First trip to Disneyland for Disney World regulars - LOTS OF QUESITONS

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

Hey!!! I am super excited to be over here on the Disneyland threads! We are Disney World annual pass holders and head to the parks for the day about 2-3 times a month and usually stay about 4 times a year at a Disney World resort. Needless to say we are Disney freaks! Disney is my happy place. This November we are planning our first trip to Disneyland and I couldn't be happier to be in the place where it all began and where Walt Disney actually stepped foot inside. I'm ready to make memories at Disneyland!!!

I have quite a few questions about Disneyland... so here it goes.

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

5. World of Color nightly?

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

7. Anyone want to convince me of another Disney resort with theme park view over Grand Californian? Which one has the best theme park views?

8. Still have paper fast passes? We miss those...

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

10. We are also planning to drive over to Universal for the day... 2 hour drive right? Can we do universal in one day? Is front of the line tickets really needed or worth it?

11. We are also planning to tour some of California. With a drive from our Disney resort.(we will be renting a car) Any good California tours? We would like to see the Hollywood sign, rodeo drive, some celebrity homes... you get the idea. How is the drive to those areas? Time?

12. Any other things we should do while there?



Thanks for all your help!!! I'm sure I will come up with more questions.

Michelle

 

[starjazz]

Hey!!! I am super excited to be over here on the Disneyland threads! We are Disney World annual pass holders and head to the parks for the day about 2-3 times a month and usually stay about 4 times a year at a Disney World resort. Needless to say we are Disney freaks! Disney is my happy place. This November we are planning our first trip to Disneyland and I couldn't be happier to be in the place where it all began and where Walt Disney actually stepped foot inside. I'm ready to make memories at Disneyland!!!

I have quite a few questions about Disneyland... so here it goes.

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

Good time for crowds. Weekday always better than weekend. 5 day hoppers is plenty!

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

I like to stay in the parks rather than DTD, so I'll recommend Minnie's Breakfast, and Ariel's Grotto for character meals. Blue Bayou is popular in DL - right along side the Pirates of the Caribbean. Carthay Circle is very nice inside DCA - great food and fancy atmosphere.

3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

Usually

5. World of Color nightly?

Usually

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

There are discounts released. Check Orbitz for some possible savings.

7. Anyone want to convince me of another Disney resort with theme park view over Grand Californian? Which one has the best theme park views?

GCH has the best views, although only of DCA. If you want to look at DL, DLH has upper floor rooms with nice views.

8. Still have paper fast passes? We miss those...

Moving the direction of WDW, but in November should still be paper

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

Orange County (SNA) is popular, close, smaller and easy transport. LAX is bigger, often cheaper, little bit further.

10. We are also planning to drive over to Universal for the day... 2 hour drive right? Can we do universal in one day? Is front of the line tickets really needed or worth it?

Yes, yes and yes

11. We are also planning to tour some of California. With a drive from our Disney resort.(we will be renting a car) Any good California tours? We would like to see the Hollywood sign, rodeo drive, some celebrity homes... you get the idea. How is the drive to those areas? Time?

90 minutes-ish, depending on traffic, to get to the area. Lots to see and plenty of maps available for those types of drives.

12. Any other things we should do while there?

Venice, Santa Monica Pier, Observatory, Space Shuttle

13. Any of you have a membership to Club 33 and want to get us in... Pleaseeeeeeee We don't need the tickets to get into the park... just have always wanted to eat there.

Good luck with this one.

Thanks for all your help!!! I'm sure I will come up with more questions.

Michelle

Have fun! Sounds like a great trip!

 

[cmrdgrs]

<snip...>
3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.
<...snip>

Hi Michelle,

The PP answered most of your questions, however, I noticed that they didn't answer #3. You didn't say if you are staying in a DVC room or a cash Grand Californian Hotel room (GCH room). If you are staying in a DVC room the best you can do is request a high floor, theme park/WOC view, but DVC does not guarantee the view and you may not get it. The DVC side of the hotel does offer a viewing area for WoC on the 6th floor. The angle isn't the best (IMO), but you can see the show and the music is piped in that correlates to the show. As for requesting room numbers on the GCH side, sorry I don't have an answer for you. I am a VGC owner and I have well over 100 individual visits to DL feel free to PM me with more questions! Happy planning!

Carolyn

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Star jazz had great answers... Adding my two cents...

Hey!!! I am super excited to be over here on the Disneyland threads! We are Disney World annual pass holders and head to the parks for the day about 2-3 times a month and usually stay about 4 times a year at a Disney World resort. Needless to say we are Disney freaks! Disney is my happy place. This November we are planning our first trip to Disneyland and I couldn't be happier to be in the place where it all began and where Walt Disney actually stepped foot inside. I'm ready to make memories at Disneyland!!!

I have quite a few questions about Disneyland... so here it goes.

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

--weekends are always busier... Friday nights are typically nuts, it was because of a Friday night that I have a rule to have a dinner ressie every night of our trips.

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

--we love storytellers breakfast, the characters are woodsy and will be unique to a wdw vet... We've seen pretty much every bear there (koda, kenai, baloo, brer etc...). Ariels is a great princess lunch, and we love blue bayou and wine country trattoria. Don't miss the corn dogs... Wdw has nothing like them

3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.

--I actually prefer PPH's theme park views... Can't really get better... But for theming GCH is amazing and similar to WL in wdw.


4. There are fireworks nightly right?

--may not happen Monday thru Thurs... Unless it's a busy time, then they do them nightly... Wind can cancel fireworks.

5. World of Color nightly?

--typically

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

7. Anyone want to convince me of another Disney resort with theme park view over Grand Californian? Which one has the best theme park views?


--see my answer to #3

8. Still have paper fast passes? We miss those...

--for now!

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

--we do SNA and LGB... LGB has jet blue, which is my preference... Both are super close to the parks.

10. We are also planning to drive over to Universal for the day... 2 hour drive right? Can we do universal in one day? Is front of the line tickets really needed or worth it?

--you know the California universal is nothing compared to orlando's right?

11. We are also planning to tour some of California. With a drive from our Disney resort.(we will be renting a car) Any good California tours? We would like to see the Hollywood sign, rodeo drive, some celebrity homes... you get the idea. How is the drive to those areas? Time?

12. Any other things we should do while there?

13. Any of you have a membership to Club 33 and want to get us in... Pleaseeeeeeee We don't need the tickets to get into the park... just have always wanted to eat there.

Thanks for all your help!!! I'm sure I will come up with more questions.

Michelle

 

[figment_jii]

I'll add in my thoughts as well...

You mentioned you're a WDW regular, so I highly recommend you take a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

I was just there during that say period of time last year (2014). The weekend will most likely be very busy because of the Avenger's Half Marathon that starts (nominally) on the 12th and runs through Sunday (15th). I saw very high crowds on Saturday and Sundays, so be prepared for that. The weekdays were much quieter (even by Monday much of the marathon crowds had disappeared). Friday has noticeably more crowded than Mon-Thu, so basically be prepared for crowds on weekends and lower crowds on weekdays. Also, the marathon does impact some of the roads in the area, so keep on eye out for maps of course closer to the date (so you can avoid any closures if needed).

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

Correct, DLR only schedules ADRs 60-days in advance. The system rolls somewhere in the wee hours of the night, but it's not usually necessary to make them as soon as possible. Dining at DLR is much more relaxed than at WDW.

For "fancy" meals, I would look to Carthay Circle or Blue Bayou in the parks or Steakhouse 55 and Napa Rose in the hotels. There aren't as many "fancy" places to eat in DLR as there are in WDW, but there are still plenty of good meals. I like both of the in-park venues (not quite "fancy" like the resort Signatures in WDW, but more like the in-park Sigs at WDW). I also like Cafe Orleans, Carnations, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, and RFC. For CS, I like French Market, Jolly Holiday, Plaza Inn, and Earl of Sandwich.

There aren't a lot of character meals at DLR and most all are breakfast.

• Plaza Inn (breakfast) - Minnie and friends
• Ariel's Grotto (breakfast and lunch) - Princesses
• Storytellers (breakfast) - Chip, Dale, and other woodland friends
• Goofy's Kitchen (all meals) - Goofy and friends
• PCH Grill (breakfast) - Mickey and friends.

I've only been to PCH Grill (Surf's Up with Mickey and Friends), but it was a lot of fun. The food is kind of what you'd expect for a buffet, but the character interaction was a lot of fun.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

Assuming the Holiday Season has started, then fireworks should be presented nightly, subject to weather conditions. The general advice is to try and see fireworks early in your trip, so that if they are cancelled, you have other nights to try and see them. I would say it's 50-50 on any given night at the time of year, so it's not something you can really count on.

5. World of Color nightly?

Historically, yes. Likewise, as long as the Holiday season has started, it should be the Winter Dreams edition of the show (unless they change it again this year, which is always possible).

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

Disney does have deals for hotel rooms, but they don't always have them and I haven't noticed much in the way of a set schedule. For a late fall/early winter time frame, I would guess the discount will be announced in late summer at the earliest.

8. Still have paper fast passes?

Yes, DLR still uses the "legacy" FP system. They do enforce return times, so keep that in mind. It's also worth noting that the two parks are "disconnected" but once you've entered one park, you can get FPs in both parks (which is different from WDW). "Disconnected" means that you can get a FP in DL and then immediately get another FP in DCA instead of having to wait the usual amount of time (when the time window opens or two hours later, whichever comes first). All attractions within a park are connected to each other (e.g., Soarin' is connected to RSR). There are some "show" style FPs and character meet and greets FP/Return Tickets that are not connected (e.g., WoC, F!, A&E, etc.). Any of this can change (e.g., RSR was connected to the system until summer of 2014) without notice, so it would be worth asking about FPs much closer to your trip.

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

You'd probably have the most options if flying into LAX, but that's not going to the easiest or best (to me). I like SNA because it's close and small (easier to navigate), but LAX is the biggest with the most options. It's about 45 minutes travel time from LAX to DLR (without traffic).

13. Any of you have a membership to Club 33 and want to get us in

Just a note, but most requests for Club 33 get threads locked or deleted from the mods. You can ask about Club 33 or talk about it if you're already going, but not request reservations. See this thread for more information:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3116099

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for all your replies. Im gonna have to spend some time looking over it all.

And thanks for the info about the club 33 questions... I erased them just to be sure I don't ask the wrong things on here.

 

[ashnjam]

Blue Bayou inside POTC ask for a waterside table, wait for one if you have to. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

 

[Sherry E]

Michelle --

Welcome to the Disneyland side of the board!

Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel is my favorite character meal, and it is available for breakfast, brunch and dinner (but not a specific, separate lunch). It has the widest array of food options at the buffet out of all the character meals (which is probably one reason why it is considered "premium" dining).

But, honestly, you will meet many more characters if you do the Minnie & Friends breakfast at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland. And you will meet Mickey in his Lifeguard garb (along with Stitch and Daisy Duck) if you eat at Surf's Up with Mickey at the Paradise Pier Hotel (breakfast only).

Everyone else already answered your questions and given some great info, but I will add that -- since your trip will include the holiday season at DLR -- you are welcome to join us in the (year-round) Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread -- HERE, if you have time. You will see that all of page 1 has a lot of links to info, trip reports/reviews and photos, if you want to read up on any of the holiday offerings at DLR (including dining, hotel festivities, in-park holiday fun, Downtown Disney holiday fun, other things to do in town for the holidays, etc.). You don't have to read any of it, of course, but it's there for you to peruse if you want to. Plus, we chat about the holiday season details in the Superthread all year long, and any time there is news of some sort, or rumors, or speculation, we will get into that too. Feel free to pop in and say hello any time!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hey!!! I am super excited to be over here on the Disneyland threads! We are Disney World annual pass holders and head to the parks for the day about 2-3 times a month and usually stay about 4 times a year at a Disney World resort. Needless to say we are Disney freaks! Disney is my happy place. This November we are planning our first trip to Disneyland and I couldn't be happier to be in the place where it all began and where Walt Disney actually stepped foot inside. I'm ready to make memories at Disneyland!!!

I have quite a few questions about Disneyland... so here it goes.

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

Crowds aren't too bad during the first two weeks of November. After the 15th, crowds will really pick up, especially on weekends. A good crowd predictor is to go to the AP section of the DLR website. Whenever you see all passes blocked beyond premium, expect it to be very busy.

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

Sit Down Restaurants
Steakhouse 55 is very good for dinner and located at the Disneyland Hotel.
Carthay Circle at DCA is great for lunch and dinner.

Cafe Orleans at DLR in New Orleans Square is pretty good. Ask to for outdoor seating and enjoy classic Disney ambiance.

I highly recommend the WOC package which is available at lunch or dinner. Be sure to book in advance, the packages are limited.

Dinner at Napa Rose at the Grand Californian is my fave! The food is excellent.

Counter Service
Sounds simple but the Little Red Wagon in DLR has great corn dogs.

The French Market at DLR in New Orleans Square has very decent counter service food. Again, sitting outdoors here is very enjoyable and you are entertained by a jazz band. Oh, and in the seating area there's a little window where they sell mint juleps and beignets. Actually pumpkin beignets in the fall!

The Hungry Bear at DLR in Critter Country is kind of tucked away so that you can have some peace away from the crowds for a bit. Their fried green tomato sandwich is yummy!

Jolly Holiday Bakery in DLR is at the end of Main Street across from the hub. It's a good place for either breakfast or lunch.

Boudin Bakery at DCA in Pacific Wharf serves yummy soups and salads in bread bowls and is our fave counter service there.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is pretty decent and located in DTD. They have a band that performs during dinner so if you dine there, ask to be seated near the band. Lots of fun!

3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.

Can't remember the numbers of the rooms we stayed in.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

Yes, weather permitting. If you want a prime view in the hub section, stake your spot about two hours in advance.

5. World of Color nightly?

Yes. Whenever there are two shows, attend the second one. Make sure you grab a fast pass if you decide not to do the dining package.

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

We're AP holders, DVC members and also California residents so not sure what's out there for the general public. However, you might want to consider hopping over to the DVC board to find out if it would be more cost effective to rent points from a member.

7. Anyone want to convince me of another Disney resort with theme park view over Grand Californian? Which one has the best theme park views?

Hmmm, that's a tough one.

GCH Pros/Cons
More upscale, grander lobby, closer to the parks, better view of DCA. However, the rooms are small which I find annoying. This can be remedied if staying in a villa.

DLH Pros/Cons
Classic Disney, adorable decor, awesome pool area, better view of DLR., larger standard rooms. However, further away from the parks (although not that big of a deal), not as upscale as GCH and no villas.

8. Still have paper fast passes? We miss those...
Yes, paper. But FP Plus is coming but probably not implemented before your arrival.

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

There's SNA in LGB but I don't believe there are any direct flights from Tampa. When we go to WDW we prefer to take a direct flight out of LAX on Virgin America. Love Virgin for their service, modern fleet, leather seats and extra leg room.

10. We are also planning to drive over to Universal for the day... 2 hour drive right? Can we do universal in one day? Is front of the line tickets really needed or worth it?

Drive should be about an hour to hour and a half if there's traffic. Once day is enough. Haven't done FOTL here, only in Orlando so not sure if it's worth it. Might be if you go after 11/15.

11. We are also planning to tour some of California. With a drive from our Disney resort.(we will be renting a car) Any good California tours? We would like to see the Hollywood sign, rodeo drive, some celebrity homes... you get the idea. How is the drive to those areas? Time?

Ultimate Hollywood Tours gets great reviews. Check them out on Trip Advisor. Drive time should also be about an hour or so depending on traffic.

12. Any other things we should do while there?

Highly recommend seeing a Disney movie at El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Although it costs extra, we prefer to pre purchase VIP tickets online on their website. This way get to choose our seats in advance and also avoid having to wait in the long line. The cost of VIP tickets are $22 per person plus $2 service charge which includes reserved seating, popcorn and a drink.

As for other things to do, there's the Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles Museum of Art, the California Science Center, the Original Farmers' Market, etc. So much to see and do out here and tons of great places to eat!

Thanks for all your help!!! I'm sure I will come up with more questions.

Michelle

You're welcome!

 

[SplashMo]

GCH is good. For early admission to DCA do not use the special hotel entrance. Use the front gate instead.

There is no FP+ However FP in DL do have a return time that is enforced. You can hold FP in each park as the two parks are not connected. This is very helpful for your FP to WOC.

Park hoppers are recommended. parks are extremely close to each other.

Napa Rose is a nice splurge.

Even though reservations are not as important at DL. it is nice to have a place to eat lunch figured out for each day. As mentioned. Minnie's is awesome. If you like to eat healthy have an omelet. Otherwise our kids love the French toast and waffles. French Market has some healthier choices.

Make good use of the mornings and arrive early to the parks.

 

[SplashMo]

I would also say to be very mindful of the weather... WDW has lots of AC for lines and restaurants. Most lines in DL are outside in the heat and many of the restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating (or only outdoor).

Taste Pilots grill is inside as well as Pizza Port.

 

[TheDoleWhipper]

Hey!!! I am super excited to be over here on the Disneyland threads! We are Disney World annual pass holders and head to the parks for the day about 2-3 times a month and usually stay about 4 times a year at a Disney World resort. Needless to say we are Disney freaks! Disney is my happy place. This November we are planning our first trip to Disneyland and I couldn't be happier to be in the place where it all began and where Walt Disney actually stepped foot inside. I'm ready to make memories at Disneyland!!!

I have quite a few questions about Disneyland... so here it goes.

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

November is generally an uncrowded month, except for thanksgiving week. And as in all months, weekends are most of the time more crowded than weekdays.

2. Best restaurants and for what meal? I read that ADR's for dining are only 60 days out at Disneyland is that true? (Disney World is 180 days) We love fancy meals and character dining both.

It is less difficult to get ADRs in disneyland than in WDW. You can book 60 days in advance, but there is no need to do it that far out for DLR. Sometimes, you can just walk-up and get seated right. It is still good to make ADRs just in case, though.

3. We are planning to stay at Grand Californian for our whole trip with theme park view. Any idea on what room numbers to ask for for the best views? Can you see Disneyland park from some of the rooms or only California Adventure? Any view of the fireworks from any of the rooms? I know about the super thread... but we want to get this booked fast and there is a ton of information in there and I don't think I stumbled upon what I needed.

Just so you know, the best view of the fireworks is in the park, right in front of the castle. I think that here are a few rooms that face downtown disney that you can see the fireworks from, but the theme park rooms are mostly DCA facing.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

Not every night, sometimes only weekends during the low-season, but everyday during the high-season.

5. World of Color nightly?

Usually, I think, but with more shows during the highly crowded days.

6. Being that we are spending a lot on our resort room... Does Disney release discounts for non California residents for the resorts? When does that usually happen? I have been looking for deals... Any suggestions. With our resort stay being close to $6000 I really want to save some money somewhere along the way...and yes I'm sold on theme park view room only.

Sometimes there are 20 % off discounts during the low season but they are more rare than the discounts at WDW. Dappers days have greatly reduced rates, but here aren't any in November, though.

7. Anyone want to convince me of another Disney resort with theme park view over Grand Californian? Which one has the best theme park views?

The DLH is nice, but it's best theme park views are those that face downtown disney. PPH has great views of world of color and the rest of DCA, but it is a notch below the Grand californian. Still, if theme park views are your top priority, the PPH has the best views.

8. Still have paper fast passes? We miss those...

Yes, they do!

9. Best airport to fly into? not necessary closest. We are looking to fly from Tampa non stop or only 1 stop for a short time.

LAX has the most flights, and is usually the cheapest but SNA is the closest, smallest, and most convenient. You are most likely to score a direct flight with LAX, though.

10. We are also planning to drive over to Universal for the day... 2 hour drive right? Can we do universal in one day? Is front of the line tickets really needed or worth it?

It might be best to stay overnight at universal, because the drive would be tiring and inconvient. As for the front of line pass, it depends on how crowded the specific day will be.

11. We are also planning to tour some of California. With a drive from our Disney resort.(we will be renting a car) Any good California tours? We would like to see the Hollywood sign, rodeo drive, some celebrity homes... you get the idea. How is the drive to those areas? Time?

Again, best to move hotels as you go, but it is your choice. Maybe do the DL portion first, then stay in hollywood a couple nights for universal, hollywood, etc.?

12. Any other things we should do while there?



Thanks for all your help!!! I'm sure I will come up with more questions.

Michelle

Have a great time!

 

[JasonShannon76]

Make sure you watch Fantasmic at Disneyland (doing fast passes now, so get fast pass early). The Fantasmic show at Disneyland FAR surpasses the one at WDW. It's amazing and better than World of Color (IMO).

Mickey and the Magical Map is a cute show.

Pirates of the Caribbean and Its a Small World are also way better at Disneyland vs Disney World.

Restaurants.....Blue Bayou inside Pirates of the Caribbean ride (get there early and request a water side table for best experience), Steakhouse 55 (inside Disneyland Hotel) has amazing food and best Creme Brûlée ever! Napa Rose in Grand Californian for elegant dining. Carthay Circle in California Adventure park is supposed to be good and so is Big Thunder BBQ in Frontierland in Disneyland.


Storytellers in GCH has the best character breakfast (food wise), but only animal characters. Goofy's Kitchen has great food and characters as well.

 

[Sherry E]

1. How are the crowds in November? During the week? Weekend? We are planning to stay Nov 12th - 21st. We are planning to get 5 day park hoppers for the Disneyland portion.

November is generally an uncrowded month, except for thanksgiving week. And as in all months, weekends are most of the time more crowded than weekdays.

4. There are fireworks nightly right?

Not every night, sometimes only weekends during the low-season, but everyday during the high-season.


Have a great time!

I wouldn't say that November is an uncrowded month. More manageable at times than at others? Sure. But it's still the holidays and people flock to DLR for the holidays. Once the holiday season begins (even in the soft opening phase, before the official start date), there are are plenty of people in the parks unless it rains. However, the November crowds are not on the post-Christmas/pre-New Year's Eve-level of crazy, and some people have not gotten out of work/school for Thanksgiving break or Christmas break yet. So there are certain pockets of time (a few days here, a few days there, or a few hours in a specific day) that have lighter crowds (while not necessarily being light crowds).

As for fireworks -- the OP is asking about a period of time in November that will likely be at the start of the holiday season. As figment_jii explained above, assuming the holiday season has officially begun by that time, and weather permitting, there will be some sort of fireworks happening every single night, all holiday season long. The holidays are considered peak season (even in November). This year it may or may not be Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks that takes place -- I tend to think that BIHM will be replaced by the (rumored) new 60th anniversary fireworks -- but there should be nightly fireworks from the start of the holidays and on through early January 2016.

 

[Aladora]

There is no FP+ However FP in DL do have a return time that is enforced. You can hold FP in each park as the two parks are not connected. This is very helpful for your FP to WOC.

Just a bit of extra information, WOC FP are not connected to the other FP in DCA so you can have a WOC FP, another DCA FP and a DL FP all at the same time.

 

[Rebekkap]

I did a one day bus tour to universal - no tiring drives, the bus driver was awesome and pointed out loads of interesting sights along the way, including the Hollywood sign, and with a front of the line pass I did everything I wanted to do and even a few repeats!

 

[craigkerstiens]

There's four dining opportunities I would say are absolute musts. As someone out in California we frequently get to Disneyland, but are also very frequent visitors of WDW, about 2-3 times a year. Our top restaurant we've dined at of any Disney dining is Napa Rose (though we have not done Victoria and Alberts yet admittedly). Carthay circle is quite high up there, I'd put it in a class with Le Cellier and probably Flying Fish. On the quicker end Flo's is absolutely great quick service food, the best of any Disney park, and finally the Corn dogs aren't to be missed... fresh batter dipped and deep fried.

While it already sounds like you're planning on it, I'd encourage the world of color, truly a different nighttime show from all the other Disney ones.

 

[ClosetDisneyJunkie]

On the quicker end Flo's is absolutely great quick service food, the best of any Disney park,

I agree, and I recommend sitting on the back-side of the seating area with a lovely view of RSR. It's a nice spot.

Someone mentioned Hungry Bear as well in DLP. The food isn't quite as good (but still good) and we like getting a seat by the rail overlooking rivers of america.

Overall, I'd say that November is a great time to go. You get most if not all of the holiday decor (all will be up during your stay in the parks, the hotels may not be fully decorated yet, if I understand correctly). I've gone in November each of the last 2 years. While it's not empty, it's not nearly as crowded, particularly during the week, as other parts of the holiday season. I've had great experiences at this time each of the last 2 years.

Have fun!

EDIT: Just thought of something else: with a 5 day parkhopper you have a nice, substantial time in the parks. With this being your first time to DLR, have you considered doing a tour like Walk in Walt's Footsteps? It's yet another expense, but i've heard it's pretty great. I haven't done it myself (have always wanted to but typically have less time in the parks so haven't wanted to dedicate the time to it) but others might be able to opine as to whether it might be worth it.

 

[leholcomb]

Following! We are also planning our first DLR trip Nov 10-16th! Also, WDW vets, DLR has many differences and I am excited to learn them all. I will be running the Avengers events so I am prepared for slightly more crowds than usual.

 

[amyren]

Great info. After WDW x9, Disneyland Paris & Disneyland Tokyo we're finally hitting the original Sept 22-27!! So excited