First time at DLR, need tips!

[Electra2D]

We are spending 3 days at the end of October at DLR. We will get parkhopper and Genie+ but I am wondering what I need to get a move on regarding res and trip planning. I am really a bit behind since we just made the trip plans (an unusual mid October break from school adjacent to a DH work trip in California). We went to WDW in 2019 (prior to SWGE opening sadly) so if there is anything we did there that’s hard to get we are ok with that (ie we did Fantasmic meal package at HS…none available that weekend at DLR). Also we realize we only there 3 days so can’t do it all. We stayed at WDW for 8 days (skipped one day) so we really got to see and do a lot there, especially with our meticulously planned TP itinerary. Hoping for a slightly more laidback trip but will still do an itinerary and rope drop (staying offsite though) to maximize our time there. We aren’t doing Oogie Boogie because it isn’t a great value and sold out anyway!

I am reading to get indoctrinated in the DLR important things to know but am curious if there is anything I need to try and stalk res on or not. I am going to make res for the lightsaber build (my youngest’s only regret about WDW is that it wasn’t open yet!). We probably will not do any character meals since we did a bunch in WDW unless there’s a good way to meet MCU characters (don’t exist at WDW!). My family’s biggest interests are seeing SWGE and Avengers stuff. Family of 4 two DS 6 and 9. Non-thrill seekers so we will probably skip or do rider swap for a few things and skip others.

Thanks for your tips!

 

[Electra2D]

I should add we are staying at the JW Marriott and haven’t yet figured out how we’ll get from LAX. Uber Black SUV?

 

[Pluto468]

We are spending 3 days at the end of October at DLR. We will get parkhopper and Genie+ but I am wondering what I need to get a move on regarding res and trip planning. I am really a bit behind since we just made the trip plans (an unusual mid October break from school adjacent to a DH work trip in California). We went to WDW in 2019 (prior to SWGE opening sadly) so if there is anything we did there that’s hard to get we are ok with that (ie we did Fantasmic meal package at HS…none available that weekend at DLR). Also we realize we only there 3 days so can’t do it all. We stayed at WDW for 8 days (skipped one day) so we really got to see and do a lot there, especially with our meticulously planned TP itinerary. Hoping for a slightly more laidback trip but will still do an itinerary and rope drop (staying offsite though) to maximize our time there. We aren’t doing Oogie Boogie because it isn’t a great value and sold out anyway!

I am reading to get indoctrinated in the DLR important things to know but am curious if there is anything I need to try and stalk res on or not. I am going to make res for the lightsaber build (my youngest’s only regret about WDW is that it wasn’t open yet!). We probably will not do any character meals since we did a bunch in WDW unless there’s a good way to meet MCU characters (don’t exist at WDW!). My family’s biggest interests are seeing SWGE and Avengers stuff. Family of 4 two DS 6 and 9. Non-thrill seekers so we will probably skip or do rider swap for a few things and skip others.

Thanks for your tips!

Now would be the time to look into your meal reservations. They open up 60 days ahead of time.

Rope drop is a great idea and will help you alot.

Savi's is great! My ds made a light saber there and loved it. You'll need to get reservations for that. I'd suggest Oga's, too if you all like Star Wars. Those reservations are hard to get but there is usually a same day walk-up line you can get into. Galaxy's Edge is so cool, you will find plenty to do there.

There aren't any meals with Marvel characters, unfortunately. We spent alot of time in Avengers campus in June. There are characters walking around often. We saw Captain America, Captain Marvel, Dr. Strange, Scarlet witch, Black Widow, Falcon and my daughter had an awesome interaction with Loki. He was the best!

 

[katyringo]

Howdy! I'm going mid October.

Here are the things I would consider for your trip:

Droid and light saber reservations are helpful but also don't seem to sell out.

If you want to do any show packages for WOC or Fantasmic I would look into those. Some require you to book a specific package ahead of time and others require you to book a meal and ask your server to upgrade when you arrive. Fantasmic will most likely only run on the weekend.

There are tons of great quick service at Disneyland and mobile order is your friends.. but some of the most sought after reservations these days are lamplight lounge, blue bayou, plaza inn breakfast with Minnie chracter meal, and Ogas cantina.

 

[Electra2D]

Howdy! I'm going mid October.

Here are the things I would consider for your trip:

Droid and light saber reservations are helpful but also don't seem to sell out.

If you want to do any show packages for WOC or Fantasmic I would look into those. Some require you to book a specific package ahead of time and others require you to book a meal and ask your server to upgrade when you arrive. Fantasmic will most likely only run on the weekend.

There are tons of great quick service at Disneyland and mobile order is your friends.. but some of the most sought after reservations these days are lamplight lounge, blue bayou, plaza inn breakfast with Minnie chracter meal, and Ogas cantina.

Thanks! I am stallking Oga’s, Blue Bayou/River Belle/Hungry Bear. I will take a look at the other suggestions, We had many ADRs in WDW which was great but also low key dining is fine for a short trip! I got a notice from a mouse website for Oga’s at 9am (lol!) but didn’t click in time.. I am also looking for Plaza Inn for the fireworks but not sure if that’s necessary. The dessert party is helpful at WDW/MK. I think we will skip character meals on this trip as my boys really want to meet Star Wars and Avengers characters.

Is WOC worthwhile? I was thinking Fantasmic, fireworks/Halloween Screams, and then maybe WOC if it runs on mondays (our last day).

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks! I am stallking Oga’s, Blue Bayou/River Belle/Hungry Bear. I will take a look at the other suggestions, We had many ADRs in WDW which was great but also low key dining is fine for a short trip! I got a notice from a mouse website for Oga’s at 9am (lol!) but didn’t click in time.. I am also looking for Plaza Inn for the fireworks but not sure if that’s necessary. The dessert party is helpful at WDW/MK. I think we will skip character meals on this trip as my boys really want to meet Star Wars and Avengers characters.

Is WOC worthwhile? I was thinking Fantasmic, fireworks/Halloween Screams, and then maybe WOC if it runs on mondays (our last day).

WOC dessert party is definitely worth it. I liked it even better than the Fantasmic premium dining. You get a really nice view and it's great to have a place to sit and watch WOC.

 

[limace]

Fantasmic is much, much better at DL than at WDW, imho.

 

[Kit Jackson]

WOC Desert Party is expensive, but you get a great view and being able to sit in a chair during the show is fantastic and worth it if you can afford it. Everyone's budget is different and different people have different priorities, but it's something to keep in mind.

 

[Camilo]

The best tip I can give after being there for 3 days last week is to rope drop. We did it the first two days and got close to 8 to 10 rides done on the first 2 hours. On the last day, we got to the entrance of Disneyland at 8 AM (opening time) and there were already around 30 people ahead of us. It made a huge (negative) difference on how much we could enjoy without lines on the first 2 hours....

Also, at WDW, I never go back to the hotel for a mid break, but I did it this time and it was so worth it...

 

[Electra2D]

WOC dessert party is definitely worth it. I liked it even better than the Fantasmic premium dining. You get a really nice view and it's great to have a place to sit and watch WOC.

I actually got reservations

The best tip I can give after being there for 3 days last week is to rope drop. We did it the first two days and got close to 8 to 10 rides done on the first 2 hours. On the last day, we got to the entrance of Disneyland at 8 AM (opening time) and there were already around 30 people ahead of us. It made a huge (negative) difference on how much we could enjoy without lines on the first 2 hours....

Also, at WDW, I never go back to the hotel for a mid break, but I did it this time and it was so worth it...

Did you stay at, a Disney property or offsite? We stay onsite at WDW because the location (contemporary for our last trip) and perks really couldn’t be beat. But at the cost and limited availability we couldn’t justify at DLR. JW Marriott was super reasonable all things considered. We could even Uber every time and it would still be cheaper!

I was able to book River Belle Terrace (std, not premium…seems too far away) for Sunday at 1 pm (and 5:50 pm! Lol). Is that sufficient to get Fantasmic, ideally for the early show? We booked Wine Country Trattoria for 4 pm on Monday hoping to grab the World of Color. I believe it will be going Monday but the schedule isn’t out for late October yet.

I think I still want to try and get the Plaza Inn dining package for Halloween Screams, unless it isn’t good, necessary or helpful.

 

[Electra2D]

I actually got reservations

Did you stay at, a Disney property or offsite? We stay onsite at WDW because the location (contemporary for our last trip) and perks really couldn’t be beat. But at the cost and limited availability we couldn’t justify at DLR. JW Marriott was super reasonable all things considered. We could even Uber every time and it would still be cheaper!

I was able to book River Belle Terrace (std, not premium…seems too far away) for Sunday at 1 pm (and 5:50 pm! Lol). Is that sufficient to get Fantasmic, ideally for the early show? We booked Wine Country Trattoria for 4 pm on Monday hoping to grab the World of Color. I believe it will be going Monday but the schedule isn’t out for late October yet.

I think I still want to try and get the Plaza Inn dining package for Halloween Screams, unless it isn’t good, necessary or helpful.

Sorry I confused my replies… I didn’t get WOC dessert party. Seems too expensive for what it is (we did at least one dessert party at MK for the fireworks and while the location was nice it felt like a lot of money for what it was).

 

[Camilo]

I actually got reservations

Did you stay at, a Disney property or offsite? We stay onsite at WDW because the location (contemporary for our last trip) and perks really couldn’t be beat. But at the cost and limited availability we couldn’t justify at DLR. JW Marriott was super reasonable all things considered. We could even Uber every time and it would still be cheaper!

I was able to book River Belle Terrace (std, not premium…seems too far away) for Sunday at 1 pm (and 5:50 pm! Lol). Is that sufficient to get Fantasmic, ideally for the early show? We booked Wine Country Trattoria for 4 pm on Monday hoping to grab the World of Color. I believe it will be going Monday but the schedule isn’t out for late October yet.

I think I still want to try and get the Plaza Inn dining package for Halloween Screams, unless it isn’t good, necessary or helpful.

I stayed at Hyatt House Anaheim, 13 minute walk. the only perk to stay at Disneyland resorts was 30 minutes earlier to the parks, it didn't justify the cost in my opinion....

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

My family’s biggest interests are seeing SWGE and Avengers stuff.

My family has similar interests, although my family is more well rounded Disney parks folks because they love almost all classic Disney things as much as SW and Marvel.

GE in my opinion is really nice done, except it lacks kinetic energy. It's just static, but the details are quite nicely done.

I was completely underwhelmed by Avengers Campus. It is boring and the details are lacking (save for GotG: Mission Breakout), but there is a bit more kinetic energy in AC than GE. The Spider Man show and some of the character interactions give AC more energy.

I would offer this tip for you. Spend time in Cars Land. It is in my opinion, the most well-themed and energetic land in either WDW or DLR. I was simply amazed and it was way, way better at night. I don't like Cars (the movie) and yet it was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced in a Disney park. The food was good, attractions were awesome, and we saw 2 or 3 cars driving through the town and parked at the Cozy Cone. The music is awesome too. Just tons of energy and details. The best part: the guests inside Cars Land seem to be having a really fun time. I could seriously watch people dancing in the Luigi cars all day long.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

Sorry I confused my replies… I didn’t get WOC dessert party. Seems too expensive for what it is (we did at least one dessert party at MK for the fireworks and while the location was nice it felt like a lot of money for what it was).

My wife and I did WOC dessert party. Thumbs down on the desserts. But, the location and being seated for the show are major thumbs up. I'm not sure it is worth the price, but my DW and I had a good time. WoC should not be missed. It is not better than Fantasmic in my opinion, but if you have seen Fantasmic at WDW, then do yourself a favor and go see WOC. It is really well done. Better than the Bellagio fountains.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I would offer this tip for you. Spend time in Cars Land. It is in my opinion, the most well-themed and energetic land in either WDW or DLR. I was simply amazed and it was way, way better at night. I don't like Cars (the movie) and yet it was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced in a Disney park. The food was good, attractions were awesome, and we saw 2 or 3 cars driving through the town and parked at the Cozy Cone. The music is awesome too. Just tons of energy and details. The best part: the guests inside Cars Land seem to be having a really fun time. I could seriously watch people dancing in the Luigi cars all day long.

I agree. CarsLand is amazing and magical at night. There is a special kind of energy at night. The retro look of the neon is fantastic. Radiator Springs Racers is is an awesome ride, and is a totally different experience at night.

 

[gardenrooms]

Sorry I confused my replies… I didn’t get WOC dessert party. Seems too expensive for what it is (we did at least one dessert party at MK for the fireworks and while the location was nice it felt like a lot of money for what it was).

If the MK fireworks party is still the buffet, it is waaaaay better than the little box they give at the WOC party - really sweet sweets and a little cheese and fruit - plus kids are the same price as adults for WOC so I think you made a good choice - if you are able to stand for the show. (lol I remember when the MK party was $26 - best bargain at WDW!) I am glad you are planning to see Fantasmic! because it is so amazing at DL because of the setting. WDW's is fun but imho it does not compare. We did the River Belle Terrace standard package and got to sit right in front (I think he whole area remained seated [on the ground] for the show) and it was awesome! We did come early to get in the front row but it was worth it for our first post-Covid viewing. Really missed Fantasmic! (which I like a lot more than WOC). We did a late lunch and were able to get vouchers so hopefully your 1 o'clock reservation will work out. With regard to CarsLand, it is fun to be there at sunset to experience when the lights come on. Not an event to go out of your way to see unless you are a big fan of the original Cars movie but a fun moment. I also love "A Musical Celebration of Coco" in the Paradise Gardens entrance.

I think the Plaza Inn Fireworks package looks interesting and if you like to be front and center for the fireworks it would be a good way to do that without investing a lot of time staking out a position. If we had time on our upcoming trip, we would do it but I expect we will be watching fireworks from our Fantasmic! area. They do do the projections there on the water for you but the fireworks view is way off center. I can't remember if Tink flies at DL - is doesn't look like she does.

Have fun!

 

[pharmama]

I think the Plaza Inn Fireworks package looks interesting and if you like to be front and center for the fireworks it would be a good way to do that without investing a lot of time staking out a position. If we had time on our upcoming trip, we would do it but I expect we will be watching fireworks from our Fantasmic! area. They do do the projections there on the water for you but the fireworks view is way off center. I can't remember if Tink flies at DL - is doesn't look like she does.

The Plaza Inn fireworks viewing is from the North side of the Plaza Inn patio/dining area. I would not consider this front and center. The view of the fireworks in the sky is pretty good but view of the castle and projections can be mediocre, IMO, with trees etc. in the way. Still, it may be a decent options if you want to avoid a stakeout and/or want a chair.

OP's visit in in October so fireworks will be Halloween Screams. Tink is not part of that fireworks show but Zero is and does fly. In a general sense, Tink does fly at DLR if she is part of the fireworks being shown (she's not in Mickey's Mix Magic or Believe... in Holiday Magic but is in Disneyland Forever, for example).

 

[gardenrooms]

The Plaza Inn fireworks viewing is from the North side of the Plaza Inn patio/dining area. I would not consider this front and center. The view of the fireworks in the sky is pretty good but view of the castle and projections can be mediocre, IMO, with trees etc. in the way. Still, it may be a decent options if you want to avoid a stakeout and/or want a chair.

OP's visit in in October so fireworks will be Halloween Screams. Tink is not part of that fireworks show but Zero is and does fly. In a general sense, Tink does fly at DLR if she is part of the fireworks being shown (she's not in Mickey's Mix Magic or Believe... in Holiday Magic but is in Disneyland Forever, for example).

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't read the description well enough - I guess because we couldn't do it anyway. I am glad to hear Tink still flies and will very disappointed not to see Zero fly - I forgot about that!

(We usually end up very far down Main Street for Fireworks because we don't want to spend time staking out a spot. I find all the projections down there distract from the fireworks, but I know some people love all the action.)

 

[Electra2D]

The Plaza Inn fireworks viewing is from the North side of the Plaza Inn patio/dining area. I would not consider this front and center. The view of the fireworks in the sky is pretty good but view of the castle and projections can be mediocre, IMO, with trees etc. in the way. Still, it may be a decent options if you want to avoid a stakeout and/or want a chair.

OP's visit in in October so fireworks will be Halloween Screams. Tink is not part of that fireworks show but Zero is and does fly. In a general sense, Tink does fly at DLR if she is part of the fireworks being shown (she's not in Mickey's Mix Magic or Believe... in Holiday Magic but is in Disneyland Forever, for example).

Thanks…for some reason I was thinking you went to a different reserved area. This definitely doesn’t sound worth it! MK was a buffet of mostly sweets and some hors d'oeuvre options, but it was at least enough that we could skip dinner.

 

[Gypsybear]

Depending on your dates, make sure you check park availability due to OBB party dates. Remember, DCA closes early for the party, so if you don't have hopper tix, you may end up in DTD.

Also, on party days, watch the app for Online Food Ordering....they tend to fill up early on party nites.

Since your son really wants to do the Savi's, I'd say go ahead and book it. So he doesn't miss out again. Also be aware, that those sabers are long, so they won't fit in a locker, and can be bulky to deal with if you build first thing in the morning, and spend all day in the park. You can usually leave them at the Droid Depot for pick up before park closing, but as we learned one night, they may not do it because of "events" taking place. Best bet is to do it later in the day/early evening. Or, if you're staying nearby, then build in the morning, and take it to the room, and hit the parks again.

Just my 2 cents. ENJOY your trip!!