Late arrival tips

[czmom]

What is a good plan for late arrival to DL? We would likely get there around 2:00 on a Thursday in July. Staying at VGC so we just need to check in and store our bags.
Best place for a late lunch? I know it will be the busiest time of day in the park, but it is my actual birthday and I want to be in the park to celebrate!

 

[hardcorestitch]

What is a good plan for late arrival to DL? We would likely get there around 2:00 on a Thursday in July. Staying at VGC so we just need to check in and store our bags.
Best place for a late lunch? I know it will be the busiest time of day in the park, but it is my actual birthday and I want to be in the park to celebrate!

I would just eat light… like off the snack carts. Most of the sit down restaurants and quick service would be lengthy in waits if you’re really hungry by then. If you’re going multiple days, definitely eat the big meal on a day when you’re staying in the parks for the whole day.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

What is a good plan for late arrival to DL? We would likely get there around 2:00 on a Thursday in July. Staying at VGC so we just need to check in and store our bags.
Best place for a late lunch? I know it will be the busiest time of day in the park, but it is my actual birthday and I want to be in the park to celebrate!

I have a similar plan for my upcoming trip in a few weeks. I have a reservation for California Adventures but It will be after 3pm when I get there. I plan to scan in to the park and check for Lightening Lanes. I have a reservation for Din Tai Fung for around 5pm, which should give me enough time to do at least one ride.

 

[CandyMouse]

We're going to be later on the 4th of July, around 3-4 to start at DL also. We're just planning on some rides with lower waits and then hopping later to DCA for WOC dessert party. Hope it works out for you and have a great birthday!

 

[irlandaise]

I would just eat light… like off the snack carts. Most of the sit down restaurants and quick service would be lengthy in waits if you’re really hungry by then.

True, but gosh, it's her birthday.

@czmom How about making a reservation at one of the nicer restaurants in the park for a time you know you can arrive by, even if that's 2:30 or 3:00?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

What is a good plan for late arrival to DL? We would likely get there around 2:00 on a Thursday in July. Staying at VGC so we just need to check in and store our bags.
Best place for a late lunch? I know it will be the busiest time of day in the park, but it is my actual birthday and I want to be in the park to celebrate!

What types of foods do you particularly like?

 

[LKing]

You aren't talking about Thursday, July 17 are you?

I disagree that all quick serve will have lengthy lines. On the app, you can select "check dining availability" and it will list restaurants that have openings. Looking at the mobile order time frames will also give you an idea of how crowded a restaurant is.

In Disneyland, I would look at Tiana's, Hungry Bear, Rancho del Zocalo, or Alien Pizza Planet. In DCA, Flo's and Paradise Gardens both seem to have plenty of seating.