First Time! (WDW Regular)

[njforumrider18]

Hey all!

I am going to California in July (week after July 4) and we are planning on taking a day to go to DL. We only will have one day to go to Anaheim, we are staying with family about an hour away. I'm wondering, will it be possible to kind of have a "best of" experience for both parks? I'm a WDW Vet (at least 20 trips under my belt) so for me, if I miss a ride thats the same on both coasts, I won't be heartbroken.

Part of the experience for me thats so great is just walking around and enjoying the sights. If I don't get on all the rides I won't feel like I missed out (other than HM haha)

Any advice on how to maximize our time for the day would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

[figment_jii]

As a WDW Vet, I highly recommend taking a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It'll help give you a sense of the similarities and the differences. I would go through that and identify which attractions, shows, places you want to see the most.

For DCA, I highly recommend checking out Carsland. It's among the most popular "lands" in DCA and has some very amazing theming (specifically if you're a fan of Cars). It's harder to pick a single location in DL because so much of that park is amazing.

 

[njforumrider18]

Thanks! I read the guide earlier today, I THINK I have a pretty good Idea of our must-do's and what-not. Although I'm not a huge cars guy, Im looking forward to check out this area, and hopefully riding RCR. Thanks again!

 

[figment_jii]

I highly recommend getting a FP for RSR or get there pre-rope and try the "wide right"-technique because that line gets long fast. If you're going solo (it doesn't sound like you), you can also try to the single rider line. I would also wander through the new Grizzly Peaks area (near Grizzly Rapids and Soarin'), but i would skip Soarin' (same as at Epcot, just looks newer because it's been recently upgraded). I like the look of Buena Vista Street, but you can see that you walk into and out of the park. If you have some time, I do also really enjoy the Mad T Party, which happens in Hollywoodland in the evenings (kind like a mini-rock concert).

In terms of DL, there is so much to see and do. I would check out Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean for sure. Given that it's unique to DL, I would also try Matterhorn (but know that it's really rough) and Indy Jones. Both of these also have a single rider line, but only Indy has a FP (no FP for Matterhorn). For Matterhorn, it's worth noting that the left side and right side are different rides, so you could ride it twice and see both tracks. If you like kid's rides, Mr. Toad, Storybook Canal, Alice, and Casey Jr are all unique to DL (so is Snow White now that it's gone for MK). In DL, I would skip Star Tours because it's the same at DHS. I like DL's Buzz Lightyear better than MKs (you can email you ride photo to yourself for free!). Space is good at both parks (I think), as is Big Thunder. I'm not a huge fan of Splash (not into water rides).

The other thing to note is dining...are you looking for a TS or CS meals?

 

[njforumrider18]

Wow! thanks for the thorough reply! We definitely are not averse to doing single rider line, thats usually our plan for RnRC and Everest. I will take all of this stuff into consideration! Luckily, we have a month to plan it out!

My goal is to basically hit as much as I can thats different from WDW. As far as food goes, we will probably just be doing CS for this trip.

 

[figment_jii]

For CS location, DLR actually has a number of really good options:

• French Market (New Orleans Square - I really like the salads and the Mickey beignets)
• Plaza Inn (Main Street - the fried chicken is one of the most popular items at DLR)
• Flo's (Carsland - the food is okay, but the atmosphere (plus ability to people-watch in Carsland) is fun)
• Tangaroa Terrace (DLH - good food and a casual setting)

 

[njforumrider18]

Insanely Helpful! Thanks so much!