Just back...short review...sort of

[musicmom3331]

My DD24 and I just got back from an awesome trip to DLR and DCA. Last year we went to WDW. It was my first time and DD's second to WDW. We decided to go to CA this year to compare parks. It was DD's first time there and I hadn't been in 42 years. We got 6-day park hoppers, purchased a few hours before the price change.

HOTEL: We stayed at the Best Western Anaheim Inn. It's 4 doors south of the crosswalk. The hotel was clean, the beds comfy, had a microwave and mini fridge, and staff was very friendly. We got a 3rd floor room and could see the fireworks from there. I would stay there again.

DLR: Went to DLR on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It was crowded but manageable. People were polite and CMs helpful. Pirates and Haunted Mansion were walk-ons during Fantasmic. We swooped in and got a great spot for the second showing of Fantasmic when the first show ended and I absolutely loved it!

DCA: Went there on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Got there about a half-hour after rope drop on Monday and went straight to Cars Land. We decided to ride RSR as single-riders, but the line was temporarily stopped. Was told to check in 45 minutes. We went to the Mater ride and toughed out the line...about 50 minutes. Then we went back to RSR and the single rider line was back open. Only took about 40 minutes until we were on the ride and loved it. Rode it again on Friday and it was 40 minutes in the single rider line again. Rode the Flying Tires on Wednesday evening. A lot of that line is in the sun during the daytime, so going in the evening was a better line experience, but it took 70 minutes. Ate at Carthay Circle and got the World of Color fastpasses. Such an awesome show! Ended up getting the yellow fastpasses for the other two nights because the show was so good.

TIPS: We brought flip-flops in a plastic grocery bag to change into for Grizzly River Run. Then we put our shoes and purses in the bags to carry onto the ride. We were drenched but our shoes and purses were dry. We went at the hot part of the day, so wet clothes were welcomed. Make use of fast passes! (I know I really don't need to tell the people on this forum that tip.) We shared many meals. We wanted to experience as much of the food as possible that has been mentioned here, but didn't want to be too full and miserable. Had the Plaza Inn chicken, meatloaf at Carnation Cafe, popcorn, churros, corndogs, taterbake at Flo's, and all was good.

I would recommend these parks instead of WDW for those with younger children. Toon Town is perfect for the youngers, along with Bug's Land. And the fact that the parks are more compact so there's less walking is a major plus! The weather is much better in CA than FL, also. The high was about 80 each day, and the evenings were nice and cool. No rain or humidity.

Of course, we did much more than is posted here. I hope this doesn't sound to rambly...still tired...but happy!

 

[mystic_path]

Thanks for the great update. I'm glad your having fun and enjoying all the shows and the food. I really appreciated the fact that you said its best to ride the flying tires in the evening as most of the line is in the sun. I will remember this for when I go in August and try and ride it first thing in the morning or in the evening. Good call on the Grizzly river run and the plastic bags. We generally do this on our trip and sometimes we keep one extra aside for others who may be on the same raft. It has come in handy several times and we have met some very thankful people. Good karma I say. Lots has changed since you were last at the park hey? Is it still as good as you remember?

 

[Karenann*]

Sounds like you had a great time...thanks for sharing!

 

[DisneytheKid]

Glad to hear you and you daughter had a great trip. Thanks for posting!

 

[kjs1976]

I'm glad to hear the post about being good for young kids. That's what I was thinking when looking at toon town layout and bugs' land. We 're talking our DD 4.5 next month and while she is tall enough to ride and loves some of the bigger rides, it's nice to have the kiddie areas where she can just go on everything. Thanks for the review!

 

[musicmom3331]

ANOTHER TIP: If you wear a part in your hair and wear a visor instead of a hat, you might want to put sunscreen on your part. I forgot for the first few days....ouch.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

ANOTHER TIP: If you wear a part in your hair and wear a visor instead of a hat, you might want to put sunscreen on your part. I forgot for the first few days....ouch.

O M G...that is a valuable tip...same thing happens to me and i end up itching to death when its healing

 

[gypsymama]

Thanks so much for the tips on Grizzly Run!! I have never even thought about bringing flip flops to change into!!

 

[tiggerluvr]

RE: Grizzly River Run, I think I recall reading somewhere that GRR has lockers that you can use for free (1 hour I believe) - so you could leave your regular shoes and purse in there if that's true. No need to risk water damage.

 

[jsebsirois]

RE: Grizzly River Run, I think I recall reading somewhere that GRR has lockers that you can use for free (1 hour I believe) - so you could leave your regular shoes and purse in there if that's true. No need to risk water damage.

That's correct! GRR has some free lockers for riders who don't want their stuff to be soaked. They are located on the left side of the FP area. They are free for 2 hours.

 

[tanyaewa]

I never knew about the lockers! And BTW I loved your review.