Help Me Plan My Trip!!! Please....

[littleowensmommy]

Hi Everyone,

Big Favor...

DH, DS6(47"...hopefully 48" by our trip!), DD4(39.5"...hopefully 40" by our trip!) and I will be at the DLH Wednesday 27 July-Saturday 30 July before we cruise on the Magic. This will be our first trip to DL. On 27 July we will arrive mid-afternoon and plan to just rest and let the kids swim in the Neverland Pool. We have 2-day park hoppers for 28 and 29 July. I was thinking about the Rainforest Cafe for dinner that evening. We will leave at 10:30 am for the cruise terminal on Saturday. We will not have a rental car. I was thinking about Goofy's Kitchen for Breakfast that morning.

Could anyone (DL Vets...?) please help me plan an itinerary? We don't have the AAA multi-fast pass ticket, early entry or any other preferred seating, etc. I would like PS recommendations also. Which park should we do each day? At Disneyland we'd like to see the Parade of Dreams (any recommendations on best spots to view would be appreciated), Fireworks (again, best place to view???), Snow White-An Enchanting Musical. We'd like to have lunch at the Blue Bayou. At DCA we'd like to see the Block Party Bash, Disney's Electrical Parade and Disney's Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular. (again, best viewing recommendations would be appreciated). I was thinking about Ariel's Grotto for lunch or Wine Country Trattoria for dinner.

I know that I'm asking for a lot but I'm completely overwhelmed with trip planning at the moment. We'll be in Coronado 23-27 July and on the Magic 30 July-6 August. ...I know poor me!

We have a Disney Visa so we'll be able to get free strollers at DL and DCA. We are also DVC members. Does anyone know what "special perks" if any they have for us? I used the reduced points cost to book DLH!

Thanks so much for any and all help!

Kathy

 

[jlawall]

Hey Kathy!

It's JoAnn from our 7/30/05 DCL thread. I was wondering where you bought the 2 day park hopper tickets from? I am ready to do that and I want to just get two days also.

 

[littleowensmommy]

I'm getting the 2-day parkhoppers from MWR (military tickets). They're only $76.50 ea for the adult tickets and $66.50 for the child tickets.

Kathy

 

[karylrocks]

I was thinking about the Rainforest Cafe for dinner that evening. That should be fun but be aware that sometimes all the noise is scary for younger children.

We will leave at 10:30 am for the cruise terminal on Saturday. We will not have a rental car. I was thinking about Goofy's Kitchen for Breakfast that morning. Great choice - suggest getting one of the earliest seatings.

Which park should we do each day? I would hit DL 1/2 hour before it opens on Thursday and head straight for Fantasyland, then go to Toontown right when it opens (an hour later). Go over to Tom Sawyer Island when the park starts to get crowded Take a break in the afternoon and visit the other lands in the avening. Be at DL again first thing Friday morning, then head over to DCA when it opens. Then take a break at the hotel and go back to DL in the evening.

At Disneyland we'd like to see the Parade of Dreams (any recommendations on best spots to view would be appreciated), Fireworks (again, best place to view???), Snow White-An Enchanting Musical. The fireworks are best right in front of the castle, from what I have heard you should get there plenty early.

We'd like to have lunch at the Blue Bayou. Get at early seating (11:00) and ask to sit by the water.

 

[AFMom]

Sadly - no DVC perks yet for us DVC-ers at DLR. Hopefully they'll change that soon! I'm still crossing my fingers for a DVC wing of the GCH!
You'll have time for Goofy's kitchen that morning - I would go to the earliest seating (which was 7am when we were there) - it gets crowded really fast otherwise!
Rainforest Cafe - get a reservation for an early or late dinner, and show up 15 minutes early. Our kids have loved it there since they were 4 - your 6 year old should have fun!
For Aladdin and Snow White, all the showings are fine - but you'll want to get there about 15 minutes before the showing you decide on to get a seat. You may want to plan an afternoon showing both days - get out of the heat and let your 6 yo take a break off his feet in the a/c or shade.
We like Ariel's Grotto - but lunch time is crazy there - even with a PS your bound to wait about 20 minutes or so. With only 2 park days - I'd say Goofy's kitchen will fill the character meal slot! If you do want to try Ariel's - go for an early or late dinner PS - less wait time, and do a fast lunch. Our kids did NOT like the Trattoria! Not as kid friendly as most of the other options there.
Blue Bayou - love it - kids love it! Try to get an early lunch ps and get there 15 minutes early to get a water table.
Electric Parade - try to sit as close to the exit to CA ADV as possible so that you can scoot back over to DL when it's over without fighting the crowds. Any viewing spot is fine - but it will be easier to get out of the park this way!
Fireworks - always right in front of the Castle - but if you can't manage that - or don't want to try to hold a spot, try at the end of Main St near the Emporium. In order to get the full effect of the music - you really need to be as straight on with the Castle, and as close to the Hub as you can bear to be.
Have fun!!!!!

 

[littleowensmommy]

Karylrocks and AFMom. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me. Karylrocks, DL opens at 7:00 am for those with early entry which we do not have. Do you still think we should go there first on Thursday? Do you have any recommendation for a PS in DCA? How about a viewing spot for the Block Party Bash? Thanks again,

Kathy

 

[LucyKate]

Our girls, 9 and 5, loved Rainforest Cafe - I'm sure your kids will too.

The measuring for the rides is done with shoes on - so that should buy you another half inch or so.

Blue Bayou is brilliant, but book ahead.

The only place to get the full effect of the fireworks is from the front of the castle - but get there early as it fills up fast.