Feeling Lost

[mydisneykids]

We leave on the 7th of July from the states to go to DLP. We arrive at 7 in the morning on the 8th and have that whole day (hopefully not too tired from overnight flight) and the 9th. We leave for Venice to go on a cruise early on the 10th.
We go to WDW quite a bit as we are DVC members. And when we go I always feel so prepared, it really is like going home. We know what we want to see, when to go to get the most out of the parks, ect.
I am so worried about this trip. I don't know what to expect. We want to make the most out of the short time we have so we are staying in a suite at NB (never stayed in a suite before), we are having lunch at Lucky Nugget the first day and early dinner at Blue Lagoon the second.
We have never been to Paris before, and are giving up seeing the main sights there as we are such Disney fans and are so excited to make it to one of the ones outside of the states. But we want to make the best of it.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there anything I should know or book?
We have to check in to get our tickets? The hotel will hold our luggage until our room is ready? Do the suites have a separate check in line?
How crowded is it usually on July 8/9 and what is the weather usually like? How early do the parks get crowded?
We have seen all the parades at WDW, is this one different enough to give up riding time to see it? I have used the WDW threads many times to plan for trips there, and have been nosing around here since we booked. But, I still feel so unprepared.
I am so excited for this trip, almost more so than for the cruise that has been two years in the planning, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

I would recommend watching the Once Upon A Dream parade and Candleabration.

 

[ema74]

I'd look inside the castle, all the beautiful pictures and if you have a girl then go and see High School Musical 1&2 shows in the Studios. Lion King show in the park is also great!

And if you have time and your daughter loves the princesses, then a nice lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon would be perfect

And, just enjoy!!!

 

[ElenaP]

We have to check in to get our tickets? The hotel will hold our luggage until our room is ready? Do the suites have a separate check in line?
How crowded is it usually on July 8/9 and what is the weather usually like? How early do the parks get crowded?
We have seen all the parades at WDW, is this one different enough to give up riding time to see it?

First of all, I am afraid you cannot do both parks completely in 2 days only, so I would select favourite attractions based on your children's age. I would also concentrate on things that you don't find in WDW, first of all the Castle itself, then Alice's labirynth, Armageddon in WDS, maybe Cars in WDS if you have young children and so on... you will find that while the main park is remarkably similar to WDW MK, there are lots of differences; on the other hand, the familiarity with MK will help you tour it. WDS is not very similar to MGM (or what's the new name!), but its structure is very simple and it is quite easy to tour.
Once you arrive at the hotel, you will check in to get your park passes and you can leave them your luggage. If you are in suite (oh, the envy!) you will probably find it in your room when you are back, but it would depend on the hotel you are in. Also depending on the hotel, the check-in desk will change from the "thrift" one ;-)
July is a bad month for queues: it is quite packed, as most schools in Europe are closed, and the parks are full early. You will have 2 hours of Early entry at DP) both days, use it! WDS opens later, and the first 2 attractions to get packed are Crush coaster and ToT (both are not good for young children). It is warm also, but then it would depend on where you are from: it is around or a bit over 30°C, so nothing deadly. I was there a bit later in the month (14th to 18th) and except for the central hours of the day it was bearable. From lunch to 4-5pm we would go back to our room, though, as we had a 11months with us. Parks close late at night, so you can do that and go on enjoying attractions later in the evening.
About the Once upon a dream parade, it IS different, and I would suggest taking the time to see it.

I hope you have a fantastic time, both at Disneyland and in your cruise

 

[torsie24]

Hey. I think you will have a separate check in for the suites. probably a fast track one.

The hotel will definitely hold your luggage for you if your room isnt ready, but you'll need to go check in to get your park tickets!!

It's so funny to hear how you always feel at ease booking a wdw trip but this dlrp one has you all nervous! I'm the exact opposite way around!!

I'm going for dinner at Lucky Nugget on July 7th!!

Definitely see the parade!! And go in the castle! it's the best one!!

 

[mydisneykids]

Thank you for the input. I was hoping we would be before crowd season, but we will make the most of it.
My kids are 8,11 and 15. They all love thrill rides, but also love the disney classics (haunted mansion, pirates, etc.)
The two older ones are girls, but past the princess and HS musical stage. But hearing these responses, we will make a point of seeing the parade.
ElenaP-thanks for pointing out the differences, we will make those things a must see.

Thank you, again for all your help and if you think of anything else, please let me know.

 

[mydisneykids]

Hey. I think you will have a separate check in for the suites. probably a fast track one.

The hotel will definitely hold your luggage for you if your room isnt ready, but you'll need to go check in to get your park tickets!!

It's so funny to hear how you always feel at ease booking a wdw trip but this dlrp one has you all nervous! I'm the exact opposite way around!!

I'm going for dinner at Lucky Nugget on July 7th!!

Definitely see the parade!! And go in the castle! it's the best one!!

That is funny, we will be at the Lucky Nugget on the 8th. I guess it is the unknown that is a bit intimidating.
If you have any questions about wdw, let me know. I love helping friends prepare for their trips.

 

[jillrobinson]

The good news is that you will benefit from the longer park hours and Summer season , with the park open from 8.00 am with the Extra Magic Hours you'll be able to make use of until 11.00pm at night, if you have the stamina for such long hours.
It might be worth taking a rest in the afternoon and returning to the park at night when I'm assuming the park will be a little quieter.
I'd also recommend watching the Fantillusion nightime parade on one of your evenings and perhaps making the most of everyone else watching it on your other evening to get on the rides quickly, we rode POTC 4 times in a row once when Fantillusion was on, it's very popular.

The Newport Bay Club is my favourite resort hotel, I hope you love it as much as I do and have as wonderful an experience there as we did.

 

[Cyrano]

We'll just miss you as we arrive on the 10th. I agree about making the most of EMH as after 11.00hrs the parks start to get crowded.
After opening Crush has queues over 90 minutes long very quickly.
For the thrill seekers Crush is a must along. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain are different from their American counterparts