Help: April trip to DL

[Pocahontas1]

Hello...

Hope you can help. I've been to WDW many times, but haven't been to DL since I was 6 (a very long time ago). Heading out to San Diego the week before Easter and my father has offered to take DS (2 1/2) and myself to DL.

I know it will be crowded, but hopefully, not as crowded as WDW. Probably just wishful thinking, but I'm hoping. We'll be able to go anytime between 4/13 and 4/18. Any idea on which would be the "best" day.

Also, since my dad and his wife will be paying for tickets, the plane trip, etc., I'd like to take them for a nice meal while we are there. My step-mother is a vegetarian, so that makes things a bit more difficult.

I have no idea where to start on this trip. Does DL have early entry like WDW? What are the park hours? How long does it take to tour? DS will want to to fantasyland rides (teacups, dumbo, carousel, little cars, etc, etc.). I don't care much about riding unless it is something that is not at WDW or is significantly different from WDW.

Do I make PS at DL? What is the number? Should we drive to DL from San Diego that morning or should we drive up the night before and stay in a hotel? The list goes on and on

One more quick question...DS favorite character is Robin Hood. Could not find him anywhere at WDW in December. We were told he occasionally shows up at Epcot. Any chance we might meet him at DL.

Thanks so much for all your help

 

[disneychrista]

WOW that is quite a list of questions...

You are right it will likely be crowded that week. As for the best day, in my experience Wednesdays are/were less crowded. My kids get off the week following Easter so that is when we will be there, expecting crowds but making the most of it.

At this time Disneyland does not have early entry.

For park hours, entertainment schedule visit the

Disneyland Site . Here you will find much information about the parks, including park hours, entertainment schedule, what rides may be closed etc. You will also find listings of what is at each park in the way of rides, eateries, etc.

I have never seen Robin Hood in the parks.

For more disneyland information try visiting http://www.mouseplanet.com and http://www.mouseinfo.com both these sites also have message boards just like this one.

 

[Pocahontas1]

Thanks so much. I was feeling overwhelmed. I'm right at home in WDW, but totally lost on the west coast.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by Pocahontas1
Thanks so much. I was feeling overwhelmed. I'm right at home in WDW, but totally lost on the west coast.

I felt the same way when planning our trip to WDW.

 

[Snow Brite]

It is inside the Pirates of the Carribean ride and it is "night" all the time (the Mexican restaurant in the pyramid at Epcot has the same feel). It is a nice, sit down restaurant and would make not only a nice break in the day, but a nice "treat" for your dad and stepmom. However, I do not have their menu to know if there is something a veggie would like. I am sure someone here knows that as well as when you can make PS.

As for different that WDW rides, you should try Indiana Jones (maybe your DS could wait with Grandpa while you go on a Fast Pass ride). Tarzans Treehouse is right there, so they could explore that while they waited for you. Also Pirates is different and IMHO better at DL. And DO NOT MISS Its a Small World. It is soooo much better at Disneyland all the way from the queue and your DS will really enjoy that. Toontown is different also, with the Jolly Trolley and Roger Rabbit and the rollercoaster.

Have fun! It should be a great day of family fun. And a good way for your Dad and your son to spend time together playing too!

 

[disneychrista]

OOh yeah, I forgot to mention BB in my above post. They do/did serve a vegetarian entree. Both my mom and I are vegetarians and my mom ordered this last time, I remember she liked it, just don't remember what it was. I ordered a side of veggies and rice(?) . The deserst there are very YUMMY! too so don't forget to save room. And ask for a water front table, it is so much fun to watch the boats from the Pirates of the Caribean go by. That is deffiently NOT something you can do at WDW.



I checked mouseplant.com restaurants guide and it appears to be a Portobello Mushrooms

 

[disneyjlh2002]

I will also be there in April. I called Disneyland and was told that I could make preferred seating arrangements 60 days in advance.

 

[MamaKate]

Pocahontas1- Robin Hood appears in the "Parade of Stars". They pick people before the parade to be in the parade & you get to dance with a certain character (Robin Hood is one of them), but I think your son is a little to young to be in it (but at least he'll be able to see him). This parade will probably still be running in April.

Also, I would definately make PS for Blue Bayou before you leave (up to 60 days before) because it will be crowded. The disney dining # is (714) 781-3463. There is also alot of restaurants in Dowtown Disney that offer alot of Vegitarian meals including rainforest cafe. And unlike WDWs Downtown Disney, you can easily walk to it or take the monorail.

I would definately get to Disneyland before it opens and do Fantasyland first, since almost all of these rides don't have Fastpass. Disneyland has the "Alice in Wonderland" ride that WDW doesn't have, so you should take you son there.

Hope this helps and I hope you have fun!!

,
Katherine

 

[almostGoofy]

DL's Fantasyland also has Pinocchio, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Casey Jr. Circus Train which I believe are not at WDW. MommaKate is right, none of the rides in Fantasyland have fastpass so hit that first. Dumbo and Peter Pan are the ones where the line will simply get longer and longer as the day wears on until closer to closing time. I would do one or both of those first at park opening time.

Hint: Main Street opens 1/2 hour earlier than offical opening time. That can give you a slight edge at being at the front of the line on the more popular rides.

 

[Pocahontas1]

for all your help.

I talked to my father today and told him we definitely wanted to go to DL (in addition to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park). Since he is a CA resident, I'd e-mailed him the information on the 2 park pass. I guess he is out of the Disney loop, 'cause he didn't even know there was a 2nd park at DL

I mentioned the park hours and he said 8am to noon? No, dad, 8am to midnight. Hmmm...that's awful early. Yes, dad, but you have to be there before they open or the lines will be horrible.

Anyway, we are DVC members and I'm trying to think of a way to gently convince my father and step-mother to drive up the day before, let us use points, and stay at a Disney Hotel. Don't want to be pushy, but maybe I should just make the plans and surprise them.

Since most of you said Blue Bayou was a don't miss, I'll try to make my PS sometime next month (60 days out, right).

Looking forward to seeing everything that is not at WDW. I figure we'll spend most of the day in Fantasyland, but I'll probably need to try to hit Indiana Jones. Might try Space Mountain, too, if it is any different than FL. If it is the same, I'll probably pass.

Have not been to Fantasmic at WDW, but understand it is at DL. Is it as hard to get into? Some people say one is better than the other.

Thanks for all your help...

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by Pocahontas1
Have not been to Fantasmic at WDW, but understand it is at DL. Is it as hard to get into? Some people say one is better than the other.

Fantasmic at Disneyland is a totally different (and IMO better) experience (with the expection of seating or lack of) then at WDW. But unfortunetly it will not be open/running in April. The last couple of years the show has been run only June - September.

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.....................................Fantasyland at DL has more attractions than MK. Still, if you get there early, you can do them all in probably 90 minutes! Later in the day some lines will be an hour long! Ask dad, 90 minutes in fantasyland, or 9 hours!
Blue Bayou all the way!!! It may have turned girlfriend into DW almost 15 years ago!
Must warn you about "It's a small world", it lasts forever! Back when I was wreckless I went on it when I was 36 and came out 37! I had to get shock therapy because that song would not leave my brain! It's a world of love and a....... nooooo it's happening again! lol

 

[almostGoofy]

Originally posted by Pocahontas1
for all your help.

Looking forward to seeing everything that is not at WDW. I figure we'll spend most of the day in Fantasyland, but I'll probably need to try to hit Indiana Jones. Might try Space Mountain, too, if it is any different than FL. If it is the same, I'll probably pass.

My almost 6 year old dd tells me DL Space Mountain is faster. Seating is different too, side by side. You should also try the POC. DL version is much better than WDW. There's a little more of a "thrill" in it due to the two drops. Also, don't forget Rodger Rabbit's cartoon spin in Toontown.

 

[Disney Donna]

There are a few more things that haven't been mentioned as of yet... the Tiki Birds show is the original and also, above the Pirates of the Carriabean is a Gallery that was to be one of Walt's apartments that has some great things to see and learn about... Also, on mainstreet, east side, is the "Walt Disney's Story"... it is awesome and go in the theater to see the show on Abraham Lincoln... absolutely Wonderful... Also, at the end of Main Street, on the west side, at the Coca Cola Corner, on Tuesday-Saturday, in the evenings, "Ragtime Rod", plays the best ragtime piano ever... he is awesome and I have know him since he started there 30 some years ago... he is wonderful... Make sure you look above the Fire Station at the beginning of Main Street to see the light that is always kept on in the window in honor of Walt... that used to be one of his apartments that he stayed at. I'm not sure if it is open or not, but if so, go through the Sleeping Beauty's castle and tour the Sleeping Beauty's story... very cute, and by all means, don't get disappointed on the size of the castle... it's smaller thent he Cinderella castle at WDW, but just like houses, all come in different sizes... just enjoy the beauty and the Snow White's Wishing Well next to it... Also, there is a "Little Mermaid's Grotto" not too far that is nice to visit to see Ariel...

That's all I can think of for now... but I'm sure there is more... I've been to Disneyland since I was less then 2 years old and my Mother meant Walt Disney in person at Disneyland while he was changing a light bulb in Frontierland... I was in the stroller... to young to remember, but was neat that I was that close to him...

Have a great time and enjoy Walt's original...

 

[Pocahontas1]

Everyone has been so helpful.

I talked to my dad last night, and we've decided to go down on a Tuesday afternoon, hit DL on Wednesday, and return home on Thursday. Were DVC members, so we points to use at a resort. Were thinking of Disneyland Hotel. I hope to make reservations tomorrow morning. We'll just go for the standard view and try to upgrade (I'll pay cash) when we get there.

Of course, this adds a whole new twist. Now, I need to plan meals. Having lunch at Blue Bayou on DL day, but looking for a special dinner Tuesday evening. Thought about Goofy's Kitchen since DS is 2 1/2, but we ate at Chef Mickey's at WDW in December. I was underwhelmed

Is there anywhere good to eat at Downtown Disney?

Thanks again for all your help.

Stephanie

 

[almostGoofy]

If you want a special meal, I would recommend Napa Rose in the Grand California Hotel. My SIL & BIL are vegans and they were very accomodating to their special needs so this would be good for your stepmother. This place has excellent reviews and rates very high in the Zagat guide. It's also high end, fine dining. I personally wouldn't take my toddler there but there were plenty of families with young children there. Other than Rainforest Cafe, haven't tried anything else there.