First Time at DLR for a WDW-native!

[Woodskeeper]

Well hey howdy hey! I'm Rory. I consider myself an Orlando-native, though I've technically lived here since I was three. Anywho, I've had an annual pass to WDW since we first moved here and basically was raised in the parks. Mom runs a popular event company within Disney, so the parks were my playground mostly. And now I'm a CM, so really, it's sort of become my life. Anyways, I know WDW like the back of my hand, but for me, growing up, the big thing was to go to Disneyland. All my cousins and such were jealous that I got to go to "Disney" all the time, but all I really wanted to do was go to "the motherland".

So, FINALLY, to celebrate my 24th birthday, I'm heading to California with my cousin in October. Now, I may be a WDW expert, but I'm not ashamed to say that I know basically nothing about DLR, and I know better than to assume any similarities. (The first wake up call to this was trying to make an ADR 180 days out and online.... yup, I learned to adjust pretty quickly).

Well, the few things I do have planned is dinner at Steakhouse 55 for my birthday and a lunch at Cafe Orleans during our trip as well. We're also going to try and do the Fantasmic Dessert Seating for the day after my birthday (wanted to do this the day of, but we're going during Anaheim Gay Days and weren't too sure about how the crowds will be in DL on the 6th). We're also staying at the Fairfield Inn.

Ok, that being said, any must-dos, must-eats, must-sees for what will most likely be my last (and only) trip in a looooong time?

 

[Woodskeeper]

Oh! We're also doing Mickey's Halloween Party on the 5th!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

I would definitely do the Blue Bayou. It's a bit overpriced in my opinion, but it's amazing for the atmosphere and unique to DLR. I'm also going to throw in World of Color for sure. And of course, Cars Land . For quick service food, I'm currently in love with Jolly Holiday. You DEFINITELY need to try our churros--SO much better than WDW.

If you've got the cash, I really like the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour to get a good overview of DL history and some of the original attractions.

See if you can get a ride on the Lilly Belle and the tender seat--you'll never forget it .

 

[HydroGuy]

Well hey howdy hey! I'm Rory. I consider myself an Orlando-native, though I've technically lived here since I was three. Anywho, I've had an annual pass to WDW since we first moved here and basically was raised in the parks. Mom runs a popular event company within Disney, so the parks were my playground mostly. And now I'm a CM, so really, it's sort of become my life. Anyways, I know WDW like the back of my hand, but for me, growing up, the big thing was to go to Disneyland. All my cousins and such were jealous that I got to go to "Disney" all the time, but all I really wanted to do was go to "the motherland".

So, FINALLY, to celebrate my 24th birthday, I'm heading to California with my cousin in October. Now, I may be a WDW expert, but I'm not ashamed to say that I know basically nothing about DLR, and I know better than to assume any similarities. (The first wake up call to this was trying to make an ADR 180 days out and online.... yup, I learned to adjust pretty quickly).

Well, the few things I do have planned is dinner at Steakhouse 55 for my birthday and a lunch at Cafe Orleans during our trip as well. We're also going to try and do the Fantasmic Dessert Seating for the day after my birthday (wanted to do this the day of, but we're going during Anaheim Gay Days and weren't too sure about how the crowds will be in DL on the 6th). We're also staying at the Fairfield Inn.

Ok, that being said, any must-dos, must-eats, must-sees for what will most likely be my last (and only) trip in a looooong time?

Hi Rory:

You came to the right place! You will get lots of good advice around here.

The standard place to start for folks like you is with this thread from someone I have never disagreed with once.

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Steamboat Philly]

I would definitely do the Blue Bayou. It's a bit overpriced in my opinion, but it's amazing for the atmosphere and unique to DLR. I'm also going to throw in World of Color for sure. And of course, Cars Land . For quick service food, I'm currently in love with Jolly Holiday. You DEFINITELY need to try our churros--SO much better than WDW.

Definitely agree with this! The churros are much much better! I'm a CM as well and I think you'll enjoy your discount more @ DLR. You get your discount everywhere but snack carts, and even some of them are setup for CM discounts so be sure to ask. You get your full Type A/B discount at all quick service and sit-downs. I'm also a very big fan of Goofy's Kitchen @ the DL hotel. Another higher priced one, but worth it! And on a side-note, don't pass up the Pirates ride when you go, I like it so much more than the WDW version! And most important, have fun!

Edit: almost forgot!! If you can get a ride, about 2 miles east of the park off of Cerritos Ave. is the Company D store for CM's! Infinitely better than WDW's property control! I would call this a necessity!

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Rory -- GayDays is nowhere near as big an event at DL as it is at WDW. DL might have a few more people than comparable weekends, but the two times we've gone it's been reasonable. Official days are Sat/DL, Sun/DCA so keep that in mind if you want to join or avoid.

If you really know nothing about DLR, I agree the WIWF tour is good. Definitely read HydroGuy's guide...provides a lot of context for people who are familiar with WDW. Definitely Blue Bayou for the atmosphere...ask for waterside. If you have the money, I would also consider a meal at Napa Rose or at least spend some time at GCH. GCH is similar to WL but more tricked out (imo). Very arts & crafts movement...lots of nice touches and beautiful stain glass doors at main entrance (which you can only see when no one is going through them).

If you have a limited amount of time, I'd focus on the things that are different or are unique to DLR (all in HydroGuys guide). Personally, I like the fact that the footprint is smaller....easier to get around the parks and park-hopping is a matter of a 3-minute walk.

Must do-'s? I tend to think of mine the same as everyone else's. The E-tickets (although I'm one of those that's extremely disappointed with the new Matterhorn ride vehicles). But we like the little touches as well (the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through, the wishing well, the soundtrack you here outside the Main Street lockers). We always get a pineapple float at the Tiki room (look for CM Tiki Maynard). We like eating at Zocolo but not everyone does. The potato chips at any of the new sandwich places (Jolly Holiday in DL or PPF in DCA) are fantastic (and the sandwiches are good as well). If you like Reese's, the chocolate/PB pie at Flo's is great. Of course, CarsLand/RSR but also the Aladdin show, TSMM, CS.

Since you're a WDW CM, are you getting a discount and staying on-site?

As for finding out about DL history, you might consider reviewing Yesterland as well as the Wikipedia entries for Disneyland and for Walt Disney.

 

[Larissa]

Coming from WDW, I'd suggest you make a point of riding Indiana Jones, Pirates, and Small World (I consider the latter two far superior in DL to the WDW version).