First Time DL Visitor - Trying Not to Overplan, Looking for some Tips!

[katarynamarie]

Hi there!

I'm a 26yo WDW fanatic, and typically plan multi-day WDW visits for my extended family when we get together every couple of years. I'm used to WDW-style planning - booking meals and FastPasses 30-90 days in advance, making intineraries for each day to avoid lines, etc. I really enjoy this kind of detail-oriented planning!

I'll be in LA for a few days this June with my boyfriend for a wedding. We won't have a ton of free time to explore the area, but he has begrudgingly agreed to spend one day at DL with me, since I've never been before. We'll likely be going on a Thursday. My boyfriend isn't a big theme park guy. He doesn't like crowds, isn't enthralled about "paying money to stand in lines", and just overall doesn't feel the Disney "magic" the way I do. I'm cool with this - if he changes his mind about going, I'm totally fine doing a single trip. But he's agreeable for now, and I'd like to experience at least one park with him - I feel like DL is better for someone like him that WDW.

So that being said - any general suggestions for a single-day trip to DL with an anxious boyfriend? He doesn't want me to do any crazy planning, but I didn't really intend to. I was thinking that we would get the MaxPass feature, try to show up relatively early, and go through our day utilizing as many FastPasses as possible to avoid lines.

Some specific questions for all you DL experts:

1) If you could only pick one, would you recommend being in the park at opening, or staying late? I don't think my bf will be up for a full, rope-drop-to-fireworks kind of day, so I'm willing to pick my battles.

2) How is MaxPass working out for folks? I like the idea of it, but I'm a little nervous about Fastpasses running out if we aren't in the park early. I've also heard that DL has poor reception, so the app can be tricky. I'm an east-coaster with T-Mobile. Should I be worried?

3) How crazy do the crowds get on weekdays in June? I'm used to peak WDW crowds, as I usually go there in August. I know DL is a more "local" park, so I wasn't sure what to expect in comparison.

4) Best spots to rest and decompress? I anticipate my bf getting hot & overwhelmed at times. I want to plan ahead for this - any good spots to sit, cool down, and maybe enjoy a nice Dole Whip?

5) Magical tips? Last but not least - what are your favorite DL "secrets"? I love learning about all the hidden details in WDW - what would you show a first-timer in DL?

Thank you all so much for your help, I'm so excited to see The Happiest Place on Earth!

 

[sandysue]

1. Early! Rope Drop gives you a couple good hours ahead of lines and you can grab valuable fastpasses.
2. MP was awesome! Grab the next one as soon as you can! Didn't have an issue with my Verizon phone but make sure you have a charger/portable battery.
3. Early June can see some crowds with Grad Nights, which is another reason to start the day early to beat the kids. Later June will start seeing crowds as schools let out.
4. in DL we like Tom Sawyer Island and in DCA it is Redwood Creek Trail for some quiet.
5. We use the meal packages to get reserved seating for parades and/or WOC or Fantasmic. Since we have to eat anyway this saves us spending touring time saving a good viewing spot.

Good luck.

 

[HydroGuy]

1. I agree with the PP about rope drop

2. I have no idea about T-Mobile but in general US-based folks seem to have no problem with MP. I would do it in a heartbeat.

3. DLR has some different trends than WDW so the answer depends a lot on what specific day in June you are talking about. I could give you a ton of details and bore you to death, but with grad nights in early June and AP blockouts in late June, the answer is: "It Depends".

4. From the PP, TSI (actually it is PLATSI) is nice but it takes a while to get there. I personally would avoid PLATSI especially on a day trip. At DCA definitely Disney Animation. At DL, maybe Rancho Del Zocalo or Tiki Room?

5. For secrets check the Newbie sticky thread. I think there are some in there.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As recommended by the pp, definitely read this thread: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
Next, make sure you download the free DLR app on your phone. That is what you will need for Max Pass and all kinds of other helpful information throughout your day, e.g. maps, dining reservations, restroom locations, etc. When you get your tickets (which you can purchase ahead of time on the app!), scan them into the app and have a credit card on file so that you can purchase MP as soon as you go through the turnstiles (should only take a minute or two to purchase MP this way). Do NOT purchase your tickets day of at the ticket booths -- total waste of time for a one day visit. Either purchase ahead of time on the DLR website or on the app, then go straight to the gates.
Once you decide on a date, check the DLR website for the entertainment calendar. There is a calendar on the app, too, but the website calendar is more detailed. Know the hours for that day -- the parks may be open late or not. It helps to know ahead of time. Look for the AP blockout calendar for that day -- it will make a difference how many/if any passes are blocked that day. Check for Grad Nites -- do a search on this forum -- that will affect crowds to a certain extent, too. Know which parking lot you plan to use (M&F or TS), know where it is located, and whether you will take the tram or bus or walk to the parks. (In other words, don't waste time figuring all this out on the morning of your visit.)
Rope drop if at all possible -- those early hours are golden for getting the most done.
Figure out your priorities. Do you want to do just one park (probably DL would be best for this) or try park hopping? The parks are so close together (like a football field apart) that hopping is very doable. DCA has some gems, like Cars Land and WOC (the Dessert Party can be a super fun way to end your day). It's all up to you and what you think would work best for you. If you think you might want to eat at Blue Bayou (how many times do you get to dine inside POTC?), you might want to book a Dining Package for F! If you book for the first show of F!, you'll be invited to stay in the viewing area for the fireworks (digital projections will be shown on the water screens and the music will be piped in). You can check videos on YouTube to see if WOC or DL's F! (pirates on the Columbia and the Mark Twain ending!) would work for you. Make a list of the things that are the most important to you (rides, attractions, shows, souvenirs, dining, etc.) -- then keep paring it down. Know that you won't get it all done, but keep the list for things to do next time.
Dole Whips in DL are only available at the Tiki Room. You can enjoy your treats inside the Tiki Room, so if you want a snack, a/c, and a break, grab a Dole Whip and watch the show.
I haven't heard anything horrible about T-Mobile (you might want to post a thread here asking specifically about this), but make sure you have a power rod or some kind of battery back up/charger with you. There are power rod vending machines throughout the parks and resort property, but we find it easier just to bring our own.
If your boyfriend really doesn't want to join you, you might really have a better time doing DL solo. We have lots of DISers who do DL regularly on solo visits and have tons of fun. It can be really hard trying to have a good time with someone who doesn't really want to be there. Just food for thought...

 

[smartlabelprint]

I agree that I’d highly consider a solo open to close trip.

My only tip is to stay at one of the harbor Blvd m/hotels the night before and after your Park day. Much less stressful. That would allow you to open to close much easier. If your boyfriend joins he can go take a nap or sit by the pool if he needs it.

This is a 3 day minimum for both parks. You can probably skip some wdw attractions. But don’t be disappointed when you can’t do everything.

 

[bethy]

Another option for travelling with a Disney Parks skeptic: Book a hotel close by - ideally onsite with a nice pool. Then your BF can take a nice midday break either by the pool or in the room. Then he would get the perks of early rope drop and shorter lines. And then you can enjoy some time in the evening which is magical and my favorite time of day at DL.

 

[katarynamarie]

Thanks for all the advice you've provided so far, everyone! Some clarification - we will be staying with a friend at an AirBNB in the Silver Lake neighborhood of LA, so unfortunately booking a nearby hotel isn't an option. This is also why I'm trying to choose between opening vs closing, since I know we've got at least an hour drive to get to the park.

We'll just be doing DL, not DCA. If I had an extra day I would definitely do both, but for now I just want to cross DL off my bucket list.

I do agree about possibly just doing a solo trip - I'm going to keep tabs on his feelings as we get closer to the trip. He's only been to WDW once as a child, and he does want to do Universal one day so we can see Harry Potter world. I think he could really enjoy himself once he realizes that I'm not going full-force gung-ho WDW and making him stick to a schedule. But we'll see.

I'll also check for Grad Nites - thanks for that tip! We'll be going Thursday, June 14th. It looks like we should be safe?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

On a personal note after many visits with people who don’t really enjoy DL I have decided I won’t go with anyone who isn’t entirley ready to have a fun and magical time. I would much rather go alone or go alone with my son than be there with someone who is poo-pooing eveeything all day because it greatly deminishes my enjoyment. If you think your BF won’t enjoy it, save yourself and him a less than ideal day and consider going alone.

Second, it would be a shame to come all this way and not see DCA. Carsland is amazing and depending on when in June you’re going the rethemed Pixar Pier and Incredicoaster could be up and running. I love DCA almost equally to DL... it’s a wonderful park. It would be really easy for you to park hop with a nice plan if you were alone (since you love to plan).

Finally, since you will be driving from FAR away on a weekday you must take rushhour traffic into consideration. I would personally leave around 5:30am from the silver lake area to be at DL by 6:30am and hit rope drop. DL will have a magic morning that day and if you’re park hopping (and depending on opening times) you might be able to rope drop DCA for an hour until regular gate opening at DL and the head over to DL. Then you could do DL until early afternoon and when it starts getting really crowded hop back to a DCA, where it’s often less crowded. You will want to stay late enough to skip the rush hour traffic in the evening as well. Maybe head home around 7:30pm. Would be a shame to miss all the evening entertainment, so if you can rally maybe you decide might stay for WOC or fireworks.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Personally (and this is totally personal, but I'll be honest) I would be very honest with my BF about what this meant to me (if I were you, lol. So confusing). I would be upfront and let him know that this is sort of important to you. You love Disney, you really want to get a true experience of Walt's park, and you would like to make the most of the expensive cost of a one day ticket. I would say,

"Honey, because the ticket is soooo expensive, I really want to take true advantage of the day. I would like to pack in as much as possible. I would prefer to get there for opening and stay until close. Disneyland is a different sort of park than WDW. It is much more chill and relaxed, and so I won't be rushing around everywhere and sticking to a schedule. I plan to take it easy and try to really just enjoy the day. You are welcome to come (and I would LOVE to have you there, because I really do enjoy your company), but if that doesn't sound like something you enjoy than I'm thinking I'll just do the day alone."

 

[PatMcDuck]

There are so many tips. I love DL. I am from east coast, and below are some tips I try to give them. I am puzzled by friends who go and do not love it (WDW regulars). Even if just there for one day, I implore you to try and walk thru Carsland. Just so special!

DL tips. DL just started a thing called "max Pass". It is $10 a day, per person. I would buy it myself. It allows you to get FP once you are in a park, for any ride in EITHER park. One a time, yes, but it means you do not have to walk to the ride to get it and then walk away. Max Pass started the week after my last trip. You must use the DL app to get Max Pass.


First up, Disneyland.


Try eating at Blue Bayou. This is the fancy restaurant that is sort of inside Pirates of Carribean.

Other places I like are Plaza Inn for either lunch/dinner (famous for their friend chicken), or their character breakfast. This one is inside DL.

There are loads of quick service places to try. They recently did a Beauty and Beast overlay on one in Fantasyland called Red Rose Taverne, I forgot to check it out in July.
Try to see Fantasmic at DL, they offer a FP for this, which gets you into a particular section that evening. Getting this FP does not prevent getting another one for a ride, immediately. (World of Color is the same, but I recommend the dessert party there, if possible.) Fantasmic at DL is superior to the version at Studios. IMHO. But you may have to stand or sit on the ground. They may also have a dessert party for Fantasmic, but I am not sure if they are running it now. I have also tried this, liked it, you have seats, but preferred WoC one.

They have put the Star Wars music back on Space mountain. This is SO SO cool. their Space Mt. has a superior sound system to FL even without the SW overlay, but the SW is so so good.

Ask to ride front of monorail, they still allow this at DL, and it is fun. Rides that are superior at DL are Space Mt., Pirates. Jungle Cruise only slightly different. Amazing and not to be missed, is Indiana Jones. I like Matterhorn, but some say it is too rough. BTRR is better, great new ending. Fantasyland is AMAZING. I love all the rides there. I love Casey Jr train, and Storybook canal boats, and Alice, and Mr Toad, etc. Toon Town is still at DL, and so adorable. They have a Roger Rabbit SPIN ride there. Make sure to ride the DL RR all the way around, much better than MK one. Me and my friends did the Canoes once, so funny.

They may be running the Lilly Belle car on the RR. It used to be free to ride it, not sure now. You had to ask for a special ticket and sign up in the morning.

Watch for characters walking around the parks, they do so with no handlers, it is very different. Alice and the Mad Hatter play musical chairs at about 1:30 near the piano player, at the hot dog place on Main St. Walk up the side path next to castle on the right, and see the Snow White sculptures.

Moving on to DCA.

First off, the parks are so close, it is like one big park. Guests just pop back and forth all day long. Look for Oswald! Get a FP for Radiators Springs Racers. It is possibly my favorite ride at any Disney park, so far. This FP also does not prevent another, I do not think. They are introducing Pixar Place this summer. I have not seen the new overlays.

Book the World of Color dessert party. This gets you SEATS for the show. 2 drinks, and nice desserts. Highly recommend. Otherwise grab a FP for WoC standing section. This FP does not prevent getting another FP.

Rides? Radiator Springs Racers! My favorite Disney ride, so far. Get a FP as soon as you get there, they run out by afternoon usually. I prefer this in the dark, but anytime it is great. If no FP, Single Rider is a great option too. Tower of Terror has the Guardians of the Galaxy overlay, I I loved that. So fun. Look for Groot, I missed him. There is a dark ride for Monsters, Inc, my favorite movie.

They have nice coaster, California Screamin'. It is changing to Incredibles this summer. I finally ride Mickeys Fun Wheel, now the Pixar Wheel. AND we went on the swinging cars, and it was way LESS scary then I expected, I liked it. You will see Marvel characters around at DCA too. Walk thru the Animation Academy, it is interesting.

The water raft ride is interesting after dark. It has a conservation theme and a huge drop for this sort of ride.

It is nice to eat at Flo's, a quick service in Carsland. Grab a snack at one of the Cozy Cones. Carsland is AMAZING after dark, with all the neon lights. They have a small subtle ceremony at dusk where they light up the neon, it starts at the back by RSR and rolls towards you, each one lighting up one at a time.

Sorry if this is rambling. Just go and have fun!!

(This is just from an email I sent to a friend)

 

[wowsmom]

When we need a break in DL, we like to visit Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. It's never crowded and is nice and cool.

 

[HydroGuy]

When we need a break in DL, we like to visit Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. It's never crowded and is nice and cool.

I totally forgot about that one but that is the perfect spot. Even if you do not do Abe, the area there in the entry has chairs and a place to sit down.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For June 14th, WOC will still be down for refurb. So think about seeing PTN if possible -- nothing like it at WDW currently! (Think MSEP on steroids -- you can see videos on YouTube to get a sampling.) The DCA parade route is very long, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a decent viewing spot without a super long wait. If you can park hop, I'd highly recommend it. There is nothing like Cars Land at night -- especially riding RSR at night (MP will really help with this or single rider). Also, there is nothing like the neon lighting of Rte. 66 -- just like being in the movie "Cars"! Since the 14th is Flag Day, the Flag Retreat Ceremony should be special that day -- try to squeeze that in if you can -- Town Square in DL, probably around 5 pm -- it should be on the schedule for that day. Maybe you'll get to meet Ernie-the-Marine (he's a gem!).
If your BF decides to join you, you might want to get him a 1 park ticket and get a hopper for yourself. Then give him the freedom to come and go as he pleases (taking breaks whenever he needs to -- there are many places in DL for downtime) so that you can cover as much ground as you'd like. Then arrange some meet up times (like TS meals) where you can compare notes on your day and use MP to get some rides together. We know some families where the dad works/lounges in the lobby of the GCH most of the day while mom and the kids hit the rides in both parks, then everyone meets up for lunch and dinner and shows in the evening. Works great for them -- everyone is happy!