Just returned from Aug 18-23 trip =)

[Flitterific]

The weather was pretty good for the most part except on Friday when it was really hot and muggy...yuck! DBF and I stayed at FFI in room 837. Not sure what the view is like for the fireworks at night since we stayed out until closing on most nights but we had a good view of the Matterhorn from our balcony. The room was a little dusty though and our AC made a lot of noise at night but overall okay place to stay (loved the free lemonade in the afternoons). Anyway, it took us a little less than 10 minutes to walk to the main gate of DLR (it was really crowded most of the time!). We would hit up the parks at 8am when it opened and did all the rides in Fantasyland and then proceed to Astro Blasters, Autopia, POTC and Indy (to ride them once and then grab FPs for later in the day).


Thanks to all the awesome tips, we got to do go on all the rides we wanted to do, see the parades, watch the fireworks and F! multiple times! They added the 11:30pm shows for F! on at least two of the nights we were there so we were able to secure some awesome viewing spots. The Pixar's Play Parade was really cute and fun (be prepared to get wet and soapy from all the bubbles!) but the Electrical Parade was my favorite.

We also ate at the following places:
Jazz Kitchen
Minnie & Friends breakfast
Plaza Inn - fried chicken
Napa Rose
Taste Pilots' Grill
Pacific Wharf Cafe
Cafe Orleans (they were out of beignets once again though, bummer!)
WWS

I will add my pictures to the dining thread later tonight

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Sounds like you had a good time


Just wondering, how long was the line for Toy Story? During what part of the day did you go on it? Just wondering what is the best tactic to approach that ride right now during this time of the year.... Its the kids' new fav.

Thanks.

 

[Flitterific]

The line for TSMM ranged anywhere between 40-60 minutes. I actually found the line longer at the beginning of the day (around 10:30am). I usually went on that ride at night around 9pm (when most people were watching the Electrical Parade or claiming spots for the fireworks/Fantasmic). I also went there around noon on two days and the line was about 40 minutes...but it was really hot. Hope you have fun!

 

[cannp123165]

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[Flitterific]

Yes...it was very magical I'm already starting to plan our next trip. Do you guys suggest going during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's? Anyone know what the park hours will be like then?

 

[disneymama83]

There is nothing like Disneyland at Christmas time! I would go during the first two weeks if you plan in December. Have fun!

 

[Flitterific]

There is nothing like Disneyland at Christmas time! I would go during the first two weeks if you plan in December. Have fun!

I don't think I'd be able to take any more time off this year so I have to go during the holiday weekends (so either 4 days during Thanksgiving or 3 days for Christmas or New Year's)...

 

[raftislander]

SOunds like a great trip. What were your favorites meals/restaurants? Was there any advice you got here on the boards that did not work for you?

Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's are all VERY busy times where the park can close due to capacity.

 

[Flitterific]

SOunds like a great trip. What were your favorites meals/restaurants? Was there any advice you got here on the boards that did not work for you?

Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's are all VERY busy times where the park can close due to capacity.

My favorite meal was hands down at Napa Rose! The food was exquisite and the service was wonderful. Only thing is that it's not easy on the wallet I really liked the food at Jazz Kitchen and Cafe Orleans as well.

I actually found all the advice on DIS very helpful (i.e. taking advantage of the FPs, doing the rides at Fantasyland first thing in the morning). I think the most valuable tip I got here is that FPs do not expire until the end of the day when the park closes. That was how I was able to go rides multiple times during the day. I also got some good tips on where the good eats are thanks to all the food porn out there They are pros here so they definitely know what they're talking about

I am a little worried about the crowds during the holidays but I've been dying to see all the holiday decorations at the parks. I guess I'll have to take my chances...