July 2018 Trip Booked

[Abharmagic]

Hello! WDW Veteran (and self professed expert) here going with my family for a short trip to Disneyland CA this July 1-3. It’s part of a much larger trip but those are the only days possible in our schedule- they are set in stone.

My group consists of Me, DH- forty something parents to DD (14) and DS (12). We will be driving in on 7/1 and doing a noon-close day on 7/1, a full day 7/2, and a half day 7/3. We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel and have hoppers and Max Pass. Looking to maximize our time in the parks and fit it all in. Very excited. HELP!!!! I’ve been to Disneyland once- in 1981- ha!

I’m looking for advice- I’m guessing our dates will be super crowded, weekend and days before the 4th of July, which is why we got the Max Pass. Anyone been there during this time? Also looking for dining recommendations- I plan on doing the World of Color dining package, thinking I don’t need to do the Fantasmic pkg? Other than venue is it any different than DHS? We have seen it multiple times, and will watch while there, just don’t need the special viewing area. My dad always spoke of the Blue Bayou and how cool it was being in the POTC ride. Is it a must do? I’ve never been. The menu is a little meat and fish heavy for my taste, but it’s a possibly once in a lifetime trip with my kids. I want to do some really cool things.

 

[limace]

Have an amazing trip! I love the Disneyland Hotel-the retro Disney vibe can’t be beat.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you lots of helpful information: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Read it through, then come on back with more questions! Do the F! package -- it is a better show, not just a different venue, at DL!

 

[azdisneylover]

Since you will be there during summer, you might want to think about "grazing" instead of big sit down meals. (This gives you an excuse to try lots of foods this way). Cozy cones has tasty popcorn (I like the dill) and drinks (I like the pear-o-dice drink). Flo's has a decent breakfast with a good fruit platter to get for the family to share. Tasty way to stay hydrated. Hubby likes the breakfast potatoes here more than at Carnation Cafe and he really likes those. Fiddler, Fifel and Practical (Starbucks) is the perfect place to grab a drink and a quick sandwich, parfait or other goodie and people watch. Clarabelle's is next door so if you're wanting ice cream, get the souvenir Mickey's kitchen sink. Whitewater snacks is a great little place in the GCH to grab a bite to eat and some quiet time to relax. The patio is a great place to sit with chicken nachos and a fruit platter. Carnation Cafe is a family must do. We usually do an early late lunch/early dinner. Everyone in my family has their favorite here. We always order right when we are seated fried pickles and an order of french fries. Tortilla Joe's is the other family must do every trip. Great service and great food. What every you decide, keep a list of what you didn't get to try, whether ride, attraction, food so you know what you must do the next time you go to Disneyland! Have fun and bring the sunblock and water bottles.

 

[Abharmagic]

I like your way of thinking azdisneylover! Dd has already said she wants Mickey beignets (sp?). The kids and I are grazers, DH needs one square meal a day or he is cranky. I like the idea of early dinners. Going to definitely do WOC Package. We are all excited about it and the color changing ears that go with the show. I don’t like to be tied down to too many sit down dinners, but I’ll book 2- one fir each night. The rest of the day we will graze. Thanks for the food recommendations.

 

[tzeitel]

For your dates, since it is a very busy time, I would do one TS meal a day (we usually do lunch). That way you have a meal to sit and relax especially during the warmest part of the day. We have done Blue Bayou and it is pretty special, get there a little early and request a waterside table. Mickey beignets at Mint Julep bar are a good snack - I like the ones at Ralph Brennan's better. I also like RB for breakfast - they have beignet french toast, breakfast sandwiches and bowls. For grazing try Bengal BBQ, and Cozy Cones at DCA (I love their mac n' cheese cones and the chili cones). Rancho del Zocalo has pretty good food and the portions are pretty big so you can share. In DCA I really liked Carthay Circle, this year we will try the lounge which serves food as well as drinks. Pacific Wharf is like a food court so there are options in case everyone wants something different, plus there is entertainment!

We loved the WoC dessert party, the dining package was ok but still have to wait for a while and stand for the show. I am like you in that we have seen F! several times at WDW and bot sure if we want to even see it at DLR or just take advantage of the time ppl are watching the shop to do rides with less wait.

If this was our one trip to DLR I would do Blue Bayou, WoC dessert party, and Carthay Circle. The back-ups would be Carnation Cafe, or Cafe Orleans if BB was booked. Trader Sam's is fun (and a must for us) but there is one at WDW. For cs I would do Plaza Inn for the board-famous fried chicken, and at DCA I would do Cozy Cones. For snacks - Girardelli at DCA for their salted caramel brownie sundae. At DL - Churros and a Dole Whip. Mint Julep Bar for Mickey beignets and a mint julep.

 

[Abharmagic]

Thanks tzeitel. Excellent advice and very helpful. I will use this as a guideline for planning. Yes, our trip timing isn’t ideal but it was an added in afterthought as part of a much longer 2 week road trip starting in Las Vegas and passing through many different sites/attractions. These are the days we have to work with, so we will adjust and plan well, and I’m certain, have fun!