Insiders Tips for DLR Halloween Week?

[consultant]

I'm sort of a DLR veteran. I've been to Disneyland about 8 times in my life, 3 in the last 5 years. I'm an analyst by trade and a trip research fanatic. All of our trips have been carefully planned to avoid long lines, including the one to WDW during President's Day week where I used that Mike's site to plan the days. Used Ridemax for Disneyland last time, but problem with Ridemax is it is sort of like using a calculator to do math. You still need to know the fundamentals in case of unexpected events (like 24-hr stomach flu in this case) so you are smart enough to adjust your itinerary.

We are going to be at DLR from Saturday Night Oct 25 through Wed morning (my 40th birthday is on Oct 27.)

It's been 2-1/2 years since we've been to Disneyland. I have a 6 and 7 year old son. We're staying at HoJo (best value for the money, especially with the new pool.)

So I know sort of all the basic ins and outs from reading tips over the years. But I've never been to DLR Halloween week and also things have probably changed a bit in the past couple years, such as the new Nemo ride, Pirate show, etc, which I'm not knowledgeable about.

Oh and if the art of Fast Pass Running was an Olympic event, I'd be on the podium with a medal.

I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can sort of give me and update, and, any tips specifically for the week we are going. Here's some specific questions but feel free of offer any advice you think might be valuable:

1) Ridemax necessary for October? Considering I know the basic FP strategy and which rides to get FP first, should I even bother using RideMax this time considering this is more or less off-season and we'll have 2-1/2 weekdays to spend at the park along with another weekend day and 2 weekend nights?

2) Casual Birthday Dining recommendation? I need a place to eat for my Birthday Dinner. I'm an POTC fan (and big-time collector). We've eaten at Blue Bayou several times. Each time, the food is a dissapointment as it is a complete rip-off for very mediocre stuff but of course the atmosphere/location cannot be beat and makes up for it. I'm thinking lunch at BB just to get our BB atmosphere fix without shelling out big bucks for dinner. I remember to head straight for the reservations when Adventureland opens in the morning. (I liked the fact though at WDW you could make reservations on the phone in advance but you still can't for BB at DLR right?) For dinner, I think Napa Rose or Catal is too upscale. We'll have a 6 and 7 yr-old with us (one with an severe dairy allergy so forget Mexican) and two frugal Grandparents. Money is really no object for dinner on my birthday, but frankly we want a place that is very family friendly atmosphere, excluding the Blue Bayou. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

3) Scoop on new rides/shows/attractions at DLR and DCA in last couple of years. Which ones are must-sees and which ones are just OK - especially considering it's all about the 6 and 7-yo boys with us. Also any off-the-beaten path things to not miss. Seems there's a lot of this stuff at DCA that we never have time for since we focus on rides, but this time we'll have 4-1/2 days, the most time we've spent at DLR in anyone visit.

Example: Is Mickey's Trick or Treat Party worth it?

Thanks in advance to all you fellow DLR wonks for your insight and suggestions!

 

[cheshiregirl]

Hello and welcome back to DLR! You are right, quite a few things have changed recently with the addition of Nemo, TSMM, and Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, but unless you are diehard excited by either of those first two rides, not that much has changed in terms of how you do the parks.

I have never used Ridemax, so I can't speak to its value during October. Some people really love it. Personally, I think that I am pretty capable of making a schedule/itinerary for myself.

In terms of a dinner recommendation, our new personal favorite is Storyteller's. They have both a menu and a buffet, and we find it to be a great value for the money. It is relatively quiet but still maintians a very family friendly atmosphere--out of all the restaurants at DLR (and in the surrounding area) it is where we chose to celebrate our DS's 1st birthday, and we will also being going back for Christmas Eve dinner in December.

As for rides/shows, etc., TSMM at DCA is a definite don't miss. There is no FP, but lines tend to be around 30-45 minutes during most of the day. Unless you make a beeline to be one of the absolute first people on in the morning, I probably would wait until early afternoon and let the crowd die down a little. But, with 2 boys (who I assume like video games) this is sure to be a big hit with your family!

Also, if you have not done Jedi Training Academy yet, I would mark that on your to do list. Get there early to get your boys down in front so that they have a better chance of being selected to participate. Also, if they have Star Wars gear and/or if you make a sign, they also have a higher chance of being selected to be in the show.

The Nemo Subs get mixed reviews, mostly because of how long the wait normally is. My DS loved it, but he is only 1. We hit it at a good point and only waited 30 minutes, but I am not sure I would wait longer than that to ride it again.

Finally, the only other new show that I can think of off the top of my head is the new Playhouse Disney Live show. This is a must for our family, as we watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins, but my guess is that your kids do not watch these shows, and thus they would find it babyish. But, if they do watch MMC, LE, or Handy Mandy and My Friends Tigger & Pooh, this is a phenomenally fun show to attend!

Have a great visit... we will just miss you as we arrive on Thursday and you are leaving on Wednesday.