Heading back to DLR for first time since 2007

[livinintexas]

Although my screen name is "livinintexas", we actually live in Alaska now. We have been to Disneyland in 2004 and 2007 and loved it. Even since moving to Alaska in 2009, we visit WDW yearly and last year went 3 times with APs.

We have finally scheduled a Disneyland/LA trip from March 7-15, 2015. Our kids will be 17 and 15 and are really excited. Although not booked yet, we will stay at the Grand Californian from March 11-15 (Wedndesday to Sunday).

Any tips on crowds and weather? We have a really early spring break but I'm sure the weekend we are there will kick off the spring break season. I wanted to do a midweek visit to avoid the weekends, but then we would be staying at 3 different hotels and that is a pain. We have been at WDW for Christmas week, New Years week, July, and Memorial Day week, so we know how to tour in crowds.

I think we are in the minority of people who likes FP+ at WDW (it allowed us to sleep in and still hit our favorites), but we will be up and going for early entry days and rope drop ready to collect FPs. I really only miss the days of using late FPs as I tend to criss cross the park. Any DLR FP tips?

High on the list is seeing the World of Color. Any tips or dinner packages for this? Same for Fantasmic. We didn't enjoy it the last visit because of the standing, any changes here?

I just booked this trip after getting incredible airfare to LAX from Anchorage. Any tips apprecitated!

 

[figment_jii]

Any tips on crowds and weather?

HydroGuy has a useful thread about weather at DLR.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

In terms of crowds, the good news is I think you'll miss the worse of the Spring Break crowds (based on the blockout calendar, it looks like Disneyland expects the highest crwods from 3/28-4/11/15). You'll still see high crowds on the weekends, but the weekdays might not be too bad.

Any DLR FP tips?

Another informational thread by HydroGuy:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=50089263

High on the list is seeing the World of Color. Any tips or dinner packages for this? Same for Fantasmic. We didn't enjoy it the last visit because of the standing, any changes here?

Two more threads:
WoC: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717
Fantasmic: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2671983

In terms of sitting/standing, WoC is standing only for the general public. Even with a FP or the Dining Package, you still have to stand in the viewing area. The only seating is for handicap accessibility guests and their families and even that is very limited.

In terms of Fantasmic, most of the viewing area is standing, but there are a few options for seatings. The front most viewing area (the yellow area, number 3, in HydroGuy's map) is sitting only. Also, if you get there early enough, there are tables at River Belle Terrace. The prime tables (there are only a few of them) go several hours in advance of the show. The ones off the side might last longer, but the view is to the side and/or obstructed. Finally, there is the dessert package that you can purchase and it includes reserved viewing in an area with chairs.

 

[livinintexas]

Thank you so much for the information! I remember HydroGuy from way back in the TGM glory days and had forgotten about his great DLR info!

Time to take a break from some cleaning projects I'm in the middle of!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you so much for the information! I remember HydroGuy from way back in the TGM glory days and had forgotten about his great DLR info!

Time to take a break from some cleaning projects I'm in the middle of!

Also consider the 60th anniversary when choosing dates.

"What to expect for DL's 60th anniversary in 2015" - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3280301

 

[livinintexas]

Dates are set March 11-15 or March 7-11.