First trip to DL.... Any Tips?

[iluvwesties]

Hi Folks,

My daughter and I will be at DL Mar 30 - Apr 2nd . This is our first trip to DL/DCA (we've been to WDW 17 times)

I would love to know:

What's your farvorite restaurant and why.... we want to book our PS's very soon!

Which attraction in each park would you get a fastpass for first?

Any MUST SEE's?

Anything else that will help us see DL/DCA in 3 days?

I've just bought the 2009 UG, 2009 Birnbaum and DL Hidden Mickey's book, is there any other books or websites that I should consider?
(I checked and passporter aren't publishing their 2009 edition for DL until after I return )

Thanks all

 

[DangerMouse]

Read Hydroguy's tips sticky at the top of this page. Especially this one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[trodrigue]

I agree with Dangermouse about Hydroguy's tips. They are great. I reread his threads each time I go, just as a review.

In 3 days you and your daughter will have plenty of time to explore and probably will love it so much you will want to come back again.

I don't really have a favorite restaurant, but I have a favorite item or two at
almost all of the restaurants. Be sure to browse the dining thread complete with pictures, as a sticky at the top.

In terms of fastpasses to get first, it is SpaceMountain for us, but if your not a SM fan, then that would be different. Again, Hydroguy does an excellent job of offering strategy for getting fastpasses as well as park hopping.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[BrerFox]

Space Mountain and Pirates at DL are way better than at WDW, so check those out. Also for a WDW vet you should hop on the Matterhorn since they don't have it in Florida. As for Restaraunts, there is only one real 'must do', the Blue Bayou (inside Pirates). The ambience and atmosphere in there is unbeatable, and the food (small menu) is good too. But the reason people go is not for the food but for the atmosphere, which does make it an expensive meal, I'll be honest.

There are many, many other restaraunts around in DL, DCA, Downtown Disney, Harbor (blvd?), etc...., and everybody here will give you different recommendations. My family is trying Rainforest Cafe this trip.

 

[KCmike]

My favorites:
DL Railroad much better than WDW. It also has a Grand Canyon Diorama.
Space Mtn is a much more intense roller coaster than WDW.
Jungle Cruise and Pirates are much better.
Fantasyland is AMAZING!!!! I mean it! You can walk from Peter Pan to Mr. Toads to Pinocchio to Snow White to the Carousel to Dumbo to Casey Jr Circus to Storybook Canal boat ride to Teacups to Matterhorn to It's a Small World. So many rides for little ones and little ones at heart!
You must see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon (if you can see Elvis Billy that would be better).
You must see Aladdin play at California Adventure. In fact see it twice. It beats anything WDW has ever done!

Food - Blue Bayou inside Pirates for atmosphere, Plaza Inn for good Chicken and potatoes, Hungry Bear for a burger but sit downstairs and watch the Mark Twain Steamboat come around and the Columbia sailing ship...great views. Tomorrowland has a decent breakfast. Riverbelle Terrace is good as well.

Fireworks - Remember Dreams Come True - you'll love it.
Fantasmic! - Ever seen WDW's version at MGM/Hollywood Studios? if you have then your in for a real treat...it blows away WDW.
Mainstreet Electrical Parade runs at DCA during the summer its a classic as well.

So much to tell you but so little time.....

 

[iluvwesties]

Thanks DangerMouse, trodrigue, BrerFox & KCmike for the awesome tips you are sharing

I have read some of the stickies and HydroGuy has some excellent info

I really appreciate your input and am now going to definately make a PS for Blue Bayou (DD & I love pirates )

Am getting a feel for how we should be touring the parks, am a little concerned about the changes in DCA but hopefully it won't impact us too much

I am getting so excited for this trip

Having been so many times to WDW (which I still love)

I am really looking forward to seeing Walt's baby, I think it will be Magical

Thanks again everyone for helping me plan

iluvwesties (aka Carol)

 

[Disney5Mom]

As WDW world vets we really enjoyed dinner at the Blue Bayou. We also were impressed with Space Mountain and Pirates of the Carribean. We enjoyed a breakfast and dinner at Steakhouse 55. Enjoy your trip.

 

[iluvwesties]

As WDW world vets we really enjoyed dinner at the Blue Bayou. We also were impressed with Space Mountain and Pirates of the Carribean. We enjoyed a breakfast and dinner at Steakhouse 55. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks Disney5Mom