DLR Virgin Planning Possible Feb. trip!

[CanadianImagineer]

Hello DLR folk! We've done 4 big WDW trips and are thinking about expanding our horizons to the West coast. Right now the dates I'm thinking are Feb. 1-7 2010. I have A LOT of questions, so I figured it'd be easiest to number them and then if anyone is kind enough to help me out on some it's in a nice easy format Sooo here we go:

1. How are crowds usually during the week I've selected?
2. What are some rough estimates of park hours?
3. Will there be a significant amount of rides closed for refurbs?
4. Is HM still getting de-christmased at this time usually?
5. Where can I find the rates for the 3 Disney-owned hotels? I've looked all over but I can't seem to find them. And even on the Disney site it won't let me get a quote for reservations after Dec. '09.
6. Is 5 whole days enough to see everything? If not, how long would you recommend going for?

Alright, I think that's it for now. So feel free to answer any/all and TIA!

 

[kkmcan]

I'll start even though I can't answer all of your question.
1. This is a perfect time to go crowd wise. There should be very minimal crowds but you could run into colder temps and maybe showers.

2. DL park hours will probably be 10-8 and DCA will probably be 10-6. With low crowds you can get everything in that you want to even with short park hours.

3. There will probably be at least a couple of ride closures as this is off season and they like to do refurbs during this time but it shouldn't make any difference as there is always so much to see and do.

4. I"m not sure when Haunted Mansion re-opens but it is usually around these dates. Maybe some else knows for sure when they re-opened this past year.

5. Not sure on rates either because I think it's still too early to book for next year.

6. 5 days is plenty for off season. You should be able to see and do everything plus your favorites over again. Take your time, really see the park and check out the out of the way/hidden gems in the parks. You've got lots of time and little to no lines. Enjoy yourself getting to know Walts Park!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Ditto everything the PP said. And we used to do DL in 3 days. It was enough even in high time but you feel rushed. 5 was perfect.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hello DLR folk! We've done 4 big WDW trips and are thinking about expanding our horizons to the West coast. Right now the dates I'm thinking are Feb. 1-7 2010. I have A LOT of questions, so I figured it'd be easiest to number them and then if anyone is kind enough to help me out on some it's in a nice easy format Sooo here we go:

1. How are crowds usually during the week I've selected?
2. What are some rough estimates of park hours?
3. Will there be a significant amount of rides closed for refurbs?
4. Is HM still getting de-christmased at this time usually?
5. Where can I find the rates for the 3 Disney-owned hotels? I've looked all over but I can't seem to find them. And even on the Disney site it won't let me get a quote for reservations after Dec. '09.
6. Is 5 whole days enough to see everything? If not, how long would you recommend going for?

Alright, I think that's it for now. So feel free to answer any/all and TIA!

Here is a link from Feb 2009 that will be the best guide to next Feb.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/8709/Disneyland__Resort_Update

Five days should be plenty. Maybe too much if that is possible!

If you have not found this link yet, it is a good starting point for WDW vets

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[S. S. Columbia]

4. The Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay is usually removed by Jan. 24 at the latest (unless there's a refurb).

3. The Rivers of America is expected to be fully drained from mid-Jan. to the April or May 2010 time frame.

Without the RoA, there would be no:

Fantasmic!
Mark Twain Riverboat
S. S. Columbia
Pirates Lair on TSI

A couple of minor attractions will be down for refurb:

Mulholland Madness (Goofy's Sky Skool)
Orange Stinger (Silly Symphony Swings)

FYI, Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular is expected to open in March 2010.

FYI, the Electrical Parade usually isn't shown in February.

HTH

 

[CanadianImagineer]

4. The Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay is usually removed by Jan. 24 at the latest (unless there's a refurb).

3. The Rivers of America is expected to be fully drained from mid-Jan. to the April or May 2010 time frame.

Without the RoA, there would be no:

Fantasmic!
Mark Twain Riverboat
S. S. Columbia
Pirates Lair on TSI

A couple of minor attractions will be down for refurb:

Mulholland Madness (Goofy's Sky Skool)
Orange Stinger (Silly Symphony Swings)

FYI, Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular is expected to open in March 2010.

FYI, the Electrical Parade usually isn't shown in February.

HTH

A big thank you to everyone for the help and helpful links!! A few points in this post are making me seriously reconsider the dates... more specifically the no Fantasmic or Electrical Parade These are two of the main things I wanted to see... can anyone confirm these claims? (yes, i'm trying to hold onto the last glimmer of hope)

 

[disneynerd420]

I'm pretty sure that SS Columbia is right about Rivers of America. I have heard the same thing.

As far as the electrical parade, there is always a chance they may put it on... but I would not count on it. They should have fireworks and a parade or two, but that will more than likely be it.

 

[DLR29]

A big thank you to everyone for the help and helpful links!! A few points in this post are making me seriously reconsider the dates... more specifically the no Fantasmic or Electrical Parade These are two of the main things I wanted to see... can anyone confirm these claims? (yes, i'm trying to hold onto the last glimmer of hope)

I can (unfortunately) confirm that the Rivers of America will be drained early next year, which means no Fantasmic. The Electrical Parade is only shown during the summer and Christmas times (sometimes Spring Break). Fireworks are going to be only on the weekend during early February too.

 

[HydroGuy]

Sometimes when Fantasmic is down Disney keeps the Electrical Parade going to take up slack. We won't know until a month or two before most likely.

 

[Hound 109]

4. The Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay is usually removed by Jan. 24 at the latest (unless there's a refurb).

3. The Rivers of America is expected to be fully drained from mid-Jan. to the April or May 2010 time frame.

Without the RoA, there would be no:

Fantasmic!
Mark Twain Riverboat
S. S. Columbia
Pirates Lair on TSI

A couple of minor attractions will be down for refurb:

Mulholland Madness (Goofy's Sky Skool)
Orange Stinger (Silly Symphony Swings)

FYI, Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular is expected to open in March 2010.

FYI, the Electrical Parade usually isn't shown in February.

HTH

I can't believe that I'll be adding to the the normally 100% completely thorough S.S. Columbia's.... listing of info.....

....but if the Rivers of America are drained out.....then there won't be any Canoe Rides either.

(Unless this attraction will be converted into a Canoe Portaging activity? )