Just back from DL and PPH, Any ?'s

[DisneyDreamer2]

DaveH- I believe you'll enjoy it greatly and you won't regret it! Pick the first showing of the night and you'll have a great view of the fireworks too. It's all relative. Some people spend that amount in the difference between PPH and the DL Hotel. We chose PPH so we could spend that "extra money" we saved on the balcony and extra snacks, breakfast at Plaza Inn etc. The fantasmic balcony seats are more than seats for a show- it really is its very own experience, and you can't explain it. It really is a wonderful once in a lifetime treat.

 

[DaveH]

We got a standard room at PPH. We made the decision to do that, even though I always dreamed staying at DLH. When airfare from VA to CA has to be figured too, we have to make choices. I was wondering about the stay in general at PPH. I have read there is an entrance to CA from there. We are arriving on Sun Jul 25 and leaving on the evening of July 29. So we have 3 full days and about a half day each end. I know in the summer heat I will need a break. I was wondering what kind of crowds/wait times I will see on Sun compared to the rest of the week? That Monday is my birthday and we already know we are going for a PS at Goofey's Kitchen and trying for the balcaney for Fantasmic. We will try for the first show and are flexable for another date if we can not get it on Mon.

 

[5infam]

DaveH,

Sounds like you will have a great trip. As this is your first and possibly last trip (although I hope not) to DL, I can see where this experience would be a once in a lifetime situation for you. So if you are into it, go for it!!! I was the one who earlier said that I personally would not pay for it, but that is because I have seen the show soooooo many times, I did not find it cost effective. For me, DL is a regular occurance (just went yesterday) because we live so close, so it is not a vacation type thing for me. When we go to WDW, we probably blow money on things that locals think are crazy too...but we are on vacation so what the heck!!!

Just don't take any criticisms here as a basis of whether or not you should experiencing this event. I'm sure you will have a great time!!! Please let us know how it goes. And BTW, I really would like to try those desserts some day, they look really yummy!!!!

 

[DaveH]

5infam, it will take alot more than this to scare me off. LOL Wht I have found over the years there is smore than one way to look at things. If we were a family of 5, no way would I do the dessert thing unless maybe one time for something very special. I am still wondeering how bad the crowds might be on Sun, compared to the rest of the time we are there. We arrive at Long Beach at 9AM. I figure we will be at the parks around noon or so. I also figure we may not last very long first night. We will be on East coast time and get up around 4AM or earlier and then on West coast time. Oh my, what a day. Just trying to get an idea what to expect.

 

[5infam]

Sundays are very crowded because you get a lot of locals like me (who are blocked out Saturday) taking advantage of our annual passes. By mid-day, it should be nice and crowded. Don't let that stop you though. If you are considering must do rides, look at using Fastpass if available. Otherwise, take in the sights and enjoy walking around. When we go on Sunday, if we are not there when it opens, we know we will only get to do some of what we want to do, so just keep that in mind and you will be fine. Now that I think about it, I'm blocked out in July, so maybe you won't get as many locals then. Do you have a list of must do's?

 

[DaveH]

My list of of must do in Disneyland is everything. LOL We already figured out that we will be very tired puppies that day. It will more than likely be do what we feel like. I was checking something yesterday after reading a post about the Walk in Walt's footsteps tour. We were not considering any of these. I called and they apparently have one starting at 2:30PM. If budget allows, that sounds like a good way to start a visit to Disneyland. Time will tell. The other thought is maybe do CA mostly, but I will need and go see the castle at first anyway. LOL I was reading something about a walkway closed in the castle. One thing I really want to do is cross the drawbridge and go into Fantasyland at least once. One of those growing up watching Walt on TV things. Like riding Dumbo at Disneyland. Two very big kids who don't care what others think and are going to have a blast.

 

[Firefly777]

Originally posted by DaveH
My list of of must do in Disneyland is everything. LOL We already figured out that we will be very tired puppies that day. It will more than likely be do what we feel like. I was checking something yesterday after reading a post about the Walk in Walt's footsteps tour. We were not considering any of these. I called and they apparently have one starting at 2:30PM. If budget allows, that sounds like a good way to start a visit to Disneyland. Time will tell. The other thought is maybe do CA mostly, but I will need and go see the castle at first anyway. LOL I was reading something about a walkway closed in the castle. One thing I really want to do is cross the drawbridge and go into Fantasyland at least once. One of those growing up watching Walt on TV things. Like riding Dumbo at Disneyland. Two very big kids who don't care what others think and are going to have a blast.

You should be able to go across the drawbridge. I think the walkway they are referring to is the Sleeping Beauty walk-thru inside the castle that has been closed for quite awhile. The only problem I can think of is that the castle may be covered in tarps and things as they are getting it ready for the 50th Anniversary. The refurb starts this June I think, but I'm not sure when it ends. Are you going this year or next year?

 

[msim]

Paradise Pier sounds like a really nice hotel. If you were travelling with elderly and young children alike, would you recommend staying at the PPH or getting a room at one of the off site hotels at the entrance to the parks? Trying to cut down walk time and distance, and waiting times. Can't make up our mind between Paradise Pier, Desert Inn, Carousel Inn and BW Park Place. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

Ive stayed at PPH before with my daughters ages 6 mo, 3 and 5 at the time. The baby was in a stroller but the others were fine walking. You do have the private entrance to DCA- very very close, and if you cut through the Grand, the walk is shorter to DL. However, with elderly, take advantage of PPH's free shuttle to the monorail station. It's like a golf cart but bigger seats 6-8, and you just ask the bell desk in the lobby at PPH. They will even come pick you up at the monorail station when you return to the hotel. It's a very nice and free service!