First trip to DL

[MikeJ]

We have a one week trip booked for July. We're using our DVC points to spend a week in concierge at the GC. The kids (DS18 and DD16) and my wife have never been to California before (and it's been 30 years since I've been there), so we're planning on doing other things besides Disney.

I've looked through the site to help plan our itinerary, but I still have some questions.

1) Given that we are planning on a day at Universal, maybe a day trip to San Diego (we have a car) and other sightseeing, would three days be enough at the DL parks? We go to WDW once per year, so we'd be looking primarily at those attractions which are different (or don't exist at WDW).

2) What are the must-do dining places to do with older teens?

3) What are the crowds like in mid-July? Are there better days for park touring at that time?

Thanks in advance.

- Mike

 

[VegasMike21]

3 days will be enough to do both parks, 2 days in DL and 1 day in DCA. July crowds are busy as expected. This whole summer is going to be busy because of the year of dreams and nemo.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

We have a one week trip booked for July. We're using our DVC points to spend a week in concierge at the GC. The kids (DS18 and DD16) and my wife have never been to California before (and it's been 30 years since I've been there), so we're planning on doing other things besides Disney.

I've looked through the site to help plan our itinerary, but I still have some questions.

1) Given that we are planning on a day at Universal, maybe a day trip to San Diego (we have a car) and other sightseeing, would three days be enough at the DL parks? We go to WDW once per year, so we'd be looking primarily at those attractions which are different (or don't exist at WDW).

I think so. You're kids are older, and you will be concentrating on things that are different, so I think 3 days is enough.

2) What are the must-do dining places to do with older teens?

Hmmm, I think the Blue Bayou would be nice (for lunch). It is situated inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, so it would be kind of cool to go on the attraction and then eat at the restaurant. I also like Storyteller Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel. Teens might also like House of Blues in Downtown Disney.

When you are at Universal Studios, they'd probably like the Hard Rock Cafe. We at at the one in Las Vegas, and I was surprised how good the food was.

3) What are the crowds like in mid-July? Are there better days for park touring at that time?

Thanks in advance.

- Mike

I'd say Tue-Thu are the better days, but I think Saturdays are block-out days for a lot of Annual Passholders, so that might also work for you. At that time it is really crowded at Disneyland. I think your best preparation would be to go with the attitude that you are going to wait in some pretty long lines, especially at midday. Keeping that in mind, and relaxing will help you enjoy your time there, I believe. Also, you might consider going to California Adventure midday & seeing the shows during the hottest part of the day to cool off - Aladdin, Golden Dreams, Muppets, & Tough to Be a Bug (the last two are just like the ones in WDW).

Have a great trip!

 

[HydroGuy]

Three days is the minimum but go mid-week for sure if in July. I have lots of useful advice in the following:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851

 

[casaazul]

I think 3 days is plenty, especially with older teens. They may be more interested in heading to the beach, Huntington Beach is close.

ESPN Zone great place to eat and play. We also liked Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and House of Blues.

DL is much different that WDW. Everything much closer together and you can easily park hop, go back to the resort and even split up the group to do different things!!

Have fun.

 

[PigletGurl]

id say 3 is okay
i remember we always bought the four day tickets and by the last day we always left early because we were tired. and not to mention, while youre in CA plz also go to Knott's Berry Farm, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Legoland. have fun!

 

[MikeJ]

Thanks, everyone for your input. Trey, I had found the "DLR Guide for WDW Vets" (that's us! ) but hadn't discovered the rest of your guides. There is a literal wealth of information in there! We're still debating the merits of 3 or 4 day passes but at least we have a little time to get the itinerary together.

- Mike