DW vets back from first trip to DL..food pics added

[sweeteypie1118]

I did a mother and son trip to CA arriving in San Diego on 4/17-20 and spending 4/21-4/26 at DL staying at the Candy Cane Inn. It was a surprise trip for my son. He thought we were just going to San Diego. I gave him an Easter basket filled with Disney things including Glow With the Show ears on Easter morning and told him we were leaving for Disney in the morning. We took the Amtrak train to Anaheim the next morning.

I was so pleasantly surprised how much I liked DL!! I think what I liked best was that everything was so close and we could walk to everything. My son and I were the very first people on line at the parks every morning. That gave me such a thrill!! I was never able to accomplish anywhere near that in DW having to take the Disney buses.

We took the Walking in Walts footsteps tour which was one of the highlights of the trip. We totally adored Cars Land and rode RSR 3 times a day!! A total of 7 times on the trip. Thanks for the "wide right" tip! We rode single rider the other times of day and got to race against each other once. Another surprising highlight was the Aladdin show. We saw it twice! My son thought it was going to be a waste of time the first time, but loved it....especially the genie. We though Pirates was much better in DL although the ride did break down once while we were on it and had to evacuate the boat. We were stuck by the jail scene for close to 30 minutes. I was thankful when they finally turned the sound off! I actually didnt really mind getting stuck. It was kind of cool having to evacuate We got fastpasses for our trouble. We ate at the Blue Bayou that day and had a waterside table...loved that!!

My son and I really like WOC. We were able to see it twice. Once with a dining package and once with a fastpass. We ended up with a better spot with the fastpass! We got soaked, but loved it!! I liked the pirate ship for fantasmic, but didnt like they dont have a stadium like DW.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the Animation class. I took it twice. I drew a pretty darn good Olaf the first time and Jack Skelington the second. I also liked that it was pretty easy to get dining reservations. I had made Napa Rose reservations 2 months out for 3 people thinking my SD friend could join us, but canceled it and made a reservation for 2 a week before arrival. We also walked in to Jazz Kitchen the day of arrival and was able to get a table no problem. My son was addicted to the jalapeno biscuits we had at Carthay Cirlce WOC lunch (had to pay extra for those) and wanted to eat there again on our last day and I was able to make a reservation in the park at city hall that morning. I even got a fastpass given to me becaue the CM had a little trouble with the computer.

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Thanks to the tips from the boards, a good touring plan, and my handy dandy line app, we had a lovely time and never really waited more than 20 minutes for anything. Speaking of waiting....the best tip is use single rider for the Matterhorn. NOBODY uses it!! There was a 90 minute line and my son and I waltzed right on the ride.


My only disappointment was that Indiana Jones and Grizzly River Run were closed while we were there. I really wanted to try those. I also had one aggravating experience the 2nd day using wide right to RSR. My son and I were first at the park, first at the rope and did the wide right like the first time that worked so well. There is a point where the right opens up a little as the street gets bigger, but it is past where the rope leading you to the ride is and a group of 5 or 6 teens were going to rush past us. I held my right arm out to block them and this teen went berserk on me telling me how rude I was (for not letting them cut us!) and that Disneyland was for kids(meaning my 45 year old self was too old?) I guess she didnt see or care I had my son with me. She went on and on about me being rude and that people behind them got in front of us while I was being rude! (I guess she didnt like people behind her cutting in front of her...go figure!) So, they pushed past us anyway as did several others and we had to wait 10 minutes or so to get on the ride. I didnt enjoy it because her nerve had me so aggravated! We went right back on(using rider line) after getting off the first time and I was able to enjoy it better once I calmed down!!

I'll post the dining pics here each day

Carthay Circle http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51341740&postcount=17

Napa Rose http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51342907&postcount=23

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51391966#post51391966

 

[sleepydog25]

We were likewise there during the same timeframe, and it was my wife's first ever trip to DL. We are WDW vets, too, but truly enjoyed the unique experiences offered by the original "magic kingdom." Glad you had a good time, as well.

 

[figment_jii]

I took lots of food pics to post if I can find that thread! Unless its ok to post them here with this thread

You can post them in this thread and it'll become like a mini-trip report or you can post them in the food photo thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888&page=233

 

[Albytaps]

Sounds like a great trip! We are also WDW vets and went to DLR for the first time recently.

Indy and Alice were closed during our trip which were my and my wife's most anticipated rides. And of course Nemo which was a bummer to have the whole lagoon closed and boarded up... however, we were lucky to ride Small World for the anniversary. We were actually waiting on line while the ceremony was going on and we heard the original guy that made the song sing it and play it on the piano. The ride itself felt cheesy though. The Disney characters that were in it were great to see, but the rest of the ride was a letdown compared to WDW's version.

I can go on and on but both DLR and WDW have their pros and cons.

My favorite area of DL was right in between the Storybook canal and the teacups. It was such a cute area. Those teacup lights look awesome at night.

 

[whoever]

You can post them in this thread and it'll become like a mini-trip report or you can post them in the food photo thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888&page=233

THIS!

Its your thread, post away.

 

[figment_jii]

The ride itself felt cheesy though. The Disney characters that were in it were great to see, but the rest of the ride was a letdown compared to WDW's version.

It's always interesting to see things like this because for me it's the exact opposite. I really like DL's version of IaSW and feel like the MK version is weaker. I suppose it's partially because I like the outside look of DL's version and MK's version, being indoors, seems less "magical". Don't get me wrong, I like MK's version of IaSW, but my preference is for DL's version.

 

[sweeteypie1118]

Sounds like a great trip! We are also WDW vets and went to DLR for the first time recently.

Indy and Alice were closed during our trip which were my and my wife's most anticipated rides. And of course Nemo which was a bummer to have the whole lagoon closed and boarded up... however, we were lucky to ride Small World for the anniversary. We were actually waiting on line while the ceremony was going on and we heard the original guy that made the song sing it and play it on the piano. The ride itself felt cheesy though. The Disney characters that were in it were great to see, but the rest of the ride was a letdown compared to WDW's version.

I can go on and on but both DLR and WDW have their pros and cons.

My favorite area of DL was right in between the Storybook canal and the teacups. It was such a cute area. Those teacup lights look awesome at night.

Alice, Nemo, and SW were also closed for our trip. I think my son was grateful about the SW being closed!! I rode the canal boats and enjoyed it.

 

[tiffjoy]

It's always interesting to see things like this because for me it's the exact opposite. I really like DL's version of IaSW and feel like the MK version is weaker. I suppose it's partially because I like the outside look of DL's version and MK's version, being indoors, seems less "magical". Don't get me wrong, I like MK's version of IaSW, but my preference is for DL's version.

I was thinking the same. I love the DLR version, everything about it, from the loading outside and the beauty of the building to the details of including Disney characters to the scenes and the length.

I enjoy the MK version, but once I saw the DLR one, MK has never been the same for me. And we rode the Christmas version of IASW this past December, and that just sealed the deal for me.

 

[sweeteypie1118]

One other thing I noticed is that there seems to be a lot more waiting out in the sun on lines in DL than there is in DW. Luckily most days were 70 and only one day in the 80's

 

[tiffjoy]

I did a mother and son trip to CA arriving in San Diego on 4/17-20 and spending 4/21-4/26 at DL staying at the Candy Cane Inn. It was a surprise trip for my son. He thought we were just going to San Diego. I gave him an Easter basket filled with Disney things including Glow With the Show ears on Easter morning and told him we were leaving for Disney in the morning. We took the Amtrak train to Anaheim the next morning.

I love how you did that! What a great surprise! Super mommy points to you!

I was so pleasantly surprised how much I liked DL!! I think what I liked best was that everything was so close and we could walk to everything. My son and I were the very first people on line at the parks every morning. That gave me such a thrill!! I was never able to accomplish anywhere near that in DW having to take the Disney buses.

I love how close everything is at DLR. We go there more often than WDW now that we live on the West Coast, and I get really spoiled by that. Makes me slightly grumpy when we use to much time traveling at WDW, although there are plenty of positives at WDW vs DLR.

Glad you and your DS had such a nice trip!

 

[sweeteypie1118]

THIS!

Its your thread, post away.

Thanks...I think I will.Maybe both places

 

[figment_jii]

One other thing I noticed is that there seems to be a lot more waiting out in the sun on lines in DL than there is in DW. Luckily most days were 70 and only one day in the 80's

Yes...I think this is because WDW tends to get a lot of rain! It rains in the summer, almost daily from what I understand (I go more in the fall, when it rains less). DLR, on the other hand, doesn't get as much rain and it's generally only in the winter. So the ride queues aren't designed for wet weather. That's probably why DLR crowds tend to plummet when it's rainy!

 

[sweeteypie1118]

Yes...I think this is because WDW tends to get a lot of rain! It rains in the summer, almost daily from what I understand (I go more in the fall, when it rains less). DLR, on the other hand, doesn't get as much rain and it's generally only in the winter. So the ride queues aren't designed for wet weather. That's probably why DLR crowds tend to plummet when it's rainy!

Good point. I didnt think of that. I just thought...gee, I wish there was shade!!

 

[Chuckers]

I love how DL's 'lands' feel more like lands than WDW's. For example, DL's Fantasyland really looks like a village around a castle as opposed to a group of rides in a themed section.

 

[sweeteypie1118]

OK...I'm going to start adding some food pics to the original post, so keep checking back there for add-ons

 

[sweeteypie1118]

I love how you did that! What a great surprise! Super mommy points to you!



I love how close everything is at DLR. We go there more often than WDW now that we live on the West Coast, and I get really spoiled by that. Makes me slightly grumpy when we use to much time traveling at WDW, although there are plenty of positives at WDW vs DLR.

Glad you and your DS had such a nice trip!

Thanks! He was so surprised and happy. He's 15, but I still give him Easter baskets. He wasnt expecting one on our trip and certainly not the surprise it contained. I cant believe I managed to keep it secret 6 months! He loves Disney and wants to be an Imagineer

 

[sweeteypie1118]

Carthay Circle...One WOC lunch, and one regular lunch menu

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Carthay Signature Fried BiscuitsStuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon, and Jalapeño with Apricot Honey Butter. SO DELICIOUS!! Worth paying extra on WOC package. The apricot butter was delicious on the bread too!

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Fire Cracker Duck Wings Soy, Lime, and Sriracha Chili Sauce
Crispy on the outside, so tender on the inside. SPICY!! Loved the addition of cilantro

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Wildberry Lemonade Yummy! No free refills :-(

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Carthay Angus Burger 8 ozWith Aged Cheddar Cheese, Black Pepper Bacon, and Grilled Onions served with French Fries and House-made Pickles. My son got this. Great burger!! I got it the 2nd time we ate here.

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I dont see this on the website menu, but its an open faced short rib sandwich. Very good and filling

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Warm Apple-Pecan Pound Cakewith Salted Caramel and Green Apple Sorbet
Enjoyed it very much. Moist cake

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Not sure what it was called. It was the 2nd choice on the WOC menu. Really good!! I "helped" my son with it

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Strozzapreti Pastawith Pancetta, Dried Tomatoes, Rapini, Rosated Garlic and Aged Provolone
My son ordered this on our 2nd visit. He enjoyed it very much, but wanted bites of my burger!

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Smores cake with marshmallow ice cream. YUM

 

[Chuckers]

okay.. the s'mores cake has me drooling...

 

[sweeteypie1118]

okay.. the s'mores cake has me drooling...

I'm not really a smores girl, but it was GOOD!! My son picked it out to share. There were macadamia nuts on the plate...YUM

 

[Albytaps]

It's always interesting to see things like this because for me it's the exact opposite. I really like DL's version of IaSW and feel like the MK version is weaker. I suppose it's partially because I like the outside look of DL's version and MK's version, being indoors, seems less "magical". Don't get me wrong, I like MK's version of IaSW, but my preference is for DL's version.

I was thinking the same. I love the DLR version, everything about it, from the loading outside and the beauty of the building to the details of including Disney characters to the scenes and the length.

I enjoy the MK version, but once I saw the DLR one, MK has never been the same for me. And we rode the Christmas version of IASW this past December, and that just sealed the deal for me.

The reason it cheesed me off was because you are going through a narrow canal of water in DL as opposed to the wide water filled rooms in WDW's MK. I was in the 3rd row in the boat and I felt like I might as well been riding in a car or train. I saw no water. I even leaned over a bit to see if there was supposed to be water filling up the empty spaces from the boat to the animatronics but it looked like there was never any water there... just empty space.