Just back!

[Alice28]

We were just at DL the Monday and Tuesday of this week; got back yesterday. I thought the parks were pretty crowded, although we got to ride almost everything at DL at least once and everything we wanted to at DCA once. (But we only went on a handful of rides there). Lines times for example were 90+ minutes for Splash after 11 AM, 30 minutes for Pirates and HM, 40 minutes for Grizzly Rapids, 15 for Tower. Not horrid, but we toured WDW the last two times in off season, so I forget how congested DL can get. One morning we did Fantasyland and Toontown and were able to get on everything with minimal wait except for Alice (line got way too long...bummer since she's my fave) and we elected to skip Snow and Mr. Toad as my 3 year old was showing us he did NOT like the dark rides. He even was scared of Peter Pan cause it was so dark- it surprised me.

Big Thunder was testing the cars, but not open to the public.

It was very hot, about 90 or so.

If you want to go to Goofy's kitchen, don't forget a PS. We decided Tuesday night to go the next morning and I suggested we call for a reservation and my DH poo-poo'ed me saying he saw it the other morning and it didn't look crowded. We got there and they said 15-90 minutes for stand by! Big window! Luckily we were sat after about 20-25 minutes, but the characters didn't come to our section until we had to leave ( to check out). We managed to snap a few quick pics, but I found it frustrating to sit for almost an hour and not have ONE of the characters come into our area. When we went to Chef Mickey's last year, all the characters came around quite quickly. There was Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Aladdin on Wednesday morning. The food on the other hand, was better than I thought. Not just breakfast at all- a full on brunch with tri-tip, many other meats, veggies, and lunch type foods.

We also ate at the French Market and Blue Bayou for lunch and just counter service for dinner.

We saw the light parade and Fantasmic- both good, although my kids liked the light parade a bit better. Fantasmic was a little loud for my 3 year old.

Any questions? Ask away!

 

[maxie]

Sounds like you had a great trip!

 

[The Duchess]

DS and I are planning on attending an Anaheim Conference with DH first week October for the sole purpose of doing DL.
I've read that a LOT of attractions are closed, including the castle. Do you think it's worth flying all the way from Massachusetts?
We're doing WDW also this October, but since we've neve done DL, thought the convention was a good opportunity.

 

[ksjayhawks]

I would go--there are still plenty of rides, attractions, shows. Between DCA and DL, you should have full days.

The castle was covered, but other than the first look as you walk down main street, you really don't think about it (at least we didin't). Ride the train all around the park--it is different than at WDW.

Go and have fun!!!!!!

 

[Alice28]

Yes, I agree, you should still go. There are so many little niches and details Disneyland has that WDW/Mk doesn't, I think you will still find it delightful. October is a month where several major rides are usually down for rehab, but the Haunted Mansion Holiday should be open and that's always fun. I personally love DL's Fantasyland & Toontown compared to MK's- you should definitely go on the Storybookland Canal Boats, one of Walt's favorites. Indiana Jones is great, as is Soarin Over California. Hopefully Big Thunder will be back up by then, so the closures won't seem as numerous.