Going with infrequent visitors- one thing

[rentayenta]

Just wondering whats the one (or two) thing(s) you'd insist on doing if going with friends who don't visit the Disneyland Resort very often; say once every 6-7 years? It can be a ride, show, meal, shop, anything.....Something cool you'd want to share with them.

I'm thinking Carsland especially RSR at dusk when the lights come on.

I am also thinking the Heartstone Lounge at the GCH for a post park cocktail.



What's yours?

 

[SMD]

I let them decide what to do, but I might suggest the order in which to do things, or direct them towards single rider.

 

[rentayenta]

I let them decide what to do, but I might suggest the order in which to do things, or direct them towards single rider.

Yes, of course. I am not trying to plan their trip but they haven't been in years and don't know the parks like we do.




I am thinking something special, meaningful, fun, unique. Ya know that one extra little thing that adds just that much more magic.

 

[figment_jii]

How long are they going for? One day? Many days?

If it's a multi-day trip, I would recommend that they make the time to spend one evening braving the crowds and watching fireworks and/or Fantasmic. To me, those are two of the standout entertainment offerings at DLR. I suppose you could suggest World of Color as an alternative (personally, I'm kind of "take-it-or-leave-it" about WoC, so it wouldn't be on my short list of recommendations, but plenty of folks think it's the best show in DLR).

In terms of rides, I would recommend riding RSR (if they haven't been on it). That could mean getting there at rope drop and heading straight for the ride or getting a FP. Either way, it's worth riding it at least once.

 

[rentayenta]

How long are they going for? One day? Many days?

If it's a multi-day trip, I would recommend that they make the time to spend one evening braving the crowds and watching fireworks and/or Fantasmic. To me, those are two of the standout entertainment offerings at DLR. I suppose you could suggest World of Color as an alternative (personally, I'm kind of "take-it-or-leave-it" about WoC, so it wouldn't be on my short list of recommendations, but plenty of folks think it's the best show in DLR).

In terms of rides, I would recommend riding RSR (if they haven't been on it). That could mean getting there at rope drop and heading straight for the ride or getting a FP. Either way, it's worth riding it at least once.

They haven't been since Carsland opened so all that will be new.



What do you think about the F! dessert package? They aren't park commando types at all. We'll have 4 park days.

 

[figment_jii]

What do you think about the F! dessert package?

I've never done the dessert package, but I've heard good things about it. If it was a once in a great while trip for me, I would seriously consider doing the package.

If they've never seen Carsland, then I would also recommend they take the time to really explore it. I do like the neon lights coming on, but it isn't a priority for me (kind of 'oh, they're turning them on...that's nice' type thing). I was glad I saw it and especially glad that I saw it before I read about how amazing it is to some folks because it would have probably lead me to be disappointed in it (i.e., over-expectations).

With multiple days, I would probably tell them to take their time and explore things. Stop and look at the decorations, the windows in the shops, etc. They don't have to rush to do everything. Spend an hour or so having a snack at the Jolly Holiday and watch the people go by (or if you time it right, see some of the parade). Put your feet up and take the Mark Twain at night (though this is only possible if Fantasmic is not running). Watch the fairy lights in the pond by Pixie Hollow at night. Stuff like this, which are fun, but not necessarily high on the priority list if you only have a very limited amount of time.

 

[mvf-m11c]

That sounds like a great plan Jenny that you have come up with. You got to take them to CL and go on RSR and see the town of Radiator Springs all light up. I can never get tired of that music when the lights turn on in RS.

I would consider seeing World of Color which is amazing every time I see it. When I took my friends and family to the DLR for the first time ever or in ages these last few years, WoC was one of the must-do's during the trip. All my party members were blown away with WoC and glad that they were able to see it. If DCA is planning on playing WoC Winter Dreams during the holiday season just like last year, they might want to see the original one before they see Winter Dreams.

Another one is the Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday during the holiday season.

What do you think about the F! dessert package?

I have done the F! dessert package in 2009. I think that it is a nice way to watch the show and have a nice dessert box to finish the night at the park. It does save you of not staking out a spot in the ground sitting area right next to the RoA. Also if F! is running twice a night, I would go with the first one where you will be able to watch the first show of F! at 9pm and watch the fireworks (if it starts at 9:30pm or unless it starts before F! which I have seen in the past where the fireworks start before the first show of F!).

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I would also suggest doing that package the earliest possible in the trip, you will have snacks for days.

Must do's for first timers or not so ofteners (not in any order):

POC
HM
RSR
Aladdin
Fireworks (with Castle view)
Fantasmic (WOC-only if it doesn't conflict with Fantasmic)
DL Railroad

And depending on how much I like our guests-I will brave It's a Small World for them.

 

[rentayenta]

I've never done the dessert package, but I've heard good things about it. If it was a once in a great while trip for me, I would seriously consider doing the package.

If they've never seen Carsland, then I would also recommend they take the time to really explore it. I do like the neon lights coming on, but it isn't a priority for me (kind of 'oh, they're turning them on...that's nice' type thing). I was glad I saw it and especially glad that I saw it before I read about how amazing it is to some folks because it would have probably lead me to be disappointed in it (i.e., over-expectations).

With multiple days, I would probably tell them to take their time and explore things. Stop and look at the decorations, the windows in the shops, etc. They don't have to rush to do everything. Spend an hour or so having a snack at the Jolly Holiday and watch the people go by (or if you time it right, see some of the parade). Put your feet up and take the Mark Twain at night (though this is only possible if Fantasmic is not running). Watch the fairy lights in the pond by Pixie Hollow at night. Stuff like this, which are fun, but not necessarily high on the priority list if you only have a very limited amount of time.

The fairy lights are exactly what I am looking for; those magical off the beat and path experiences. Mark Twain at night sounds perfect too.

That sounds like a great plan Jenny that you have come up with. You got to take them to CL and go on RSR and see the town of Radiator Springs all light up. I can never get tired of that music when the lights turn on in RS.

I would consider seeing World of Color which is amazing every time I see it. When I took my friends and family to the DLR for the first time ever or in ages these last few years, WoC was one of the must-do's during the trip. All my party members were blown away with WoC and glad that they were able to see it. If DCA is planning on playing WoC Winter Dreams during the holiday season just like last year, they might want to see the original one before they see Winter Dreams.

Another one is the Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday during the holiday season.




I have done the F! dessert package in 2009. I think that it is a nice way to watch the show and have a nice dessert box to finish the night at the park. It does save you of not staking out a spot in the ground sitting area right next to the RoA. Also if F! is running twice a night, I would go with the first one where you will be able to watch the first show of F! at 9pm and watch the fireworks (if it starts at 9:30pm or unless it starts before F! which I have seen in the past where the fireworks start before the first show of F!).

Thanks Bret! We'll do all the biggie rides for sure. I agree, Carsland all lit up is magical! WoC will be a must too. We haven't decided on which 4 days out of 6 will be park days but I like the idea of doing F! Then fireworks.

I would also suggest doing that package the earliest possible in the trip, you will have snacks for days.

Must do's for first timers or not so ofteners (not in any order):

POC
HM
RSR
Aladdin
Fireworks (with Castle view)
Fantasmic (WOC-only if it doesn't conflict with Fantasmic)
DL Railroad

And depending on how much I like our guests-I will brave It's a Small World for them.

Thanks for the F! idea about doing it early.


I love IASW. Aladdin and railroad are both good ideas as it may be something they'd be tempted to skip.





I am also thinking the flag retreat would be cool. Maybe listen to the Dapper Dans as well.

 

[crystal1313]

What about asking to pilot the Mark Twain?

Asking to ride in the tender seat on the RR?

DH and I just tried Carthay for the first time last trip and were really impressed! We loved the lounge and the restaurant.

Also, Trader Sam's! Fun to at least grab a drink and take in all the stuff in the bar =)

I also love going behind Harbor Galley and walking that little hidden trail and seeing the people after the big drop in Splash Mtn.

 

[figment_jii]

DH and I just tried Carthay for the first time last trip and were really impressed! We loved the lounge and the restaurant

They do a free tour of the restaurant in the mornings (10:30 am, I think). You won't see anything you don't normally see (i.e., no backstage or prep areas), but the CM provides some information and history of the theater. It's fun and informative...plus it's a chance to look around the dining room without other guests being there. It's first come, first serve and limited (to 15, I think).

 

[rentayenta]

What about asking to pilot the Mark Twain?

Asking to ride in the tender seat on the RR?

DH and I just tried Carthay for the first time last trip and were really impressed! We loved the lounge and the restaurant.

Also, Trader Sam's! Fun to at least grab a drink and take in all the stuff in the bar =)

I also love going behind Harbor Galley and walking that little hidden trail and seeing the people after the big drop in Splash Mtn.

These are great, thank you! Trader Sam's for sure and we'll order the special drink to wake the tikis.

The tender seat sounds awesome, I haven't done that either.

Carthay Circle is also a good idea. I think they also have a large private table. We are wanting to do one nice dinner with all of us at some point.

They do a free tour of the restaurant in the mornings (10:30 am, I think). You won't see anything you don't normally see (i.e., no backstage or prep areas), but the CM provides some information and history of the theater. It's fun and informative...plus it's a chance to look around the dining room without other guests being there. It's first come, first serve and limited (to 15, I think).

Thats a neat idea too, thank you. With 2 full DCA days, thats a good option.





Thanks for the ideas.