Finally DL!

[savvy?71]

We are finally heading West (me, dh, 10 yr dd & 11 yr ds). I am not looking to compare WDW to DL; I expect and even *want* the differences. I've read thru Hydroguy's threads and hopefully will be ready in August (1st week). It looks like the biggest challenges will be WoC & Paint the Night Parade & just getting a handle on early entry mornings. Overall we are just looking forward to lighter, less rigorously planned trip, & seeing the original Disney


Anyone have any particular preferences on a WoC restaurant package? And if so, lunch or dinner? I know Ariel's doesn't have dinner. Is the reserved seating for WoC very different based on restaurant? And then all the pretending you're not waiting to line up for WoC routine

We're still trying to get the MM/EMH scheduling branded in our brains. Do these ever change during the summer and/or busier times? Does Sunday have either MM or EMH in either of the parks (I read conflicting information on both of these questions). We are staying at GCH. Working out our park mornings (and to grab Fastpasses) will be main logistics. We are definitely rope droppers and a main goal is the new (to us) Carsland/RSR. Is there a particular 'spot' at opening that gets you to RSR FP more efficiently?

Matterhorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

Is there one must-have snack (or 2!) at DL or DCA that we can't get at WDW (or is better than)?
Are there characters more likely to be at DL/DCA that aren't seen as WDW as much or at all?
We do plan on all the rides, and I have read about the differences & preferences regarding rides between DL and WDW. But is there a definitive experience (ride or attraction) that is a must do/see (that is either better in DL or simply not at WDW)?

Thanks!

 

[4Siamese]

Mattahorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same?

In the past I have always found the 2 rides to be comparable in how rough the ride feels but I haven't rode the Matterhorn since the last refurb (was still closed when we were there in April .)

 

[figment_jii]

Anyone have any particular preferences on a WoC restaurant package? And if so, lunch or dinner? I know Ariel's doesn't have dinner. Is the reserved seating for WoC very different based on restaurant? And then all the pretending you're not waiting to line up for WoC routine

I don't really have any strong preferences between the various WoC Dining Package options. I would probably pick Carthay Circle because my family likes that restaurant anyway. As far as I know, all of the dining packages have access to the same viewing reserved viewing area (Ariel's, WCT, and Carthay). You can probably get a lot of useful information and more opinions over on the WoC SuperThread.

We're still trying to get the MM/EMH scheduling branded in our brains. Do these ever change during the summer and/or busier times? Does Sunday have either MM or EMH in either of the parks (I read conflicting information on both of these questions). We are staying at GCH. Working out our park mornings (and to grab Fastpasses) will be main logistics. We are definitely rope droppers and a main goal is the new (to us) Carsland/RSP.

The schedule can change if something is happening, but in general:
DCA (EMH): Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday
DL (EMH/MM): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
If you're staying at the GCH, then you're eligible for Extra Magic Hour. Note that during EMH/MM, they do not distribute FPs. I've read that you can get the A&E FP/RT, but they don't distribute attraction FPs.

Is there a particular 'spot' at opening that gets you to RSP FP more efficiently?

There is the "Wide Right Technique", but I haven't tried it.

Mattahorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

I personally think Matterhorn is substantially rougher than MK's Space. I don't have back, knee or hip problems either, but Matterhorn either tends to make by back or tailbone ache (temporarily).

Is there one must-have snack (or 2!) at DL or DCA that we can't get at WDW (or is better than)?

Raspberry Mickey Macaroon from the Jolly Holiday is one of my favorite desserts/snacks at DL. (Pretty much anything at Jolly Holiday is very good.)

Are there characters more likely to be at DL/DCA that aren't seen as WDW as much or at all?

McQueen, Mater, and Red in Carsland come to mind. They drive out and alternate at the Cozy Cones Meet & Greet location. The last time I saw the M&G at DHS, it was McQueen and Mater, but they were static. At Carsland, they drive out and can interact with guests (talk, honk their horn, etc.). I think one of the biggest thigns to keep in mind is that DL/DCA has more "random" character meet & greet chances (meaning you might just run across a character randomly walking through a land or strolling across Main Street). There are fixed locations (e.g., Princess Fantasy Faire), semi-fixed locations (e.g., Town Square, Buena Vista Street), and random locations. So keep your eyes out...you never know who you'll see!

We do plan on all the rides, and I have read about the differences & preferences regarding rides between DL and WDW. But is there a definitive experience (ride or attraction) that is a must do/see (that is either better in DL or simply not at WDW)?

I think "definitive" will vary for each person. For my family, we always do Haunted Mansion (that's a toss up between DL and MK), PotC (I give DL the edge), Indy (unique to DL), Buzz (better at DL and you can email your ride photo to yourself for free), Matterhorn (unique), much of Fantasyland (a lot is unique), and Carsland (unique).

 

[lvdis]

For a chance to meet special characters, make sure you look for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit on Buena Vista Street in DCA . I plan to seek him out during my next trip! As far as I know he isn't available at any other park except maybe Tokyo.

 

[savvy?71]

McQueen, Mater, and Red in Carsland come to mind. They drive out and alternate at the Cozy Cones Meet & Greet location. The last time I saw the M&G at DHS, it was McQueen and Mater, but they were static. At Carsland, they drive out and can interact with guests (talk, honk their horn, etc.). I think one of the biggest thigns to keep in mind is that DL/DCA has more "random" character meet & greet chances (meaning you might just run across a character randomly walking through a

figment_jii thank you, lots of excellent information! I didn't know about the Cars interaction; that is fantastic! And coincidentally enough, my son has recently discovered macaroons and is obsessed. We will definitely be stopping in Jolly Holiday. You mentioned no FP during EMH. I had forgotten that. So I assume the machines are cranking right after official opening and one of us should be close.

Are the FP machines at DL set up similarly to WDW (right next to ride attraction)? Are there any rides that do not have FP? (I am sure I read that in Hydro's link and can find again but having a brain fart).

 

[AngiTN]

We are finally heading West (me, dh, 10 yr dd & 11 yr ds). I am not looking to compare WDW to DL; I expect and even *want* the differences. I've read thru Hydroguy's threads and hopefully will be ready in August (1st week). It looks like the biggest challenges will be WoC & Paint the Night Parade & just getting a handle on early entry mornings. Overall we are just looking forward to lighter, less rigorously planned trip, & seeing the original Disney


Anyone have any particular preferences on a WoC restaurant package? And if so, lunch or dinner? I know Ariel's doesn't have dinner. Is the reserved seating for WoC very different based on restaurant? And then all the pretending you're not waiting to line up for WoC routine

We're still trying to get the MM/EMH scheduling branded in our brains. Do these ever change during the summer and/or busier times? Does Sunday have either MM or EMH in either of the parks (I read conflicting information on both of these questions). We are staying at GCH. Working out our park mornings (and to grab Fastpasses) will be main logistics. We are definitely rope droppers and a main goal is the new (to us) Carsland/RSR. Is there a particular 'spot' at opening that gets you to RSR FP more efficiently?

Matterhorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

Is there one must-have snack (or 2!) at DL or DCA that we can't get at WDW (or is better than)?
Are there characters more likely to be at DL/DCA that aren't seen as WDW as much or at all?
We do plan on all the rides, and I have read about the differences & preferences regarding rides between DL and WDW. But is there a definitive experience (ride or attraction) that is a must do/see (that is either better in DL or simply not at WDW)?

Thanks!

We just last week got back from trips to both WDW and DL. I too went to our DL trip not planning to compare the parks, wanting them to be different. And I found they were. I consider it 6 different parks

So some of these I can answer with the memories fresh in my mind.

For WOC, we did Carthay Circle. I'm pretty sure the area we had for standing in was for ONLY Carthay Circle. They have lighted signs indicating the areas and ours did say Carthay Circle and nothing else. If you plan to eat there anyway (and I do recommend it, pick Carthay Circle

We found Matterhorn very much evenly as rough as Space Mountain. I actually put SM a bit more rough because at least with Matterhorn, you can "brace" your body for turns when you can see the track.

We found all food, both QS and TS, better at DL. It pains me to say that but it's the truth. QS is probably 3 times better at DL.

You'll find roaming characters at DL that you'd never see at WDW. First, they can't roam at WDW simply due to crowds and being "over run". But at DL they go wherever they want, without handlers at all. We ran in to roaming around
Mary Poppins and Bert
Bert alone
Peter Pan
Alice and Mad Hatter
Mad Hatter alone
Cruela D'ville
Evil Queen
Hook
Ariel, Rapunzel and Merida were all spotted in front, just beyond the gates, before you head under the train station tunnels

Don't miss the Fab 6 in their special 60th Anniversary outfits. They'll all be out there at some point or another but there was some rotation. And they'll move around but always around the hub at DL. Mickey's line got the longest but it really moved very fast.

Tink's nook in DL is fun too. We met Tink, Rosetta and Iridesa. I believe Silvermist had been there at some point that day too. Oh, and Fawn. So you never know who may be in there.

Over in DCA you can meet Minnie, Mickey and Chip/Dale in fun Roaring 20's type outfits. And as mentioned above, Oswald is there too. We didn't see any roaming characters there. Toy Story characters had a spot over in Paradise Pier. Pluto was also in Grizzly Area, near Soarin. Russell and Dug came out in the Wilderness Explorer area

We rode every ride and loved them all. Nothing can replace the original rides in Fantasy Land. Ride them all. During It's a Small World watch around for all the Disney characters mixed in to the dolls.
Take time to wander and really look around Toon Town. It's so cute.

Feel free to ask any other questions about what we did or saw and our thoughts.

 

[AngiTN]

figment_jii thank you, lots of excellent information! I didn't know about the Cars interaction; that is fantastic! And coincidentally enough, my son has recently discovered macaroons and is obsessed. We will definitely be stopping in Jolly Holiday. You mentioned no FP during EMH. I had forgotten that. So I assume the machines are cranking right after official opening and one of us should be close.

Are the FP machines at DL set up similarly to WDW (right next to ride attraction)? Are there any rides that do not have FP? (I am sure I read that in Hydro's link and can find again but having a brain fart).

There are a lot of rides without FP. Matterhorn is probably the biggest one that comes to mind that does not have a FP. Otherwise, yes, they are near the rides in the way they used to be at WDW and you get just whatever one comes out next. And the 2 parks at not connected.

 

[maltdizzy]

I think "definitive" will vary for each person. For my family, we always do Haunted Mansion (that's a toss up between DL and MK), PotC (I give DL the edge), Indy (unique to DL), Buzz (better at DL and you can email your ride photo to yourself for free), Matterhorn (unique), much of Fantasyland (a lot is unique), and Carsland (unique).

Only thing I have to add to this list is single out Small World in Fantasyland as being noticeably better at DL than WDW. I enjoy it at DL, find it unbearably bad at MK. Plus the original World's Fair facade is something to see.

 

[savvy?71]

We just last week got back from trips to both WDW and DL. I too went to our DL trip not planning to compare the parks, wanting them to be different. And I found they were. I consider it 6 different parks

So some of these I can answer with the memories fresh in my mind.

For WOC, we did Carthay Circle. I'm pretty sure the area we had for standing in was for ONLY Carthay Circle. They have lighted signs indicating the areas and ours did say Carthay Circle and nothing else. If you plan to eat there anyway (and I do recommend it, pick Carthay Circle

We found Matterhorn very much evenly as rough as Space Mountain. I actually put SM a bit more rough because at least with Matterhorn, you can "brace" your body for turns when you can see the track.

We found all food, both QS and TS, better at DL. It pains me to say that but it's the truth. QS is probably 3 times better at DL.

You'll find roaming characters at DL that you'd never see at WDW. First, they can't roam at WDW simply due to crowds and being "over run". But at DL they go wherever they want, without handlers at all. We ran in to roaming around
Mary Poppins and Bert
Bert alone
Peter Pan
Alice and Mad Hatter
Mad Hatter alone
Cruela D'ville
Evil Queen
Hook
Ariel, Rapunzel and Merida were all spotted in front, just beyond the gates, before you head under the train station tunnels

Don't miss the Fab 6 in their special 60th Anniversary outfits. They'll all be out there at some point or another but there was some rotation. And they'll move around but always around the hub at DL. Mickey's line got the longest but it really moved very fast.

Tink's nook in DL is fun too. We met Tink, Rosetta and Iridesa. I believe Silvermist had been there at some point that day too. Oh, and Fawn. So you never know who may be in there.

Over in DCA you can meet Minnie, Mickey and Chip/Dale in fun Roaring 20's type outfits. And as mentioned above, Oswald is there too. We didn't see any roaming characters there. Toy Story characters had a spot over in Paradise Pier. Pluto was also in Grizzly Area, near Soarin. Russell and Dug came out in the Wilderness Explorer area

We rode every ride and loved them all. Nothing can replace the original rides in Fantasy Land. Ride them all. During It's a Small World watch around for all the Disney characters mixed in to the dolls.
Take time to wander and really look around Toon Town. It's so cute.

AngiTn, thank you! That's more great info, lots of which I didn't even think to think about ha! I find it amazing that characters wander without handlers. I mean, I remember going to WDW Orlando when I was 3 yrs old, and when it was just MK, and vividly recall seeing Snow White wandering over a bridge and I ran right to her without any crowds forming. But that's another lifetime ago . There must be some crowding at DL though; how is that controlled?

Yes, based on what I've read, I can't wait to ride IASW and that's a sentence I never thought I'd make ha! The info about bracing yourself on Matterhorn is very helpful, and the QS/TS being better is interesting, though not all that surprising (sadly I think food at WDW --and for all the variety--has become kind of tasteless and boring, esp when you consider cost).

I think we're doing Carthay Circle (deciding between lunch and dinner).

Is Sleeping Beauty's castle-walk thru always open? And how constrictive does that get inside? ( I know my questions must seem so basic but having never been there it's hard to visualize!)

 

[AngiTN]

AngiTn, thank you! That's more great info, lots of which I didn't even think to think about ha! I find it amazing that characters wander without handlers. I mean, I remember going to WDW Orlando when I was 3 yrs old, and when it was just MK, and vividly recall seeing Snow White wandering over a bridge and I ran right to her without any crowds forming. But that's another lifetime ago . There must be some crowding at DL though; how is that controlled?

Yes, based on what I've read, I can't wait to ride IASW and that's a sentence I never thought I'd make ha! The info about bracing yourself on Matterhorn is very helpful, and the QS/TS being better is interesting, though not all that surprising (sadly I think food at WDW --and for all the variety--has become kind of tasteless and boring, esp when you consider cost).

I think we're doing Carthay Circle (deciding between lunch and dinner).

Is Sleeping Beauty's castle-walk thru always open? And how constrictive does that get inside? ( I know my questions must seem so basic but having never been there it's hard to visualize!)

Really, because so many of the locals have zero interest in characters their lines never get out of hand. Usually just a handful of folks and mostly folks are civil about waiting turns. The only time things may get testy is when they have to cut off a line, without a handler there it's sort of up to the other guests to police themselves. We saw Aurora just yell out to the line that the lady wearing such and such was her last guest.

The Castle was always open while we where there (6/2-8) and it wasn't ever crowded when we went through but we didn't go through at a parade or fireworks time.

I think the differences in food is always driven by differences in how CA residents eat, vs. how guests at WDW eat. It's obvious when you are there Disney knows their avg guest is a local resident. Where in FL their avg guest is someone from further away, often not even a US resident. In FL your typical question from a CM is "do you have the dining plan" and in CA the typical question was "do you have an annual pass". They know that a large number of their guests do. As as such, they strive to feed them in ways they are used to eating. At least that was my opinion. There are tons of carts selling fresh fruits and juices and the salads offered are way more varied (lots of Chopped Salads)

 

[figment_jii]

Are the FP machines at DL set up similarly to WDW (right next to ride attraction)? Are there any rides that do not have FP? (I am sure I read that in Hydro's link and can find again but having a brain fart).

As mentioned, it's easier to list the rides that do have FPs opposed to the ones that do not. Unlike WDW, the majority of DLR attractions actually do not have FPs (kind of like how things were before they introduced FP+ to WDW). The Disneyland website has a list of all FP enabled attractions.

Most of the rides have FP machines near the entrance. There are only a few with FPs machines that aren't located close to the entrance (RSR, Star Tours, ToT, and Splash are the only ones that come to mind). Star Tours is across the walkway between the entrance to Buzz and the Little Green Command Store. ToT is across the "street" near the Red Car Trolley station. Splash is by the Brier Patch store, across from the entrance to the Hungry Bear. And RSR is the most removed, being near the entrance to It's Tough to Be a Bug. Other than that, the FP machines are near enough to the attraction entrance that they should be easy to find (you can ask a CM at the attraction entrance if you have trouble locating the machines).

Is Sleeping Beauty's castle-walk thru always open? And how constrictive does that get inside? ( I know my questions must seem so basic but having never been there it's hard to visualize!)

I think it's almost always open when the park is open. In terms of constrictive...it's basically like walking through a doorway and then through a bunch of inter-connected hallways. I didn't think it was too bad, but you can't walk two or three across in most places.

...and the QS/TS being better is interesting, though not all that surprising (sadly I think food at WDW --and for all the variety--has become kind of tasteless and boring, esp when you consider cost).

I don't generally agree that WDW food is tasteless and boring, so we might have differences in terms of food opinions, so keep that in mind. I think DLR has a good variety of TS and QS options, but the pricing is still theme-park pricing, so it's not going to be cheap. DLR doesn't have as many dining locations (fewer parks and fewer hotels) as WDW. You don't need to make ADRs the minute the dining reservations open, but I would still recommend making them if you know you want to eat at a specific place and/or a specific time. I really like Carthay Circle and think the food is good. It's DLR's version of a Signature.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We are finally heading West (me, dh, 10 yr dd & 11 yr ds). I am not looking to compare WDW to DL; I expect and even *want* the differences. I've read thru Hydroguy's threads and hopefully will be ready in August (1st week). It looks like the biggest challenges will be WoC & Paint the Night Parade & just getting a handle on early entry mornings. Overall we are just looking forward to lighter, less rigorously planned trip, & seeing the original Disney


Anyone have any particular preferences on a WoC restaurant package? And if so, lunch or dinner? I know Ariel's doesn't have dinner. Is the reserved seating for WoC very different based on restaurant? And then all the pretending you're not waiting to line up for WoC routine

We're still trying to get the MM/EMH scheduling branded in our brains. Do these ever change during the summer and/or busier times? Does Sunday have either MM or EMH in either of the parks (I read conflicting information on both of these questions). We are staying at GCH. Working out our park mornings (and to grab Fastpasses) will be main logistics. We are definitely rope droppers and a main goal is the new (to us) Carsland/RSR. Is there a particular 'spot' at opening that gets you to RSR FP more efficiently?

Matterhorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

Is there one must-have snack (or 2!) at DL or DCA that we can't get at WDW (or is better than)?
Are there characters more likely to be at DL/DCA that aren't seen as WDW as much or at all?
We do plan on all the rides, and I have read about the differences & preferences regarding rides between DL and WDW. But is there a definitive experience (ride or attraction) that is a must do/see (that is either better in DL or simply not at WDW)?

Thanks!

The Castle Walkthrough is usually closed for 15-20 minutes before FW to up to 30 minutes after FW. That is the only time I've ever seen it closed

 

[figment_jii]

That's a good point...I'd forgotten that the walkthrough, along with most of FL in the vicinity of the castle, closes for fireworks. Toontown also usually closes for fireworks.

 

[22Tink]

I always come away from the Matterhorn with a headache. Not sure if it's gotten better since the refurb, but I always found it very jerky. I love Space Mountain though. Much smoother ride IMO.

Matterhorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

 

[savvy?71]

I think the differences in food is always driven by differences in how CA residents eat, vs. how guests at WDW eat. It's obvious when you are there Disney knows their avg guest is a local resident. Where in FL their avg guest is someone from further away, often not even a US resident. In FL your typical question from a CM is "do you have the dining plan" and in CA the typical question was "do you have an annual pass". They know that a large number of their guests do. As as such, they strive to feed them in ways they are used to eating. At least that was my opinion. There are tons of carts selling fresh fruits and juices and the salads offered are way more varied (lots of Chopped Salads)

(bolding mine) I love this. But I'll be on the look out for a good churro or 4

 

[savvy?71]

I don't generally agree that WDW food is tasteless and boring, so we might have differences in terms of food opinions, so keep that in mind. I think DLR has a good variety of TS and QS options, but the pricing is still theme-park pricing, so it's not going to be cheap. DLR doesn't have as many dining locations (fewer parks and fewer hotels) as WDW. You don't need to make ADRs the minute the dining reservations open, but I would still recommend making them if you know you want to eat at a specific place and/or a specific time. I really like Carthay Circle and think the food is good. It's DLR's version of a Signature.

We don't do many Signature meals at WDW, mainly due to the kids but I am not a committed sit-down meal kind of person. So my opinion of WDW food has been based on QS and TS, mostly, which has been more miss than hit over the last few years. A few stand outs have been the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Cape May Buffet (at Beach Club Resort), and some World Showcase spots. A lot of the basic eats, while not awful or anything, just seem more generic. But definitely, the good meals are great. And character buffets are generally never great; you pay for the environment of course. In any case, it will be nice to check out the totally different atmosphere -- park and food wise-- at DL/DCA. And I almost don't know what to do with myself, not having to stalk the dining availability to score impossible reservations (not to mention stalk the FP+ availability). I love WDW, but I also love already feeling less stressed out

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Re: Matterhorn -- yes, it is bumpy. We wear hoodies or jackets around the waist to cushion our tailbones. It makes a big difference for us (and gives us an excuse to buy a hoodie!).
DL is so much more relaxed about dining reservations, but I would recommend making reservations for Blue Bayou (maybe for the F! package?) and requesting to sit by the water. That really is a unique-to-DL experience. And F! at DL is so fun -- better dragon, the pirate ship Columbia, and the Mark Twain at the end.
As for things that are truly unique to DL, for the most part, you'll be walking where Walt walked! DL is the only park he got to see. That makes this park so special.

 

[AngiTN]

And make sure to try to grab breakfast at Carnation Cafe. You may just get to meet Oscar, the gentleman who served breakfast to Walt and his wife each day. He gave DGD instructions on how to make Mickey Waffles with a shaped maker. It was really special to meet him

But yes, walking through the park, riding the same rides, seeing it all as Walt saw it, was so special. I really felt it in Fantasy Land

 

[figment_jii]

That might explain the difference; my family tends to do mostly TS and Signature TS meals in WDW. We get in a few QS meals (e.g., Flame Tree, Les Halles, Kringla, Boardwalk Bakery, etc.), but we are mostly a sit down type of group (all adults). We do a lot of TS meals at DLR as well, but we do mix in more QS option (usually one TS per day and one QS per day, whereas at WDW we usually do a TS lunch and a Signature dinner). DLR has a lot of good QS/CS options (e.g., Plaza Inn, French Market, Jolly Holiday, etc.), so be sure to check out the dining thread. In addition to Carthay Circle, I highly recommend Cafe Orleans or Blue Bayou (probably the most iconic restaurant in DLR), Carnation Cafe (I like lunch/dinner), and Big Thunder Ranch BBQ.

Yes, I also like the fact that planning meals at DLR is far less stressful. It's so nice not having to be online right at 6:00 am EST at the 180-day mark to get that prime dining ADR! Yeah, I liked some parts of FP+, but not the fact it added another layer of pre-planning!

 

[AngiTN]

! Yeah, I liked some parts of FP+, but not the fact it added another layer of pre-planning!

The part I missed about FP+ was picking a time for the ride. I wanted RSS at night and Grizzly in the warmer part of the afternoon and didn't want the long line. It's pretty much impossible to be at the FP machine at just the right time