Just booked!!! so many questions!

[amyshell]

How many days do we need??? i'm thinking we will have 2.. Do we need hoppers??

Is there memory maker??

When can you book ADR's? What are the best restaurants??

I'm a WDW girl, trying out DL for the first time~ give me all your tips and tricks!

Thank you!!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Start here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Most people here will suggest 3-5 days, depending on what your priorities, touring style, etc. are.

What time of year are you going?

The best way to get your photo downloads will be to purchase Maxpass for at least one person in your group. Maxpass allows you to make FP reservations on your phone (it's an entirely different FP system than WDW, all day-of), and it also gives you photo downloads. It's currently $10 per person, per day, although that may change since it was announced as an "introductory price" well over a year ago.

Dining opens 60 days in advance and isn't cutthroat like WDW (with a few exceptions that book pretty quickly, like some of the show dining packages).

 

[midnight star]

*Read the thread above @Skyegirl1999 posted*
In relation to ADR's, you can book on the actual website, or on the app. I prefer the website because every time I've tried making reservations on the app, it crashes midway through. You can make reservations 60 days in advance, and there's a 24 hour cancellation policy.

My favorite restaurants are:
- Cafe Orleans: Monte cristo sandwich, bourbon street chicken, pomme frites, and beignets are my favorites
- Blue Bayou: many mixed reviews about this place; I really enjoyed the gumbo and jambalaya.I also really enjoyed the service. So far out of all my table service at DL, this one was the best
- Carnation Cafe: also has mixed reviews; right on main street, very cute restaurant; my favorite is the loaded baked potato soup
- Lamplight Lounge: has good food and drinks, but service isn't the best

 

[tarheelalum]

At least 3 days minimum. Park hoppers are a must have.

 

[FCDub]

Park hopping is very different in Disneyland compared to Florida. They’re right across from each other, easily walkable. Get the hoppers.

 

[FCDub]

Double post!

 

[skuttle]

We went to Disneyland for the first time over the summer. We are WDW regulars too.

We haven't bought hoppers for WDW in years, but thought they were totally worth it at Disneyland since the parks are literally right across from each other.

We did the Blue Bayou Fantasmic package and thought the food/atmosphere of Blue Bayou and reserved seating for Fantasmic made it well worth the money.

We spent a week at Disneyland. I would say you need at least 3 days.

We purchased max pass, which allows you to select your FP on your phone instead of running to the attractions to get a paper FP. Max Pass also gives you all of your ride pictures and photopass pictures. This was 100% worth it!

 

[Geemo]

How many days do we need??? i'm thinking we will have 2.. Do we need hoppers??

Is there memory maker??

When can you book ADR's? What are the best restaurants??

I'm a WDW girl, trying out DL for the first time~ give me all your tips and tricks!

Thank you!!

Dining opens 60 days in advance and isn't cutthroat like WDW (with a few exceptions that book pretty quickly, like some of the show dining packages).

I agree with 3 to 5 day hopper tickets.
While making dining reservations may not be as cutthroat as WDW. It's best to make your ADR's early. Some of the more popular locations and dining packages will book up fast.

If you're staying onsite and the ADR time you want isn't available, you can call and as a hotel guest get a priority reservation most of the time.

 

[PirateRedhead]

Oh, you'll have so much fun! I'd recommend watching you tube videos to familiarize yourself with exactly how to use Maxpass (which IMO you should absolutely get, along with parkhoppers).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You can see the DLR menus here: Menus. This will help you decide which restaurants will work best for your group. Reservations at DLR are known as Priority Seating (ADRs are at WDW). You can book online at the DLR website, via the Disneyland app, or by calling the DINE Line (714-781-DINE).

 

[ExcitedMama]

Consider a Fantasmic dining package. It’s really the only way to watch the show. If you’ve never been before consider the Blue Bayou. If it’s too expensive or not your type of food given the fixed menu do Hungry Bear, the cheapest package but great view.

How many in your party? Kids? We like to do Goofy’s on arrival because it’s the only character dinner and it’s outside the park so no wasting park time. If you like charcters consider Minnie’s. It had the best character interaction, most charcters and an interesting variety.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

What time of year are you going? Two days can be done in the "off-season", but if you're going during holidays, spring break, or summer, I recommend 3 days minimum to see everything, but 4 days if you like to take it easy and go at a leisurely pace. Even though WDW is larger, DLR offers more attractions in less space.

Hoppers depend on your touring style. If you're only doing 2 days, I don't think the hopper really helps. One day in each park is fine. If you do more days, get the hopper. It's nice to be able to go to both parks on your last day to finish up loose ends.

Get maxpass. It's worth it. I wouldn't have said that at first, but after using it once, I love it. Unlimited photo downloads and wireless FP booking.

ADRs start 60 days out I believe. I could be wrong. We don't usually do ADR. There are quite a few QS restaurants and often the wait at TS restaurants feels like a waste of time when there's so much to do.

What hotel are you staying at? If you get EMH or MM, use it. It's worth it. No matter what, get there 30 minutes before rope drop in the morning. It's nice to be able to get into the parks and get stuff done before the crowds get bad. If you don't have MM or EMH, start at the park that doesn't have it that morning. It evens the playing field in terms of competing with crowds.

Overall, DLR does not require as much planning as WDW. Make a list of attractions you want to experience. Try to organize your time by area to avoid running back and forth. And make use of FP for RSR, GotG, Soarin', Star Tours, Indy, and any of the mountains. Have a great time!