Just booked my first ever dl trip !!

[Wishes4ev]

I am taking a four day trip in the middle of September. Any tips from "the vet's"? I am so used to WDW , I could use all the help I can get.

 

[mystic_path]

Well this is a big question which we can all ramble off about for hours happily. So we need to know a few things first then we can be off and running. Do you have any questions regarding something you maybe looking into at the moment? Have you booked anything? Hotels, tickets, day excursions elsewhere. Are you flying in to which airport, or are you driving? Do you need to know the best places to get passes, are you wanting to know park hours or when shows typically play? Best places to eat? Cost saving tips?

 

[Wishes4ev]

Well this is a big question which we can all ramble off about for hours happily. So we need to know a few things first then we can be off and running. Do you have any questions regarding something you maybe looking into at the moment? Have you booked anything? Hotels, tickets, day excursions elsewhere. Are you flying in to which airport, or are you driving? Do you need to know the best places to get passes, are you wanting to know park hours or when shows typically play? Best places to eat? Cost saving tips?

Lol. That was one big blanket question wasn't it lol ?
Let me preface this by saying that I am heading to WDW for four days, and then grabbing a flight to LAX , for the four day stint in DL/DCA.

I have booked a hotel right across the street, cheap and easy. I have an AP at WDW , which I plan on upgrading it to the Premiere Pass while I am there , so I can just hop at all of the parks. I planned on just getting one of the shuttles from LAX.Wasn't going to rent a car , just to have it sit in a lot, like I said the hotel is a very short walk.
I was actually worried about park hours in September. I know that WDW parks close early in September because it is a "non peak season." I just wanted to know if DL/DCA also close early. I will be there the 15th/19th, so I am just hoping for the best.
Also was wondering about the fireworks show, is that still the "Dreams Come True" show from the 50th Anniversary ? Or is it some completely different show ? Is it all possible to catch Fantasmic and the fireworks show on the same night ? Sorry, I am a complete WDW guy. Still learning the in's and out's of Disney West lol. Thanks btw

 

[mystic_path]

Lol. That was one big blanket question wasn't it lol ?
Let me preface this by saying that I am heading to WDW for four days, and then grabbing a flight to LAX , for the four day stint in DL/DCA.

I have booked a hotel right across the street, cheap and easy. I have an AP at WDW , which I plan on upgrading it to the Premiere Pass while I am there , so I can just hop at all of the parks. I planned on just getting one of the shuttles from LAX.Wasn't going to rent a car , just to have it sit in a lot, like I said the hotel is a very short walk.
I was actually worried about park hours in September. I know that WDW parks close early in September because it is a "non peak season." I just wanted to know if DL/DCA also close early. I will be there the 15th/19th, so I am just hoping for the best.
Also was wondering about the fireworks show, is that still the "Dreams Come True" show from the 50th Anniversary ? Or is it some completely different show ? Is it all possible to catch Fantasmic and the fireworks show on the same night ? Sorry, I am a complete WDW guy. Still learning the in's and out's of Disney West lol. Thanks btw

OK! I think I can work with this a bit now! HAHA! Ummm well I cant tell you about upgrading annual passes as I sadly am not a pass holder, as much as I would love to be But I think you seem to have that portion covered pretty well anyway. Park hours typically are off season in September. So I would go with the thought in mind that Monday - Thursdays the park will be open until 8pm, where Friday to Sunday is later like 11-12:00. However during the week when the park closes at 8, you have time to go for a later dinner, or a swim in the hotel, or check out Downtown Disney etc.

The fireworks is not "Dreams come true" Man that show was GREAT! However there is a newer one called "Magical". Its just gorgeous. To get the full effect of the show you would want to be in front of the castle to see the projections and Dumbo flying around the castle. Trying to see Fantasmic in the same night is possible, but it can be tricky. Fantasmic plays down on the River's of America. To get there you want to take the entrance off Main Street and head either through Adventureland, or Frontierland. Either path takes you down to the River. I would only suggest you try seeing both if you plan to see the last showing of Fantasmic. Because if you choose to see the first show of Fantasmic try you wont be able to see the Firworks show as Main Street will be packed and you will be escorted to keep on moving through the walk way paths. If you see the Fireworks first, try and stay on the left hand side by the entrances by Fronteirland or Adventureland and as soon as the fireworks is over, book your butt down to the rivers of America. You most likely wont get a good viewing area for Fantasmic, but you may be able to find a standing room only spot. Typically trying to see both in one night is NOT something I would recommend to anyone. Lots of people will be trying to do what you want to do by seeing both in one night and it may as well become the next episode of the stampede in the Lion King. If you decide to see those shows on separate nights, try getting down the rivers of America a good 45 minutes to an hour before the show starts (FOR THE FIRST SHOW), and if you want to see the 2nd show then get down to the Rivers before the first show ends, so when everyone who seen the first show moves out, you stake a good spot out for yourself. As you wait for the 2nd show you typically can see the fireworks going off from your Fantasmic spot.

Definitely shuttle it from LAX. I find this is the most direct route. I would recommend Super Shuttle to you. Its a van that holds about 8 people and their luggage. I have flown into LAX before and many times I have had the shuttle all to myself on my way to Anaheim. However if you do have to share a van, these people or one other family are generally in your hotels area. So your drop offs are very quick.

You can also take the Disneyland express bus from the LAX airport, but it has to make multiple drop offs as its a big tour bus, and I believe they start the drop off's at the resort hotels first. So if you just want to more less "GET THERE" then take Super Shuttle.

Cabs would be way to expensive as well as town cars.

 

[Wishes4ev]

OK! I think I can work with this a bit now! HAHA! Ummm well I cant tell you about upgrading annual passes as I sadly am not a pass holder, as much as I would love to be But I think you seem to have that portion covered pretty well anyway. Park hours typically are off season in September. So I would go with the thought in mind that Monday - Thursdays the park will be open until 8pm, where Friday to Sunday is later like 11-12:00. However during the week when the park closes at 8, you have time to go for a later dinner, or a swim in the hotel, or check out Downtown Disney etc.

The fireworks is not "Dreams come true" Man that show was GREAT! However there is a newer one called "Magical". Its just gorgeous. To get the full effect of the show you would want to be in front of the castle to see the projections and Dumbo flying around the castle. Trying to see Fantasmic in the same night is possible, but it can be tricky. Fantasmic plays down on the River's of America. To get there you want to take the entrance off Main Street and head either through Adventureland, or Frontierland. Either path takes you down to the River. I would only suggest you try seeing both if you plan to see the last showing of Fantasmic. Because if you choose to see the first show of Fantasmic try you wont be able to see the Firworks show as Main Street will be packed and you will be escorted to keep on moving through the walk way paths. If you see the Fireworks first, try and stay on the left hand side by the entrances by Fronteirland or Adventureland and as soon as the fireworks is over, book your butt down to the rivers of America. You most likely wont get a good viewing area for Fantasmic, but you may be able to find a standing room only spot. Typically trying to see both in one night is NOT something I would recommend to anyone. Lots of people will be trying to do what you want to do by seeing both in one night and it may as well become the next episode of the stampede in the Lion King. If you decide to see those shows on separate nights, try getting down the rivers of America a good 45 minutes to an hour before the show starts (FOR THE FIRST SHOW), and if you want to see the 2nd show then get down to the Rivers before the first show ends, so when everyone who seen the first show moves out, you stake a good spot out for yourself. As you wait for the 2nd show you typically can see the fireworks going off from your Fantasmic spot.

Definitely shuttle it from LAX. I find this is the most direct route. I would recommend Super Shuttle to you. Its a van that holds about 8 people and their luggage. I have flown into LAX before and many times I have had the shuttle all to myself on my way to Anaheim. However if you do have to share a van, these people or one other family are generally in your hotels area. So your drop offs are very quick.

You can also take the Disneyland express bus from the LAX airport, but it has to make multiple drop offs as its a big tour bus, and I believe they start the drop off's at the resort hotels first. So if you just want to more less "GET THERE" then take Super Shuttle.

Cabs would be way to expensive as well as town cars.

I am all over that super shuttle lol. Yea , totally have the ticket situation under control. I will totally do the fireworks, and Fantasmic separately. I will definitely see both showings of Fantasmic, heard that the DL version is better than the one in Hollywood Studios.(I will be the judge of that lol)

Very much looking forward to the World of Color, heard nothing but great things. Any tips on that one ?

 

[mystic_path]

This is one question I hope others can answer as well. If you are a first timer this WOC show is INCREDIBLE! Everyone will have a different experience with this show. Some will complain that they had to wait when it was cold, or that they got soaked in the splash zone, or there were people in front of them as it is standing room only blocking the view, or that since the viewing areas are color sectioned some sections may not be the best area to view, or it is confusing trying to find where you have to line up.

Basically you have multiple options on how to view this show. You can get a fast pass first thing in the morning at the Grizzly River Run ride fast pass machine. Someone please tell me if this has changed. It tells you which section you are going to be in to view the show. Again I dont know which section is the best. That is for someone else to answer.

Since I am not a local I splurge once a trip and go with the WOC Dining package. It's about $40 per person and you have a choice between two restaurants. Right now its between the Wine Country Trattoria, and the Carthay Circle. Carthay is more expensive depending if you go for lunch or dinner. But this dining package at either restaurant gives you the preferred viewing area for the show which is a section completely separate from the fast pass viewing sections.

Picnic packages have also been available and those give you a viewing area seperate from the Preferred area and fast pass sections, but are not always the best view.

Hopefully someone can answer your WOC question better then i can, correct me if I am wrong, or add onto the conversation.

 

[rtfelt]

It's not necessary to do the dining plan for WOC. I think it's a waste of money unless you plan on eating at those restaurants anyway. The picnic lunch is so not worth it. I have watched WOC from all sorts of areas. They used to have yellow, blue and red sections, but now they only have 2 regular sections (blue on the left and yellow on the right as you look at the lake) and one dining section, green in the middle on the front 2 sections. I have watched it at the very front and gotten wet from the mist. Unless you're there at the start and can be right at the rail, you could be behind people, and it would be hard to see. The last several times I've arrived a little late (right before the show starts) purposely because I've found a great place. In the blue section, near the left of the viewing area in the back, right under a street lamp is a planter that runs along the right side of the path that leads to the front viewing area. There's a fire hydrant. If you stand right behind the fire hydrant, no one is front of you, you can see the whole show and not get wet. Just don't share this info with anyone else. I don't want everyone taking "my spot" BTW I think WOC is the best show of all the shows in all the parks in DLR and WDW, but I know others with disagree.

Keep in mind that that late in September there might not be fireworks during weekdays and only one showing of Fantasmic. Be sure to check your schedule. You can totally do both the fireworks and Fantasmic in the same night if you go to the later (10:30) show, if they are having it. You can see the show just fine from even the back of the standing area. I was just there Tuesday and slipped under the rope right before it started and had no problem seeing everything from the back. The crowds are light in September so you should be able to see the fireworks, then make your way over to Fantasmic and be fine. IMO the DL Fantasmic is a better show than WDW, but I have to admit I loved being able to sit in a comfortable amphitheater to watch it in Orlando

 

[DLR29]

For park hours, DL and DCA will have long hours on the 15th and 16th, but very short hours the rest of your trip.

Also know that Remember dreams Come True and Fantasmic will only be shown on Saturday and Sunday (15/16).

And since it'll be off season expect at least a couple rides to be closed for refurbs. Fortunately, September 14th starts the Halloweentime which means Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain WILL have reopened with their holiday overlays.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Personally, I think its virtually impossible to see both F! and the fireworks the same night during off season and get a decent spot for both. Typically at that time of the year, there's only 1 showing of F!. DL has smaller pathways between lands and these become literally unpassable before, during and after either F! or Fireworks. So if you need to rush from one location to the next....it just isn't likely to happen. IMO, it's best to just pick one for each night so that way you aren't stressed about making it to the other showing.

I agree that the best spot for watching the fireworks is in front of the castle, directly in the middle. This allows you to see dumbo or tinkerbell flying around & this is actually pretty neat. Although, I have had luck with catching the show on either side of the castle. A good last minute spot is to the left of the castle near the now closed Carnation Plaza (someone confirm that's the name of it!!). This spot just so happens to give you access to the "secret, back way" to Frontierland and when you follow it will wind you down in front of the ROA. So if you are attempting to do both on the same night, this would be my recommendation on the route to take.

 

[Wishes4ev]

Thank you everyone for your tips. This is ever so helpful. I am totally gonna stay away from trying to both F! and the fireworks in the same night.

And to find out that the HM is going to redecorated practically has me giddy. What do they do to Space Mountain ? Or should I wait and be suprised ? I refuse to "youtube" the WOC, as I wanna see it in person. I am also pumped to see the "Magic Memories and You" on IASW. Trying to picture how that is done... I am used to it being projected onto Cindy's Castle in Florida. A quick question about Matterhorn, I am a bigger guy. Let's just say getting on Space Mountain in MK is a snug fit, are the bobsleds more for kids and smaller folks ? Thanks again

 

[chrissiecutie]

Thank you everyone for your tips. This is ever so helpful. I am totally gonna stay away from trying to both F! and the fireworks in the same night.

And to find out that the HM is going to redecorated practically has me giddy. What do they do to Space Mountain ? Or should I wait and be suprised ? I refuse to "youtube" the WOC, as I wanna see it in person. I am also pumped to see the "Magic Memories and You" on IASW. Trying to picture how that is done... I am used to it being projected onto Cindy's Castle in Florida. A quick question about Matterhorn, I am a bigger guy. Let's just say getting on Space Mountain in MK is a snug fit, are the bobsleds more for kids and smaller folks ? Thanks again

I don't think they do anything special for Space Mtn but I could be totally wrong!

My DH is a BIG guy & he fits just fine on Matterhorn. Or he did the last time we were there but I believe they've changed the "bobsleds" in the last year. Have you been to allears.net? Click on Disneyland & then in the left hand side you can find pictures of the seating for rides. This was super helpful for me when planning my first trip with DH & DS!

The old seats for Matterhorn had space for 2 in front & 2 in back & you have seatbelts. DS & I would ride in the front portion & DH in the back portion. I liked this because we could all go on it together & DH had plenty of leg room. Which at 6'3 is a nice plus! However, I have no clue what they look like now....perhaps I should take my own advice & go check out the website! Haha!

 

[vflipo]

Awesome!! When in Sept are you going? We're doing 3 nights, 4 days from the 18-22

 

[Flynn_Rider]

Thank you everyone for your tips. This is ever so helpful. I am totally gonna stay away from trying to both F! and the fireworks in the same night.

And to find out that the HM is going to redecorated practically has me giddy. What do they do to Space Mountain ? Or should I wait and be suprised ? I refuse to "youtube" the WOC, as I wanna see it in person. I am also pumped to see the "Magic Memories and You" on IASW. Trying to picture how that is done... I am used to it being projected onto Cindy's Castle in Florida. A quick question about Matterhorn, I am a bigger guy. Let's just say getting on Space Mountain in MK is a snug fit, are the bobsleds more for kids and smaller folks ? Thanks again

Around Sept 16th they re-theme Space Mountain to be Ghost Galaxy. It adds some new music and graphic and is a rather fun change of pace.

On the topic of WOC. I took my friends (twice) who were all first timers. And both groups decided the WOC dinner and seating were the best experience they had. However, that was at Ariel's Groto which is no longer goingt to have the WOC dinner package. But I would definitely give it a try at Carthay Circle.

Other things I say are must do-s,

Cafe Orleans (avoid Blue Bayou), obviously hit the rides that are exclusive to Disneyland, stroll through the Grand Californian, Trader Sam's at Disneyland Hotel, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, check out the Aladdin stage show in DCA and walk through the castle.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Around Sept 16th they re-theme Space Mountain to be Ghost Galaxy. It adds some new music and graphic and is a rather fun change of pace.

This is awesome! I stand corrected!

Tell me....how long does this change last? We will be going the 1st week of Nov. this is typically when they are changing from Halloween to Christmas decor, so I anticipate we will miss out on some stuff. But I'm hoping the Space Mtn is up te entire season??

 

[Flynn_Rider]

This is awesome! I stand corrected!

Tell me....how long does this change last? We will be going the 1st week of Nov. this is typically when they are changing from Halloween to Christmas decor, so I anticipate we will miss out on some stuff. But I'm hoping the Space Mtn is up te entire season??

I think it goes down on the 1st of November. They seem to want to switch over from Halloween into Christmas and they want this big E-Ticket attraction back online as quick as possible.

 

[Wishes4ev]

I don't think they do anything special for Space Mtn but I could be totally wrong!

My DH is a BIG guy & he fits just fine on Matterhorn. Or he did the last time we were there but I believe they've changed the "bobsleds" in the last year. Have you been to allears.net? Click on Disneyland & then in the left hand side you can find pictures of the seating for rides. This was super helpful for me when planning my first trip with DH & DS!

The old seats for Matterhorn had space for 2 in front & 2 in back & you have seatbelts. DS & I would ride in the front portion & DH in the back portion. I liked this because we could all go on it together & DH had plenty of leg room. Which at 6'3 is a nice plus! However, I have no clue what they look like now....perhaps I should take my own advice & go check out the website! Haha!

Thanks for the tip. I am off to go check the ALLEARS site.


Awesome!! When in Sept are you going? We're doing 3 nights, 4 days from the 18-22

I will be there September 15th- 19th.

Cafe Orleans (avoid Blue Bayou), obviously hit the rides that are exclusive to Disneyland, stroll through the Grand Californian, Trader Sam's at Disneyland Hotel, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, check out the Aladdin stage show in DCA and walk through the castle.

The Aladdin Stage show sounds like my favorite. Thanks for the tips, I will def hit these places up.

 

[mmlover74]

I enjoyed the AG WOC dinner package. It was definitely a nice way to see the show for the first time. My son enjoyed it as well; helped it had music since he danced the entire time. There were some boys his age he made friends with very quickly. They entertained each other while waiting.

If you eat at Carnation Cafe, look for Oscar, the chef. He has been with Disney for many years. A trip isn't complete unless I see Oscar...for me at least.

I will be at DL in Oct. and I can't wait for the Space Mtn ghost ride...Son will love it!!

 

[chrissiecutie]

Thanks for the tip. I am off to go check the ALLEARS site.


Awesome!! When in Sept are you going? We're doing 3 nights, 4 days from the 18-22

I will be there September 15th- 19th.

You're super welcome!
I just LOVE this website and of course the DIS site too!

We will be there the 1st week in Nov. Initially we had hoped for Sept but I wasn't able to book our normal hotel, so we switched our days around a bit.

 

[DisneytheKid]

Hope you enjoy trying out Walt's park!