First time to Disneyland questions

[DebfromSydney]

Hi All,

My DH and I are from Australia and planning our first trip to Disneyland as he has a conference in San Francisco from the 23rd-26th April 2010.

We are getting to Disneyland on Friday the 16th early afternoon and staying at HoJo's.

We have 6 day park hoppers and are planning on heading over to Disneyland Friday evening and just wandering around and orientating ourselves and just really enjoying being at Disneyland then getting an early night as we'll be exhausted.

My questions to all the experienced Disneyland trippers here are:
- We only get one early morning and don't think we'll be up for it Saturday morning, what day do you think it would be best for us to use it (I was thinking either Sunday or Tuesday)

- Do you think that we'll need ADR's for the week of 16th to 22nd or is it likely to be quiet enough that it won't be that important?

- We are planning on doing the parks first thing in the morning and taking a break at lunchtime and then returning late afternoon - from everything I've read this seems to be the best option seeing as we do have 6 days to play with Does this sound right to you?

I've read all of HydroGuys tips on visiting off-season (Thank you ) and think that I've got a pretty good handle on what to expect however is there anything else that I should be thinking about now to maximise our very first trip to Disneyland?

Thank you all for your input

 

[daneenm]

6 days...I'm jealous!

April 16 - 22 may still have some Spring Break folks around. Our school for instance has April 12 - 16 as break, so I imagine that weekend will still be vacation time for some.

My family subscribes to the go early-take a break-go back later plan. So I think that sounds great. The only thing you need to watch are the park hours.

I have read HydroGuy's tips and think if you pay attention to those, you will have a great experience. Have fun!

 

[DebfromSydney]

Thanks for the response

I thought that the week we were going to be there was pretty quiet - doh!

If it might still be busy then it will probably be a good idea to make some reservations for meals - I'm thinking that Blue Bayou is a must do for the experience if not the food . I was thinking that having our big meals at lunchtime when we could then head back to our rooms to rest and light dinners so we could enjoy more rides would work best for us. Does anyone else have a preference for that kind of thing?

I've looked at the unofficial guide and other peoples trip reports however because I've never been there it's still a little difficult to decide how\what to do - I know what rides I\we really want to do But looking at youtubes really doesn't help me figure it all out so Friday will be just orientating ourselves and seeing where everything is.

I'd love to have any suggestions you experienced gurus might have for what to do on which of the other days - DH and I are both up for anything, my DH is a little more inhibited than me however we are game for anything and we are both 40 (in case it matters and any of the suggestions are really for little kids)

Thanks for sharing your experience, suggestions and possibilities with me

 

[daneenm]

We usually do early dinners (5:30 or so) and then head back to the parks, but we go during busier times when the hours are quite long. BB, however is always lunch for us - make your PS reservation at 11:30 and arrive 15-20 minutes early to check in to ensure a waterside table.

We had a really great dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in DTD last summer - our first visit there. Also, Storytellers Cafe at the GCH has been consistently good for us no matter what the meal.

As for what to do, well, I am a fan of trying it all. Look for interesting areas that are not the most travelled -

DL:
Tom Sawyer's Island, the castle walkthrough, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (if he is open now), Golden Horseshoe

DCA:
animation building (draw your own character is a favorite for us), tortilla factory, sourdough bread tour

I would plan at least one day to start the day at DCA, heading straight back to Soarin' and Toy Story. We often see Soarin' open 1/2 hour early so you can ride before the rest of the ropes in the park drop.

DH and I went to DL many times before we had children and, as much as we love going with them, we look forward to a time when we can go by ourselves again. Have a great time!

 

[B9erSteve]

6 Days! You will have the luxury to really take the parks in leisure. You'll find that your plan of going in the morning and stepping out in the afternoon then returning in the evening will be the best bet. Check online to see what will be closed. I believe that Tom Sawyer's Island will still be closed in April. That will be a bummer as I think that losing that River changes a lot of the ambiance around New Orleans Sq which is my favorite area.

Hydroguys tips are invaluable. I find my self quoting them all the time to friends that are planning trips.

You can take a day and rush through DL, but I recommend that you do that toward the end of your stay. I like taking a relaxing pace and finding a good park bench to rest on from time to time. There's a seating area on Main Street (left side as you face the Castle about midway down the street) That I have on occasion planted myself in for an hour or two before a parade. I let the rest of the family have fun exploring, shopping or riding rides. Then just before the Parade starts they come back and we have prime seating to watch the Parade.

 

[DebfromSydney]

Dear Daneenm - I really appreciate you answering and all your suggestions - I am so excited (which is weird because I've never been to Disneyland and DH is humouring me I think he's enjoying my excitement more than the possibilities, I'm sure I can convert him to the "Peter Pan - Tinkerbell \ Mary Poppins and Mickey Mouse" belief in magic or maybe (I love emoticons) Thank you for your suggestions about Soarin' That is definitely the kind of thing I'm thrilled to know about. I'm pretty sure all of the Rivers of America stuff is shut down whilst we are there and I could cry about fantasmic, seeing as how I can't change it by being a cry-baby I've decided to concentrate on all the magic we'll still get to enjoy.

Dear Steve - Thank you for responding also I didn't want to rush so we are spending the week there and got the 6 day hoppers - I've read so much and since DH agreed we should\could visit I've been reading trip reports and I noticed that most tension seemed to be caused by visitors not having enough time to really enjoy themselves and take their time. Rushing around seemed to be a joy-killer and I want both myself and DH to enjoy ourselves - if DH enjoys himself I've a much better chance of repeat visits after alll

I know there are many online guides but they do all seem based on the reader having a clue about Disneyland - and I have no clue. I am Clueless!!! Goldfish are smarter than I am.

I'm not sure if all you experienced trippers realise how confusing Disneyland is when you read the unofficial guides\forums\etc - I'm not sure where to start, we know we go to the security lines and get checked and then go to the gates, but right now we are not sure how to get\where to go next. We really want to spend a few days on rides and a few days on exploring but from Sydney it seems like a bit of an adventure just getting to the gates

Please help us with suggestions - we\I (mainly I ) want to go on every ride that adults are allowed on \ we want to experience everything there is to enjoy and in what order should we try it. We do have 6 days so I'm thinking we can take our time and enjoy a lot - can't we?

Thank you all so much for suggestions on how to make the most of our time - I feel completely embarrassed at how childish I must sound, it's just Disneyland has been a dream of mine since we first got colour tv and I saw the Mickey Mouse show

I know I sound clueless - so the more clues and suggestions the better

Also I'd love your suggestions and ideas on which day to do magic morning - thank you so much, I really appreciate your ideas and wisdom

Thank you Daneenm and Steve

 

[Kayla's Mom]

As far as when to use your Magical Morning, we have found that the earlier the opening - the less people. Not sure what the hours will be when you are there, but if they open earlier on the weekend, I would probably choose that day over during the week. You also may want to use it earlier in your trip because if you save it until later, you might be too tired to get up early.

 

[daneenm]

Deb, I am excited EVERY time I go!

A few things I forgot to mention...

• Make good use of FastPass. Get your next FP as soon as the first one allows it (printed in small print on the bottom of the pass is when you can collect the next one) and remember you cannot go any earlier than the window but you can go later. We often collect in the morning and use in the evening.

• Don't miss Aladdin (in DCA). It is a great show

• Do you have an iPhone? If so, I would recommend eTicket Disneyland. I was a beta tester and found it quite helpful when I was in the parks.

I know it is confusing when you have not seen a place before but I think you will find that it does not take you long to acclimate. DL especially is quite easy to make your way around (since all of the lands come back to the hub)

 

[B9erSteve]

Yep, Hydroguy covers the early opening thing. Essentially, Locals don't come early. Also Families often have a hard time getting up early. As a result, You want to be there the minute the place opens. Hydroguy also points out that DL does not enforce the ending time on the Fastpasses. Therefore, you should spend your morning collecting fastpassess (but not using them) just enjoy the short queues. Then when the crowds start filling DL, start using your saved fastpasses, meanwhile, still collecting new ones. This way even when DL is crazy busy, you can ride more rides than average.

I wish that I could advise you on Magic Mornings. Over the last 7 years, most of my visits to DL have been with AP's and I can't enjoy the Magic Morning. This year will be my first visit in a long time w/o an AP. And my Park Hoppers do have a Magic Morning Benefit so I'll be wondering the same thing.

DebfromSydney- I see DLR as being a 3 day park. I've spent as much as 5 days in the parks but being experienced with it, by the 5th day I've done and seen everything that I need to and often leave for home early. DL is compact compared to WDW and crossing from one side to another is just a matter of a few minutes. In your 6 days you'll have plenty of opportunity to do everything you want to. And do them in a leisurely fashion. I'd set aside one day for capturing any shows and Parades that are happening. Unfortunately as I pointed out before Tom Sawyer's Island will be closed, so Fantasmic will probably not be running. This is both a bummer and a blessing. While Fantasmic is a show to see (it's visually stunning) It's location in DL is a nightmare and it turns New Orleans Sq into a crowded mess.

ADR's are not usually much of a concern for DL as it is with WDW. Mainly because there's not nearly the number of great Restaurants in DL as there is in WDW. You'll want ressies for Blue Bayou if you decide to go there. (it's pricey but the ambiance can't be beat!) You can do ADR's there but I've always just made it one of my first stops in the morning and place my ressie then. Cafe' Orleans is one of my favorite places to eat. It is bistro style and you get to enjoy the square with it's decor and music. I've heard that Napa Rose is also a great place to eat, you may want ADR's there as well. If you like Seafood, I'd suggest, Joe's Crab Shack. you'll find it down to road a ways on Harbor Blvd. I'd recommend the BBQ crab.

Since you were a fan of the Mickey Mouse Club, I'd suggest that you walk about the Disneyland Hotel a bit. Many scenes were filmed on the site. Toward the back of the grounds you will find a swimming pool with a sandy "beach" area. They filmed a lot there.

Speaking of Tours, if you can afford them... Then do them. I really enjoyed the one that I took 8 years ago. Only problem was that my son was just 3 months old and he didn't enjoy it as much as I.

Important part is don't worry... you've got plenty of time. Just enjoy yourself.

 

[Brady's Mom]

Deb,

YOu can also get RideMax - it is a computer program that plugs in all the rides that you want to do and it gives you the ride times and when to be on the ride and when to collect FP. It is fun to play around with and fun to use, but I found it hard to follow the prescribed schedule all the time.

You will be helped the most by Hydroguys tips and tricks, especially his FP tips.

DH and I have gone twice without our kids and LOVE it. We ride multiple rides that we want to ride and skip the spinning, make you sick rides that our children love. However, it is definitely worth it to ride everything at least once. Don't skip it just because it seems like a kid ride. Ride everything - even in Bug's Land in DCA. Heimlich's Chew Chew Train is awesome and I would ride it even without my kids. Besides, Bug's Land is by far the most themed spot to me in DCA and it is fun to see what the Imagineers did with popsicle sticks and plants and cereal boxes.

Walking around on Fri. night to get your bearings and see what you want to ride and where you want to go is a GREAT idea. If you can, hop on Pirates since it is a fast loading ride and a great way to start your DLR vacation. The line might seem long, but it moves fast since the boats hold a LOT of people.

Sunday would probably be a good choice for MM since you will likely be very tired from your flight and not ready for it on Sat. morning.

When you go through the turnstiles to enter DL or DCA be sure to pick up a map and a times guide. They are right on the turnstile and will be very helpful for you to get your bearings and to figure out what you want to see. Be sure you pick up a NEW times guide on Monday morning when you go in, since they have them for weekends and weekdays Mon - Thurs. READ the times guide since it gives you GREAT info on what is happening and what is open when and what is closed.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Just a couple of things to add. I would get ressies for any restaurant you want to go to since there might be spring break crowds. Also, at DLR they are called "priority seating" (PS) instead of ADRs which is for WDW. But there's no need to worry about calling the day that PS is available. We were at DLR during spring break last year and called about a week before our trip and were able to get ressies close to the times we wanted. Other times of the year we've called a day or 2 before and had no problem getting exactly what we wanted. In fact, you could probably have the number with you and call while you are there. It's really not as big of a deal as dining at WDW. The only exception to this would be BB which I've heard can fill up during busy times.

The other thing I just wanted to mention was to be prepared for big crowds on the friday evening when you arrive. We don't usually go on friday evenings but i've heard that it gets really crowded with locals coming after work.

Hope you have a great trip and feel free to ask any more questions that might come up!

 

[jad82]

Hi guys- I am also planning my first trip to DL. My trip will be shorter, I will only have 3 days in the parks. We will be there right around the same time as Deb. My three days in the park will be Sun April 11th, Mon the 12th and Tues the 13th.

One of you mentioned the new iPhone app... has anyone used the one available for Verizon? Mobile Magic? I'd be interested in hearing any reviews.
thanks!

 

[Susie63]

Well let me be your guinea pig. We arrive tomorrow for 9 days with 6 day ph passes. We have to be up at 4am to fly so no park for us tomorrow. We just plan on wandering around DTD and checking things out. We are at the Disneyland hotel so we get a few MM. Hard to say if they will get used. We have also never been to a Disney park so we just plan on picking up FP's as we go and really drink in everything. I plan on writing a trip report so I'll let you know how the laid back DL tour goes

 

[B9erSteve]

Hi guys- I am also planning my first trip to DL. My trip will be shorter, I will only have 3 days in the parks. We will be there right around the same time as Deb. My three days in the park will be Sun April 11th, Mon the 12th and Tues the 13th.

One of you mentioned the new iPhone app... has anyone used the one available for Verizon? Mobile Magic? I'd be interested in hearing any reviews.
thanks!

3 days is a good amount of time for DLR. 2 days in DL and one for DCA. For a first trip you may feel a bit rushed, but that can be allieviated a bit by just a little planning.

 

[LavenderPeach]

3 days is a good amount of time for DLR. 2 days in DL and one for DCA. For a first trip you may feel a bit rushed, but that can be allieviated a bit by just a little planning.

Actually, you will find that most people here would agree that it's best to parkhop each day instead of picking a different park for each day of the trip. Parkhopping is SO easy at DLR (as compared to WDW). It literally takes just a few minutes. The strategy that most people use is go to DL at opening and then parkhop to DCA in the afternoon when DL starts to get more crowded. Then head back to DL in the evening (hopefully with FPs to use). And of course a midday break can be added to that schedule as well.

 

[Saskiwi]

Hi Deb
we visited DL from NZ in April last year - also encountering the US Spring Break crowds! We used Hydroguy's tips a lot, as well as the Unofficial Guide. We bought RideMax and played around with it but never really had to use it as Hydroguy's tips worked so well.
Like you we had a 6 day pass - our trip report is here if you want to check it out: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153693

If you have any queries I'll try to answer them - you can PM me if you want.
Also, have you checked out the Aussie threads on these boards?

I'm so envious of you planning a trip!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi Deb
we visited DL from NZ in April last year - also encountering the US Spring Break crowds! We used Hydroguy's tips a lot, as well as the Unofficial Guide. We bought RideMax and played around with it but never really had to use it as Hydroguy's tips worked so well.

FWIW here are some links:

**ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC

HydroGuy DLR Tips Compilation: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483