I'm a little lost puppy headed to DL.

[DisneyMomOfThree]

I have never been west of the Mississippi and now my WDW family of 5 are headed to DL. We are owners of DVC but are going cash for a hotel off property. I feel completely loss at what hotel to stay at and what places to eat at. We are looking at HoJo across from DL. Any ideas if it will fit me, DH, DS9, DS6, and DD4 in one room? Now places to eat. I usually have places booked ahead of time and I'm so lost at where to start. I know there are DL diehards that would love to share their experiences.

 

[DLR29]

Here's a good link to look at DL's restaurants: http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dl/dl_rest.htm

And DCA: http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dca/dca_rest.htm

Finally DTD: http://allears.net/dlr/din/dtd_rest.htm

Personally for Table Service, I love the Blue Bayou in DL in New Orleans Square. Good food and great atmosphere (right next to the pirates ride). In DTD, I like Naples Ristorante and Pizzeria and also the Jazz Kitchen. The Rainforest Cafe is fun, but food can be iffy.

For counter service, try Hungry Bear (Critter Country), Rancho del Zocalo (Frontierland), or Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (Tomorrowland) all in DL. In DCA, Taste Pilot's Grill has pretty good food, but there just aren't very many places to eat in DCA.

 

[Hound 109]

I have never been west of the Mississippi and now my WDW family of 5 are headed to DL. We are owners of DVC but are going cash for a hotel off property. I feel completely loss at what hotel to stay at and what places to eat at. We are looking at HoJo across from DL. Any ideas if it will fit me, DH, DS9, DS6, and DD4 in one room? Now places to eat. I usually have places booked ahead of time and I'm so lost at where to start. I know there are DL diehards that would love to share their experiences.

Welcome to the DL board, DMoT.

Many differences in SoCal DLR vrs. WDW. First off, if you haven't discovered HydroGuy's Sticky at the top of page 1, this would be step 1. First, print off the DLR acronyms, then read his "DLR for WDW vets thread"....it's essential & the primer.

A couple of questions that will help us (help you):

- Approx. when are you coming (if you know the dates share).
- How long?
- Are you going to visit anything else?
- Where do you all like to stay at WDW?
- How do you tour? (Commando? Smell the roses? A combination? Everyday naps? Up early? Close the parks down?)

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Just got back from DL a few weeks ago & just 2 opinions for dining off DL.

Stay away from Capt. Kidds - its right across the street from the main entrance to DL. Its buffet, so we thought a little for everyone. The only thing that didn't have the taste of sitting out for 6 hours were the rolls. Everything else was aweful!

You must do Tony Roma's (Ribs, Steak & Seafood). That is the best meal I have every had. My husband loved everything he got (steak, shrimp & ribs), and the bow tie pasta w/chicken was to die for!

Have fun!

 

[DisneyMomOfThree]

A couple of questions that will help us (help you):

- Approx. when are you coming (if you know the dates share).
- How long?
- Are you going to visit anything else?
- Where do you all like to stay at WDW?
- How do you tour? (Commando? Smell the roses? A combination? Everyday naps? Up early? Close the parks down?)

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

Thanks. I have looked at previous threads and with all honesty I thought allears was just for WDW. We are arriving Sat. March 1 and leaving Sat the 8th. We are DVC owners so we stay onsite (favorite is BW). We rarely get to the parks before 10 unless we have a reservation for bkfst but we will close them down. I am a huge planner and usually have what park on what day, meals and EMH planned out. I have two huge lego fans so we are going to go down to Lego Land. How many days do you plan for DL and LL.

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks. I have looked at previous threads and with all honesty I thought allears was just for WDW. We are arriving Sat. March 1 and leaving Sat the 8th. We are DVC owners so we stay onsite (favorite is BW). We rarely get to the parks before 10 unless we have a reservation for bkfst but we will close them down. I am a huge planner and usually have what park on what day, meals and EMH planned out. I have two huge lego fans so we are going to go down to Lego Land. How many days do you plan for DL and LL.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Here is HydroGuy's Tip thread. Read his "DLR for WDW Vets" thread first. It's the primer & is very informative. (then read the rest of his tip threads).

- 3/1 - 3/8 should be prior to Spring Break.....barely . (But Saturday will be crowded)
- DLR food planning is WAY different than WDW. Make a couple of ressies in the next week, but hold off on all others till later. (You won't need them.)
- There isn't any Late night EMH at DLR, so you might want to try to go early one or two days. It's VERY easy to get up early your first day if you're coming from the east coast because of the time change. Use this to your advantage.

Be aware that Candy Cane is like a poor man's POFQ & Hojos is an All Star w/o the theming. They are clean & convenient, but you WON'T get the "immersion" that you enjoy at WDW if staying there. I would price the Paradise Pier & DLH as well.

Lots of recent posts on LegoLand (we went there a couple of years ago) & apparently it's an easy day trip if inclined. A good 4-6 hour park (as is US fwiw).

Here are a couple of links that describe park hopping at DLR (it's easy to do & recommneded)

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

& our experience with EE:

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671

Also, if you have any kids between 5 & 12 they might be interested in Jedi Training. A trip highlight for our DS8.

Have fun planning.

 

[jlmarr]

Just got back from DL a few weeks ago & just 2 opinions for dining off DL.

Stay away from Capt. Kidds - ...

You must do Tony Roma's (Ribs, Steak & Seafood)...

A Cheesecake Factory just opened on Katella about a block east of Harbor Blvd. Always a good choice in my book, even if we were to skip dessert.

 

[Tigger girl]

You will only need one day for Legoland.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Hi DisneyMomofThree, I have two boys and we always make sure to make a stop at the Lego Store in DTD. They just love being in there and looking. Also, the Rainforest Cafe (in DTD) is a favorite, especially since we do not have one near where we live. There is a lot of stuff to look at.

We always try to eat at least one meal at the Carnation Cafe. I get PS seating, so we do not have to wait in line for a table to open. It is right on main street and really gives you a feel for Disneyland and it is a sit down resteraunt, which is nice when you are exhausted. Keep in mind that it is outside and if it rains, they close down. Of course, the BB is another favorite, especially if your kids like Pirates.

Just my two cents... Enjoy.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi DisneyMomofThree, I have two boys and we always make sure to make a stop at the Lego Store in DTD. They just love being in there and looking. Also, the Rainforest Cafe (in DTD) is a favorite, especially since we do not have one near where we live. There is a lot of stuff to look at.

We always try to eat at least one meal at the Carnation Cafe. I get PS seating, so we do not have to wait in line for a table to open. It is right on main street and really gives you a feel for Disneyland and it is a sit down resteraunt, which is nice when you are exhausted. Keep in mind that it is outside and if it rains, they close down. Of course, the BB is another favorite, especially if your kids like Pirates.

Just my two cents... Enjoy.

& the Carnation Cafe has a great breakfast menu, fwiw. & has Mickey Waffles for kids.

 

[DisneyMomOfThree]

Thank you all who responded. I am going to make ADR's to Carnation. Thanks for the info on HoJo. Has anyone done Portofino?