First timer to DL

[Sunobo]

Hi, I'm new here although I've know about the DIS boards for awhile. My dh is working in Southern California so the kids and I are flying out to visit him for Thanksgiving. We are planning on spending a day in DL so I figured the forums would be the best place to find info on which day to hit the park and how to stay ahead of most of the crowd. So far it's looking like Monday the 26th is our best bet.

We're not going to tell the kids until we arrive at DL. Now off to read lots of threads so I can figure out how to make this trip very memorable.

Noel
dd - 10
dd - 8

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome Noel.

What a great treat for your little ones. I've got a few questions which might help us to give you good info:

- Only one day? (Why not two? )
- Where will you be driving from (or will you be staying at a motel).?
- Have you ever been to WDW?
- Why would monday (the 26th) be the best bet?

Have fun planning for Walt's park.

hound

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi Noel:

The day you choose depends a bit on when you plan to arrive. On Mon-Thurs during the week of the 26th DL will open at 10AM. If you plan to arrive by around 10AM the best day that week would be Wed. The reason is that DL has an Early Entry (EE) program on Mon/Tue/Thurs/Sat which allows certain guests into DL one hour early. If you go on Monday, the day you are considering, and you come at 10AM, you will find lines for many rides are already built up before you can even get into the park.

If you have flexibility on choosing dates, choose Wed Nov. 28. No EE means it will be a level playing field for you.

 

[Sunobo]

Welcome Noel.

What a great treat for your little ones. I've got a few questions which might help us to give you good info:

- Only one day? (Why not two? )
- Where will you be driving from (or will you be staying at a motel).?
- Have you ever been to WDW?
- Why would monday (the 26th) be the best bet?

Have fun planning for Walt's park.

hound

- I wish we could do two day's but we just don't have much time this trip and it looks like DL will be pretty crowded on Fri, Sat and Sun.
- We will be staying in a hotel near Universal.
- Yes I've been to WDW but it was a very very long time ago (1987 I think).
- We arrive in LA on Thursday night (Thanksgiving) and our flight home leaves on Tuesday the 27th. I figured that Monday would be the least crowded of the days we are in town.

Noel
dd - 10
dd - 8

 

[HydroGuy]

- I wish we could do two day's but we just don't have much time this trip and it looks like DL will be pretty crowded on Fri, Sat and Sun.
- We will be staying in a hotel near Universal.
- Yes I've been to WDW but it was a very very long time ago (1987 I think).
- We arrive in LA on Thursday night (Thanksgiving) and our flight home leaves on Tuesday the 27th. I figured that Monday would be the least crowded of the days we are in town.

Noel
dd - 10
dd - 8

I think your Monday plan is probably the best then. But as I said, there will be lines for rides before you get in because of EE, especially the rides in Fantasyland and the Nemo Subs. There will also be lines for Space Mtn and Buzz Lightyear, but both of these have Fastpass so you should get FPs for them at some point and ride them later in the day with FP.

 

[noryglory]

If they move to a Dis property hotel for Sunday night they could get EE on Monday right Hydroguy? Just a thought Noel if you haven't considered it. I was curious and just checked on Travelocity and there are rooms available at all three Disney properties. That could be a really fun treat for your family!! Of course it would make sense to stay there on Monday night as well, or you could switch to an airport hotel near your airport for Monday night...rather than stay by Universal the whole time.

 

[HydroGuy]

If they move to a Dis property hotel for Sunday night they could get EE on Monday right Hydroguy? Just a thought Noel if you haven't considered it. I was curious and just checked on Travelocity and there are rooms available at all three Disney properties. That could be a really fun treat for your family!! Of course it would make sense to stay there on Monday night as well, or you could switch to an airport hotel near your airport for Monday night...rather than stay by Universal the whole time.

Yes, you are right. They could.

 

[Sunobo]

If they move to a Dis property hotel for Sunday night they could get EE on Monday right Hydroguy? Just a thought Noel if you haven't considered it. I was curious and just checked on Travelocity and there are rooms available at all three Disney properties. That could be a really fun treat for your family!! Of course it would make sense to stay there on Monday night as well, or you could switch to an airport hotel near your airport for Monday night...rather than stay by Universal the whole time.

That would be lots of fun but unfortuately the Disney hotels are a bit out of our price range for this trip. Since our flight home is from the Burbank airport we figured that the Universal area would work better.

 

[Hound 109]

We are all thinking alike.

Sunobo, I think you should REALLY consider staying at one of the 3 disney properties (Sunday night) for the following reasons:

- It will be ALOT easier driving from US area to DL on Sunday afternoon/evening....than it would be on Monday morning (a work day).

- NoryGlory & Hydroguy are correct....Monday is EE day. You want EE (with only one day). & you want the extra morning hour in the park.

- EE will allow you to ride PP, Dumbo, Matterhorn, Alice, Teacups, Toadie & Pinocchio with little to no line. Without EE you'll have to make some hard choices.

- It's a Disney hotel!!! & you'll be able to visit DTD Sunday night after checking in.

To me, it would be worth an extra $150 to not drive Monday morning, enjoy EE, & have an extra hour at the park. I know, I know....you don't want to pack & unpack & again.....but It's Disney!

Read all of Hydroguy's Tips (see his post) & think about it. Your first trip to DL would be much better if you don't try to drive (to DL) on Monday morning & arrive an hour after the EE'ers.

Any which way you go.....Have fun!

 

[noryglory]

Yes Hound Yes. ALL yes. In particular the drive over from Universal on Monday morning. The stress of that a.m. traffic lasts for hours. We tried to get from the Sheraton Universal out to Westlake Village and back one morning, giving ourselves almost THREE hours (people, it's like 15 miles away) and we couldn't do it...we had a funeral to go to and were trying to drop my toddler with my sister and she had to meet us halfway at a gas station so we could get to the funeral on time!

Of course, price range is price range. If you can't do it you can't do it. You will still have fun but you won't get to cram as much in your one day.

Any chance you can go REALLLLLY budget at a Burbank Airport hotel on Monday night to split the diff between the cost of your current accommodations at Universal and the Disney hotel? The Paradise Pier is showing accommodations in the low $200s.

 

[Sunobo]

The hotel we are booked in near Universal is $82 a night so changing to Disney for one night is a huge jump.

You all have made some valid points. I'll have to put some thought into it because that would mean three different hotel reservations and I'm not sure what penalty if any there might be if I change our original reservation.

 

[noryglory]

Well I certainly don't mean to rain on your parade!! There are just some logistics involved that will make your trip less desirable than if all the factors were rolling in your favor. We have made the mistake of taking a daytrip to Disneyland without all the factors and have had a miserable time. Now of course we obsess and do great.

Sooo, that being said, if you know what you are facing and can still figure out a way to pull it off, that will still be a fantastic trip. It would just be a better one if you could somehow get Early Entry and get so much of the park done before opening. You are coming from far away so this is a chance you won't get too often I would guess.

Just a lot of food for thought!! Have a great time no matter what you decide.

 

[Sunobo]

Okay, you have me considering some options and I'm still not sure dh will agree to it.

If we stay at a Disney hotel Sunday night only and buy a 1 day (not a park hopper) ticket, will we get EE on Monday? Do we buy the 1 day ticket at the hotel, park entrance or should I buy it in advance?

There is a $20 difference in price between PP and DL. Would PP be a great experience or is it worth the $20 extra to stay at DL?

 

[5/4Disney]

Let me get this right guys, There are only certain day you can get in early even is staying at a DLR hotel. We are going in Nov 11/28-12/3 and staying at the PP concierge. Anyone have any tips? We have been to WDW a bunch, but this is the first trip to DL I just don't want the kidos to be disappointed.
We already have ADR at Goofy's kitchen and Blue Bayou. Our plan is to eat breakfast at the concierge bar and then do lunch and dinner in the park. Is 5 days too long at the parks (like I said we are used to packing a WDW trip into 8 days) or do you guys think we should rent a car and see some Calf. landmarks? Our kids have never been there.
Thanks,
Julie

 

[tinkermell]

Okay, you have me considering some options and I'm still not sure dh will agree to it.

If we stay at a Disney hotel Sunday night only and buy a 1 day (not a park hopper) ticket, will we get EE on Monday? Do we buy the 1 day ticket at the hotel, park entrance or should I buy it in advance?

There is a $20 difference in price between PP and DL. Would PP be a great experience or is it worth the $20 extra to stay at DL?

I think most people would vote for the DL hotel, for just $20.00 more.

I know you don't have alot of time, but did you know that California Adventures is right across the way? About a 2 minute walk from the DL entrance? I'm saying this, because most people who are used to WDW, are amazed at how easy it is to park hop at DLR. You can literally stand in the middle of both parks at the esplanade, and decide which way should I go.

Food for thought.

 

[HydroGuy]

Let me get this right guys, There are only certain day you can get in early even is staying at a DLR hotel. We are going in Nov 11/28-12/3 and staying at the PP concierge.

EE is only offered on Mon/Tue/Thurs/Sat. So if you are staying at one of the DLR hotels, you can get in for EE on any or all of those days. For those who are not at a DLR hotel, but have a 3+ day ticket, they can get in for one of those days during their trip. Apparently there is a wrinkle to the 3+ day tickets in that Getaway is reportedly selling tickets with 2 days of EE.

We have been to WDW a bunch, but this is the first trip to DL I just don't want the kidos to be disappointed.

The most likely cause of disappointment, IMO, will not be DLR itself but in trying to make DLR be like WDW. The experience will be different. Do not let the differences frustrate you. WDW does not have a lock on how Disney experiences must play out. Let DLR be DLR, embrace its many strengths (and, yes, areas where it exceeds WDW) and you will have a great trip no doubt.

Much of this is explained here if you have not yet seen it:

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

We already have ADR at Goofy's kitchen and Blue Bayou. Our plan is to eat breakfast at the concierge bar and then do lunch and dinner in the park. Is 5 days too long at the parks (like I said we are used to packing a WDW trip into 8 days) or do you guys think we should rent a car and see some Calf. landmarks? Our kids have never been there.

First, similar to WDW, an early start each day or most days at DLR is the best way to get the most out of a DLR visit. Arriving late will limit your experience.

How many days you need depends a lot on how aggressively you visit the parks. Are you getting there early? Are you staying late? Are you taking breaks on days with long parks hours to conserve energy?

Four to five days at DLR will be about right, IMO, for first time visitors who take a more leisurely pace. For those who focus more, then three to four days is about right.

So depending on how you plan to tour, you may have an extra day in there. Although I am not big on visiting Hollywood Blvd., it is a fun thing to do once. That might be your best bet. Or drive down to San Diego for the day and have lunch. I am sure others can come up with other good ideas for a day trip. The DLR Guide link above has other suggestions like Mission San Juan Capistrano, La Brea Tar Pits, and the Santa Monica Pier.

 

[5/4Disney]

Thanks HydroGuy, I will explain all of this to my DH. We are those people who run from sun up to sun down I guess we will take advantage of the EE on Thurs. and Sat. Thanks again and I will remember to let DLR be DLR and experience it with open arms.

 

[Hound 109]

Okay, you have me considering some options and I'm still not sure dh will agree to it.

If we stay at a Disney hotel Sunday night only and buy a 1 day (not a park hopper) ticket, will we get EE on Monday? Do we buy the 1 day ticket at the hotel, park entrance or should I buy it in advance?

There is a $20 difference in price between PP and DL. Would PP be a great experience or is it worth the $20 extra to stay at DL?

Sunobo, additional info & opinions (since you are are giving it consideration):

- As stated previously, avoid a monday morning drive....it would be a hellishly long day.

- PP is good & DLH is better (but both give you EE & staying on site the evening prior your first & only day at DLR is the main thing). But both work for getting EE & providing parking....so i defer to others on which to pick.

- I think Parking is included in your DLR hotel stay (so tell DH you are saving money (& lots of time) by not having to fool with the public lots).

- Even though you are "checking out" on Monday. You should go to the park EARLY Monday morning (prior to packing) & be in line for EE at least 30 min. prior to EE opening.

Then (take a break) & go back to DLH between 11:30-12noon. (perhaps you can nap/swim....or just take a break). & the perfect time to Pack/check out/dump the bags in the car or at bag concierge. Then return to the park between 2-3pm. (this is what we did at PP on our last day & it worked out great.

After your day at DL, merely walk back to DLH (or PP) garage & drive to your next hotel near Burbank that evening. (traffic dies down a little after 8pm).

- Since you're only there one day, park hoppers to enjoy DCA (imo) probably aren't necessay, but if they're the same price, nab them & ride Soarin & Griz & check out Crush (all at DCA) during the afternoon when it's crowded at DL. (or not)

- Most importantly, if you get EE. Follow the EE ride plan. Then tour DL hard the first 2-3 hours (when the rides are far less crowded)....all the while picking up 3-4 FPs. THEN you can smell the roses & enjoy all that is Walt's park. Going back to the park with 3-5 FPs in your pocket in the late/afternoon or evening is THE way to go.

- Read all of HydroGuy's tips, but in particular read his "How to use FP on a busy Day" thead to get a feel for how FP is your friend & how touring as early as possible & collecting FPs the first 3 hours ensures a less stressful rest of day (especially if you only have ONE day to enjoy DL) & evening.

- I'm not sure the best way to buy a one day DL ticket for your family. I would post a new question (just on this) & you'll get several responses.

- But first.....reserve the hotel room. After that you can fill in the details.

Have fun (& do it!)

 

[HydroGuy]

- Read all of HydroGuy's tips, but in particular read his "How to use FP on a busy Day" thead to get a feel for how FP is your friend & how touring as early as possible & collecting FPs the first 3 hours ensures a less stressful rest of day (especially if you only have ONE day to enjoy DL) & evening.

Note that FP at DLR is very similar to WDW, but has some idiosyncrasies that are unique to DLR. Read my FP thread Hound mentioned for more info.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi, I'm new here although I've know about the DIS boards for awhile. My dh is working in Southern California so the kids and I are flying out to visit him for Thanksgiving. We are planning on spending a day in DL so I figured the forums would be the best place to find info on which day to hit the park and how to stay ahead of most of the crowd. So far it's looking like Monday the 26th is our best bet.

We're not going to tell the kids until we arrive at DL. Now off to read lots of threads so I can figure out how to make this trip very memorable.

Noel
dd - 10
dd - 8

A one-day trip can be done...read everything here, read every current guidebook you can get your hands on (I found the library to be very helpful), and know that your day will be crazy.

Let me get this right guys, There are only certain day you can get in early even is staying at a DLR hotel. We are going in Nov 11/28-12/3 and staying at the PP concierge. Anyone have any tips? We have been to WDW a bunch, but this is the first trip to DL I just don't want the kidos to be disappointed.
We already have ADR at Goofy's kitchen and Blue Bayou. Our plan is to eat breakfast at the concierge bar and then do lunch and dinner in the park. Is 5 days too long at the parks (like I said we are used to packing a WDW trip into 8 days) or do you guys think we should rent a car and see some Calf. landmarks? Our kids have never been there.
Thanks,
Julie

Personally, at 5 days we were just hitting our stride, and could have stayed MUCH longer. We ended up with 6.5 days at the parks, and I have a list as long as my forearm of the things we missed and MUST do on our next trip. But we have a 3 year old, which does slow things down.