Just Booked!

[drewc]

For next week, March 4th through 8th. Got a 4th night free deal at the Disneyland Hotel with their package. This worked out to be cheaper than what I could get through Expedia or even with an AP discount, plus they have the 4 days for 3 hopper pass, which is like getting an extra park day for free.

I actually almost didn't get this great rate. I was booking online and there was a problem, so I called, and the reservationist knocked $300 off the on-line quote. Really cool!

We are right coasters, but the airfare to CA from Albany, NY right now is really cheap. Much cheaper than flying to FL. We figured we'd give this a try and get some California sun for a few days.

I went to Disneyland once, many years ago (probably almost 20 years) so I'm excited but feel unprepared. I feel like I know WDW really well, so this will be weird not knowing what is around each corner. My wife thinks it is funny that I am so nervous to be winging it.

Any tips or suggestions for things not to be missed? We are with our 3 kids, 6, 5 and 2.

 

[pammypooh]

Congrats on your upcoming trip! I am in the same boat - East Coaster, WDW experienced and DL newbie, however - I'm not going till June. This board has really good info. I have also checked out Our Laughing Place as well as travel books to help me feel better prepared. Drives my DH nuts as he is the "lets just wing it" part of our team. I am certain you and your family will have a great time and think of this as your family adventure.

Pam

 

[drewc]

I just ordered the "Unofficial Guide" to Disneyland. I'll read it on the plane to my wife's horror.

 

[Alison Wonderland]

With kids your age, I'd say go straight to Fantasyland and let the magic begin. I really liked Fantasyland at DisneyLand--there was something special about it and when I go back I'm going there first! And try a churro!

 

[Alison Wonderland]

And see the Buzz Lightyear show in Tomorrowland. To the best of my knowledge, they don't have a Buzz Lightyear show at WDW.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

another east coaster.....WDW experienced.......DL newbie.......that couldn't pass up the airfare..... checking in here
my trip is in July....
My DH does have a sister in Fontana so we'll visit her and we'll do DL and Universal among other things.
And I can't tell you how many hours I have put into the hotel search
I'm always on the computer and DH is always rolling his eyes at me.
I too, am interested in what not to miss!!

Hope you all have a great trip!!

 

[tinkerbell6]

Fantasyland in DL is lovely, it also has some rides that WDW does not. Mickey's Toontown is cute for little ones, and never seems to be as busy as the rest of the park. Weekends at DL/DCA are very busy with locals, since the parks are in the city.

Some must-sees at DCA are Soarin' Over California (FP's are gone early), the Aladdin show, the new Snow White show, of course the Muppets. The SunWheel is interesting, but very slow-moving and slow-loading. It does give good views of the parks however.

The main thing about DL/DCA is to remember it is smaller than WDW, and park-hopping is so easy--just walk across the large plaza. DTD is at one end of the plaza. Staying off-site can be very convenient, the hotel shuttles run very often and frankly the ride isn't usually very long. That being said, the GC is beautiful (that's where we'll stay next time).

Can't wait for our trip to WDW!!

 

[drewc]

Thanks for the pointers.

How busy should I expect it to be next weekend? I know it isn't a peak period, but how long a wait should I expect at the bigger attractions? Or probably more importantly, how busy will the parks feel, as far as making our way through the park? Last year we were in MK at the same time and it got very congested (cheerleader and softball weeks). I don't mind the wait lines so much, because we can always use FP and find something else to do, but when it becomes difficult to get down the street it can get frustrating.

We will definitely bee-line for Fantasy land. And we are planning on the Buzz lightyear show which my sons will go nuts for I'm sure. We're very excited to be checking out all the new and slightly different rides and shows.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

If it's not too late, try and get Priority Seating at the Blue Bayou. It's inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the atmosphere is fantastic. Find out when the last seating is for lunch and ask to sit by the water...you will just love it and it's something you won't find @ WDW.