DW family visiting DL

[jplbhs]

Hi,
We are frequent visitors of DW but are looking forward to spending 2 days in DL this April as part of our CA trip. Here are a couple of questions that I'm struggling with:
1. Best place to rent a scooter from for my grandmother?
2. Best place to stay with 10 people ages ranging from 2 years to 86 years old? We will have a car, scooter and stroller with us! A moderately priced hotel would be ideal.
3. Does DL have magic bands?
4. How do I reserve Fastpasses?
5. Should I make a dining reservation? Where do you recommend for our party? We are not picky eaters.

I really have WDW down to a science but I'm feeling a little lost here! Thank you for helping!

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

You will have a great time!

I never get to be the first to post - so here is one of our favorite expert's guide on DL for WDW folks - incredible info is just a click away:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

No magic bands at DL

Reservations for dinning are not as important as they are at WDW, but with a large group, it may be a good idea.

NO advance reservations of FP at DL like you can do at WDW.

There is a new Fastpass addition at DL called Maxpass. Maxpass is an extra $10 per ticket per day, and it allows you to reserve FP on your phone while you are in the park, much like WDW. Otherwise you need to go to the kiosk to get a FP for any attraction that uses FP. There are lots of thread on this forum explaining Maxpass in detail.

Many wonderful hotels that are near DL - my new favorite is Homewood Suites at the Convention center. It is next door to the Toy Story Lot where you can get the shuttle for free if you walk in. HoJo is great too, and I don't think they charge for parking.

Someone else can address the best place for scooter rental - there are a lot of great options I have seen mentioned on this board.

Have fun !!

 

[figment_jii]

As mentioned, DLR is currently, not using Magic Bands. The FP system is still much like the legacy system that WDW used to use, but there have been some tweeks/modifications. As mentioned, there is now MaxPass, which is a paid add-on, but it does let you collect FPs via the App (you cannot select a time, you'll get the same time that is being distributed at the machines) rather than going to the physical FP machine. If you opt not to use MaxPass, you can still collect FPs by visiting the FP machine (usually located near the attraction). You'll need your ticket to redeem the FP (the paper slips that you get are now just reminders).

In terms of dining...dining reservations are not nearly as difficult to get at DLR (compared to WDW), however with a party of 10, I would definitely make reservations. Reservation times theoretically open 60-days in advance, however, things are sometimes slow to load. In terms of where to eat...it really depends on what kinds of food you like. My family likes Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Storytellers Cafe, and Blue Bayou for TS locations. There are also several good CS options (we like French Market, Plaza Inn, Jolly Holiday, and Earl of Sandwich).

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi,
We are frequent visitors of DW but are looking forward to spending 2 days in DL this April as part of our CA trip. Here are a couple of questions that I'm struggling with:
1. Best place to rent a scooter from for my grandmother?
2. Best place to stay with 10 people ages ranging from 2 years to 86 years old? We will have a car, scooter and stroller with us! A moderately priced hotel would be ideal.
3. Does DL have magic bands?
4. How do I reserve Fastpasses?
5. Should I make a dining reservation? Where do you recommend for our party? We are not picky eaters.

I really have WDW down to a science but I'm feeling a little lost here! Thank you for helping!

In that you have WDW down to a science, you are in luck that DLR does not require anywhere near the level of planning that WDW does. The folks who have a more difficult situation than you are DLR vets going to WDW for the first time!

I agree with the PPs about dining. Reservations are not that important usually but with a group of 10 I would make them early. See "What WDW Vets Need to Know About Dining at DLR" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2914467

Lots of opinions are out there for dining at DLR. I will add mine so you can get an idea...

For table service we usually prefer:

DL

Blue Bayou (pricey and maybe the not best option for a party of 10)
Cafe Orleans

DCA

We not a big fan of any of the DCA table service restaurants. Since it is so close to DTD we usually go there

DTD

Tortilla Jo's has become mandatory for us
Rainforest Cafe

For counter service we usually prefer:

DL

Jolly Holiday Bakery
Plaza Inn

DCA

Flo's V-8 Diner (recommended especially if you have any fans of Cars)
Pacific Wharf Cafe

 

[PHXscuba]

If you are going to have a scooter and a stroller, I would seriously consider one of the walking-distance hotels along Harbor Blvd. Any place farther away and you will be folding strollers, waiting to load the scooter, etc., just like the WDW buses. If you have the scooter/stroller for oldest/youngest and the others can walk, you will save soooo much time over shuttles and trams. Plus part of the family can easily return to the hotel for naps, early evenings, etc. Most of the close-by hotels have family suites and connecting rooms for situations like yours.

I think there is a Disabilities board on the DIS that might have scooter recommendations.

With 10 people I would make a couple reservations if you want to be able to do TS together. Carnation Cafe is a favorite of our family's.

PHXscuba

 

[Geemo]

Scooter rental options
Deckert's (714) 542-5607
Select Scooter Rental (714) 644-8057 Located in the BestWestern Park Place Inn lobby on Harbor. I'm sure they also deliver. I was there for a 6hour park visit in December, so I stopped there on my way to the parks.
I've used both of these for past trip and have never had an issue.

When you decide where to stay, book it. As your arrival date approaches, room rates will begin to rise.

Since you'll only be in the park for two days, I'd skip table service ADR's.
Counter service will be faster. For a group of 10, you may need to call and speak with a CM to make ADR's.

 

[smartlabelprint]

We stay at HomeWood suites convention. If we didn’t need the door to close for our light sleepers we’d be closer.

Best western park place inn
Camelot inn
Desert inn & suites
Residence inn main gate or convention
Courtyard inn theme park entrance

We never rent a car on our Disney days.

We like blue bayou for reservations.
We like these counter service:
DL French market
Plaza inn fried chicken

Snack Bengal bbq

DCA
Boardwalk pizza & pasta

Snack award wieners