Help with DCA and DL

[froggy33]

Hi. I will be going to DL for the first time this Friday (kind of a last minute trip). I was just wanting to know if you guys could give me some info. I have been to WDW, but not DL. I would like to know how to get between the parks. I am parking at DCA in the morning and then going to DL in the afternoon and would like to know if I can leave my car at DCA. Thanks!!

 

[got2travel]

DL is much smaller than WDW. There is just an esplanade in between the 2 parks with Downtown Disney on a 3rd side. You walk between everything, very unlike WDW.

Have fun, but be forewarned, there seems to be no slow season this year. DL has maintained high crowds since this summer when the 50th anniversary kicked off. And I've heard that Fridays have been the busiest weekday so far.

 

[sahbushka]

Well, you will have no problem going between the 2 parks as their entrances are about 30 yards from each other. Unlike WDW where you need a bus between parks, Disneyland is all right there. You will park in the parking structure and then either walk or take the tram to the entrance area. You will have a great time! I'll actually be there that day as well. I leave wednesday night and will be in the park Thursday through sunday! Hope the weather is great!

 

[yeartolate]

That is the great thing about Disneyland Resort. The intimacy of it all. If DL gets overcrowded, you walk 90 yards to the other park. Downtown Disney is right there, too.

But you will just have to park at the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure and tram it over (assuming you are not at a hotel with a shuttle - many do)

 

[froggy33]

Thanks everybody!! That takes one problem off my mind (I have never driven in CA!). I also would like to know about the fireworks. Do you just sit and watch them, both fireworks and Fantasmic??

 

[denyd]

For Fantasmic: the best viewing spot is at the railing facing Tom Sawyer's island on a line between Pirates & the Tom Sawyer Mill. Many people stake out areas with blankets,tarps, etc 2+ hours before the show.

For the Fireworks: the best spot is on the Tomorrowland side of the main hub and a lot of people snag spots along the curbs to watch the parade go by about an hour before the parade (6:30) and then keep those seats for the fireworks (1+ hours later). What I've heard works best (I have to skip Fantasmic as it scares my 3yo DS) is to pick a spot for the parade & fireworks and then head over to the Fantasmic spot after the fireworks to see the 2nd showing of Fantasmic.

 

[yeartolate]

Fantasmic is WAY better at DL. Tom Sawyars Island/Rivers of America is the backdrop. You watch from New Orleans Squareand Fronteirland. For riverfront seating for the early show you will have to sit and wait 2 or 3 hours (yechh!) The late show has better views without extensive waits.