First timer with a few questions

[Gocanes0506]

so my wife has always wanted to go to DL for her 40th. So im going to try to make it happen without her knowing. She is the Disney planner so i apologize if I ask dumb questions.

Ive read up on the public transportation from the airport and I’ve seen some mixed reviews. Anyone here taken it? Is it sketch?

Im trying to avoid adding more costs by renting a car and have it sit in the parking lot. With that being said, I can’t bring myself to rent points and pay 700+ dollars for 5 people for 5 nights on property in June. Has anyone made the walk from a place on DL to the marriot hotels right outside the entrance? Is it bad with your luggage? Ill use points to save money.

Any tips to make 3 days in the park magical for what may be our only ever trip to DL as a family? Have to eat spots or things to eat?
Any tips on things to do on our none park day?

ill buy my tickets once the military rates are announced and available at my nearby ITT office.

Thanks in advance

 

[LKing]

How exciting!

I can't help with the hotel info but I'm sure others can. Regarding airport transportation, are you planning on flying into SNA, LGB or LAX? Why would you need to walk from Disneyland to the Marriott with your luggage?

Regarding making your trip more magical, is it just the two of you? When (what month) are you planning on visiting? What types of things do you (and your wife) enjoy doing? Tours, thrill rides, entertainment, fine dining?

There is another thread from a first timer asking about DL. Take a look at it and let me know if you have questions about what was shared there. https://www.disboards.com/threads/longtime-dw-1st-time-dl-in-january.3952377/

 

[obsesseddisneyfan]

I just got back from my first DL trip in 40 years. I really like to plan and have to in world but there was no planning needed on DL. Genie+ was easy and you could go on every ride. Wake up early (the locals don't get their till 10am) and ride rides. The Marriott is closer then the Disneyland Hotel. So you really don't need to stay on sight. The only hotel that is unbelievable close the is Grand California. Enjoy..... The Fireworks were bonkers getting a place to watch (I was there at the end of D23) so I might splurge on a fireworks dinner.

 

[Gocanes0506]

How exciting!

I can't help with the hotel info but I'm sure others can. Regarding airport transportation, are you planning on flying into SNA, LGB or LAX? Why would you need to walk from Disneyland to the Marriott with your luggage?

Regarding making your trip more magical, is it just the two of you? When (what month) are you planning on visiting? What types of things do you (and your wife) enjoy doing? Tours, thrill rides, entertainment, fine dining?

There is another thread from a first timer asking about DL. Take a look at it and let me know if you have questions about what was shared there. https://www.disboards.com/threads/longtime-dw-1st-time-dl-in-january.3952377/

I was considering doing a 2 day on property and then finishing it out at the fairfield outside the entrance. Baggage transfer would be required.

Im trying to weigh the options on which airport to fly into from ATL.

Fine dining isn’t our thing but everything else is.

Thanks for the advice

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Enjoy..... The Fireworks were bonkers getting a place to watch (I was there at the end of D23) so I might splurge on a fireworks dinner.

I'd agree. We were there at the end of July and while I wasn't trying to see the fireworks, it was a few hours before the show and much of the hub was already full with people staking out spots on blankets. We stayed at the Holiday Inn right next to the Mickey and Friends parking structure off of Walnut and Ball. While it's not quite the same without the music and projections, I had a view of the fireworks every night from the parking lot. We've also stayed at the HoJo, which also had a decent lot view of the show.

 

[LKing]

Im trying to weigh the options on which airport to fly into from ATL.

John Wayne (SNA) is the easiest. Delta might have a non stop from Atlanta.

For people not familiar with the parks, I think the best way to watch fireworks is to reserve a Fantasmic dining package for the first show (9 pm). Dining packages are $35 for Rancho del Zocalo, $58 for River Belle Terrace and $89 for Blue Bayou. The package allows you to sit (on the ground) in a roped off waterfront area for Fantasmic. Fantastmic ends at 9:27. Fireworks begin at 9:30 so you don't need to move. Projections are on a water screen on Rivers of America.

Why does your wife want to visit Disneyland? Is she interested in Disney animation and history? If so, she might enjoy a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. That would be something to schedule on your day off. If it is something you want to add, you might think about flying into SNA and fly out of Burbank.

 

[irlandaise]

so my wife has always wanted to go to DL for her 40th. So im going to try to make it happen without her knowing. She is the Disney planner so i apologize if I ask dumb questions.

You have nothing to apologize for! People here will be excited to help you plan a surprise Disneyland trip!

Ive read up on the public transportation from the airport and I’ve seen some mixed reviews. Anyone here taken it? Is it sketch?

Im trying to avoid adding more costs by renting a car and have it sit in the parking lot.

As others have noted, transportation recommendations will depend on which airport you come to. But if your whole visit is going to be at the Disneyland Resort, you're wise to avoid the cost of a rental car. (Plus many hotels charge for parking.)

With that being said, I can’t bring myself to rent points and pay 700+ dollars for 5 people for 5 nights on property in June. Has anyone made the walk from a place on DL to the marriot hotels right outside the entrance? Is it bad with your luggage? Ill use points to save money.

I saw your clarification that you're thinking of spending a couple of nights onsite and then moving to another hotel. You can just take a Lyft or Uber or taxi to transfer. Don't get a rental car just for that one morning.

Any tips to make 3 days in the park magical for what may be our only ever trip to DL as a family? Have to eat spots or things to eat?
Any tips on things to do on our none park day?

You mentioned five people, so you, wife, and three kids? Or some other family members? What ages are we dealing with?

It would be really nice for you and your wife to have dinner at Napa Rose on her birthday, or one of the other evenings.

There are some tours you can book that give you more of the history of Disneyland. The tours and special events page also has a section about special ways to celebrate birthdays:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/

 

[irlandaise]

.

 

[irlandaise]

Oh, and you say that you're a "first timer" and your wife is "the Disney planner." Do you mean your first time on this board, or the first time going to Disneyland? Has your wife been to Disneyland before, or were you referring to Walt Disney World when you mentioned her planning? We might suggest some specific activities for DL first-timers.

 

[LKing]

I was going to suggest Napa Rose until I saw this comment.

Fine dining isn’t our thing but everything else is.

World of Color Dessert Party is nice, but can get pricey ($89 pp) for a family of five. I think I would do dinner at Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle over the dessert party.

Definitely stop at either City Hall or one of the retail registers in the park and get her a free birthday button as well as a "First Visit" button. She will receive a lot of attention from cast members as well as other guests in the park.

 

[irlandaise]

I was going to suggest Napa Rose until I saw this comment.
Gocanes0506 said:
Fine dining isn’t our thing but everything else is.

Ah, thanks, I missed that.

World of Color Dessert Party is nice, but can get pricey ($89 pp) for a family of five. I think I would do dinner at Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle over the dessert party.

Yeah, unless you really, really want a seat for World of Color, that's too expensive. Blue Bayou is a great idea if they've never been to DL before.

Definitely stop at either City Hall or one of the retail registers in the park and get her a free birthday button as well as a "First Visit" button. She will receive a lot of attention from cast members as well as other guests in the park.

I knew about the birthday buttons but not the "First Visit" buttons. thanks for mentioning that.

 

[Gocanes0506]

Oh, and you say that you're a "first timer" and your wife is "the Disney planner." Do you mean your first time on this board, or the first time going to Disneyland? Has your wife been to Disneyland before, or were you referring to Walt Disney World when you mentioned her planning? We might suggest some specific activities for DL first-timers.

Thanks for the answers.

I didn’t imagine people would be so interested or I would have been more thorough in the OP.
She is a Disney Adult. We go to WDW (more than I want to but happy wife, right?). We went to Tokyo Disney when I had a work trip in January. Usually she plans these trips out with the things to do, restaurants(i try to limit the sit downs cuz they are expensive), and when to go to which park. Im just along for the trip (I would say ride but i don’t ride alot because of motion sickness, she rides them all).

We will go to Not so scary for the first time in September.

We will be at DL for the first time next june.
Our kids will be 16, 14, and 10 when we go.

 

[OlliePop27]

For people not familiar with the parks, I think the best way to watch fireworks is to reserve a Fantasmic dining package for the first show (9 pm). Dining packages are $35 for Rancho del Zocalo, $58 for River Belle Terrace and $89 for Blue Bayou. The package allows you to sit (on the ground) in a roped off waterfront area for Fantasmic. Fantastmic ends at 9:27. Fireworks begin at 9:30 so you don't need to move. Projections are on a water screen on Rivers of America.

100%. Watching from Fantasmic viewing is the best option, if the show is running while you're there. You watch Fantasmic and then the fireworks right after with a very manageable crowd situation.

 

[larjani]

We flew into John Wayne (SNA I think) once, and used UBER. It was quick and easy.

As you can imagine, the Disney Hotels are expensive compared to the Good Neighbor hotels. Disneyland doesn't offer the budget hotels like WDW does. Since you're only 3 days, I'd consider staying at the Disneyland Hotel all days. Pick the Standard view to save money. And watch for the military discount next year.

We've also stayed at Park Vue, Howard Johnsons, and Best Western for budget trips. They are located along Harbor Blvd, and are actually pretty close to the entrance. They are typically clean, but dated. The Marriott's are on Harbor too.

If you split stay, the walk isn't too bad. You'll have to walk through Downtown Disney. Id say probably about 20 minutes, depending on your kids ages.

 

[Gocanes0506]

100%. Watching from Fantasmic viewing is the best option, if the show is running while you're there. You watch Fantasmic and then the fireworks right after with a very manageable crowd situation.

Is there a better restaurant to attend this at or are they all equally good?

 

[LKing]

We will be at DL for the first time next June.
Our kids will be 16, 14, and 10 when we go.

This helps. We have 10 mos to help you plan a birthday she'll never forget! + =

Do you know which Disney hotel you will be staying at? We have several people on this forum who can help you select a hotel, and even which tower/wing/room to request.

When you stay at a Disney owned hotel, you can take advantage of early entry into the theme parks. Early entry (EE) is only 30 min so there should be a game plan for what time to wake up, what time to arrive at security and what rides to try to go on first. There are several experts on this forum who can help you with that. The parks are relatively quiet in the morning and start to get more crowded after 10 or 11 am. If you have a general plan for the first 2-3 hours, and for the evening shows, you can relax the rest of the day.

The California parks require reservations for admission, so you will need to do that when you purchase your tickets. Since this is her first time visiting the California parks, I would start with Disneyland first. Maybe choose California Adventure for the 2nd day and back to Disneyland for the 3rd day. Note that you will want to coordinate what days you visit, and the starting park reservations, to align with early entry (DL is Tu, Th, Sat. DCA is M,W,F, Su).

The turnstiles for the parks are less than 500 feet away from each other so it is very easy to go from one park to the other. However, you will need to purchase a park hopper ticket in order to do that. A park hopper ticket still requires a reservation for the park you will start at. After 11 am, you can "hop" back and forth between the two parks as often as you like.

Another add on is Lightning Lane MutiPass (LLMP). It was previously called Genie + so any reference to Genie + is the same as LLMP. Note that WDW also has LLMP but their system for reservations and booking rides is different than it is at the California parks. With LLMP, you will need to have scanned into a park in the morning in order to select your first ride. You will not be able to do that prior to your trip or from your hotel room. If she (and your kids) want to do all of the thrill rides, you will want to have LLMP.

Disneyland turns 70 in July next year. Some merchandise is already available. Although nothing has been announced yet, I expect that there will be special decorations, foods and themed entertainment by June.

Is there a better restaurant to attend this at or are they all equally good?

Blue Bayou is definitely the nicest and has a great ambiance. It is not available in any other Disney park. It would be a great place to celebrate her birthday dinner. Seating for Fantasmic is center stage. Rancho del Zocalo seating is to the left and River Belle is to the right.

Fantasmic dining packages for Blue Bayou sell out very quickly. Guests can make dining reservations (using the Disneyland app) 60 days in advance starting at 6 am PST. You might practice booking a reservation in the days leading up to your 60 day window so you are prepared. We can talk you through that process.

 

[OlliePop27]

Is there a better restaurant to attend this at or are they all equally good?

There's currently 3 options. Note that for none of these do you actually sit and watch the show from your table. You eat earlier in the day, get a pass, then go back to watch the show from a designated viewing spot. You will still need to show up to get your seat for the show 30 or so minutes in advance.

Blue Bayou is a famous DL restaurant inside of Pirates. It serves Cajun focused food. Some people love it, some people don't. They have the most expensive Fantasmic package and the best seating - front and center.

River Belle Terrace is southern style food. This is mid priced and seated to the right of the Blue Bayou section.

Rancho del Zocalo is Mexican-Korean fusion and is grab and go. It's pretty good. You get your food at a counter, then eat at the restaurant. It's the least expensive option. Seating is to the left of the Blue Bayou section. Some people actually think this seating area is better positioned than River Belle.

 

[ucf_knight]

so my wife has always wanted to go to DL for her 40th. So im going to try to make it happen without her knowing. She is the Disney planner so i apologize if I ask dumb questions.

Ive read up on the public transportation from the airport and I’ve seen some mixed reviews. Anyone here taken it? Is it sketch?

Im trying to avoid adding more costs by renting a car and have it sit in the parking lot. With that being said, I can’t bring myself to rent points and pay 700+ dollars for 5 people for 5 nights on property in June. Has anyone made the walk from a place on DL to the marriot hotels right outside the entrance? Is it bad with your luggage? Ill use points to save money.

Any tips to make 3 days in the park magical for what may be our only ever trip to DL as a family? Have to eat spots or things to eat?
Any tips on things to do on our none park day?

ill buy my tickets once the military rates are announced and available at my nearby ITT office.

Thanks in advance

You have to eat at Bengal BBQ. The pork belly skewers are incredible. I took uber everywhere I needed to go so cant speak to car rentals or public transport. Have fun on the trip.

 

[LKing]

Any tips on things to do on our none park day?

Are you thinking of breaking up your park days with a non park day in the middle or are you adding this to the end?

Have you, your wife, or kids been to California before? Are you thinking beaches, seeing Hollywood, or another amusement park (ex. Universal Hollywood, Magic Mountain)?

 

[irlandaise]

There's currently 3 options. Note that for none of these do you actually sit and watch the show from your table. You eat earlier in the day, get a pass, then go back to watch the show from a designated viewing spot. You will still need to show up to get your seat for the show 30 or so minutes in advance.

To add to this, except for the River Belle Terrace Premium Package, the Fantasmic "seating" is on the ground; no chairs. Yes, even if you've paid for an expensive dinner at the Blue Bayou. There are a limited number of seats on the RBT patio.