I have been the WDW several times before, but I have never been to DL. I am taking a trip to CA in Aug for a few days and we are going to go to DL for at least one day (I'm not sure we will be able to fit in 2 days) an I have a few questions.
Cool!
In general here are some good places to start on a visit to DLR (
Disneyland Resort):
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!
"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
What do the park hours tend to be in Aug? I tried looking at the previous years, but I can't find them.
See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124
What are the crowd levels like in mid-Aug during the week?
The thing about DLR is you can talk about crowd levels, but what that actually means depends a lot on whether you are day tripper or are staying at nearby hotel. Two different things.
Crowds are there and comparable to what you might see at WDW in the summer. But summer weather is much, much, MUCH more tolerable than Orlando.
If you are staying at a nearby hotel and especially a walking distance hotel, of which there are 10-20 depending on how far you are willing to walk, it changes the day completely. You can get an early start each morning and break from 1-5PM every day and miss the worst of the crowds. And still get 11 hours in the parks with minimal time wastes transportation. What I am saying is it is much easier to dodge
some of the crowds at DLR than at WDW. Not all of the crowds, but some of them.
Be aware that there is a major Disney conference August 19-21 and that will influence crowds probably from August 16-24.
Also be aware of the lifting of AP summer blockouts and - an issue unique to DLR. See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983
How much can a realistically expect to get done if we go for just one day? I know I want to do most of the things that WDW does not have and/or are a little bit different (i.e. Space Mountain) and see the World of Color.
Is the World of Color dining package worth it?
The thing about WOC is that it requires a huge commitment of time if you really want to see it - unless you are all 6 ft 6 inches tall. I would steer you away from it on a day trip. If you had two days I would say go for it. The dining reservation is totally worth it IMO
if you are willing to
get an early dining res and
if you are willing to
learn the good WOC viewing spots and
if you are willing to
get there early enough to get a spot. Overall you will need to commit about four hours to WOC and dining. Otherwise it is questionable if it is worth it. My two cents.
See "World of Color Superthread"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447
Do they carry mostly the same merchandise at DL as they do at WDW?
Just got back from WDW a week ago myself and noticed most of the merchandise is different at WDW. Disney as a company is trying to standardize some. For example, I wanted to buy a ToT tee-shirt that said ToT WDW. But it just said ToT. I think the shirts must be standard between DLR and WDW. Otherwise it appeared to me to be different merchandise - at least different enough to make it worth looking at.
Finally, DO TWO DAYS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE! You really need at least three but two days will give you a much better trip!
