Have I lost my mind?

[Princess Sleepy]

Just found out today that my DH is going to Anaheim for business June 30-July 4. The convention hotel is right across the street from DLR. I haven't been to DLR in 15 years and my DD6 and DD8 have never been there (although they are WDW veterans). Am I absolutely crazy to even consider going out there on 4th of July week 2 weeks after Carsland opens? Will we be able to do anything? We would spend Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2 at the parks for sure, possibly the 3rd as well. I would want to make sure we got to do the things that are unique to DLR and see the nighttime shows. I know WDW is crazy over 4th of July, but I understand DLR crowds are somewhat different. Can someone tell me what to expect?

 

[Ingrid0382]

I'm sure it will be incredibly busy. That being said, if my husband was going to be in Anaheim anyway, I would take the kids and hang out in the parks and enjoy our time with him when he wasn't working. I'd rather go to the parks on a busy day than not go at all though, so maybe I'm the wrong person to weigh in, here

 

[CamoMama]

I'll be there the same week, we can all be crazy together. The good news is that the local APs are blocked out for those dates. Crowds will still be insane, but maybe they'll all be in DCA and Disneyland will be quieter? I dunno, but I plan to just relax and have a good time regardless of the crowds.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Are you crazy?
Ummm.... yeah. Does that mean don't do it? No way!

What a great excuse to go to Disneyland! July 4th weekend? If you had a choice, I would say go another time. You don't. So --- a busy time at DLR is better than NO time at DLR.

Part of what is different from The Magic Kingdom when looking at Disneyland is just the overall general "feel" of the Park. There's a little "something" that is at DL that is not at the MK. It is in the little details. And no matter how crowded it is or isn't, you can wander and take in the details all day long. Don't spend your visit just crossing things off of a checklist like WAY too many people do. Take it all in. Listen to the music, look at the details all around you, take a moment to just embrace it all.

AND make a short list of the "have to" things that you will be bummed if you don't get to do, as opposed to a giant list of everything. Then enjoy the original.

Oh, and start preparing now for the castle. It's smaller than Cinderella's, but it's charming and beautiful. Just remember it was never meant to be the focal point of Disneyland --- unlike Cinderella's which IS meant to be the focal point of the Magic Kingdom.

I'll be there the same week, we can all be crazy together. The good news is that the local APs are blocked out for those dates. Crowds will still be insane, but maybe they'll all be in DCA and Disneyland will be quieter? I dunno, but I plan to just relax and have a good time regardless of the crowds.

Here we go again with the local APs. Lots of people who live locally with APs will be there, and have EVERY right to be. As for the So Cal APs, yes, they will be blocked, but they have nothing to do with holiday crowds. The reason they are blocked when they are is that the Parks will already be crowded.

By the way, it's those with the So. Cal. APs who are at the Parks in January and February when no one else is that keep the cost of things lower than they are. Imagine if they didn't exist. Disney would want to make that money somewhere. Be thankful for them. They keep the Park financed during the times that tourists don't.

- Dream

 

[CamoMama]

Here we go again with the local APs. Lots of people who live locally with APs will be there, and have EVERY right to be. As for the So Cal APs, yes, they will be blocked, but they have nothing to do with holiday crowds. The reason they are blocked when they are is that the Parks will already be crowded.

By the way, it's those with the So. Cal. APs who are at the Parks in January and February when no one else is that keep the cost of things lower than they are. Imagine if they didn't exist. Disney would want to make that money somewhere. Be thankful for them. They keep the Park financed during the times that tourists don't.

- Dream

Wow. Chill out. I didn't say that locals are bad. I live in California. Local = SoCal APs, not necessarily every person who is local to the area. I have a premium AP, that doesn't make me not a local (where I live does that, I'm too far north but may be moving south soon enough), but it does mean that I don't have a local AP. I have said it repeatedly lately, but I'm going to say it again: People need to stop jumping on people for things that they perceive is meant and stop being so over the top rude. What I meant (and pretty much what I said) is that since the local APs are blocked during the summer the majority of the visitors will likely be at DCA in Carsland; people who live in the area have plenty of time to see that, so maybe those whose APs aren't blocked out will be waiting until the crowds die down a bit. That doesn't mean that I don't like people who live in southern California, or think that they should not go to Disney, it means just what it says.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

Yay! I like getting advice from people who think like me.

Since it's 4th of July week, would it make a difference which park I go to on Sunday. For instance, since Cars will be the big attraction, should we go to Disneyland on Sunday and try DCA on Monday? Also, I have no idea of scope. Is DCA about the size of DHS or is it bigger? The things I want to be sure to do there are the new Radiator Springs Racers, Little Mermaid Ride, Monster Inc., and Grizzly River Run. How different are ToT and TSMM from WDW? I like the idea of the Paradise Pier stuff, but don't think my DD6 will have anything to do with the roller coasters and the rest of it looks like standard fair rides, so maybe not must-dos. Is that accurate?

For Disneyland, my list is longer: all of Fantasyland, Indiana Jones, PotC, HM,and the submarines for sure. Will I be able to do all that? I read somewhere that the average guest gets on 8-9 attractions a day. That seems really low. I definitely want to soak of the atmosphere and enjoy the original, but I want to be able to do the things the girls have never done.

One more thing, is it possible to do Fantasmic and the fireworks on the same night? What is the best strategy for nighttime shows?

Thanks so much for all your help.

 

[pixiewings71]

I will be around the same time I think, but probably the week following. Yes, it will be busy, yes it will be hot, but you will be in DL and that will make up for a lot! LOL

 

[HydroGuy]

Just found out today that my DH is going to Anaheim for business June 30-July 4. The convention hotel is right across the street from DLR. I haven't been to DLR in 15 years and my DD6 and DD8 have never been there (although they are WDW veterans). Am I absolutely crazy to even consider going out there on 4th of July week 2 weeks after Carsland opens? Will we be able to do anything? We would spend Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2 at the parks for sure, possibly the 3rd as well. I would want to make sure we got to do the things that are unique to DLR and see the nighttime shows. I know WDW is crazy over 4th of July, but I understand DLR crowds are somewhat different. Can someone tell me what to expect?

Well, people can try and tell you what to expect. Whether they are right or not is another question - for the simple reason no one really knows. So most of us are taking educated guesses.

Have you lost your mind? I guess I do not get questions like that. Since I go to DLR regularly in the summer and will again this July - and actually prefer July visits to any other month - and I still have my mind (I think), I will just say "no, you have not lost your mind".

DLR summer crowds are manageable especially if you stay at a walking distance hotel. Which hotel are you talking about? "Across the street from DLR" can mean a 5 minute walk to the park gates or 20+ minutes.

DLR summer heat is moderate for most people, especially if they stay close enough and make good choices about afternoon breaks.

My educated guess about this summer is that DL itself will not see much of an impact on crowds. I think there is a good chance DL crowds will go down. Which means the crowds there will be easily managed.

DCA is up in the air as far as what we know about crowd patterns - but of course there will be a ton of people at Cars Land. On the other hand, it appears that Disney is hugely expanding park hours by 25% (3 extra hours a day) or by 33% if you count the rumored DCA Magic Morning hour. Will DCA have 25-33% more people than normal in summer? I am sure Disney hopes so but I doubt it. And my guess is that folks will be concentrated on the new areas of CL and BVS. So it is possible the rest of DCA will look pretty normal as far as crowds - maybe lower than normal as well. It is not like the entire park will be wall-to-wall people.

So, is your proposed time period a good period to go? Well, if one could avoid the July 4 period that would normally be a good idea. But reports from the last few years is that July 4 has not been nearly as crowded as some folks expected. So it is not clear that around July 4 will be any worse than later in July or August.

Bottom line - you have the chance to go to DLR a couple weeks after an unprecedented Disney park expansion. Great opportunity. If you can get to the gates early each day and take afternoon breaks, my guess is that your experience will be much more manageable than you fear. With the exception of CL which will take great patience from everyone who wants to go there - as with most new Disney rides and expansions.

This link has some pointers but will require some updating after we see what CL is like:

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

 

[CamoMama]

Yay! I like getting advice from people who think like me.

Since it's 4th of July week, would it make a difference which park I go to on Sunday. For instance, since Cars will be the big attraction, should we go to Disneyland on Sunday and try DCA on Monday?

I have no strategy yet, but that sounds like a smart plan. And if you have park hoppers it's so much easier to go to the other park than it is at WDW if you change your mind. They are literally right across the courtyard, no need to get in a vehicle at all and lose park time.

Also, I have no idea of scope. Is DCA about the size of DHS or is it bigger?

You know, I'm not sure. They feel about the same size, but DCA is laid out better. I feel like I have to backtrack at DHS to get in and out of certain areas, it seems very closed in. DCA seemed much more open to me last time I was there.

How different are ToT and TSMM from WDW?

ToT is different. DCAs only goes up and down, it doesn't move forward into the corridor like the one at DHS. I think it's the only ride that is better at WDW than at DLR. I don't know about TSMM as I haven't been on it in CA.

I like the idea of the Paradise Pier stuff, but don't think my DD6 will have anything to do with the roller coasters and the rest of it looks like standard fair rides, so maybe not must-dos. Is that accurate?

I think so. I'm not a fan of the ferris wheel, and we didn't spend much time at Paradise Pier when we were there in 2010, although we really liked the swings, not sure what they're called now. I may spend some time there on my own in May, I'll let you know if my opinion changes then.

For Disneyland, my list is longer: all of Fantasyland, Indiana Jones, PotC, HM,and the submarines for sure. Will I be able to do all that? I read somewhere that the average guest gets on 8-9 attractions a day. That seems really low. I definitely want to soak of the atmosphere and enjoy the original, but I want to be able to do the things the girls have never done.

Start early and utilize fastpasses. The return time isn't being enforced yet at DLR as it is at WDW, so you can make the most out of the FPs. I think you'll be able to get all of those in.

The rides that I feel are can't miss are:
*PoTC (twice as long as the one at WDW, and the bayou is awesome)
*Space Mountain (if you like roller coasters, way smoother and all around better than at WDW)
*Indiana Jones (same ride vehicles as Dinosaur, but so much better)
*Storybook Land Canal Boats (relaxing quiet ride, but so cute, one of our favorites and doesn't exist at WDW)
*Peter Pan (no explanation needed)
*Grizzly River Run (similar to Kali Rapids, but without the clear cutting)
*IASM (Far and away better than at WDW)
*Matterhorn (will be opening again a couple of weeks before we get there, loved the old one, hopefully the new bobsleds will be more awesome)

One more thing, is it possible to do Fantasmic and the fireworks on the same night? What is the best strategy for nighttime shows?

Sorry, no answer for you on that one, I have yet to see Fantasmic. I know it's possible to see WoC and the fireworks on the same night, but I would hate to make assumptions.

We try to do 5 days each trip and spend one day in each land at Disneyland and one day at DCA. Of course if we get through one land early in the day we go back to stuff we want to do twice or move on to the next land.

Have a great trip, maybe I'll see you there.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Here we go again with the local APs. Lots of people who live locally with APs will be there, and have EVERY right to be. As for the So Cal APs, yes, they will be blocked, but they have nothing to do with holiday crowds. The reason they are blocked when they are is that the Parks will already be crowded.

By the way, it's those with the So. Cal. APs who are at the Parks in January and February when no one else is that keep the cost of things lower than they are. Imagine if they didn't exist. Disney would want to make that money somewhere. Be thankful for them. They keep the Park financed during the times that tourists don't.

- Dream

Well, in 2009 & 2010 *I was there in '10* it was fantastic, low to moderate crowds 7/3-7/6 *yes the evening of the 4th was a little busy. I think this was because S CA APs were blocked and non locals *not all* would think "It'll be way too crowded." But now all of CA can have monthly payments on APs, I think most think they way I do "heck I'll go with no block outs if I can split the payments over 12 months" Thanksgiving weekend 2010 & 2011 are a perfect example of this *again we were there both years, same days Thur-Sat; last year was much more crowded - in 2010 all of CA did not have the monthly payment option......

OP go, get to the parks early *the 1st 2-3 hours any day are quite nice* collect FPs to use in the late afternoon/evening after your mid day nap/break.
The weather should be great - cool in the mornings and evenings, bring a light sweater/jacket.

 

[skiingfast]

Just found out today that my DH is going to Anaheim for business June 30-July 4.

We would spend Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2 at the parks for sure, possibly the 3rd as well. I would want to make sure we got to do the things that are unique to DLR and see the nighttime shows.

I would surely aim for 4 days, so you don't feel like you are skimming over the park.

Hydroguy commented on this. While you hotel is advertising itself as across the street, or a block away, that is adverting and not totally true. Expect to be taking a shuttle, and that they will be crowded if the convention is big.

Since it's 4th of July week, would it make a difference which park I go to on Sunday. For instance, since Cars will be the big attraction, should we go to Disneyland on Sunday and try DCA on Monday?

For Disneyland, my list is longer: all of Fantasyland, Indiana Jones, PotC, HM,and the submarines for sure. Will I be able to do all that? I read somewhere that the average guest gets on 8-9 attractions a day. That seems really low.

One more thing, is it possible to do Fantasmic and the fireworks on the same night? What is the best strategy for nighttime shows?

DLR does have busier and slower days, but there is no daily varitation between the parks. Plus you absolutely want to get park hoppers. That's is imperative at DLR. It's just so simple and there are advantages to being able to hop.

Don't focus on what seems majorly different. Keep in mind there is nearly the same amount of attractions at DLR as WDW, and only about 10% are the same. Most have small differences, some big differences and a handful are unique.

9 attraction per day is the average, at DLR and WDW. By knowing how to use FP that number can climb, and effective park hopping helps too.

Yes you can see both shows in one night. Though when they are running every night, and the weather is nearly perfect for them to show, you can spread them out and relax. If not, WoC first show, Fireworks, and F! second show usually work to get all three done with some planning. The schedules may be tweaked compared to the past so it may be best to see the Summer schedule before planning it out.

 

[Mackysmycat]

I'd rather go to the parks on a busy day than not go at all though

TRUE DAT!!

I'm actually CHOOSING to go during July 4th, to celebrate my daughters birthday. Call me crazy!

 

[Princess Sleepy]

The hotel is the Anaheim Hilton at the Anaheim Convention Center. Is that close as advertised? When you recommend taking an afternoon break, would you go back to the hotel and read and swim or just do some of the less headliner attractions in the parks?

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I don't think that you are crazy at all. Go with the mindset of seeing 3-4 things and consider everything else a bonus.

 

[HydroGuy]

The hotel is the Anaheim Hilton at the Anaheim Convention Center. Is that close as advertised? When you recommend taking an afternoon break, would you go back to the hotel and read and swim or just do some of the less headliner attractions in the parks?

The Hilton will be about a mile away from DLR. Afternoon breaks mean going back to the hotel for 3-4 hours, going for a swim to cool off, and then taking a nap. Recover some energy and spend some time in air conditioning when it is hottest outside.

I am not sure if the Hilton has some kind of shuttle. If so, it would be worth trying to use their shuttle so you do not add four miles of walking to your day - back and forth twice.

ETA: I understand the Hilton is where the conference is and you are limited to that. And there are people who prefer nicer hotels like the Hilton while staying at DLR. To each their own. For me, when we visit DLR it is not about the hotel. WDW is often about the hotel. But at DLR it is not - for me and many others. So we place a premium on being close to the parks and having a short distance to walk.

 

[mouseymommy]

When we go back for our afternoon breaks, we all nap. One day our kids really wanted to stay past our "nap time". We stood in line for 40 minutes for a ride that we could have walked on later in the evening. That convinced us that our strategy of napping in the afternoons and being there late at night was much better for us.

OP, about 8 years ago we stayed at the Hilton when my parents took us on a trip to DL. We were able to take the ART to DL. The hotel was nice. I will say though, that trip convinced all of us that we would rather stay close to the ped xing. As a matter of fact, I saw the BWPPI, and we have stayed there every visit since then! Have a great time!!