First Trip Ever!

[brandip22]

Hi!! I am a WDW fanatic and DVCer. I've never been DL and never expected to be able to go. But, I just realized that my DH's conference in March is only about 2 hours away from DL. So, I HAVE to go!! I mean, if I am that close, I just have to, right? I can get a rental car and drive up there and then back that night- we'll be in Palm Desert. So, I will go read like crazy the sticky up top on the FAQs, but can you tell me what it'll belike in March- crowd-wise? And what is not to be missed? I'll probably only have one day, I might can do two, so I'll have to be quick. But, it'll be just me unless I convince DH to let DS come along. So, if it's just me, what to do? Where to eat lunch and maybe dinner, too? And is 2 hours about right if you know? Thanks in advance- I am so super-de-dooper excited!!

 

[brandip22]

bumping for afternoon folks.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi!! I am a WDW fanatic and DVCer. I've never been DL and never expected to be able to go. But, I just realized that my DH's conference in March is only about 2 hours away from DL. So, I HAVE to go!!

You are correct. You HAVE to go.
I mean, if I am that close, I just have to, right? I can get a rental car and drive up there and then back that night- we'll be in Palm Desert. So, I will go read like crazy the sticky up top on the FAQs, but can you tell me what it'll belike in March- crowd-wise?

Early March will be better than late March, but more importantly....try to visit on a Monday Wednesday (or possibly Sunday)

And what is not to be missed? I'll probably only have one day, I might can do two

Do two....& if you have the bucks, stay on site for MM.

, so I'll have to be quick. But, it'll be just me unless I convince DH to let DS come along. So, if it's just me, what to do? Where to eat lunch and maybe dinner, too? And is 2 hours about right if you know? Thanks in advance- I am so super-de-dooper excited!!

Welcome to the DLR board Brandi.

Here's a good thread that will get you started:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Print the abreviation thread & then start reading the rest in order.

Also look for Mary Jo's sticky thread at the top of the DL board.

If it's only one day, the most important thing is to GET THERE EARLY. You'll get as much done in the first 2 hours as the next 4 hours. Also learn how to use FP & the single rider lines. & GET THERE EARLY. After reading up, you'll have a good idea of what you want to do & see & will be asking LOTS of questions.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.


But GET THERE EARLY (30-40 min. before DL opens).

 

[HydroGuy]

If it's only one day, the most important thing is to GET THERE EARLY. You'll get as much done in the first 2 hours as the next 4 hours. Also learn how to use FP & the single rider lines. & GET THERE EARLY. After reading up, you'll have a good idea of what you want to do & see & will be asking LOTS of questions.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.


But GET THERE EARLY (30-40 min. before DL opens).

Second most important might be to "walk with purpose". No knocking down small children or grandmothers allowed. Everyone else better watch out!

 

[brandip22]

Going to read- thanks so much. I know how to do commando as I am a WDW pro! I think I'll get much more done with just me, too! Oh, and do they have single rider lines at DL like they do at WDW? I think that'd help a good bit, too.

 

[HydroGuy]

Going to read- thanks so much. I know how to do commando as I am a WDW pro! I think I'll get much more done with just me, too! Oh, and do they have single rider lines at DL like they do at WDW? I think that'd help a good bit, too.

The reference to "walking with purpose" is an inside joke between Hound and me. When he made his first DL visit in over 40 years I used that term which he liked and re-uses regularly.

For SR info see this post from today www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27886553&postcount=49

 

[brandip22]

Thanks- oh so much to do in so little time! So how early should I head out for DL from Palm Desert?

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks- oh so much to do in so little time! So how early should I head out for DL from Palm Desert?

The earlier the better. It's about a two hour drive map time. That doesn't include all the wonderful CA traffic. (I don't live in CA now but I did for over 25 years)
Maybe someone who's done that exact drive before can offer some tips or shortcuts.

 

[tinkermell]

If you go on a Friday, you can see the fireworks. These are a must in my book!! Very nostalgic. Hopefully if you do, they won't get cancelled because of winds. That is known to happen.

Eat a corn dog.

Go to Tiki Room and have a Dole Whip while waiting.

Right around the corner is Bengal BBQ. Have the bacon wrapped aspargus.

Do Indy, Pirates, Space, Splash, Toadie, Matterhorn, Storybook Land, Nemo, Alice, Pinnochio, Toon Town, Buzz., Small World. What else DL guys? The ones that are different than WDW.

California Adventure is right across the way, and doable if you get a hopper pass.

DL packs alot into a very small space. Alot!

Oh..... the castle is small. Be prepared. That is the most commented on thing that WDW vets say.

Have fun and welcome to the DL boards!!!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Welcome to the DLR board Brandi.

Here's a good thread that will get you started:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Print the abreviation thread & then start reading the rest in order.

Also look for Mary Jo's sticky thread at the top of the DL board.

If it's only one day, the most important thing is to GET THERE EARLY. You'll get as much done in the first 2 hours as the next 4 hours. Also learn how to use FP & the single rider lines. & GET THERE EARLY. After reading up, you'll have a good idea of what you want to do & see & will be asking LOTS of questions.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.


But GET THERE EARLY (30-40 min. before DL opens).

I have to make a correction here..Mondays are busy...sundays are great days and wednesdays as well...

 

[toocherie]

I have to make a correction here..Mondays are busy...sundays are great days and wednesdays as well...

Lynn:

why are Mondays busy?

 

[ballarinamom]

Since you are a WDW vet, you could stand to miss a few things. BUT... don't miss the following which are not at WDW-

Mr Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn, Indy (so much better than Dinosaurs), Roger Rabbit's spin, Nemo (which is actually a similar movie than the ride at EPCOT but in subs)
See Aladdin at DCA- great show

And don't miss Pirates, IASW, Peter Pam, Tarzan's Treehouse are so much better than their counterparts

Eat lunch at the Blue Bayou because it is so cool to be part of the ride

Enjoy the penny arcade as their is not one at WDW

And just enjoy the original!

 

[Hound 109]

I have to make a correction here..Mondays are busy...sundays are great days and wednesdays as well...

I've heard several people report this. I also wonder why Monday's have become "the new Friday".

My initial thought on going on a Monday or a Wednesday is that if going only one day, it would be best to avoid the MM days (Sun/Tue/Thurs/Sat) since the OP wouldn't have MM. Also to avoid Friday because it's the first day of the weekend (after say 2pm).

I included Sunday because I've had real good luck on Sunday (especially early morning) & also on Sunday one can enjoy the essential fireworks (which are far superior at DL vrs. MK) which might not be showing mid week in March.

So....I think we all agree that a one day person (given the above) would best be served going on a Wednesday (in March).....unless the Fireworks aren't showing.....then possibly the best day would be a Sunday (in March). Then again, if you book two days this might change.....& if you book a night at a DLR hotel, it would change again (to take full advantage of MM).

Clear as mud?