First trip to DL...advice?

[veronchichi]

OK, so my bf and I will be attending my cousin's wedding on Turkey day Weekend in Reseda (arriving Fri - departing Mon). The wedding is Saturday, so that leaves us with one point five (1.5), count 'em...1.5, days to do DL and possibly the surrounding area if there's time.

i know it sounds rushed and pointless, but i have very few vacation days and a 1-2 hr drive to DL from reseda is better than no DL at all
So, i jumped at the chance to go to CA for the wedding and throw in DL into the itinerary even if it is just for a day.

my question is -- how do you guys recommend we do Dl in a day? which rides first? which ones to FP? where to eat in DL? and how far apart is disneyland from california adventure?

sorry these sound kinda dumb, but i'm pretty much a DL virgin.

 

[Hound 109]

OK, so my bf and I will be attending my cousin's wedding on Turkey day Weekend in Reseda (arriving Fri - departing Mon). The wedding is Saturday, so that leaves us with one point five (1.5), count 'em...1.5, days to do DL and possibly the surrounding area if there's time.

i know it sounds rushed and pointless, but i have very few vacation days and a 1-2 hr drive to DL from reseda is better than no DL at all
So, i jumped at the chance to go to CA for the wedding and throw in DL into the itinerary even if it is just for a day.

my question is -- how do you guys recommend we do Dl in a day? which rides first? which ones to FP? where to eat in DL? and how far apart is disneyland from california adventure?

sorry these sound kinda dumb, but i'm pretty much a DL virgin.

Welcome to the DL board, Veronchichi.

Coincidentally I posted opinions in a similar thread this morning. Check out my posts in this link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1967583

More importantly, check out the link to HydroGuy's Tip thread inside one of my posts. Essential reading for the WDW VET / DLR newbie.

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

 

[veronchichi]

wow!! those threads you suggested are very thorough!! Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

First of all, are you planning on going over to DCA at all? It's literally right across from DL.

If you're just planning on going to Disneyland i'll try to give you some suggestions. Try to get there as early as possible so you can head over and ride Space Mountain first thing. Space Moutain and Indiana Jones can run out of FPs early in the afternoon so try and get FPs for those first. If you're planning on staying late I would suggest doing Splash Moutain at night - there's hardly any lines at night and you can sometimes see the fireworks; it's cool! Just sit in the back and you won't get wet. Big Thunder Moutain is fun too and typically has a small wait, the same thing with the Matterhorn. Haunted Mansion is a must! When you're there it will have the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay which is incredible! Fantasyland is cute if you like things like Peter Pan, Snow White, Dumbo, etc. And don't forget Jungle Cruise!

When it comes to food, Blue Bayou is the best in DL but it can be hard to get in the day of so you'll need reservations. New Orleans Cafe is really tasty too. They have great Ratatouille! There's pretty good Mexican food near Big Thunder Mountain (sorry I can't remember the name!). Yamabuki is at the Paradise Pier hotel and it has INCREDIBLE Japanese food but it can be pricey. There are several restaraunts in Downtown Disney - you can find pretty much whatever you want there ranging from Mexican, to New Orleans, Pasta, and of course there's Rainforest Cafe which is always safe XD

But the most important tip - make sure you get a Dole Whip which is right by the Tiki Room!

The Mark Twain riverboat is a nice break when you're feeling a little tired. It's a short ride around the river and you get a great view of the park. Taking the train around the park is a way to get a break and see some great scenery too. Mainstreet is a really fun place to sort of just wander. There's lots of good candy, merchandise and the Gibson Girl ice cream shoppe is soooo good! Huge sundaes! You'll be able to smell it when you walk by

If you have extra time you might want to check out the nemo subs; the experience is pretty cool. I hope this helps a bit! Let me know if you have any more questions. And don't sweat it! It's pretty much inevitable that you'll have a good time while you're there, regardless of planning.

 

[veronchichi]

Thanks for all those tips! I just made my priority seating thing-a-ma-bob for Blue Bayou!!!

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Thanks for all those tips! I just made my priority seating thing-a-ma-bob for Blue Bayou!!!

You're gonna love it! I don't know if you know this but Blue Bayou is literally next to the Pirates ride. I always feel so special having the people on Pirates stare as they float by

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks for all those tips! I just made my priority seating thing-a-ma-bob for Blue Bayou!!!

Get there twenty minutes early & request (insist) on a waterside table.

I've been told you're more likely to score this if your reservation is just after opening for lunch. (11:30ish)

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

And get a pumpkin muffin! You can only get them during the fall and they are so wonderful

 

[Hound 109]

Bumping this since it was moved from another board & so the OP gets more feedback.

Also wanted to add that if I was visiting DLR for a Sunday/Monday only (& I have).....then I would:

- book one of the 3 DLR hotels (the PP is normally the least expensive).

Note: I recommend this since staying "on site" would give you MM on Sunday....if you are unable to get there mega early then staying at a hotel on Harbor Blvd would do just as well.....BUT if you want to get alot done on a VERY busy holiday Sunday, then i recommend you get there VERY early & consider taking advantage of MM.

- Drive down at the crack of dawn on Sunday & check in to the hotel (& get your hotel receipt).
- Be in line 30-40 min. prior to MM starting on Sunday (6:30am?)
- Enjoy FantasyLand during MM & then tour & collect FPs the first 3 hours at DL.
- Hop to DCA at 11ish & tour for 2-4 hours (or until your room is ready).
- Plan on an afternoon rest (a short walking distance to your DLR hotel or a hotel on Harbor) during the VERY crowded Sunday afternoon hours.
- Enjoy DL Sunday evening as it gets less crowded.
- Up again & in line 30 min. before Gen. Adm. opening on Monday.

& have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[veronchichi]

Thanks for all the great advice!! And i had no idea that this thread was moved -- i couldn't find it for the longest time! So, my priority seating at Blue Bayou is scheduled for about 1pm -- do you think i'll be able to get a waterside table at that time? or should i change it to earlier or later?

I've never been to DCA, so all the recommendations, esp about FP and crowd times, are greatly greatly GREATLY appreciated.