Help me plan my DLR trip!

[allimaree]

I always appreciate everyone's insight--you guys think of things I never would have thought of! (LOVE your "rules" hydroguy!) So I'd love to get your suggestions on our upcoming trip.

We are going Mon-Wed, May 5-7 (I know, no fireworks ). We will be in a pretty large group (11 adults, 4 kids, 2 babies) but we may not stay together the whole time. We are staying at Carosel Inn and Suites and buying 3-day park hopper tickets so we will get one day of MM (Tuesday). We would like to schedule a character breakfast (hopefully Goofy) for one of the mornings. Most of our group has never been to DCA (I've only ever had one afternoon there and I didn't feel it was enough). My husband and I (+4 kids) are considering upgrading our tickets to 5-day park hoppers and staying through friday.

So here are my questions:
1. Are there fireworks on Sunday so we will at least get to see them from our hotel when we get there?
2. When would you schedule Goofy's breakfast? Which day, time?
3. When would you do DCA? Day(s), times?
4. What are your favorite (cheaper) places to eat? With a bigger group, prices add up quickly when you eat at the Blue Bayou!
5. Anything else I haven't though of??

Thanks so much!!

 

[ballarinamom]

With those lovely Santa Ana winds, you are ever gauranteed fireworks. But a 5 day park hopper gives you lots of time to cover everything and not wear yourself out. Does ayoe in your group have AAA? You get a discount at Goofy's if you do. Are you early risers? I would maybe to a late breakfast at Goofy's, matbe 10:30 on an early entry morning. That way you can get in some early rides and take the monnorail over Goofy's.

 

[DLR29]

1. Yes, you can see the fireworks on Sunday

2. I'd probably schedule it for Monday morning early, before you go to the parks.

3. DCA is very easily done in the afternoons. It's so easy to park hop that you can visit DL in the morning, hop to DCA, and then hop back to DL for the evening.

4. For counter service, I like Hungry Bear Restaurant (good burgers and plenty of seats) in Critter Country, Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (good pasta/pizza) in Tomorrowland, and Rancho del Zocalo (Mexican, mmmmmm) in Frontierland. I also know a lot of people here like Whitewater Snacks inside Grand Californian (which is like a minutes walk from DCA) for good cheap food.

 

[bumbershoot]

Ooh, already planning to upgrade tickets and lengthen your stay..good start!

The thought of making our stay longer is what led us to upgrading...upgrading our 5 days to Annual Passports!


I'd go to DCA whenever the mood strikes. I really enjoy DCA!


I don't have answers to the others. Sorry.

 

[mommy_2_two]

So here are my questions:
1. Are there fireworks on Sunday so we will at least get to see them from our hotel when we get there?
2. When would you schedule Goofy's breakfast? Which day, time?
3. When would you do DCA? Day(s), times?
4. What are your favorite (cheaper) places to eat? With a bigger group, prices add up quickly when you eat at the Blue Bayou!
5. Anything else I haven't though of??

Thanks so much!!

Places to Eat: In the park, cheaper but definitely good. Bengal BBQ near Tarzan's treehouse. Not a sit down, but the meat skewers are so good!

Place to eat in DTD: Tortilla Joe's good Mexican food. Not stellar, but pretty good.

Mimi's cafe is also across the street from DLR.

As far as Goofy's Kitchen, schedule an earlier time. You'll have more chances of seeing more characters.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

With those lovely Santa Ana winds, you are ever gauranteed fireworks.

The last 3 out of 4 times we were there in 2007, the fireworks were cancelled. So go figure dumb winds..

 

[Hound 109]

1. Yes, you can see the fireworks on Sunday

2. I'd probably schedule it for Monday morning early, before you go to the parks.

3. DCA is very easily done in the afternoons. It's so easy to park hop that you can visit DL in the morning, hop to DCA, and then hop back to DL for the evening.

4. For counter service, I like Hungry Bear Restaurant (good burgers and plenty of seats) in Critter Country, Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (good pasta/pizza) in Tomorrowland, and Rancho del Zocalo (Mexican, mmmmmm) in Frontierland. I also know a lot of people here like Whitewater Snacks inside Grand Californian (which is like a minutes walk from DCA) for good cheap food.

I agree with all that DLR recommends...and would add.....every day you should consider:

- DL (as early as possible) to tour & collect 3-5 FPs to use in the evening.
- Hop to DCA late morning or early afternoon. (we always pick up a FP at Soarin & Griz first).
- An afternoon rest.
- Evening at DL (with 3-5 FPs in your pocket).

Also, with the size of your group, you should consider 2-3 teams or groups. With a FP leader/runner/holder in each group. I mention this because you'll split up anyway at some point, & that it's important to have one person in charge of tickets/FPs & NO WAY should one person be in charge of ALL ticks in your sized group.

Obviously you'll tour some together & eat together & watch shows together & stuff, but having 15-17 people trying to follow a schedule (or worse....strolling thru DL WITHOUT a schedule) would be rough.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[allimaree]

Thank you everyone for your GREAT suggestions!