July - 2 Planning Questions

[carolina_yankee]

We're going to DL for 4 nights from 7/24 - 7/28. We fly in from the Philly on Monday - a very early flight so we want a quiet day in Disneyland Hotel by the pool For the evening, our thought is that a nice dinner and the Electric Parade in DCA would be a perfect begininng (and a great way to free up T, W, and TH for DL nightime stuff). Does one of the restaurants offer an Electric Parade dinner package or guaranteed outdoor seating at parade time? I seem to remember some tables overlooking the route, from last summer, but I can't remember which restaurant.

Second question, given that July is already crowded - which days are better for DL: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thrusday? We'll probably have the Fantasmic dessert package one of those nights so crowds won't matter, but also want to see Remember from the Hub. As for daytime, which days would be better? We're thinking of opening DCA on DL's more crowded day.

Thanks.

 

[hlbtimes2]

This is what Disney sent me in the fall, I'm not sure if they are offering it this year or not. If they are, I would guess its gone up $3, like F! seating:

Disney’s Electrical Parade: ($56 for ages 10 and up, $46 for ages 3-9, 25 seats available)

View this classic Disney favorite from the picturesque patio of the Golden Vine Winery in Disney’s California Adventure. Adults can enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage accompanied by a platter of meats, cheeses and bread. Children are served milk, juice, or soda, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Mickey –shaped corn chips.

Tickets can be purchased through Vacation Planning by calling (714) 300-7526, option 2 up to 30 days in advance. Credit cards only are accepted by phone.

Tickets obtained through Vacation Planning can be picked up with Guest’s itinerary
(when staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels).

Guests should check in one hour prior to show time. Seating will begin 30 minutes before the show starts. Tickets are subject to availability and non-refundable!

I'm not really sure that reserved seating is needed for the ELP. Its not typically that hard to get a spot on the side walk to watch it. And with it being at 8:45 it seems a bit late to combine it with dinner.

Tuesday and Wed are going to be your best days at Disneyland. Tuesday will be an early entry day, so you'll want to plan for that. Also, dont get to set in doing one park for an entire day. I recomend DL in the morning and evening, and DCA in the afternoon when DL is very full.

 

[carolina_yankee]

Linda, thanks for the information on the parade reservation. I know reserved seating isn't necessary, but I also know we'll be tired, and it sounds like a nice relaxing way to end the day. Part of my goal is to be able to take some good video - hence the reserved seating. We watched the parade opposite the terrace last year and I noticed the characters played to the dessert party.

I think you're right about dinner. Our interior clocks or going to be off, anyway. This will give us a relaxing evening after a restful afternoon and causal meal (we should be checking in around 1). We hit the ground running last year and hit a brick wall that caused us to sleep through some very expensive concert tickets. I don't want to do that this year!

We're defnitely hoppers - we just know we want to be in DL most nights, and open DCA one day (to allow for a late start). I thought early entery was a day of your choice, not a set day. Has that changed?

Our original plan (with afternoon breaks). Any suggested revisions?

Mo evening: DCA
Tu AM: DL at opening (8)
Tu Evening: F! dessert and close the park if DCA the next tday.
We AM: DCA open or DL early entry. Possible 50th celebration Tour with reserved fireworks seating. Stay afterward as long as energy lasts.
Th AM: DCA open or DL early entry, whichever not done on Wed; close DL
Fr: leisurely departure to Taft, perhaps via Huntington in Pasadena.

Dirk

 

[hlbtimes2]

Early entry is offered on Monday, Tues, Thur and Saturday. So, while it is your choice, its not offered every day. I usually recomend using it early in the trip while you have the most energy. And since Monday looks to be your earliest evening, Tuesday is probably your best bet. Also, Tuesdays are a bit quieter then Thursdays.