I'm 25 days out from DL....anything last minute I should be doing?

[pjlla]

I am less than a month out from my California/DL trip. I have already booked the ONE "meal" that I wanted (WOC dessert party), hotel is booked and paid for, rental car reservation is made, flights are all set, park tickets are purchased. DD and I have sketched out a plan of attack and will talk more and solidify it probably this week. I'm not planning any other table meals because we wanted an "in-park" early breakfast, but it seems like there isn't anything like this available.

I would like to buy the 7 day Photopass, but it seems like I can wait and do that after the trip. Any advantage to buying it up front online?

We want matching t-shirts, but I haven't found anything that I LOVE to buy yet.... but probably will choose them by next weekend.

Am I missing anything? I consider myself a WDW "pro", but definitely a DL novice. Thanks!.........P

 

[Indiana Scott]

Sounds like we'll be there at the same time!
I'm wondering the same thing; what am I missing. I just wish we could get a weather report this far out so we know what kind of temps to expect.

 

[Rubygoose]

Sounds like you have it under control. There is definitely less planning involved in a DLR trip compared to WDW. You might want to look over the park maps a little bit to familiarize yourself with where the FP machines are and where the restrooms are.

I always like to look around for coupons for the DTD restaurants. http://visitanaheim.org/deals/coupons often has good discounts, but it looks like right now they just have Ridemakers, and I doubt you and your daughter would be interested in that! If either of you have birthdays this month or next, sign up for birthday deals online with Earl of Sandwich and the Patina group of restaurants.

As for an "in park early breakfast" there is Plaza Inn Minnie and Friends breakfast as well as Carnation Cafe for table service. I think Riverbelle terrace is open for breakfast too, but from my experience, not a lot of places are open for breakfast in Disneyland. You might be better off picking up something from La Brea bakery, right at the entrance of DTD, and eating that while you wait in line. We usually just bring bananas and granola bars to eat in line while we wait for the gates.

 

[Angrose]

Sounds like we'll be there at the same time!
I'm wondering the same thing; what am I missing. I just wish we could get a weather report this far out so we know what kind of temps to expect.

It will be Indian Summer in CA, so it will be very hot. I would expect it to be in the 90's!

 

[Nevada Jen]

You still have time to order matching shirts from ETSY!

 

[5forMickey]

YIPPIEE YIPPIEE we are getting close also (we may just miss you) and I'm go excited I can't hardly stand myself. Suitcases aren't packed yet but everything is ironed and hanging on the rack ready to go........

Looks like you have a good plan. I'm hoping the crowds are a little lighter so you can be a little more flexible with ADR's etc.

It will be Indian Summer in CA, so it will be very hot. I would expect it to be in the 90's!

boo on this. I thought we were getting away from that really hot "July" weather.

 

[Texans_loyal]

I am less than a month out from my California/DL trip. I have already booked the ONE "meal" that I wanted (WOC dessert party), hotel is booked and paid for, rental car reservation is made, flights are all set, park tickets are purchased. DD and I have sketched out a plan of attack and will talk more and solidify it probably this week. I'm not planning any other table meals because we wanted an "in-park" early breakfast, but it seems like there isn't anything like this available.

I would like to buy the 7 day Photopass, but it seems like I can wait and do that after the trip. Any advantage to buying it up front online?

We want matching t-shirts, but I haven't found anything that I LOVE to buy yet.... but probably will choose them by next weekend.

Am I missing anything? I consider myself a WDW "pro", but definitely a DL novice. Thanks!.........P

I am in the same boat as you are! I will be there the 8th! I can have everything mapped out for WDW in my sleep but i get so lost when it comes to DL.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...As for an "in park early breakfast" there is Plaza Inn Minnie and Friends breakfast as well as Carnation Cafe for table service. I think Riverbelle terrace is open for breakfast too ...

The breakfast at River Belle Terrace moved to Rancho del Zocalo. There is also Market House (Starbucks) and Jolly Holiday Bakery for quick breakfast items. In DCA there is FF&P (Starbucks) and Flo's (great view of RSR).
For matching t-shirts, try Etsy, Cafe Press, Zazzle, etc.

 

[WonkaKid]

One thing I'd like to suggest. Not sure how much you walk on any given day, but if it's typically less than three miles, perhaps up that in prep for your trip. On an average day at DL, I walk eight miles. And I tend to leave early, so it's possible you'll walk even more. Think of it as getting in shape before basic training so it won't be such a shock to your feet/legs/system ;-).

Hope you both have a great visit!

Rob

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

I am less than a month out from my California/DL trip. I have already booked the ONE "meal" that I wanted (WOC dessert party), hotel is booked and paid for, rental car reservation is made, flights are all set, park tickets are purchased. DD and I have sketched out a plan of attack and will talk more and solidify it probably this week. I'm not planning any other table meals because we wanted an "in-park" early breakfast, but it seems like there isn't anything like this available.

I would like to buy the 7 day Photopass, but it seems like I can wait and do that after the trip. Any advantage to buying it up front online?

We want matching t-shirts, but I haven't found anything that I LOVE to buy yet.... but probably will choose them by next weekend.

Am I missing anything? I consider myself a WDW "pro", but definitely a DL novice. Thanks!.........P

We just decided a week ago and get there Thursday, but a lady I work with a lot does custom embroidery and can't put your monogram with Minnie Ears. VERY cute if you order coordinating shirts.

 

[pjlla]

Thank you all for the wonderful responses! Such great suggestions! I do have a Disboard friend who has an Etsy shop so I will probably pick a couple of t-shirts from her shop.... just need to agree on a few with DD.

The suggestion to start walking is an excellent one, but I'm not concern. DD and I exercise regularly (although not regularly enough ) so we should be all set.... but we have both been trying get in some extra mileage AND we have new sneakers ready to break in this week!

When I mentioned an in-park breakfast, I was hoping we'd have an opportunity to be IN the park about an hour before gates opened. We've done it at WDW several times and it works so well! Plus we don't feel like we are missing precious park time at a character meal. But the only in-park character breakfast doesn't appear to have availability early enough. If I'm missing something PLEASE let me know. Other than that we will eat breakfast in our hotel room... saves time, money, and calories!

Thanks again!............P

 

[ktlm]

If you want to pay the extra $30 and get the photopass package that gives you printed photos at one meal, puts your photos on disc (instead of just digital) and give you the disc of DLR stock photos, then you need to do that in advance (or at least on property before your character meal) because it includes the voucher for the print package. To me it probably isn't worth the $30, but some people might love it. Other than that, it sounds like you are set! DLR is so easy compared to WDW, and there is so much more flexibility during the day. Just have a good idea of the rides where FP runs out the soonest and which lines get the longest--- i.e. RSR, Space Mountain, Splash in the afternoon etc. The WOC dessert party is fantastic!!!! Have a fun trip!!!!

 

[pjlla]

If you want to pay the extra $30 and get the photopass package that gives you printed photos at one meal, puts your photos on disc (instead of just digital) and give you the disc of DLR stock photos, then you need to do that in advance (or at least on property before your character meal) because it includes the voucher for the print package. To me it probably isn't worth the $30, but some people might love it. Other than that, it sounds like you are set! DLR is so easy compared to WDW, and there is so much more flexibility during the day. Just have a good idea of the rides where FP runs out the soonest and which lines get the longest--- i.e. RSR, Space Mountain, Splash in the afternoon etc. The WOC dessert party is fantastic!!!! Have a fun trip!!!!

I actually plan to buy the one week Photopass (since we will be there 2.5 days), but since I've heard that the Photopass photographers aren't as abundant at DL as they are at WDW, I was thinking that perhaps I'd wait and see how many photos we actually end up with.

I FINALLY have some free time this weekend, so it is time for the suitcases to come out! And I need to head out with my DS to buy some dorm supplies, so I will definitely pick up some travel necessities as well. ................P

 

[ktlm]

I actually plan to buy the one week Photopass (since we will be there 2.5 days), but since I've heard that the Photopass photographers aren't as abundant at DL as they are at WDW, I was thinking that perhaps I'd wait and see how many photos we actually end up with.

I FINALLY have some free time this weekend, so it is time for the suitcases to come out! And I need to head out with my DS to buy some dorm supplies, so I will definitely pick up some travel necessities as well. ................P

The Disneyland app actually has a spot that you can click on that shows you where the photopass photographers are that are out at that time. So if you want to see if there are any near you, all you have to do is click on it. We usually have had no trouble finding photopass photographers at DLR, but this July was the first time we felt like there were a significantly less amount in the park. We hope that with the return of the one week photopass, there will be a return of more photographers! If you are anything like us, and if you like the characters, even with the reduced amount of photographers you definitely can get enough photos in 2 1/2 days to make that $69 one week package worth your while. The one I was talking about is the $99 version of the one week package--- it is still the one week package, but where the $69 is only digital prints of your photos, the $99 includes a voucher for a print package at a meal, a CD of your photos mailed to you in addition to the digital copy, and a CD of DLR stock photos. Oh- also, right now there is no ability to edit or add any borders on the DLR photopass site, they removed all that when they went to the single day pricing. When I talked to them after our trip (had a technical issue) they told me that they were hopeful that all the borders etc were coming back as there were lots of complaints, but so far they are not back yet. I have been keeping an eye on it because my photos are still active. Be sure to try to get some shots in Carsland, both during the day and at night! If they have a photopass photographer back on the path by the Carsland mountains after dark it makes for some beautiful shots. I have had several people think mine were from a "real", not Disney, location. This was the first year, we did not see anyone back there, but hopefully they will be back!

Have fun!

 

[SuperRob]

I am less than a month out from my California/DL trip. I have already booked the ONE "meal" that I wanted (WOC dessert party), hotel is booked and paid for, rental car reservation is made, flights are all set, park tickets are purchased. DD and I have sketched out a plan of attack and will talk more and solidify it probably this week. I'm not planning any other table meals because we wanted an "in-park" early breakfast, but it seems like there isn't anything like this available.

I would like to buy the 7 day Photopass, but it seems like I can wait and do that after the trip. Any advantage to buying it up front online?

We want matching t-shirts, but I haven't found anything that I LOVE to buy yet.... but probably will choose them by next weekend.

Am I missing anything? I consider myself a WDW "pro", but definitely a DL novice. Thanks!.........P

I got the Photopass 1-Week already. One last thing to "worry" about.

We went to the Disney Outlet at our local outlet mall to buy outfits for our 18-month-old for her first trip, and some shirts for us. And maybe some stuffies. Even with outlet prices, sale prices, Disney Visa discount ... we still spent just under $200. We might have gone overboard. But better than theme park prices!

Disneyland doesn't require as much planning. I think you'll do great. Only thing you may want to do is review the entertainment schedule so you know what's when (and if there are any closures) to prevent possible disappointment.

 

[pjlla]

The Disneyland app actually has a spot that you can click on that shows you where the photopass photographers are that are out at that time. So if you want to see if there are any near you, all you have to do is click on it. We usually have had no trouble finding photopass photographers at DLR, but this July was the first time we felt like there were a significantly less amount in the park. We hope that with the return of the one week photopass, there will be a return of more photographers! If you are anything like us, and if you like the characters, even with the reduced amount of photographers you definitely can get enough photos in 2 1/2 days to make that $69 one week package worth your while. The one I was talking about is the $99 version of the one week package--- it is still the one week package, but where the $69 is only digital prints of your photos, the $99 includes a voucher for a print package at a meal, a CD of your photos mailed to you in addition to the digital copy, and a CD of DLR stock photos. Oh- also, right now there is no ability to edit or add any borders on the DLR photopass site, they removed all that when they went to the single day pricing. When I talked to them after our trip (had a technical issue) they told me that they were hopeful that all the borders etc were coming back as there were lots of complaints, but so far they are not back yet. I have been keeping an eye on it because my photos are still active. Be sure to try to get some shots in Carsland, both during the day and at night! If they have a photopass photographer back on the path by the Carsland mountains after dark it makes for some beautiful shots. I have had several people think mine were from a "real", not Disney, location. This was the first year, we did not see anyone back there, but hopefully they will be back!

Have fun!

I was familiar with the app, but I don't want to waste time chasing photographers. At WDW there seem to be almost TOO many. But thanks for the help... and thanks especially about the idea for the photos in Carsland!

I got the Photopass 1-Week already. One last thing to "worry" about.

We went to the Disney Outlet at our local outlet mall to buy outfits for our 18-month-old for her first trip, and some shirts for us. And maybe some stuffies. Even with outlet prices, sale prices, Disney Visa discount ... we still spent just under $200. We might have gone overboard. But better than theme park prices!

Disneyland doesn't require as much planning. I think you'll do great. Only thing you may want to do is review the entertainment schedule so you know what's when (and if there are any closures) to prevent possible disappointment.

I agree.... maybe I will just buy it in advance and give myself one less thing to worry about.... and one less thing to pay for when I get home.

*************************

Bought our t-shirts today (assuming they fit us.... DD's wasn't there to try on). I wanted to buy from a friend with an Etsy shop, but we didn't find many that we absolutely LOVED (just one) and to be honest, the Disney store shirts were on sale and my budget it tight, so a $10 t-shirt sounds great! ............P

 

[smartlabelprint]

I am less than a month out from my California/DL trip. I have already booked the ONE "meal" that I wanted (WOC dessert party), hotel is booked and paid for, rental car reservation is made, flights are all set, park tickets are purchased. DD and I have sketched out a plan of attack and will talk more and solidify it probably this week. I'm not planning any other table meals because we wanted an "in-park" early breakfast, but it seems like there isn't anything like this available.

I would like to buy the 7 day Photopass, but it seems like I can wait and do that after the trip. Any advantage to buying it up front online?

We want matching t-shirts, but I haven't found anything that I LOVE to buy yet.... but probably will choose them by next weekend.

Am I missing anything? I consider myself a WDW "pro", but definitely a DL novice. Thanks!.........P

There's breakfast at Rancho del zocalo.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Now would be a good time to sign up for restaurant coupons. You can check the various restaurants' sites (e.g. Mimi's, Patina Group, EOS, Landry's, etc.) to see what they offer. Also check the site for the Anaheim Visitor's Bureau.

 

[pjlla]

Now would be a good time to sign up for restaurant coupons. You can check the various restaurants' sites (e.g. Mimi's, Patina Group, EOS, Landry's, etc.) to see what they offer. Also check the site for the Anaheim Visitor's Bureau.

Thank you for the suggestion. We won't be eating outside of the DL resort area though. We arrive in Anaheim early evening on Sunday and fly out at midnight on Tuesday and don't want to waste a minute outside of DL. We do bring along our own breakfast and snacks most of the time, but will make due with DL foods other than that! It isn't the most thrifty choice but sometimes time is money!.........P

 

[theluckyrabbit]

EOS, Patina Group restaurants (Catal, UVA Bar, Tortilla Jo's, Naples), Landry's (Rainforest Cafe?) are all in DtD. So if you see a place you'd like to try on property, it's nice to have a coupon handy.