, it makes me think of both the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion, or the Garden Grill looking out over the boats in Living with the Land.) If one of the Christmas buffets is offered there, it'll kill two birds with one stone. Otherwise, we'll make a reservation for a lunch or dinner there. Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou are really the only two restaurants we're considering "must see." We'll play it by ear for all other meals. Our hotel includes breakfast, so we won't be looking to do any of the character breakfasts. So, those few meals I've discussed aside, is there anything else for Christmas (or in general) I should be reserving ahead of time?

Thank you very much!!! (And I'm sorry if this post turned out to resemble a tax form.)

 

[Cagirl767]

In answer to 3a, b and c, booking Disney dining priority seating is 60 days from the date you want to dine. I'd call exactly 60 days prior, when the phone lines open if you're looking at a peak season. (Sorry I don't know that exact time though, but I know they state the time on their recording).

The general public can book a dining reservation, not just DLR hotel guests.

I'd ask the priority seating CM what buffets are available when you call to find out what time you can start calling 60 days from your desired date. I know Disneyland Hotel usually has one.

 

[figment_jii]

6. We'd like to try the Blue Bayou. (Reading the description of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats passing through, it makes me think of both the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion, or the Garden Grill looking out over the boats in Living with the Land.)

I'm sorry that I can't help you with any of the reservation information that the PP didn't cover, but I just thought I'd mention that the Blue Bayou is more like San Angel Inn than Garden Grill. The restaurant is on the dark-side so be aware of that.

I would also add that DLR and DCA's schedule do not come out very far in advance (probably 45-days or so) - but I would guess the holiday schedule should be out by the first of November. We went during the summer and it seemed to so odd to be waiting and waiting for the schedule to come out.

With regards to Fantasmic! - in the past it has always run at least once per night baring any technical difficulties. The show itself has some similar elements from DHS, but it also has some very different parts. The two most impressive differences (at least to me) is the use of the Columbia sailing ship (for the Peter Pan sequence - which is in place of the Pocahontas sequence) and the Mark Twain. Also be aware that unlike DHS, DLR's Fantasmic! isn't in a stadium style venue. In that way it's more like Illuminations (except the viewing area is considerably smaller). You might want to walk by Rivers of America during the day to get a feel for the layout and where you want to be to see the show.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

When you call the dinning line, the CM's can tell you the park hours for your stay if you ask nice. If Christmas buffets are run anything like Thanksgiving buffet's they won't be available for booking until 30 days out. In your postion, I'ld reserve a back up Christmas meal 60 days out just in case (no likly but it could happen) you can't book a Christmas buffet. If you end up getting the choice buffet you can cancel the back up.

 

[Funball]

We'll be in DLR December 22-26 this year, staying on a good neighbor package at the Embassy Suites. It's our first DLR visit, and I'm feeling so overwhelmed! I got some excellent advice in an earlier thread that helped us select our hotel, and led us not to get the dining plan.

Now I'm trying to plan our days, and getting frustrated. I've grown spoiled at planning our WDW trips, because we know that resort so well. It's tough to be a newbie, again. My biggest frustration is that it doesn't appear Disneyland has published schedules and events for Christmas, yet. It seems strange not to be booking things 180 days out, like I do for Florida.

I've also complicated things by planning our first ever DLR trip during a holiday.

Here are a few questions I need help with:

1. It looks like the Candlelight Processional at DLR isn't like the Epcot version, in that there are not performances throughout the entire holiday season. I can't find a list of actual dates for 2010, but in past years, it appears the DLR Candlelight Processional was only done on two dates in early December. Am I correct to assume there won't be any performances when we're there December 22-26?

2. Park hours haven't been published past December 15th, and parade/show times haven't been published past November 30th.

• 2(a). What are the typical park hours for Christmas week? We're trying to squeeze a lot into 3 1/2 days, and I don't know whether I can count on late nights. Thanksgiving week is 8 am to Midnight every day. Can we count on something similar at Christmas?
  
  
• 2(b). Is World of Color usually held every day? Looking at November, this appears to be the case. There are some days when there is only one show instead of two, and different starting times each day, but it looks like it's held at least once each day. Is this the case? (I want to make sure it's not like WDW Hollywood Studios' version of Fantasmic, where you have to pick the right day to do the park if you want to see the show.)

3. How quickly do the World of Color dining packages go? Depending on whether these's a show scheduled for that date, I'm thinking of doing an Arial's Grotto WOC package for Thursday, December 23rd. 60 days before that date is this Sunday.

• 3(a). Do DLR dining reservations work like WDW, where you can make dining reservations for your entire stay based on your check-in date, or is it strictly 60 days from the date you want to dine?
  
  
• 3(b). We're not staying in a Disney hotel. We're staying in a good neighbor hotel that we booked through the Disneyland web site. If the answer to 3a was yes, does it still apply to a good neighbor booking?
  
  
• 3(c). I know Christmas is the busiest time. Do I need to start calling for this reservation right when the phone lines open? If so, what time is that?

4. I know we want to see Aladdin, and will make plans for that. However, I'm not sure we'll spend time on Fantasmic. We've seen the WDW version many times. Is there much difference?

5. I see mention online of some special buffets available on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, however, I can't find any specifics. Have these not been published yet? If they have, can someone point me to a link?

6. We'd like to try the Blue Bayou. (Reading the description of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats passing through, it makes me think of both the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion, or the Garden Grill looking out over the boats in Living with the Land.) If one of the Christmas buffets is offered there, it'll kill two birds with one stone. Otherwise, we'll make a reservation for a lunch or dinner there. Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou are really the only two restaurants we're considering "must see." We'll play it by ear for all other meals. Our hotel includes breakfast, so we won't be looking to do any of the character breakfasts. So, those few meals I've discussed aside, is there anything else for Christmas (or in general) I should be reserving ahead of time?

Thank you very much!!! (And I'm sorry if this post turned out to resemble a tax form.)

ºoº Ok first of all take a breath ºoº

It’s not as bad as you think! DLR is much smaller then WDW, and your lucky I stumbled upon your thread, I send out maps to those traveling to DLR,I got lots of maps in stock of both DCA and DLR right now ºoº

if you’d like a map please pm with your address and I can send them out tomorrow!


--funball

 

[PHXscuba]

Also consider checking out the Disney at Christmas thread. It's super long by now but the people there are all trying to book the same holiday meals, tours, looking for hours, etc. For example, one person was told by a CM that they couldn't book a holiday tour at 60 days, but another member did the same day, so they called back and talked to another CM that let them book. Plus the thread has oodles of great pictures.

They do seem to be running World of Color every night, and I can't see the busy Christmas season being any less. Fantasmic should be running every night during that week too. The beauty of being right across from each other is that parkhopping is very quick and easy, so when one park gets too crowded you can go across the esplanade or walk right to DTD.

If you haven't already, check out HydroGuy's fabulous DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Lots of great information for what you'll find that's different.

PHXscuba

 

[cccdisney]

To answer a few other questions:

Unlike WDW, the Candlelight Processional at DL is only the first weekend of December.

I have never heard of the Blue Bayou having a buffet for Christmas. If I remember correctly, they will be at one of the resort restaurants.

The park hours (at least for DL) will more than likely be 8am - 12am. Who knows about DCA since this is the first Holiday season since WOC opened. And I can bet those WOC dining packages will sell out. But if you call 60 days ahead you should be fine.

Relax - you'll be fine!! Enjoy your Christmas trip!

 

[jacky b]

You will find a great Christmas dinner buffet is at Storyteller's Cafe in the Grand Cal. Hotel. You should be able to make ressies 60 days out.

 

[disney4metoo]

Here are a few questions I need help with:

1. It looks like the Candlelight Processional at DLR isn't like the Epcot version, in that there are not performances throughout the entire holiday season. I can't find a list of actual dates for 2010, but in past years, it appears the DLR Candlelight Processional was only done on two dates in early December. Am I correct to assume there won't be any performances when we're there December 22-26? The Candlelight Processional is only held on two days in December usually the first weekend in December. This year it will be on December 4th and 5th.

• 2(a). What are the typical park hours for Christmas week? We're trying to squeeze a lot into 3 1/2 days, and I don't know whether I can count on late nights. Thanksgiving week is 8 am to Midnight every day. Can we count on something similar at Christmas? Christmas week is a prime week for DLR. It will be opened very late-no worries.
  
• 2(b). Is World of Color usually held every day? Looking at November, this appears to be the case. There are some days when there is only one show instead of two, and different starting times each day, but it looks like it's held at least once each day. Is this the case? (I want to make sure it's not like WDW Hollywood Studios' version of Fantasmic, where you have to pick the right day to do the park if you want to see the show.)

3. How quickly do the World of Color dining packages go? Depending on whether these's a show scheduled for that date, I'm thinking of doing an Arial's Grotto WOC package for Thursday, December 23rd. 60 days before that date is this Sunday.
You must see DLR Fantasmic! WDW Fantasmic cannot be compared to DL Fantasmic. WDW version is outdated technology. While at DLR you have state of the art, computer pyrotechnics of the show. It is much better and different in that it has special effects that WDW does not have.

4. I know we want to see Aladdin, and will make plans for that. However, I'm not sure we'll spend time on Fantasmic. We've seen the WDW version many times. Is there much difference? Yes, see above answer.5. I see mention online of some special buffets available on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, however, I can't find any specifics. Have these not been published yet? If they have, can someone point me to a link?

6. We'd like to try the Blue Bayou. (Reading the description of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats passing through, it makes me think of both the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion, or the Garden Grill looking out over the boats in Living with the Land.) If one of the Christmas buffets is offered there, it'll kill two birds with one stone. Otherwise, we'll make a reservation for a lunch or dinner there. Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou are really the only two restaurants we're considering "must see." We'll play it by ear for all other meals. Our hotel includes breakfast, so we won't be looking to do any of the character breakfasts. So, those few meals I've discussed aside, is there anything else for Christmas (or in general) I should be reserving ahead of time?
Blue Bayou in my opinion is mediocre food, but the ambiance is amazing. Thank you very much!!! (And I'm sorry if this post turned out to resemble a tax form.)[/QUOTE]

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

We were there the same time last year.

We'll be in DLR December 22-26 this year, staying on a good neighbor package at the Embassy Suites. It's our first DLR visit, and I'm feeling so overwhelmed! I got some excellent advice in an earlier thread that helped us select our hotel, and led us not to get the dining plan.

Now I'm trying to plan our days, and getting frustrated. I've grown spoiled at planning our WDW trips, because we know that resort so well. It's tough to be a newbie, again. My biggest frustration is that it doesn't appear Disneyland has published schedules and events for Christmas, yet. It seems strange not to be booking things 180 days out, like I do for Florida.

I've also complicated things by planning our first ever DLR trip during a holiday.

Here are a few questions I need help with:

1. It looks like the Candlelight Processional at DLR isn't like the Epcot version, in that there are not performances throughout the entire holiday season. I can't find a list of actual dates for 2010, but in past years, it appears the DLR Candlelight Processional was only done on two dates in early December. Am I correct to assume there won't be any performances when we're there December 22-26?Nope they are usually the first weekend of December

2. Park hours haven't been published past December 15th, and parade/show times haven't been published past November 30th.

• 2(a). What are the typical park hours for Christmas week? We're trying to squeeze a lot into 3 1/2 days, and I don't know whether I can count on late nights. Thanksgiving week is 8 am to Midnight every day. Can we count on something similar at Christmas?Yes 8-midnight every night except Xmas Eve they close at 9 so CMs can be home with their families
  
  
• 2(b). Is World of Color usually held every day? Looking at November, this appears to be the case. There are some days when there is only one show instead of two, and different starting times each day, but it looks like it's held at least once each day. Is this the case? (I want to make sure it's not like WDW Hollywood Studios' version of Fantasmic, where you have to pick the right day to do the park if you want to see the show.)

WOC, fireworks and F! will be nightly that week
3. How quickly do the World of Color dining packages go? Depending on whether these's a show scheduled for that date, I'm thinking of doing an Arial's Grotto WOC package for Thursday, December 23rd. 60 days before that date is this Sunday.

• 3(a). Do DLR dining reservations work like WDW, where you can make dining reservations for your entire stay based on your check-in date, or is it strictly 60 days from the date you want to dine?No, 60 days from dining date. And to answer part B, it doesn't matter where you stay
  
  
• 3(b). We're not staying in a Disney hotel. We're staying in a good neighbor hotel that we booked through the Disneyland web site. If the answer to 3a was yes, does it still apply to a good neighbor booking?
  
  
• 3(c). I know Christmas is the busiest time. Do I need to start calling for this reservation right when the phone lines open? If so, what time is that?

I'd definitely book any character meals and Blue Bayou early. Last year we added days to our trip and made 2 reservations a week in advance without any problems.

4. I know we want to see Aladdin, and will make plans for that. However, I'm not sure we'll spend time on Fantasmic. We've seen the WDW version many times. Is there much difference?I've only seen WDW version on YouTube and I think DLRs is much better

5. I see mention online of some special buffets available on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, however, I can't find any specifics. Have these not been published yet? If they have, can someone point me to a link?

6. We'd like to try the Blue Bayou. (Reading the description of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats passing through, it makes me think of both the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion, or the Garden Grill looking out over the boats in Living with the Land.) If one of the Christmas buffets is offered there, it'll kill two birds with one stone. Otherwise, we'll make a reservation for a lunch or dinner there. Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou are really the only two restaurants we're considering "must see." We'll play it by ear for all other meals. Our hotel includes breakfast, so we won't be looking to do any of the character breakfasts. So, those few meals I've discussed aside, is there anything else for Christmas (or in general) I should be reserving ahead of time?

Thank you very much!!! (And I'm sorry if this post turned out to resemble a tax form.)

I'd also look into the Holiday Tour. Especially during a busy week like that. You will get a tour of Disney Holiday customs, ride HM Holiday and IASW Holiday without waiting. And get hot cocoa and a gingebread cookie while watching the Holiday Parade in actual SEATS! We did this last year and it was well worth not waiting in lines. Also check out the Christmas thread for other inspirations. There is cookie decorating for the kids usually and Santa, Mrs. C and the reindeer hang out at Big Thunder Ranch.

 

[oscarkitty1]

I would recommend that you do see F!. It is so much better at DLR! But if you can swing it, I would advise you to do the Dessert Seating, especially since you are used to having seating at WDW. It's expensive, but sooo worth it. I would bet that during that week you will need to call the second you can to book it.

Have fun! We went to WDW for Christmas last year instead of DLR, and with the exception of the Osbourne Lights, I think DLR does it better!