I agree with the previous, read Hydroguy’s post for a quick overview of what is different between the two resorts (WDW and DLR) and the story of how his family planned for their visits. You will learn something there for sure. You do not say if you have kids or their ages, because that might change my response, but here are my thoughts.
As a California native I’ve been to DLR many times; the first time I was five and it was 1967 (yikes, I’m still young at heart!) I’m an optimist. I think
Disneyland and Cali adventure can be fun any day of the year with some advance planning and, this is key, multiple day passes. However, even with a good plan there are uncontrollable variables.
To maximize your visit in July and make it enjoyable, here are my suggestions.
July is peak season at DLR. Plan to go into the parks at least two days and preferably three and stay at a hotel within walking distance or on-site. A week day may be less crowded. It will be very beneficial if you do some research.
For all visits, I recommend arriving an hour before the park opens with your tickets pre-purchased so you can proceed directly to the gate. I cannot emphasize this too much. DO NOT purchase park tickets at the park. On a busy day this can take over an hour. You may want to bring a backpack with sandwiches and snacks that you can eat in line.
Be prepared for the DLR’s new card system. Be cognizant that you will now have your photograph taken with your card. During our last visit I watched a CM turn away an entire group and send them to guest services because they could not confirm their cards. Time at the parks is precious and you do not want to waste it.
Learn how the DLR and DCA FAST PASS system works and make a plan for how to use it prior to arrival. An effective FAST PASS plan can double how many rides and attractions you can do in a day so do your homework. There are several free resources out there to teach you how to do this, but it’s a little more complicated then they make it sound. But, if you want to get your ride on, it’s the only way.
Be prepared for ride closures and break-downs and have a back-up plan.
Take food to eat at your hotel so you don’t have to go to a restaurant for at least one meal a day and have a park snack-plan prepared. Seriously. Even when the parks are not super-packed, the restaurants and eateries can have long wait times. When the parks are crowded the wait times can be as long as the wait for a major ride, 2 ½ hours or more, even in Downtown Disney. We always stay close and bring lots of food so if it is crowded or we get tired we can leave. Many families, especially with little ones, find that being able to leave during the heat of the day between 1:00 and 5:00 to go back to the hotel where you can cool off and swim, have some snacks, take a nap, relax and watch TV will re-energize you. By about 6:00 you can go back in, right about when many other patrons want dinner. The resort parks are often open during crowded days until midnight, so even with an afternoon break you will still have 6 hours in Disneyland to continue your enjoyment and catch some parades and the fireworks. The parks are no place to be when it is crowded and you are hungry.
July is hot (but not humid like Florida). Even so, take bottled water and stay hydrated!
For rides if that’s your thing, don’t miss RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. You won’t find this ride at WDW. I love it. Also, SM is supposed to be better at DLR since it was upgraded.
Eat at least once at Flo’s V8 in DCA in Car’s land. It’s surprisingly good. And the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop serves huge, old fashioned ice cream sundaes to die for.
I hope you and your family have a great time!
