July 2, 2005 - WE ARE THERE!!!

[jgiants21]

Welcome WDW1014 - It is great to have you on board. We will also be at DL after the cruise for two nights. DL is much smaller than DW and can be done in less time. We are also considering the zip lines through the trees in PV.

 

[wdw1014]

I am scared of heights, but have read from others that the zip lines are a blast even for those who are afraid of heights. I still think I will keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. I think the Sierra Madre Off-Road adventure sounds like fun. Does anyone have feedback on this excursion? I would love to hear from anyone who has been to dl. We will be staying 4 nights at the Disneyland Hotel. Any pointers would be appreciated. What are the attractions not to be missed, and where are the good places to eat, is it worth the money for the Fantasmic dessert buffet? Thanks for the help. Angie

 

[XLT800]

Glad that you found us. Does anyone know if the fantasmic show at DL is different than WDW. I am also curious as to what not to miss at DL. It has been about 20 years since I have been there and DW has never been there.

Going to WDW Saturday just for the day. Not sure what park. From talking with DS and DD it sounds like we are going to hit every parks major rides and end up at Epcot with dinner ressies in Germany then illuminations then the dreaded drive home ( Unless tchrmom made ressies and did not tell me??)

Have a great weekend!!

Dave

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

I've never been to WDW but our Fantasmic is GREAT. The only problem is that there is no "theater" where it is shown. It's on the Rivers of America which is the big waterway in New orleans Square. It is a large area but people start camping out there a good 3-4 hours before the show. They offer a reserved seating area for those that pay for the dessert buffet and I believe it's about45$-50$ per person. If you don't mind spendingthe extra $$ it's a good way to see the show. The last time I talked my DH into waiting for the show we sat (on the ground) and waited for about 1 1/2 hours(had dinner) and some lady that didn't speak English sqeezed in behind us the last 1/2 hour before the show and spilled her drink on hte ground and didn't tell us. I know she didn't speak English but she could have atleast nudged us and pointed!! Well after that if we want to see the show we'lll wait in the back during the 1st show and as soon asit's over, while everyone is leaving, go sit where we want for the 2nd show. It's kinda like salmon swimming upstream. It' s the easiest way to get a decent seat but it's worth it. Let me know if anyone has any other ?? about DL. We've had season passes for about 10 years. Talk to you all later. Amy

This thread must have lead in it because it sinks to page two before you can blink your eye!!

 

[jgiants21]

I live in Northern California (800 miles away) and been attending DL since 1965. The original (DL) has change much over those years, but several attractions still exist that are different than WDW and need to be seen during your visit.

The first must see attraction is the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Must see in both daylight and in dark - it becomes a much different ride in the dark. My family and I seem to enjoy it the best at night - it just seems to be quicker. Ride this "must see" during parades - During parade times they combine the two lines into a single line, (which may look longer, but is not). The single line moves twice as fast since they still use both loading docks.

Another major difference from WDW to DL is the queue area for IT'S A SMALL WORLD. Another "WOW" experience. BE sure to check out the mechanical-doll parade every quarter of the hour on the clock outside of the attraction. The ride itself, is much the same as that at WDW, however it is the original designed for the 1964-1965 World's Fair.

I agree with everything AMY said about the Fantasmic show. Since you are able to sit right on the RIVERS OF AMERICA this show seems more personal at DL. Also, the show uses many of the watercraft found on the RIVERS OF AMERICA during the day, including the MARK TRAIN and the SAILING SHIP COLUMBIA. Again, a must see during your visit at DL. Crowd for FANTASMIC are always large, however we find in easier to obtain a good seat for the second show. Tip, if you are heading for the later shows, appoach the viewing area from the Splash Mountain Side, you won't fight as much traffic, as the crowd will be clearing out of Frontierland after the show. Be paitent, and have fun!

Let me address the question as to restaurants. DL does not have the quality or quantity of restaurants that you find at WDW. However, one restaurant that you may want visit is the BLUE BAYOU. I have only eaten here once, and did not find the quality worth the price, however it is one of the most unique area in the park. I have heard from othes that the food has improve since I visited the restaurant. To see the restaurant before eating, ride the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. This eatery is within the dark bayou scene at the opening of the ride. It is a lovely area for any meal.

Will go now, however, will add more tips later. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[wdw1014]

Jim, Thanks for all of the good advice. I have been reading everything that I can get my hands on about DL. I still surprises me that the monorail is not so much for transportation, but more of an attraction. (Even though it will take you to the park) I like the idea of staying for the second fantasmic, patiences is my middle name, and large crowds don't scare me. Is there a lighted parade at DL? I think that the Blue Bayou is another must and I have looked forward to the Matterhorn since I was a very young girl. This trip to DL is something that I always dreamed about, but thought that it would probably never happen. WDW is a 19 hour drive for my family and our vacation of choice because of that. But when we decided to cruise again this summer DL became more than a dream. Now I just count the days. Will the cruise and our DL stay ever get here. Once again thanks for the advice. Angie

 

[jgiants21]

Angie, Yes the Monorail at Disneyland is more of a ride than transportaion as DL. However, it is a good mode of transportation from the Disney's Hotels to Disneyland. Riding the Monorail and train will also help show first timers a lay out of both DISNEY PARKS. A great place to start.

 

[wdw1014]

Does anyone know how old you must be to dine at Palo's. We have a 20 year old who would love to do the brunch. Also, where and when do you make reservations for the brunch?

 

[AnnaS]

wdw1014

I was wondering the same exact thing. The minimun age requirement - not sure if it is 18 or 21. Will have to post a question/thread on the cruise line thread.

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I think the age requirement for Palo is 18. Because on the last cruise we were on, my mom dad and sister (she was 18) went while I had a teen thing to do.

 

[wdw1014]

Thanks Laura,
That takes care of that problem, now does anyone know where and when I should get the reservations for the brunch? I will look on other threads to see if anything is posted there. All help is greatly appreciated.
Angie

 

[tchrmom]

I wish I knew how much DL's Fantasmic was like our Fantasmic. I'd hate to camp out all afternoon long, only to see basically the same thing. We've seen DW's Fan. many times and love it...........it just seems like we could spend our limited DL time better. Any thoughts on this line of thinking??????

We did Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM this weekend. We were heading to MK, but realized we might not make it back to Epcot in time for dinner. It was a GREAT weekend for Disney!!!!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!!!!!!
PS.........Palo ressies are made the day that you embark. They usually begin in Rockn Bar D at the time they let you on board.
Fran

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

I wish I knew how much DL's Fantasmic was like our Fantasmic. I'd hate to camp out all afternoon long, only to see basically the same thing. We've seen DW's Fan. many times and love it...........it just seems like we could spend our limited DL time better. Any thoughts on this line of thinking??????



Like I said earlier, i've never been to WDW but our Fantasmic is spectacular. You get immersed watching the "show" on the water and all of a sudden Capt Hooks ship comes sailing by with Capt. Hook, Peter Pan etc fight and swinging on this life size ship...This is just an example but I don't think it could be the same without the "Rivers of America" and the large area involved. I may be a little mushy but it gives me goose bumps and tears of amazement everytime. If you don't want to camp out and waste half your day(I don't recomend sitting on asphalt for houra on end to anyone) then do what I suggested...You'll lose somne of the suprise of the show but wait in the back during the 1st show and head down front for the 2nd show. I think It's about 1 hour inbetween shows. I don't think you'd be dissapointed. Amy

 

[wdw1014]

I have also seen the WDW Fantasmic many times and love it. While surfing the web, I came across the DL Fantasmic on video. It does have some differences from the WDW show, ones that I think make the show a must see. I would post the web sight, but I think that it is against the rules to do so.

 

[jgiants21]

I have seen both (WDW & DL). Don't know why, but like DL better. We always seem to find a place to sit of stand to see the show. I would highly suggest seeing the show while at DL. Has anyone read or heard when Space Mountain will re-open? The latest I have read is that is was suppose to open next Nov, but there is a push to have it ready by mid-July.

 

[jgiants21]

Found us on page two - BUMP - Today, I tried to book with Los Veranos canopy tour; unfortunately, they take reservations one month in advance - will have to wait till then. Two down - one more to go. Now what to do in CABO?

 

[wdw1014]

Jim,
There must be atvantages to booking excursions on your own? After reading your thread I deducted that you do not go through Disney. So what are the advantages and how do you find out what is out there. Also what do you do about transportation in order to get to the excursion? I know this is a lot of questions, but I have always just went through Disney. I really didn't realize that I had an option.
Thanks, Angie

 

[jgiants21]

Angie, I read many of the travel boards & travel guides to help find the excursions that I would like to do, and ones that have had good reveiws. Certain excursion (like Randi's) set up the transportation for you. Since this is what they do, some are very good at it. A good company will at least inform you how to reach them through local transportation (water taxi, taxi, or bus). I find the advantage is that I can plan what I want to do, not what the cruise ship plans for me. The cruise excursions are normally very good, safe, and the ship will always wait for you, however, with a little planning you can safe a ton of money by booking on your own. Many of the cruise lines use the same excrusions that you can book by yourself. I find the research, booking the excursions and the anticipation 1/2 of the fun. My wife keeps telling me that I should look into becoming a travel agent when I retire. I guess I just love to plan and try new adventures. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

[wdw1014]

Jim,
After reading over my last thread I have to apoligize for the spelling (actually typing errors). Thanks for the info. now I have something new to research.
Angie

 

[tchrmom]

Page two??????

Consider this a "bump".

I have friends who are sailing on the Magic this evening.......

I wish them a smooth sailing. It is their first time on the Magic. I hope they have a BLAST! I just wish we were sailing tonight with them.

Have a great weekend!!!!
Fran