Last minute trip for WDW Vets...

[attagirl2]

Hey all! We JUST decided to head out to DL on the 19th. We are staying at the Californian from the 19th to 24th and are so excited!

So- vets- let me know what is a can't miss! Kids are 5, 7, and 9.

I'm calling for Blue Bayou reservations this afternoon- beyond that, do we need reservations like we do at WDW?

 

[sonnyjane]

Get out those reading glasses and dig in to this thread! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[attagirl2]

Oh my word- that is a LOT of information!!! Thank you!!!

 

[Hound 109]

First.....read the Hydroguy "DLR for WDW veterans" thread that SonnyJane linked above. It is essential reading & your starting point.

Hey all! We JUST decided to head out to DL on the 19th. We are staying at the Californian from the 19th to 24th and are so excited!

So- vets- let me know what is a can't miss! Kids are 5, 7, and 9.

I'm calling for Blue Bayou reservations this afternoon- beyond that, do we need reservations like we do at WDW?

It's the "Grand Californian Hotel".....aka the GCH.

You can make another reservation or two (character meals etc.) if you want....but no big deal if you don't. THIS ISN'T THE RESORT IN THE SWAMP.

This is what i posted in response to an almost identical post from two weeks ago:


Quote from the OP:

While we are seasoned WDW veterans, we have never been to DL/DCA and are going for the first time this December.

We are staying at the VGC over christmas week and have 4 children between 4 and 9 including one with special needs.

I am looking for some suggestions of the best strategies to experience the California parks at this peak time?

Read all of the links below. Also, read the sticky's at the top of the DLR page & read ALL of HG's tip threads. Also reading trip reports can be helpful.


Are there "must do" attractions and or a best time of day/week to do them?

Tons of them. Be mindful of Aladdin's days off. Also DO NOT miss the 4-6 rides in FantasyLand that aren't at WDW.


Are there suggested Dining reservations to be made?

Not as big a deal as WDW. Blue Bayou & maybe a character meal (or two) should be booked, but with others you don't need ressies until a week before (if at all).


I have millions of questions and have just started planning. I am thankful for all and any advice.

My Response:

This is your starting point....the first two threads are essential reading for the WDW veteran:


Quote:
HydroGuy's DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084



& KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718 (see my post #4 in that thread)


"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

If you have any Star Wars fans: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699


& read the rest of HG's tip threads as well.

You're staying on-site. So you'll get to enjoy MM each day offered. During crowded times, being productive the first 2-3 hours at DLR is MUCH more possible (& BENEFICIAL) than at WDW. & the time zone difference will work to your advantage. SO ABSOLUTELY DO MM each day offered.....& get to the parks EARLY EVERY DAY.

Read all the linked threads (& all the rest of the threads in Hydroguy's tip thread list) & come back with lots of questions.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.