Help with last minute trip!

[hamilkm]

So I just booked a last minute Disneyland trip. We are leaving tomorrow. I cancelled our WDW trip because of Irma. We are arriving at SNA tomorrow at 6:30 pm. We are staying our first 2 nights at the Fairfield across the street from Disneyland. I stayed there a couple of years ago when I went for 1 day and like it. We are moving Friday to Paradise Pier for 4 nights. I had to use my dvc points from my cancelled WDW trip or I would lose them. I made a reservation for the fantasmic dining package at blue bayou (I've always wanted to eat there) and a world of color dining package. What else do I need to book? This may be a once in lifetime type trip so I want to do as much as possible. Also what tips do you guys have for us? Thanks!

ETA... I am on my way to work and don't get off til 9pm tonight so I don't have much time to research/plan. I have looked at Max Pass and decided to get 5 day park hoppers with Max Pass and that is as far as I've gotten.

 

[Aladora]

I would be tempted to switch out the WoC dining package for the WoC dessert package if you can. We've done both and for us, the dessert package is the only way to go!

 

[hamilkm]

I would be tempted to switch out the WoC dining package for the WoC dessert package if you can. We've done both and for us, the dessert package is the only way to go!

Thanks. Is it a better view or just easier? I just made super quick reservations this morning and am fine with changing anything.

 

[KBinCO]

I hope you enjoy the trip and I'm glad you can still get a Disney trip in! Nice that you could still book your dining packages so las minute!

 

[Aladora]

Thanks. Is it a better view or just easier? I just made super quick reservations this morning and am fine with changing anything.

You get a table and chairs which is well worth the cost plus you get cheese, bread, plated desserts plus two alcoholic drinks each, unlimited non alcoholic drinks and kids get a light up cup.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thanks. Is it a better view or just easier? I just made super quick reservations this morning and am fine with changing anything.

I've done neither but the difference is that World of Color dining package gets you a meal sometime before the show (whichever restaurant and time you booked) and a fastpass to a reserved standing area for the World of Color show whereas the dessert package instead gets you a table and chairs in a different reserved area actually at the show. You are served a package of desserts that also includes bread, cheese, and maybe fruit (can't remember) and drinks, including alcohol if you wish.

 

[hamilkm]

I've done neither but the difference is that World of Color dining package gets you a meal sometime before the show (whichever restaurant and time you booked) and a fastpass to a reserved standing area for the World of Color show whereas the dessert package instead gets you a table and chairs in a different reserved area actually at the show. You are served a package of desserts that also includes bread, cheese, and maybe fruit (can't remember) and drinks, including alcohol if you wish.

Thanks so much. I will talk with my mom and see if she wants to pay more to get a seat. My guess will be yes.

 

[hootey]

I would book a character breakfast at Surfs Up in PP. Another character breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen at the DLH or maybe character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand California. Looks like you have five days or so to have FUN! Do it all, go see "Turtle Talk" or "Crush" in CA. There are all the rides of course, don't miss Frozen in CA as well. Want something simple to eat, try WhiteWater Snacks in the Grand or "Trader Joes" over at the DLH. Do EVERYTHING, You should have time. Don't miss Lincoln on Mainstreet in DL. Go in every door and every store in the parks, we do. Stop to look at things and listen to the noises in DL. While at the train station in New Orleons Square, listen for the teletype running in the old train station, it is Walt Disney's speech he made on the opening day of the park in Morse Code. Lots and Lots of stuff to see and do. Just take the time to look at everything and enjoy being there! My wife says I could bore King Tut to sleep talking about all the things to do at DL so I'll stop here

 

[Geemo]

Thanks so much. I will talk with my mom and see if she wants to pay more to get a seat. My guess will be yes.

I'll be doing the WOC dessert in October.
I have done the FP for WOC many times. I just don't want to fight the crowds.
I watched a few YouTube WOC dessert party videos. That sealed the deal for me.

I don't see it as "paying more to get a seat".
I will have a relaxing, no chaos WOC experience... I feel it will be worth every penny!!

Geemo

Edit added
If you plan to do a character breakfast, Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn has the most characters drift through. It's usually anywhere from 8 to 11 or so. Plan to be at the breakfast for 1 to 1.5 hours to see the most characters.

 

[Whistlebee]

I love the Fairfield Inn but the rooms can be noisy. Nothing that can't be solved by bringing ear phones or by downloading a sound machine app.
Another vote for WOC Dessert Party! It feels like a VIP experience. Instead of fighting the crowds you get to sit down while someone brings you food and drinks. Yes, please!

Try and see which rides are important to you.and do a little research on what Fastpasses you should pull first.
I love last minute trips! Have a great time!

 

[hamilkm]

I'll be doing the WOC dessert in October.
I have done the FP for WOC many times. I just don't want to fight the crowds.
I watched a few YouTube WOC dessert party videos. That sealed the deal for me.

I don't see it as "paying more to get a seat".
I will have a relaxing, no chaos WOC experience... I feel it will be worth every penny!!

Geemo

Edit added
If you plan to do a character breakfast, Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn has the most characters drift through. It's usually anywhere from 8 to 11 or so. Plan to be at the breakfast for 1 to 1.5 hours to see the most characters.

Thanks! I actually booked this breakfast for Friday morning. Good to know it's fun!

 

[hamilkm]

I would book a character breakfast at Surfs Up in PP. Another character breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen at the DLH or maybe character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand California. Looks like you have five days or so to have FUN! Do it all, go see "Turtle Talk" or "Crush" in CA. There are all the rides of course, don't miss Frozen in CA as well. Want something simple to eat, try WhiteWater Snacks in the Grand or "Trader Joes" over at the DLH. Do EVERYTHING, You should have time. Don't miss Lincoln on Mainstreet in DL. Go in every door and every store in the parks, we do. Stop to look at things and listen to the noises in DL. While at the train station in New Orleons Square, listen for the teletype running in the old train station, it is Walt Disney's speech he made on the opening day of the park in Morse Code. Lots and Lots of stuff to see and do. Just take the time to look at everything and enjoy being there! My wife says I could bore King Tut to sleep talking about all the things to do at DL so I'll stop here

Thanks so much for all the tips. I am actually going to try to book the in walts footsteps tour because I'm fascinated with the history of the parks. I can't wait to go and soak everything in. I have only been to just Disneyland and only for 1 day, so I am so excited!

 

[Geemo]

Thanks so much for all the tips. I am actually going to try to book the in walts footsteps tour because I'm fascinated with the history of the parks. I can't wait to go and soak everything in. I have only been to just Disneyland and only for 1 day, so I am so excited!

While ear phones are provided, you might want to take your own ear phones / ear buds for the tour.

 

[MermaidHair]

Great job shifting due to the weather. I am very impressed! If you are not going into the parks I would recommend going over to DTD on your first night. We like to try to get a balcony or outdoor table at Tortilla Joes so we can enjoy a good dinner and the DTD atmosphere at the same time. You might want to call and reserve that if it sounds fun to you.

 

[Geemo]

Great job shifting due to the weather. I am very impressed! If you are not going into the parks I would recommend going over to DTD on your first night. We like to try to get a balcony or outdoor table at Tortilla Joes so we can enjoy a good dinner and the DTD atmosphere at the same time. You might want to call and reserve that if it sounds fun to you.

Great idea!
Does the balcony give a nice view of DTD?

 

[hamilkm]

While ear phones are provided, you might want to take your own ear phones / ear buds for the tour.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[MermaidHair]

Great idea!
Does the balcony give a nice view of DTD?

It is a pretty good one, although not stellar. There is a wall that you have to look over so it is away from the hustle bustle but still in the heart of things. A nice change from packed park-hopping. Plus, table-side guacamole!

 

[hamilkm]

So I was taking everyone's advice and going to swap to the dessert party, but online it says no times available. Do you have to call to get this one or do you think it's sold out?

 

[Geemo]

So I was taking everyone's advice and going to swap to the dessert party, but online it says no times available. Do you have to call to get this one or do you think it's sold out?

The online calendar has been an issue for online reservations lately..
Take the time and make a call to try and get a reservation.

 

[hamilkm]

The online calendar has been an issue for online reservations lately..
Take the time and make a call to try and get a reservation.

I was just able to. I'm on my lunch break at work. I got it for Sunday night!