First DL Trip in 20+ years

[anastasiaw]

We are going to DL 3/14-3/16. I bought tickets for Disneyland, California Adventure, Disneyland, in that order of the three days we will be there. I've been reading a lot on these boards and I'm a bit overwhelmed. Haven't been to DL in 20 years. So I have some questions:

1. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. The grandparents in our party, will not be going to the parks during the day with us, so they will have our rental car during the day. With that being said, if we don't take the hotel shuttle, could we Uber/Lyft to DL before it opens and do the same for the way back? Are Uber/Lyft's available in that area? We plan to be there when the gates open and will stay as long as the 8 year old kid doesn't get tired.

2. Any restaurant recommendations offsite from the park for dinner? We'd like to use that time to have dinner with the grandparents. I've only experienced Downtown Disney in FL; is the Downtown Disney in CA a good spot for dinner? We are open to any place near our hotel or Disney.

3. Unfortunately, I haven't done much planning other than reserving park tickets, flights, hotels; but do I need to reserve anything else for the parks?

4. I'm a bit intimidated by this Genie+ and LL thing via app and having to wait until we get into the park. (I hate the idea of being on the phone while in the park I really prefer to be in the moment) I know the kid really wants to do the Webslingers and Radiator Springs. Should we go to those first; then hit up the others that aren't as high on this list? This is his first visit.

5. We purposely don't want to make lunch reservations; we prefer a quick lunch, counter service type thing. Is mobile ordering really the way to go to avoid lines?

6. Are there fireworks during this time?

7. I see there's a food festival during this time. So what does this mean? Will there be more food? What's the perks of the festival? Do I need to buy any extra tickets?

I'd appreciate any guidance and recommendations.

 

[Kit Jackson]

7. I see there's a food festival during this time. So what does this mean? Will there be more food? What's the perks of the festival? Do I need to buy any extra tickets?

I will let people who have been post-pandemic/post Genie+ answer most of your questions.

The California Food and Wine Festival means more/different food. There are food booths that are special limited time only. You do not need to buy extra tickets. Your ticket to California Adventure gets you access. Some booths are better than others. Also check and see if Soarin is running the original California version of the ride, which they sometimes do during the California Food and Wine Festival. I think the California version of the ride is far superior to the Around the World version they normally run. If you have the chance to ride the California version of the ride, do it.

 

[Foustketeer]

1. There should be Uber/Lyft in the area, but I am not sure about getting there for rope drop as I haven't used one to get to the parks.
2. There are a few good spots in Downtown Disney, but obviously less options compared to Disney Springs. I don't know taste preferences, but I would suggest looking at a map around your hotel to figure out food options or using the Disneyland website to look at current restaurants to get a feel for what's there.
3. The only other thing would be dining reservations, which may be tough to get as you're inside in the 60 day window now.
4. I would say rope drop one of those two on your DCA morning. Most people tend to split between the two, so it's just really your preference on which you'd prefer to do. Both rides have the ILL, so just then up to you which to pay for, if you choose to go that route.
5. Mobile ordering is a good way to avoid lines, but there can still be a short wait if going during traditional eating times. I always try to get the order started before we are even close to the restaurant to allow some of that waiting time to be walking.
6. I wouldn't expect fireworks, as they seem to reserve those for the weekends, but that's another thing to keep an eye on the Disneyland website on, since that information has not been released yet. If nothing else, it will be Mickey's Mix Magic with Projections.

 

[gelatoni fan]

1. Uber/Lyft will work. Lately, I've seen some odd surge pricing for Uber in the area so make sure to check both apps. Should cost less than $10 each way.

2. GardenWalk is another option with more familiar places like Bubba Gump and Cheesecake Factory. Since you have a rental car, Garden Grove is close to your hotel if you like Asian food, especially Vietnamese. You can even go out to Anaheim Packing District which sort of a modern upscale food court.

3. Nothing really because I think it's not worth the trouble constantly checking for dining reservations.

4. Yes. Racers also has single rider if you are willing to split up and don't want to pay for Lighting Lane for that one. Another option would be to hit one of those at the end of the day right before closing. They'll usually let you get into line even if you'll still be in line after park closing. Often, the wait times then aren't as high as the posted wait time. I've done Web Slingers at closing with less than 30 minutes wait but also done it at closing with an hour wait. But at least that hour didn't stop me from doing other rides because the park was already closing.

5. I personally like to mobile order as I'm walking just to save time and be able to compare different restaurants at once. Sometimes, the lines aren't too bad so mobile ordering isn't necessary but still a good option.

6. Most likely Mickeys Mix Magic with Fireworks will only run Friday-Sunday so you'll miss them.

7. Food and Wine Festival means food booths are set up. The lines can get long and the portions are small so you'll likely save time and money by eating proper meals. But some of the food is more interesting than what the park usually has. There's also some small arts and crafts and should be a little show with chip/dale as chefs. They also should have some cooking demonstrations.