March Check-In Thread!

[jenjersnap]

Thanks, Zanzibar and ColdNeverBotheredMe. Very helpful! We intend to nap or swim during the afternoon too. I am an uber-planner and it is the details that are hanging me up. Like, DCA has MM most days we will be there and we are staying off-site, does that mean wasting the crucial 9-10 hour waiting in line or waiting for FP at RSR because all the hotel guests will get there first? Will it be so crowded that getting FPs to WOC and F! will be a real effort without a dining package?

Like RatherBeatDisneyland, I am trying to figure out which MM will work for us. We have only two options: Saturday, March 14 where last year the opening hours were 8-11 (so MM would start at 7, I guess) but the APs are blocked or March 17 which is predicted to be a 9 crowd level, no blocked APs, park opens at 9. Neither seems ideal!

 

[ColdNeverBotheredMe]

Thanks, Zanzibar and ColdNeverBotheredMe. Very helpful! We intend to nap or swim during the afternoon too. I am an uber-planner and it is the details that are hanging me up. Like, DCA has MM most days we will be there and we are staying off-site, does that mean wasting the crucial 9-10 hour waiting in line or waiting for FP at RSR because all the hotel guests will get there first? Will it be so crowded that getting FPs to WOC and F! will be a real effort without a dining package?

Like RatherBeatDisneyland, I am trying to figure out which MM will work for us. We have only two options: Saturday, March 14 where last year the opening hours were 8-11 (so MM would start at 7, I guess) but the APs are blocked or March 17 which is predicted to be a 9 crowd level, no blocked APs, park opens at 9. Neither seems ideal!

I would recommend riding RSR instead of getting a FP first thing. We've done that every time and have never had to wait longer than 20-30 minutes which is not bad at all for RSR. We've never had trouble getting WoC fastpasses. Our plans usually included riding RSR, and then splitting up so some of us ride ToT and then some of us (the ones who don't like that ride) would go and get FPs for WoC and usually Soarin'. Although Soarin' will be down this time . Anyway, that plan's always worked great for us! We usually head to Paradise Pier after that. We've found that Screamin' usually has a fairly short line actually, and we don't usually even bother getting FPs.
They didn't have FP for F! when we were there so I don't have any advice on that, but we've always been able to get great spots for WoC without dining packages.

I would definitely go for the day when APs are blocked. Also, it's earlier!

 

[ToyStory90]

Hey everyone!

We are former annual passholders, getting new APs this year! We have three trips planned. One will be in March! Just saying hello!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Thanks, Zanzibar and ColdNeverBotheredMe. Very helpful! We intend to nap or swim during the afternoon too. I am an uber-planner and it is the details that are hanging me up. Like, DCA has MM most days we will be there and we are staying off-site, does that mean wasting the crucial 9-10 hour waiting in line or waiting for FP at RSR because all the hotel guests will get there first? Will it be so crowded that getting FPs to WOC and F! will be a real effort without a dining package?

Like RatherBeatDisneyland, I am trying to figure out which MM will work for us. We have only two options: Saturday, March 14 where last year the opening hours were 8-11 (so MM would start at 7, I guess) but the APs are blocked or March 17 which is predicted to be a 9 crowd level, no blocked APs, park opens at 9. Neither seems ideal!

Our best day at DCA was after breakfast at Storyteller's (we had an 8:30am reservation) on a non early opening day. We were allowed to use the GCH entrance after flashing our breakfast receipt, and lined up at the rope by GRR. While we were waiting, we were allowed to get our WOC FPs. At rope drop we were escorted to the Paradise Pier area, where we did Toy Story Mania first, then Screamin', then headed over to get our RSR FPs. We got some PP photos on the way through, and it was about an hour after opening by the time we pulled our FPs. There was no line at that time, and our return time was mid afternoon. Personally I wouldn't bother to go to RSR first. If you're all old enough, the single rider line works pretty well there too, and between that and FP, we were able to ride a couple of times a day without too much wait.

As for MM, it seems that the earlier the park opens, the more benefit you get with MM (only die-hards will set an alarm for 6am or earlier, whereas starting at 8 or 9am isn't so much of a big deal). If you don't mind an early morning, I would go for the Saturday.

 

[jenjersnap]

Thank you both, again! Zanzibar, does sound like a great day. Unfortunately we have no choice but to go to DCA on a MM morning and my two younger kids wouldn't ride the the single line so no way we can replicate it. Boo!

 

[MikeRx]

We will be making a spring Break trip March 15-20th (our son attends a charter school in Peoria, AZ so I don't know what the districts in the area have for spring recess).

I convinced my wife to stay at the DLH for this trip! We are really fortunate to have stayed at the GC in December and now the DLH. With the crowds and closures in the parks we will be spending afternoons at the pool and taking a more relaxing approach to the DLR. Having the AP this year has really been awesome!

See you all in March.

 

[zanzibar138]

Thank you both, again! Zanzibar, does sound like a great day. Unfortunately we have no choice but to go to DCA on a MM morning and my two younger kids wouldn't ride the the single line so no way we can replicate it. Boo!

If it makes you feel any better, we did the exact same experience on an early entry day too. The main differences were we were unable to use the GCH entrance, the rope drop was a little further back from GRR so we weren't able to get WOC FPs while we were waiting, and there was already a 20 minute wait for TSM by the time we got there. We were still getting our RSR FPs just over an hour after the park officially opened, and we still got a mid afternoon return time

The main difference for you will be the rope drop area, as I assume now that Condor Flats is closed off, the rope drop at GRR will only be for GCH guests. With WOC being down, you won't need to worry about getting those FPs, but you might find the main rope drop area to be more crowded and it would be easy to get caught up in the RSR crush!

 

[jenjersnap]

Everything I have read says that WOC is back online March 12 and, indeed, the dining package is available after that date, but it keeps being said in this thread that it won't be available at all - does anyone have a link saying the closure has been extended through March? Worried that perhaps disneyland dining (and other sources) are mistaken.

Thanks again, Zanzibar. I am hoping I will be getting a WOC FP so that will be another crowd to deal with (my DH doesn't want to pay for the dining package as we have a new Disney adult who eats like a bird and we have one $40 character meal planned already. Le Sigh.)

 

[sookie]

By the way, March folks...

A few fun things that may or may not be going on during some of your trips include:



Mardi Gras Celebration/Bayou Bash -- More than likely, this will probably not be happening at DLR in March at all (since the real Mardi Gras ends in February), and if it does happen it would only last until the very beginning of March, at the latest, but it's something to keep an eye out for -- especially for those of you whose trips are beginning in February. If nothing else, if there is no official Bayou Bash in Disneyland this year, there could be some Mardi Gras-inspired treats and/or meals in the parks;



St. Patrick's Day Festivities -- This not an extensive array of fun, but usually involves green treats in the candy and bake shops, some green merchandise and some things in Downtown Disney; and



The Springtime Roundup and Easter Egg Hunts in Both Parks -- I am not 100% sure if the Springtime Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch will return this year (last year was the first official year for it), but I can't see why it wouldn't unless it is being refurbished or something. In 2014 it started in March and was due to close after Easter (4/20/14), but I think it actually stayed open a bit longer than that.

This year, because Easter is happening earlier in April, I wonder if the Springtime Roundup may open earlier in March. In any case, it featured all of the Disney rabbits and the Easter Bunny, Minnie and Mickey in pastel, spring-ish attire, Easter-inspired crafts, Disney character "egg art" (which was really amazing), spring decor and games, etc.

The Easter Egg hunting in both parks began on 4/10 last year and ended on 4/20. This year, because Easter is earlier in April, the hunts would either have to begin in March (to be able to run for 10 days), or have a very short run and start at the beginning of April. My guess is that the Egg Hunt would begin in March. But if, for some crazy reason, it did not begin until April or if it did not happen at all, the Springtime Roundup would most likely still be open in March.





Anyway, I have a lot of links to assorted blogs about Bayou Bash, St. Patrick's Day and the Springtime Roundup and Easter Egg hunts (blogs about treats, events, etc.) -- so if you want to learn a bit more about those possible March happenings, I will be happy to post the links for you!

​

I would like these links. Have not been to DLR a lot and would like to know if you are talking about the area around Big Thunder, or are you talking about the restaurant becoming a character meal? Thanks!

 

[sophies*mom]

It re-opens March 12. Dining packages currently available.

That's what I originally read, but then I saw another list that said May 12. I really hope it's March!

 

[sophies*mom]

This is obviously not official but with the official calendar not showing anything for March yet, it's hard to know for sure

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/plan.htm#rehab

 

[zanzibar138]

Everything I have read says that WOC is back online March 12 and, indeed, the dining package is available after that date, but it keeps being said in this thread that it won't be available at all - does anyone have a link saying the closure has been extended through March? Worried that perhaps disneyland dining (and other sources) are mistaken.

Thanks again, Zanzibar. I am hoping I will be getting a WOC FP so that will be another crowd to deal with (my DH doesn't want to pay for the dining package as we have a new Disney adult who eats like a bird and we have one $40 character meal planned already. Le Sigh.)

I'm just going by what has been said on here - seems like a very lengthy refurb. I haven't seen any official dates. Either way, it's no good for us since we'll be there before 12 March

I think you'd be fine with the WOC FPs though. They really don't go that quickly any more. If it has just come back from a refurb there might be a little bit more demand for it, but it's not something you'll have to strategise or anything. If it is going by then, I would just wander over and pick one up after you've done your Paradise Pier area stuff, then go and get your RSR FP. It's really not worth doing the dining package any more unless you're really keen on eating at one of the restaurants anyway, so don't feel like you're missing out

 

[sookie]

Castmembers per phone are saying re-opening occurs on March 13 for WOC.


I have a question. I have a mother in a WC that will be with us. I know there is a handicapped viewing area for WOC. Where is that location and can we sit with her?

Thanks!

 

[sophies*mom]

Castmembers per phone are saying re-opening occurs on March 13 for WOC.


I have a question. I have a mother in a WC that will be with us. I know there is a handicapped viewing area for WOC. Where is that location and can we sit with her?

Thanks!

Oh cool, glad somebody thought to call and ask for sure

I think there are wheelchair areas but I don't know where in terms of viewing. You could probably find a map in the WOC Superthread.

 

[jenjersnap]

Castmembers per phone are saying re-opening occurs on March 13 for WOC.


I have a question. I have a mother in a WC that will be with us. I know there is a handicapped viewing area for WOC. Where is that location and can we sit with her?

Thanks!

That coincides with the online dining site too. Whew! I should have asked when I called them today myself. I was too excited that they have done away with seasonal buffet pricing to think straight!

Hope you get your answer re: the viewing area.

 

[BTSD]

We're WDW vets heading to DL for the first time March 4-10 (5 day park hopper tickets). We'll be flying in to LAX early on the 4th and checking into VGC later that day after seeing local sights. We plan on making BB Fantasmic package, taking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, and making early reservations for the character buffet at Plaza Inn so I can finish up my daughter's graduation photos before the park opens (the others were taken at WDW this past summer). Bummed about WOC being down, but I'm pretty sure we'll be back someday!!

 

[Sherry E]

I would like these links. Have not been to DLR a lot and would like to know if you are talking about the area around Big Thunder, or are you talking about the restaurant becoming a character meal? Thanks!

sookie --

The Big Thunder Ranch area is the location of the Springtime Roundup (assuming that the Roundup returns this year). If it comes back, it should open in the second half of March and probably last until or just past Easter. It's not a character meal, but just sort of a general festival/Jamboree area with characters in spring-ish attire, crafts, decorations, games, etc.

This post has a lot of links to Easter and Springtime-specific info (including activities and treats) -- HERE.

I am guessing that some of the Easter-ish things would have to appear in late March this year, since April is early.






Here are some St. Patrick's Day-related blogs:

"Charming Treats for St. Patrick’s Day 2014 at Disney Parks" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on March 15th, 2014 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

"Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Goes St. Patrick’s Day Green This Weekend" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on March 13th, 2014 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations

"St. Patrick’s Day at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Disneyland Resort" – Disney Food Blog; posted on March 13th, 2012 by Kim.

"Dining in Disneyland: St. Patrick’s Day Treats" – Disney Food Blog; posted on March 12th, 2011 by Heather.






I don't know if the Bayou Bash activities will return this year (they took place for a few years in a row, and then skipped last year), but if they did they would probably take place more towards the end of February/very beginning of March. If BB does not return, I think that there will still be some Mardi Gras-inspired menu items in the New Orleans Square restaurants in early March, and, of course, at Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. Here are some Mardi Gras/Bayou Bash-related blogs:

"Get a Taste of the Big Easy During New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on January 16th, 2013 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

"‘Limited Time Magic’ Continues at the Disneyland Resort with New Orleans Bayou Bash!" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on January 11th, 2013 by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort

"Dining in Disneyland: Bayou Bash Southern Corn Chowder" – Disney Food Blog; posted on March 8th, 2012, by Heather.

"Dining in Disneyland: More New Orleans Bayou Bash Eats!" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 23rd, 2012 by Heather.

"Snack Series: Red Velvet Mardi Gras Cupcake in Disneyland" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 17th, 2012 by AJ.

"Sno-Balls at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express (Disneyland’s Kaki-Gori!)" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 17th, 2012 by AJ.

"It’s All About the Food at New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on February 13th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

"Dining in Disneyland: Celebrating Mardi Gras and Family Fun Weekends at The French Market" -- February 25th, 2011 – Disney Food Blog; posted on by Heather.

​

 

[zanzibar138]

Castmembers per phone are saying re-opening occurs on March 13 for WOC.


I have a question. I have a mother in a WC that will be with us. I know there is a handicapped viewing area for WOC. Where is that location and can we sit with her?

Thanks!

The CM I just spoke to said that they only have information up to the 13th at this point, and WOC is blocked out for that whole time. She said she couldn't tell me whether WOC will re-open then or not. Seems like it's one of those things that depends on the CM you get.

Sorry I don't have any information on the handicapped viewing area. There was a bench in the Carthay Circle viewing area, but not sure if that was specifically for Carthay Circle package people. The whole family was using the bench, but it probably depends on how many people there are at that show who actually need the seating.

 

[sophies*mom]

The CM I just spoke to said that they only have information up to the 13th at this point, and WOC is blocked out for that whole time. She said she couldn't tell me whether WOC will re-open then or not. Seems like it's one of those things that depends on the CM you get.

Hmm...guess we will have to wait and see. I really want to see it on this trip!

 

[zanzibar138]

Hmm...guess we will have to wait and see. I really want to see it on this trip!

Me too! The chances of us being at DLR again to celebrate the anniversary of the exact moment of our engagement aren't high. Too bad it's a definite 'no' for us. I'm just sad that Ariel's Grotto isn't doing dinner while WOC is down. Not that we really loved it, but at least we could have re-created that part of the evening.

Maybe we'll go to Naples instead. We went there the night after our engagement for our last dinner at DLR. Plus, it wouldn't require park admission for DH.