First DL Trip (and beyond) - August 2025

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Our family of 4 took our first trip to DL a few weeks ago. The trip itself went from Aug 2 through August 13th. We’ve visited WDW 3 times in the past and we all enjoyed this trip just as much if not more. If not for the rides/setup of the parks, I definitely appreciated the walkability and able to be back at our hotel in less time than it took to get to a WDW resort bus stop.

We stayed in Anaheim for seven nights, with three park days, DL on 8/3, DCA on 8/5 and DL on 8/9. Pretty happy to have snuck in right before the Haunted Mansion and Cars closures.

Airport - We flew into LAX, despite all of the negative comments here and elsewhere lol. We were able to save $1000 by flying into LAX versus SNA. Some time was saved as well as other airports didn’t have many direct flights at a reasonable cost. Had a bit of a wait to get to terminal 1 from terminal b to get to baggage claim. Spring for a car service (Lansky) to pick us up directly outside of baggage claim, so we didn’t deal with the Uber lot. They allow for a stop, so we did a quick stop at Target to pick up groceries and essentials for the week. On our departure the security line was no more than 5 minutes long.

Hotel - We spent the week at the Anaheim Hotel. We all really liked this place. Grounds were well kept, big pool that the kids enjoyed. On-site pizza restaurant was decent, again a hit with the kids. The rooms were good and had updated bathrooms. Rooms were cleaned each day by staff. The hotel was a quick walk to the parks, 8-10 minutes at our pace. We would stay here again.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

We navigated the parks with both DAS and LLMP. Not knowing if we would qualify for DAS this trip, we purchased LLMP with our tickets, as we would use the photo pass regardless (wife takes a lot of photos), and we have used both systems together in WDW in the past. We’re not super early risers and don’t rope drop, partially because of DAS. We ended up getting to the park, through security between 8/30 - 8:45 each day.

Day 1 DL
We started going through Fantasyland while it was still largely empty. We wanted to try the rides that aren’t in Florida and got to ride them all pretty quickly. Then we made it up to Toon Town, rode MMRR, a favorite of everyone in our family and Roger Rabbit. Our 8 yo liked the many playing areas in Toon Town and the Gadget Coaster. We made our way back down to Small World and appreciated the differences there and outdoor queue.

Then made our way to Star Wars land as our reservations were ready. Smugglers Run and Rise were just as we knew them from WDW and we enjoyed them and the land. The teenager and wife departed for a Matterhorn reservation while 8 yo and I did the Mad Tea Party. We then accidentally stumbled the Magic Happens parade. As it turns out, Matterhorn broke down as the family was loaded and about to go up.

Lunch break - Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland. Pretty standard Disney lunch for us. Chicken tenders, mac n cheese. I had the fish n chips which was pretty decent.

After lunch, we ride the Nemo Submarine, which we all enjoyed as a DL exclusive. Then Buzz Lightyear and over to the Haunted Mansion. Our reservation from the morning at Indiana Jones was ready and we all enjoyed that. The theming on it was one of our favorites, though we are accustomed to the track from Dinosaur. We then went to Pirates and really liked the much li get version of this ride.

We closed out the night by hitting up Tiana’s, which none of the kids had ridden before. Everyone e got soaked, even the poncho wearers. Then did Pooh, Jungle Cruise and redemption at Matterhorn. Finally, we found a spot for Paint the Night and the fireworks. Didn’t really appreciate the cast members making everyone but the curb sitters stand 40 minutes before the parade started, but it is what it is.

After a long day, headed back to the hotel and appreciated the quick walk.

Day 2 Pool Day

Had a restful day at the pool for much of the morning. Had breakfast at Denny’s near our hotel where a balloon artist created the most elaborate balloon Mickey that we’ve ever seen. In the afternoon we headed to Downtown Disney to meet a friend of my wife’s. Had lunch/dinner at Black Tap. Explored the shops, got some legos for the kids. Caught the last hour or so of the $10 bowling special at Splittsville Lanes. On our way out, we stopped for beignets at Beignets Expressed and really enjoyed them. Then more pool time and pizza in the evening.

 

[LKing]

Wow, sounds like a great trip!

The cavalcade you saw was the Mickey & Friends Celebrate Happy Cavalcade. Magic Happens is a full length parade with floats.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Wow, sounds like a great trip!

The cavalcade you saw was the Mickey & Friends Celebrate Happy Cavalcade. Magic Happens is a full length parade with floats.

Ahh that makes sense. Wasnt really sure what it was, we suddenly ran into closed off streets and followed it for a bit.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Day 3 - DCA

Got to the park around 8:30 and headed straight for Cars Land. Requested Radiator Springs Racers right away. Did Luigi’s and Mater’s rides while we waited. And then RSR went down for a couple of hours. Took some photo ops before we left for a while.

Headed up to Avengers. Ride Spider-Man, we all really liked this one. Then checked out Monsters Inc ride, which was a favorite of the youngest child. Got some photos with Captain America and Shang-Chi while in avenger land. Took a break from the head with Philharmagic and Turtle Talk, a couple of favorites we recognized from WDW.

Then headed down to Pixar Pier. Toy Story, Carousel and Inside Our before a lunch break at Corn Dog Castle. The corn dogs were really good. The name had me already lol. Then we hit up Sky School, Golden Zephyr and Jumpin Jellyfish. All were pretty quick on and off. We ate while waiting for the Sky School return time. Then Little Mermaid and back to RSR to finally ride it. We all loved it, was our favorite ride in maybe either park.

We then did soarin and another ride of Monsters Inc. Then headed back to Cars Land for RSR #2 and another run on Mater’s. Went over to World of Color to pick our spot. Loved this show. Before it was over, we made one last reservation for RSR #3, with a return time 5 min prior to park closing. Quite a different experience in the dark versus daytime and sunset. Then back to the hotel.

Day 4 - Rest Day, kind of

We didn’t have anything planned this day, other than an Angels game. We had picked up some mochi donuts next to our hotel, which made for a quick and good breakfast. It was a 1pm game, so a leisurely morning, some pool time and heading off to the stadium. Really easy in and out with Uber on both directions. Went a little early to check out the stadium. Can’t say the food was anything special. We saw Mike Trout hit HR #398 (#200 in Angels stadium), which was an exciting moment. After the game, more relaxation time and pizza by the pool.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Day 5 - LA Tour

We booked a tour of LA that picked us up at our hotel (through A Day in LA). We enjoyed stops at The Walk of Fame/Dolby Theatre/Graumann’s, Griffith Observatory, LA Farmer’s Market for lunch, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Dr., Santa Monica pier and Venice Beach. A lot of quick stops and ground covered. We saw a lot on this day and it was a favorite of everyone.

Day 6 - DL Day 2

Our goal here was just to hit some favorites, take more photos, etc. We started this day in Toon Town for MMRR and met Mickey for photos. Unfortunately Roger Rabbit was down for a while. Spotted Pete, a favorite of mine so we had to take a picture. Hit up Gadget coaster and then made our way to breakfast.

Had a reservation at River Belle Terrace with the Fantasmic dining package. It was a lot of food. None of us finished. Very good breakfast as well. Then we were off to Pirates and Haunted Mansion before doing both Star Wars rides again.

Back down to Indiana Jones and then we took a break to watch the new Walt Disney show/film. We all enjoyed that. Then it was off to Matterhorn while the young un and I hit up fantasy land. Ride Snow White and Alice while we waited, then we all got on Peter Pam. We were able to ride Big Thunder, the only ride from day #1 that we wanted but missed.

After the Tiki Room, we made it back to Toon Town shortly before they closed and rode MMRR and Roger Rabbit. Then Astro Orbiter and Autopia before heading over to Fantasmic.

We were glad to have seats for Fantasmic after a long day, even if they were on the ground. We sat right up front. A whole different experience than at WDW

Somewhere in there we had snacks from Bengal barbecue and clam chowder at harbor galley. Also at DCA we had a trio of dole soft serve that was excellent.

 

[LKing]

Wow, days 5 & 6 sound exhausting. Glad you had the opportunity to see WOC, PTN, and Fantasmic. It sounds like you had the chance to experience most of the DLR exclusive rides as well as your WDW favorites (multiple times). Do you understand now why MMRR doesn't have as long of a wait as at WDW? It is tucked in the back of the park whereas the WDW attraction is front and center.

How was the Dodger game? Are you trying to visit all of the ballparks? I'm curious what you thought of Dodger Stadium after having just visited Angel Stadium.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Day 7 - Hotel Change

We finished getting packed up and got in a Lyft to our hotel in LA, the Universal City Hilton. Chosen for proximity to Universal Hollywood, also looked like a decent property. Our room was ready by about 1pm, so we had time to head over to Warner Brothers for a studio tour. This was really cool, a lot of superhero stuff the kids enjoyed, Friends for the wife. Harry Potter as well. The Jennifer Hudson show wasn’t currently filming, so we got to walk through that sound stage, which was a pretty unique experience. Also where Ellen and Kelly Clarkson shows were filmed. After, we headed to the City Walk to explore and have dinner.

Day 8 - Dodger Game

Nothing on the schedule this day aside from going to a Dodger game. Getting to the game and back was interesting. Driver went to the wrong gate to drop off, had to turn around all the traffic pikes behind him while we did our best to translate. After the game, it took a few tries before we could find a driver that could find the Uber lot - we weren’t the only ones with thus problem.

The game itself was awesome. We went early to explore as there’s a ton of stuff in and around the stadium. Ohtani led off the game with a HR so that was cool. It was hot and our seats weren’t shaded until halfway through but all in all it was a fun day.

Days 9 & 10 - Universal Hollywood

We had the disability pass here as well, so that helped. We were able to ride everything we wanted on both days. Pass was a much easier process to obtain than with Disney, but more of a hassle to use as it’s still paper and needed to visit each ride to get a return time if wait was over 25 min.

We loved the studio tour ride here as well as Super Nintendo World. A lot of motion simulators and Transformers was my favorite of the bunch. Simpsons was ok, both ride and land - mostly restaurants. We enjoyed both Harry Potter rides and the frozen butter beef was outstanding. We saw the Waterworld show and everyone thought that was pretty cool as well. Secret Life of Pets was a winner for us, as a disneyesque dark ride, we enjoyed the mummy and Jurassic park as well. Minion land was just ok.

We attended right after their summer season, so the park closed at 7 each day. Still, we were able to see and do pretty much everything.

Day 11 - Back Home

Purely a travel day. As noted above, LAX was very easy to navigate on the way out. Just needed to account for the time to get there. Quick security line and the bus to terminal b was waiting with no queue.

Overall it was a great trip. We combined 2 vacations in 1 really, which made for a much longer trip than our usual. But we tried to build in more days without too many activities.

 

[Dr. Henry Jones Jr.]

Wow, days 5 & 6 sound exhausting. Glad you had the opportunity to see WOC, PTN, and Fantasmic. It sounds like you had the chance to experience most of the DLR exclusive rides as well as your WDW favorites (multiple times). Do you understand now why MMRR doesn't have as long of a wait as at WDW? It is tucked in the back of the park whereas the WDW attraction is front and center.

How was the Dodger game? Are you trying to visit all of the ballparks? I'm curious what you thought of Dodger Stadium after having just visited Angel Stadium.

The whole thing was exhausting, we walked almost 80 miles! Yes, MMRR at the very back makes sense, though we did see some longer wait times as well close to when Toon Town was closing - I didn’t realize it closed during the fireworks. It was fun seeing the exclusive and DL original/opening day rides.

Both baseball games were great! Dodger game was a zoo and the Angels game was much more relaxed. But we had fun at both. We’re not necessarily trying to see all of the ballparks but have decided to go to a game during our vacations when possible after going to a Nationals game in DC last summer.