Just back (well for a few days now) and some quick thoughts

[Disney Dreamer]

We just returned from 4 days in sunny, but not warm, Southern California! We had a great time. We haven't been to DL for 4 and 1/2 years so a lot has changed, including my kids! They were only interested in the big rides, no shows except Millionare which we saw twice, and definetley no parades. I made them stay for fireworks which they really did like that. They LOVED ESPN and my 15 year old was glad he could watch March Madness.

1. Security. I was a little worried before we left, but I felt safe and never gave it any thought once we were there. They checked backpacks, fanny packs, purses, etc. I think they do all they can to ensure safety. I also saw a couple military helicopeters overhead two or three times a day.

2. Unlimited Fastpass. I LOVE THIS! I would highly recommend this feature if you are planning a trip at a busy time of year. It was quite crowded the days we were there so we collected FP for every ride we could and then made a plan and were able to do them all (at DL) in about 2 hours. Except for Splash Mtn. all of our return times were anywhere from 11:30 to 2:00, but Splash had a wait of 190 minutes and the FP return time was 5:00 - 6:00. It was great, I almost felt guilty about going to the front of the line on all those rides . . . but not too guilty!

3. Hotel. We stayed at Holiday Inn Resort which is a new hotel just of Katella right by the freeway. It was nice, nice pool and hot tub area and a basketball court which was great with 3 athletic boys. I do wish however, that we would have stayed onsite. I like the convenience to the parks and it wasn't really that much more to stay at DL hotel.

4. California Adventure. I was a disappointed at first, but it really grew on me. The rides were great. I loved Screamin' and Soarin' my family liked Grizzly River run . They got soaked! I was freezing so I didn't want to get wet. I also liked the kid play area, and of course I love Tough to be a Bug.

5. Cinderellas Castel. Did it shrink? I don't remember it being so small. Compared to WDW Magic Kingdom it is tiny.

All in all we had a great time. I feel old because my kids aren't little anymore and that part of the "magic" is gone. DH said next time we go we will take our . . . grandkids? YIKES!

 

[RNforKids]

Disney Dreamer, thank you for taking the time to post your trip report! I just love reading about the experiences of others at DL...then I can dream about my upcoming trip and plan, plan, plan..

 

[deebs]

I never heard of an unlimited fastpass...is this special or is everyone eligible??

SOunds like a great trip

 

[maxie]

Isn't it Sleeping Beauty's castle at DL...it's CIndy's castle at WDW.

 

[BobBrazeal]

maxie - I was going to say the same thing.

Disney Dreamer - One of the mod here on the DL board, Mary Jo, lives very close to, and goes often to DL. She is always happy to answer questions about the castle at DL. You might want to PM her and pose your question about the size of the castle at DL vs. WDW. She has a lot of info on that subject. Be sure and tell her that Bob Brazeal suggested that you contact her.

 

[year2late]

It did not shrink. It is just that WDW castle is so huge.

I went to DL right after WDW 5 years ago and flipped. I had to go through old DL pictures to prove to myself it had not shrink!

I am a usual AP owner, but I let it expire to get the AAA Passport plus. A member of our party will have a Premium AP so we will be eligible for the usual excellent discounts.

Thanks for the report. DCA gets so much bad press, I am thrilled when I hear the good stuff. I liked it from the begining...we actually spend more time there than DL now. (Thanks to Soarin and WWTBAM and the occasional glass of wine during the Electrical Parade!)

 

[RNforKids]

when using the unlimited fast passes, must everyone in your party have the Pastport Plus? What about the holder of the AP? Does that person have to purchase both in order to ride with his group?

 

[year2late]

Actually we have a member of our party who does not "do" rides. So that is how we get around it. I think on fastpass per passenger.

 

[SquirrelsMom]

Disney Dreamer,

How were the crowds. We are thinking about going next year around this same time frame.