Help for a WDW fan but lost on DL

koquinn

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
636
Looking at planning a trip for part of the last week in Oct. I've been once for a day, but the rest of the fam wasn't along. We'll have a 6yr, 3yr, and 3mo old along with us. Is this like planning for WDW? Are we better off staying on property and doing the dining plan like in WDW? There's not as much to do, right? So I don't really need a park ticket for every single day? Probably 3 days would be enough? Is the Halloween party as cool? Do they have transportation from the airport to the resort? Sorry for all the crazy questions, feeling as overwhelmed as I did when I first started our WDW planning. Thanks for any tips!
 
Welcome to the left side of the Disboard. :)

Here's your staring point....essential reading:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


& the rest of Hydroguy's tip threads:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


& Mary Jo's sticky:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276


Other comments below:

Looking at planning a trip for part of the last week in Oct. I've been once for a day, but the rest of the fam wasn't along. We'll have a 6yr, 3yr, and 3mo old along with us. Is this like planning for WDW?

It's different....but good to have a plan.


Are we better off staying on property

Depends....where do you stay at WDW? It's not as important to stay onsite as at WDW....but many prefer it.


.... and doing the dining plan like in WDW?

Don't bother with the dining plan at DLR.....it's NOTHING like WDW.


There's not as much to do, right?

What do you consider "much".....there's alot to do & SoCal has a zillion more things to do than Orlando.


So I don't really need a park ticket for every single day? Probably 3 days would be enough?

Most would say 3 nights/4 days would be a minimum....maybe 4 nights/5 days......but get multi day hoppers, you can visit for a couple of hours in the morning or evening even on a day that you go & see other things. It's not a pain to go in and out of the parks (or hop between the parks) like it is at WDW.


Is the Halloween party as cool? Do they have transportation from the airport to the resort?

Not for free....no Magical Express (See HG's thread why). But there is transportation from the airport.....but many rent cars for visiting other spots. Which Airport will you use?


Sorry for all the crazy questions, feeling as overwhelmed as I did when I first started our WDW planning. Thanks for any tips!


I'll let other comment on the Halloween paid events.....I've visited at that time & LOVED the decorations & atmosphere (w/o paying for the "party"). It will be a little more crowded right before Hween, so it pays to get to DL at rope drop each day. (& of course park hop each day) Actually it always pays to get to DL early each day. :)

Tell us where you stay at WDW, & how you like to tour at WDW. Also, tell us what things you like to do & what you don't like to do when you visit WDW. And tell us what time zone you're coming from....it makes a difference.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park. :thumbsup2

:)
 
Thanks for all the links, will definitely check them out!

We always stay on property at WDW, and usually moderate or deluxe. We like the pools, but also the convenience of the transportation. With everything as close together at DL, maybe that's less important? We don't spend tons of time at the resort, but this trip may be different with a newborn - hoping to relax more than just ride ride ride, although I know we'll wanna do a lot of that. We eat out every meal and take full advantage of the dining plan, sounds like that's not as great in DL? We're planning on just doing DL, would be too much with a newborn to venture off to other SoCal stuff this time around. So unless there's a good reason, probably wouldn't get a rental car. Whatever airport is cheaper, but direct flight from Milwaukee (CST) is probably the most important with the 3 kids. We're used to park hopping almost every day, and I know that part will be much easier with just the 2 parks and walking distance between them. Does that help? :)

Oh, and "left side" - I like that! :)
 
Hi! i am also going the last week of Oct and it will be our first DLR trip as well - been to WDW (and was a CM) so I know how you feel ;) We are staying for 5 nights, I think 3 days would do but since we are driving I figured we would take it slow the first and last days.

From what I have learned here the hotels on Harbor are really close to the park entrance - if you don't mind paying deluxe prices then the DLR resorts will help keep the "magic" intact for your whole stay. We don't have deluxe money so are taking advantage of HoJo's retro rates - their pool looks really nice too!

The DDP is not the same at DLR. From what everyone says it is not worth it - you will not save any $$.

There is a Disney shuttle from the airport but it is not free. The closest airport is SNA but LAX has more flights so check both in case one has direct flights. I have also read that if you get to LAX around rush hour the trip to DLR could take a long time.
 

Do not think of DLR as "less" than WDW. It's different, not more or less.

The links that are provided above will help with general overall thinking. Let me add a few "counter-WDW thinking" tips.

Yes, everything at DLR is more compact, but there is LOTS to see and do. I believe someone has counted up the number of attractions at DLR and WDW and concluded there are actually MORE at DLR.

Also, remember, just because WDW has it, does not mean you have done it at DLR. Many "same" things are different. Ex: Pirates at WDW is different than Pirates at DL. Fantasyland at DL has MANY more attractions than FL at WDW. The list goes on and on.

If you plan your trip thinking "it's a small WDW," you are going to short-change yourself. DLR is an amazing, magical, wonderful place. WDW is too. However, they are different - even though they have some similarities. :goodvibes

HTH with your overall thinking as you plan your trip,
Dreams
 
Most of the non Disney hotels are on Harbor Blvd. and Katella. Most of them offer free shuttles to the entrance of DL and CA. But since you have an infant with you, it would be more convenient to stay at one of the Disney hotels.
The John Wayne Airport in Santa Anna is much closer to DL than LAX. You can get on a bus or a van to the hotels near the resort.
I have been going to DL since I was four years old, when it had been opened one year.
I suggest two days at DL and one day at CA. I usually do Fantasyland, ToonTown, and Tomorrowland on one day, and spend the next day in Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Frontierland. Be sure to have breakfast at the River Belle Terrace and get the Mickey Mouse pancakes. CA does not have as many rides as DL, so
it can be accomplished in one day.
 
I spent 1 day parkhopping between the 2 a couple years ago, and did do research back then as to what rides I wanted to see that were either variations of the same in WDW or completely different. I enjoyed the differences almost as much as the stuff that was totally new. Space Mountain is WAY better in DL! I feel less overwhelmed by the parks and more the details of the getting there, the staying there, and the eating there. I'll probably be driving DH nuts the next couple weeks planning since he told me we can go... ;)
 
Since you asked...

Washington
Adams
Jefferson
Madison
Monroe

How did I do? ;)

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I'll add my two cents about the Halloween party. I've been to many, many MNSSHPs. Last year was the first time I went to the DL version, Mickey's Halloween Party.

I actually like DL's version better. The only thing that is missing is a parade as good as Boo to You. The parade during the party pales in comparison. This could change for next year though.

What I like at DL...

Better theming. I think they make an extra effort at DL. They include special holiday treats and tours.

Holiday overlays of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. HM in a Nightmare before Christmas theme. SM is Ghost Galaxy during Halloween time. Both great!

Better trick or treating. Some areas do get crowded, but we found the area in Critter Country to be empty and we just filled our bags there.

The fireworks are MUCH better at DL. Zero from Nightmare flies over the castle. They project images off of a huge moon behind the castle. The best!

The guests really get into the spirit. We saw so many people in costume. There was an entire family dressed like the Electric Light Parade, complete with flashing LEDs.

Both WDW and DL Halloween parties are worth the extra cost. Have fun!
 
I go to school down the street from Disneyland so I'm in the park probably once a week. This is my first time posting in the Disneyland threads! The way my friends and I enjoy the parks is much different than how most visitors do, but I think I may still be able to help. I've even tried to categorize it!

Seasonal
October is a great time to visit because the weather is perfect. It is still warm so you can wear jeans and a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt for watching fireworks. The decorations are always fun that time of year and there is often seasonal activities for kids which you can find out about on disneyland.com

Halloween Party
I've never attended Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party, but I have been in the park (exiting after hours after riding Space Mountain) while it was going on and have talked to others who have been. Last year it was held in Disneyland, which is a change as in the past it was held in DCA. The first thing I noticed was that it was CROWDED. I always thought the point of an after hours party was smaller crowds (?) Anyways, there were a ton of people there. Everyone dresses up in costumes and it is really cute seeing all the kids. DJs play music and there is lots of dancing and cast members handing out candy to everyone.

Crowds
I mentioned that the park was crowded during the party. I've only been to WDW once, during off-season, but I think Disneyland can feel a lot more crowded than WDW. CMs put out a great effort with crowd control, but trying to move around during or after fireworks/Fantasmic is nearly impossible. Luckily, if you're looking to get away from crowds there are TONS of unexplored areas that are awesome to check out or just escape to for a breather. On Main Street on the right side there is an old fashioned movie theater with a ticket taker and turnstile. Most people seem to think its another facade, but if you go through the turnstile past the heavy curtain you'll find a heavily air conditioned circular room broadcasting classic cartoons that is almost always empty. Other hidden escapes include anywhere in Critter Country (nobody ever goes there), the walkway between Fantasyland and Frontierland (over toward Casey Jr and the Tangled meet+greet), and the far back right corner by Small World.

Hotel/Air port
Unless you absolutely have to, DON'T fly into LAX. I hate that airport and it is really far away. The Santa Ana airport (John Wayne) is the closest and very nice. My favorite airport, and the one I suggest if John Wayne isn't available, is Long Beach (LGB). This airport is tiny, but never crowded and so so so easy to get through. We don't have Magical Express out here, and taxis are disgustingly expensive (and sometimes dangerous). I really recommend getting a car. You probably won't want to be stuck on property and though we have a bus system in OC, it is not that nice.

As for where to stay, only the Grand Californian is worth the Disney inflated price. If you can afford it, stay there! That hotel is absolutely gorgeous and has its own private entrance to DCA and Downtown Disney. Even if you aren't staying there, stop by to check out the lobby. The carpet was custom made to match the tile perfectly. There is a corner with a big fireplace and comfy rocking chairs for adults and kids. Often a pianist will be playing loungy Disney music. A great place to nap or "ooh and aah". The other hotels aren't nearly as nice. They have the added convenience of being close by, extra magic hours, and should you buy something in park it can be delivered to your guest room. There are lots of hotels close by that can be options if you don't rent a car. If you do have a car, try staying a few miles from Disney. Prices drop dramatically and quality of hotel rises.

Food.
Disneyland doesn't have a dining plan (to the best of my knowledge). Restaurants on property really aren't that good. Unless its Napa Rose or Blue Bayou and somebody else's treat. If you want to buy Disney food these three things are out of this world delicious: the corn dogs, the bread bowls, and the ice cream.

The corn dogs are only available at the red cart at the end of main street across from the photo pass store. This is the best thing in the park and an AP secret. A great deal and (if paired with the available apple slices) a great meal.

The bread bowls you want to get from New Orleans Square. If you like Gumbo or chili those are available across from River Bell Terrace. DCA has bread bowls on Pacific Wharf, but the one time I had it there it was cold.

If you want ice cream, get it at Gibson Girl in Dis or Burrr-Bank in DCA. The chocolate chip cookie dough swirl is...dangerously good.

My favorite snack in the park are the apple crisps you can get at any of the fruit stands. It is 2.75 for 3 snack bags of freeze dried apple slices. They are addictive and really healthy.

Other than that, I always bring my own food or walk across the street to Denny's or Mimi's.

What Makes Disneyland Awesome
In Disneyland-its all about the atmosphere. I was shocked when I went to WDW by the wide open spaces. Disneyland is very close and intimate. You can notice details here. The resident ducks and cats, the famous names on Main St windows, Walt's apartment over the fire station...My favorite thing to do in the park is sit and people watch, enjoying the atmosphere.

Disneyland is much more local than WDW. What I mean is that WDW is a destination visited by thousands of international tourists every day. While Disneyland is also an attraction in its own right, I feel that most of the visitors are from Southern California. This gives it a much more laid back feel as we aren't all rushing to ride every attraction (even though we have a bunch of good ones).

Finally- our Fantasmic is amazing. I've seen it at WDW and while the amphitheater is convenient seating, there is NOTHING like seeing everything go down on the Rivers of America. Do not miss this show.

Enjoy your trip!
 
Thanks again for all the tips. Just reread the thread plus the links. You guys are awesome! The best part? I got a PIN code for our dates. :) I guess it pays to sign up for their website too!! Planning on the GCL, and no dining plan, based on what you guys said. SO excited!!!
 
Kelsers,

Great information and so well written! Thank you so much for taking the time. Information like this can really help people. I remember the first time we flew into SNA (rather than LAX) and it so easy and beautiful--and I couldn't believe we had been doing LAX all those years. We like the taxi service from SNA too--it is very different from taxis from other airports--clean, safe and efficient.

As far as the Grand Californian, the hotel lobby and location can't be beat. We tend to like the Disneyland Hotel for the rooms much better--especially the renovated rooms. That hotel holds a lot of Disney memories for us as a family, though. I am a sucker for a high tower view.

Our favorite place for bread bowls is the one you mentioned--the take out counter by Pirates. We like to get them and stake out a good spot in front of the castle for fireworks. It helps the time pass to have a yummy breadbowl to eat while we all talk and wait. After we eat we send Dad (my husband) for either hot chocolate, churros or ice cream.
 
I go to school down the street from Disneyland so I'm in the park probably once a week. This is my first time posting in the Disneyland threads! The way my friends and I enjoy the parks is much different than how most visitors do, but I think I may still be able to help. I've even tried to categorize it!

Seasonal
October is a great time to visit because the weather is perfect. It is still warm so you can wear jeans and a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt for watching fireworks. The decorations are always fun that time of year and there is often seasonal activities for kids which you can find out about on disneyland.com

Halloween Party
I've never attended Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party, but I have been in the park (exiting after hours after riding Space Mountain) while it was going on and have talked to others who have been. Last year it was held in Disneyland, which is a change as in the past it was held in DCA. The first thing I noticed was that it was CROWDED. I always thought the point of an after hours party was smaller crowds (?) Anyways, there were a ton of people there. Everyone dresses up in costumes and it is really cute seeing all the kids. DJs play music and there is lots of dancing and cast members handing out candy to everyone.

Crowds
I mentioned that the park was crowded during the party. I've only been to WDW once, during off-season, but I think Disneyland can feel a lot more crowded than WDW. CMs put out a great effort with crowd control, but trying to move around during or after fireworks/Fantasmic is nearly impossible. Luckily, if you're looking to get away from crowds there are TONS of unexplored areas that are awesome to check out or just escape to for a breather. On Main Street on the right side there is an old fashioned movie theater with a ticket taker and turnstile. Most people seem to think its another facade, but if you go through the turnstile past the heavy curtain you'll find a heavily air conditioned circular room broadcasting classic cartoons that is almost always empty. Other hidden escapes include anywhere in Critter Country (nobody ever goes there), the walkway between Fantasyland and Frontierland (over toward Casey Jr and the Tangled meet+greet), and the far back right corner by Small World.

Hotel/Air port
Unless you absolutely have to, DON'T fly into LAX. I hate that airport and it is really far away. The Santa Ana airport (John Wayne) is the closest and very nice. My favorite airport, and the one I suggest if John Wayne isn't available, is Long Beach (LGB). This airport is tiny, but never crowded and so so so easy to get through. We don't have Magical Express out here, and taxis are disgustingly expensive (and sometimes dangerous). I really recommend getting a car. You probably won't want to be stuck on property and though we have a bus system in OC, it is not that nice.

As for where to stay, only the Grand Californian is worth the Disney inflated price. If you can afford it, stay there! That hotel is absolutely gorgeous and has its own private entrance to DCA and Downtown Disney. Even if you aren't staying there, stop by to check out the lobby. The carpet was custom made to match the tile perfectly. There is a corner with a big fireplace and comfy rocking chairs for adults and kids. Often a pianist will be playing loungy Disney music. A great place to nap or "ooh and aah". The other hotels aren't nearly as nice. They have the added convenience of being close by, extra magic hours, and should you buy something in park it can be delivered to your guest room. There are lots of hotels close by that can be options if you don't rent a car. If you do have a car, try staying a few miles from Disney. Prices drop dramatically and quality of hotel rises.

Food.
Disneyland doesn't have a dining plan (to the best of my knowledge). Restaurants on property really aren't that good. Unless its Napa Rose or Blue Bayou and somebody else's treat. If you want to buy Disney food these three things are out of this world delicious: the corn dogs, the bread bowls, and the ice cream.

The corn dogs are only available at the red cart at the end of main street across from the photo pass store. This is the best thing in the park and an AP secret. A great deal and (if paired with the available apple slices) a great meal.

The bread bowls you want to get from New Orleans Square. If you like Gumbo or chili those are available across from River Bell Terrace. DCA has bread bowls on Pacific Wharf, but the one time I had it there it was cold.

If you want ice cream, get it at Gibson Girl in Dis or Burrr-Bank in DCA. The chocolate chip cookie dough swirl is...dangerously good.

My favorite snack in the park are the apple crisps you can get at any of the fruit stands. It is 2.75 for 3 snack bags of freeze dried apple slices. They are addictive and really healthy.

Other than that, I always bring my own food or walk across the street to Denny's or Mimi's.

What Makes Disneyland Awesome
In Disneyland-its all about the atmosphere. I was shocked when I went to WDW by the wide open spaces. Disneyland is very close and intimate. You can notice details here. The resident ducks and cats, the famous names on Main St windows, Walt's apartment over the fire station...My favorite thing to do in the park is sit and people watch, enjoying the atmosphere.

Disneyland is much more local than WDW. What I mean is that WDW is a destination visited by thousands of international tourists every day. While Disneyland is also an attraction in its own right, I feel that most of the visitors are from Southern California. This gives it a much more laid back feel as we aren't all rushing to ride every attraction (even though we have a bunch of good ones).

Finally- our Fantasmic is amazing. I've seen it at WDW and while the amphitheater is convenient seating, there is NOTHING like seeing everything go down on the Rivers of America. Do not miss this show.

Enjoy your trip!

Wow! Thank you for sharing all of your excellent advice. We too are DL newbies and want to appreciate all of it's charm and history. That movie theatre idea is one we will surely try. Love those Disney classics. :lovestruc

Now, if I may ask, I know there is a refreshment spot in Adventureland called Tiki Juice Bar...have you ever happened upon it? If so, do they serve the Dole Pineapple juice/ice cream treats? In WDW at Aloha Isle (in their Adventureland) they are called Dole Whips.

Also, is there an area of DL that tends to get more crowded as the day goes on? In WDW it's Fantasyland, just wondering if that is a likely patten at DL as well.

Thanks again!
 
Wow! Thank you for sharing all of your excellent advice. We too are DL newbies and want to appreciate all of it's charm and history. That movie theatre idea is one we will surely try. Love those Disney classics. :lovestruc

Now, if I may ask, I know there is a refreshment spot in Adventureland called Tiki Juice Bar...have you ever happened upon it? If so, do they serve the Dole Pineapple juice/ice cream treats? In WDW at Aloha Isle (in their Adventureland) they are called Dole Whips.

Also, is there an area of DL that tends to get more crowded as the day goes on? In WDW it's Fantasyland, just wondering if that is a likely patten at DL as well.

Thanks again!

Yes the Tiki Juice Bar is AMAZING! Love the dole whips and dole whip floats. :woohoo:

DLR's Fantasyland can get very congested in the middle of the day. That's definitely one that you want to ride the rides in the early morning, especially because none of DLR's FL rides have FP (as opposed to WDW). Adventureland is also much smaller at DLR and has narrow walkways. The pathway can get very crowded also and Indy's line is always pretty long, although the other Adventureland attractions don't usually get very busy.
 
Yes the Tiki Juice Bar is AMAZING! Love the dole whips and dole whip floats. :woohoo:

DLR's Fantasyland can get very congested in the middle of the day. That's definitely one that you want to ride the rides in the early morning, especially because none of DLR's FL rides have FP (as opposed to WDW). Adventureland is also much smaller at DLR and has narrow walkways. The pathway can get very crowded also and Indy's line is always pretty long, although the other Adventureland attractions don't usually get very busy.

Thank you so much...I will be visiting Tiki's Juice Bar for sure!

If I may ask, would you suggest grabbing a fastpass for Indy before we begin in Fantasyland, or would Space Mtn. be a better choice of a ride in need of a fastpass if we were looking to ride something after Fantasyland?

I have WDW down to a science, but I know nothing about navigating DL. I don't want to mess up the DL plan for my fam...long waits, confusion, etc. We only have 2 days...
 
During busy times the best order to grab FP in DL are as follows:

Space Mt
Splash (on hot summer visits)
Indy
BTMRR
you can grab a FP for RR anytime, as it's not connected to the rest of the system

This summer, however with the new Star Tours, that will probably be the first to run out.

FPs for DCA

WOC-disconnected so you can grab another fp after this one with no wait
Screamin-especailly with WOC it seems to run out faster
Soarin
TOT
GRR

During this summer, there is debate if the LMM will have fp, if it does, those may run out quickly

Have a wonderful 1st trip to DL!
 
During busy times the best order to grab FP in DL are as follows:

Space Mt
Splash (on hot summer visits)
Indy
BTMRR
you can grab a FP for RR anytime, as it's not connected to the rest of the system

This summer, however with the new Star Tours, that will probably be the first to run out.

FPs for DCA

WOC-disconnected so you can grab another fp after this one with no wait
Screamin-especailly with WOC it seems to run out faster
Soarin
TOT
GRR

During this summer, there is debate if the LMM will have fp, if it does, those may run out quickly

Have a wonderful 1st trip to DL!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!:goodvibes
 


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