I'm headed back to Disneyland! Solo & San Diego this time too! (2/5-2/9 PTR & TR!)

IanDLBZF from MCMagic

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 2, 2015
Alrighty folks, starting another Pre-Trip Report....
This time it's for my return to Disneyland after only 8 years!!!!!!

Originally, I had intended to do this last year in November, but my parents and the situation in California prevented me from doing so, and I ended up going up to Atlanta, GA for a fun 4-day, 3-night adventure from November 14th through the 17th. It was a nice thing to do, the weather was nice, it was okay and all, but there wasn't a lot to do per say. So now it's been there done that for me.

Now this time, I'm going to try again!

This will be my second time in Disneyland, and was originally going to be my first time doing Viva Navidad at DCA (Three Caballeros Fan here ;)) and at the time was so excited too! For that regards I am a current WDW AP and have seen both Panchito and Jose (the former being my top favorite Disney Character, alongside Scrooge McDuck, Judy Hopps, and Chip'n'Dale) in Discovery Island Carnivale and Move It Shake It Mousekedance It!

However, I've since decided to go up to Savannah, GA and down to West Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale instead during 11/13-11/17. But in the bright side of things, this will ultimately be my VERY FIRST TIME doing the Lunar New Year's Celebrations at DCA and may be my first time meeting Mushu and Mulan!

The Itinerary is as follows...

Sunday February 5 - Travel/Downtown Disney
Flying from MCO to SAN (with a connection at PHX) on American Airlines, departing 7:08am, eta in SAN at 11:26am.
MTS 992 to Santa Fe Depot before taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim
Check-In and Downtown Disney in the evening

Monday February 6 - 1st Park Day (Disneyland AM/DCA PM)
Likely going to see World of Color and may end up meeting Mushu and Mulan that day
Main Focus for DL is Frontierland, Adventureland, and (1/2 of ) Fantasyland, DCA it'll be Pixar/Paradise Pier, Cars Land, & Paradise Gardens Park

Tuesday February 7 - 2nd Park Day (DCA AM/Disneyland PM/Disneyland After Dark)
Attending Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite too!
Main focus for DCA will be MOST LIKELY Avengers Campus, Grizzly Park Airfield, and Hollywood Blvd, and DL it'll be the remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland

Wednesday February 8 - Checkout of DLH, then back to San Diego
I'll check out of the hotel and around 11:30ish catch an ART Bus to the Anaheim Train Station and catch an Amtrak train back to San Diego before heading to the Hampton Inn at the San Diego Airport via Uber to check-in there, and catch the MTS and check out what Downtown San Diego and the pier has to offer.

Thursday February 9 - Travel Home
Early in the morning, I'll catch an airport shuttle from the hotel to San Diego Airport, and then fly out back to MCO (with a connection in DFW) on American Airlines.

I'm hoping the air travel chaos subdues somewhat by then and that American doesn't screw up (fortunately, back in August 2021 I flew them MCO-CLT-BWI, and the flight to BWI from CLT got cancelled, so I did standby on another flight for free, and I made it to BWI, basically making AA a saving grace to me. I rebooked my return travel the next day and the agent on the phone kindly put me on an earlier flight from BWI to CLT and in turn to MCO.)

Hotel: Renaissance Orlando Airport (2/4-2/5), Disneyland Hotel (2/5-2/8), Hampton Inn San Diego Airport (2/8-2/9)
Tickets: 2-Day w/ Park Hopper & Genie+
Dates: February 5-9, 2022
 
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Edited since my comment no longer makes sense. 🙂 I'm glad you rescheduled your trip! Can't wait to hear more.
 
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If American changes your flights and you get free flight changes, you might consider flying in to an airport closer to Anaheim. The train does take a bit of extra time and you could potentially add an extra half day at the parks for a reasonable cost increase. The afternoon/evening train back to San Diego is nicer since the sun will be setting over the pacific along the route. So it is definitely enjoyable but I'm not sure you need to do it both ways.
 
UPDATE: My parents and I came to the consensus that I may not be able to afford going to DLR in November and are considering February or March 2023 instead.
I am figuring out something for that week (maybe a staycation or something here in the Southeast IDK).
 


Alrighty folks, starting another Pre-Trip Report....
This time it's for my return to Disneyland after only 8 years!!!!!!

Originally, I had intended to do this last year in November, but my parents and the situation in California prevented me from doing so, and I ended up going up to Atlanta, GA for a fun 4-day, 3-night adventure from November 14th through the 17th. It was a nice thing to do, the weather was nice, it was okay and all, but there wasn't a lot to do per say. So now it's been there done that for me.

Now this time, I'm going to try again!

This will be my second time in Disneyland, and was originally going to be my first time doing Viva Navidad at DCA (Three Caballeros Fan here ;)) and at the time was so excited too! For that regards I am a current WDW AP and have seen both Panchito and Jose (the former being my top favorite Disney Character, alongside Scrooge McDuck, Judy Hopps, and Chip'n'Dale) in Discovery Island Carnivale and Move It Shake It Mousekedance It!

However, I've since decided to go up to Savannah, GA and down to West Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale instead during 11/13-11/17. But in the bright side of things, this will ultimately be my VERY FIRST TIME doing the Lunar New Year's Celebrations at DCA and may be my first time meeting Mushu and Mulan!

Likely Itinerary is as follows...

Sunday February 12 - Travel/Downtown Disney
Flying from MCO to SAN (with a connection at DFW) on American Airlines, departing 7:30am, eta in SAN at 1:36pm.
Uber or Lyft to Santa Fe Depot before taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim
Check-In and Downtown Disney in the evening

Monday February 13 - 1st Park Day (Disneyland AM/DCA PM)
Likely going to see World of Color and may end up meeting Panchito, Donald, and Jose that day
Main Focus for DL is Frontierland, Adventureland, and (1/2 of ) Fantasyland, DCA it'll be Pixar/Paradise Pier, Cars Land, & Paradise Gardens Park

Tuesday February 14 - 2nd Park Day (DCA AM/Disneyland PM)
Likely seeing Disneyland's Christmas Fantasy Parade, and their fireworks show
Main focus for DCA will be MOST LIKELY Avengers Campus, Grizzly Park Airfield, and Hollywood Blvd, and DL it'll be the remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland

Wednesday February 15 - 3rd (HALF) Park Day (Disneyland Park or DCA Catch Up Day, then back to San Diego)
This day will be used to "catch-up" on anything I may have missed at either park (or do over again). I'll also check out of the hotel and in the afternoon catch an ART Bus to the Anaheim Train Station and catch an Amtrak train back to San Diego before heading to the Hilton at the San Diego Airport via Uber to check-in there, and catch the MTS and check out what Downtown San Diego has to offer.

Thursday February 16 - Travel Home
Early in the morning, I'll catch an airport shuttle from the hotel to San Diego Airport, and then fly out back to MCO (once again, (say it with me) with a connection in DFW) on American Airlines.

I'm hoping the air travel chaos subdues somewhat by then and that American doesn't screw up (fortunately, back in August 2021 I flew them MCO-CLT-BWI, and the flight to BWI from CLT got cancelled, so I did standby on another flight for free, and I made it to BWI, basically making AA a saving grace to me. I rebooked my return travel the next day and the agent on the phone kindly put me on an earlier flight from BWI to CLT and in turn to MCO.)

Hotel: Disneyland Hotel (2/12-2/15), Hilton San Diego Airport (2/15-2/16)
Tickets: 3-Day w/ Park Hopper & Genie+
Dates: February 12-16, 2023
Hey guys, I've since updated the itinerary since it seems like I will more than likely be going up to DLR in February of 2023!
 
Everything’s all set in stone (and BOOKED!!!!!!!)
One of the notable differences I’m seeing for DLR is that you cannot book Park Pass reservations until a certain time, because from what I can see, I can’t do mine until October 3.
Full itinerary forthcoming!!!!!!
 
Full itinerary forthcoming!!!!!!
And now follows below!
Sunday February 5 - Travel/Downtown Disney
Flying from MCO to SAN (with a connection at PHX) on American Airlines, departing 7:20am, eta in SAN at 11:02am.
Uber or Lyft to Santa Fe Depot before taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim
Check-In and Downtown Disney in the evening

Monday February 6 - 1st Park Day (Disneyland AM/DCA PM)
Likely going to see World of Color and may end up meeting Mushu and Mulan that day
Main Focus for DL is Frontierland, Adventureland, and (1/2 of) Fantasyland, DCA it'll be Pixar/Paradise Pier, Cars Land, & Paradise Gardens Park

Tuesday February 7 - 2nd Park Day (DCA AM/Disneyland PM)
Likely seeing Disneyland's Magic Happens Parade, and their fireworks show, and likely Fantasmic too
Main focus for DCA will be MOST LIKELY Avengers Campus, Grizzly Park Airfield, and Hollywood Blvd, and DL it'll be the remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland

Wednesday February 8 - Checkout of DLH, then back to San Diego
I'll check out of the hotel and around 11:30ish catch an ART Bus to the Anaheim Train Station and catch an Amtrak train back to San Diego before heading to the Hampton Inn at the San Diego Airport via Uber to check-in there, and catch the MTS and check out what Downtown San Diego and the pier has to offer.

Thursday February 9 - Travel Home
Early in the morning, I'll catch an airport shuttle from the hotel to San Diego Airport, and then fly out back to MCO (with a connection in DFW) on American Airlines.

Hotel: Disneyland Hotel (2/5-2/8), Hampton Inn San Diego Airport (2/8-2/9)
Tickets: 2-Day w/ Park Hopper & Genie+
Dates: February 5-9, 2022
 
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27c1db80cc489bc5fc4941115b492dca.jpg

Park Reservation Day - TOMORROW!
And I have a secondary gameplan in mind if Disneyland After Dark is a thing:
  • That Monday would be DCA AM/DLR PM, and then rotate the order on Tuesday. Priorities would be the same pretty much
The only exception would be if I got my hands on a Disneyland After Dark ticket for Tuesday.
 
27c1db80cc489bc5fc4941115b492dca.jpg

Park Reservation Day - TOMORROW!
And I have a secondary gameplan in mind if Disneyland After Dark is a thing:
  • That Monday would be DCA AM/DLR PM, and then rotate the order on Tuesday. Priorities would be the same pretty much
The only exception would be if I got my hands on a Disneyland After Dark ticket for Tuesday.
And....
Seems they've paused reservations and will reopen them in the coming weeks.
This explains it: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...tion-at-disneyland-resort-begins-jan-27-2023/
 
Good news!
6bt9x7.jpg

PARK RESERVATIONS! THAT IS!!!!
Disneyland on the 6th and DCA on the 7th!!!
Screen Shot 2022-10-12 at 12.16.09 AM.png
That's one less hassle before February comes!

The next big thing will be dining reservations and whether WOC1 and F! will be performed during my trip or not.
 
Well American decided to change my flights around for some odd reason...
And here's what my itinerary for that Sunday looks like now:
Sunday February 5 - Travel/Downtown Disney
Flying from MCO to SAN (with a connection at PHX) on American Airlines, departing 7:12am, eta in SAN at 11:25am.
Uber or Lyft to Santa Fe Depot before taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim
Check-In and Downtown Disney in the evening
Hopefully AA doesn't screw up again like they did last time!
 
Ok I've devised a game plan for Monday and Tuesday under THREE PLANS - Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. Plan A will be primary, mostly if Disneyland doesn't do Disneyland After Dark this year, Plan B will be for if they DO do Disneyland After Dark but I do not end up going, and Plan C (for Tuesday Only) will be for if I do go to Disneyland After Dark.

Day 2 - Monday February 6, 2023 - Plan A & C
  • Disneyland Park AM
    • Main Focus - Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, 1/2 of Fantasyland
      • Early Entry
        • Monorail into Park?
        • Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
        • Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
      • RD - Splash Mountain
      • Big Thunder Mountain (G+ LL)
      • Haunted Mansion
      • Jungle Cruise
      • Indiana Jones Adventure (G+ LL)
      • POTC
      • Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
      • Lunch - Golden Horseshoe
  • Disney California Adventure PM
    • Main Focus - Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens; if applicable meet Mulan and Mushu!!!!
      • Luigi’s Rockin’ Roadsters
      • Radiator Springs Racers (ILL)
      • Incredicoaster (Single Rider)
      • Pixar Pal-A-Round
      • Goofy’s Sky School (G+ LL)
      • Mulan’s Lunar New Year’s Processional (4:45pm Show)
      • Golden Zephyr
      • Dinner - Wine Country Trattoria (WOC Package)
    • World of Color

Day 2 - Monday February 6, 2023 - Plan B
  • Disney California Adventure AM
    • Main Focus - Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens; if applicable meet Mulan and Mushu!!!!
      • Early Entry
        • Radiator Springs Racers (ILL)
        • Incredicoaster (Single Rider)
      • Pixar Pal-A-Round
      • Goofy’s Sky School (G+ LL)
      • Golden Zephyr
      • Lunch - TBD
  • Disneyland Park PM
    • Main Focus - Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, 1/2 of Fantasyland
      • Splash Mountain (G+ LL or Single Rider)
      • Big Thunder Mountain (G+ LL)
      • Haunted Mansion
      • Jungle Cruise
      • Indiana Jones Adventure (G+ LL)
      • POTC
      • Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
      • Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
      • Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
      • Dinner - TBD
    • It’s Wondrous OR Fantasmic!

Day 3 - Tuesday February 7, 2023 - Plan A
  • Disney California Adventure AM
    • Main Focus - Avenger’s Campus, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Meet Nick & Judy if there’s time
      • Early Entry
        • Web Slingers
        • Mission Breakout
      • Soarin’ (G+ LL)
      • Grizzly River Rapids
      • Monsters Inc Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
      • Lunch - Pym Test Kitchen or something Pacific Wharf
  • Disneyland Park PM
    • Main Focus - Remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland, Runaway Railway, Tomorrowland
      • Mr Toad’s Wild Ride
      • Peter Pan’s Flight
      • Alice in Wonderland
      • Storybook Land Canal Boats
      • Matterhorn (Single Riders or G+LL)
      • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
      • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
      • It’s A Small World (At Discretion Only)
      • Space Mountain (G+LL)
      • Autopia (at Discretion Only)
      • Dinner - TBD (May depend if F! Is being shown)
    • It’s Wondrous or Fantasmic!

Day 3 - Tuesday February 7, 2023 - Plan B
  • Disneyland Park AM
    • Main Focus - Remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland, Runaway Railway, Tomorrowland
      • Early Entry
        • Mr Toad’s Wild Ride
        • Peter Pan’s Flight
      • (RD) Alice in Wonderland
      • Storybook Land Canal Boats
      • Matterhorn (Single Riders or G+LL)
      • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
      • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
      • It’s A Small World (At Discretion Only)
      • Space Mountain (G+LL)
      • Autopia (at Discretion Only)
      • Lunch - TBD
  • Disney California Adventure PM
    • Main Focus - Avenger’s Campus, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Meet Nick & Judy if there’s time
      • Web Slingers (Single Riders)
      • Mission Breakout (G+ LL)
      • Soarin’ (G+ LL)
      • Grizzly River Rapids
      • Monsters Inc Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
      • Dinner - Wine Country Trattoria (WOC Package)
    • World of Color




Day 3 - Tuesday February 7, 2023 - Plan C (ONLY IF DL is doing DLAD)
  • Disney California Adventure AM
    • Main Focus - Avenger’s Campus, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Meet Nick & Judy if there’s time
      • Early Entry
        • Web Slingers
        • Mission Breakout
      • Soarin’ (G+ LL)
      • Grizzly River Rapids
      • Monsters Inc Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
      • Lunch - Pym Test Kitchen or something Pacific Wharf
  • Disneyland Park PM/Disneyland After Dark
    • Main Focus - Remaining 1/2 of Fantasyland, Runaway Railway, Tomorrowland
      • Mr Toad’s Wild Ride
      • Peter Pan’s Flight
      • Alice in Wonderland
      • Storybook Land Canal Boats
      • Matterhorn (Single Riders or G+LL)
      • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
      • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
      • It’s A Small World (At Discretion Only)
      • Space Mountain (G+LL)
      • Autopia (at Discretion Only)
      • Dinner - TBD

Thoughts?
 
Tomorrow is dining reservation day!!!!
1670375257516.png
Trying to snag at a minimum Wine Country Trattoria (World of Color Package) for Monday (2/6) and River Belle Terrace (Fantasmic! Package) for Tuesday (2/7). Still up in the air for Sunday evening and Wednesday Morning...

Also some good news from Amtrak....
OCTA, the agency leading the construction, is estimating that the tracks will reopen the week of January 30, 2023.
And AA changed my MCO to PHX flight to leave at 7am, and arrive into PHX at 10:00am!
 
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Ok we've got three days of Dining Down!

Sunday -
Naples Ristorante E Bar (7:30pm)

Monday -
Wine Country Trattoria (6:00pm for WOC Package)

Tuesday -
Carnation Cafe (6:40pm)

Unfortunately, I doubt F! will be presented during the time I'll be there.

Wednesday AM breakfast is up in air, either DTD, Trader Sam's, or Goofy's Kitchen.
 

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