Must do list?

[SG131]

WDW vet here,. I was planning a trip to WDW for SWGE opening weekend, but thanks to the possible hurricane I've done a complete 180 on my plans and am now coming to DL for 2.5 days. I'm excited but overwhelmed since I'm leaving Saturday and the only thing I know about the parks is that maxxpass is worth the money. What should some of the must do activities and places to eat that I should add to my list? Thanks so much.

 

[figment_jii]

I know you're short on time, but it's probably worth it to give HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets a quick look.

Are you going to get park hoppers? The parks in DLR are much closer together (think like Epcot's FW and WS; they're about 110 yards apart), so it doesn't necessarily take that long to hop between the parks (it depends on how long the lines are at the ticket gates).

Personally, I would focus on the things that are "unique" (or at least markedly different) to DLR. It also depends on what kinds of attractions and activities you like. It's not "unique" to DL anymore, but SW:GE is open so you can check out the DL version. I would also go see Carsland (and ride RSR). DL's version of F! is better than DHS' (other than DHS has better seating) and WoC is unique to DCA.

In terms of food, DLR doesn't have as many "Signature"-level dining experiences, but their CS is pretty good. For TS locations, I like Cafe Orleans (Pomme Frites!) and Carnation Cafe (Fried Pickles). For CS locations, I like Plaza Inn (Fried Chicken), French Market (Beignets), and Jolly Holiday (everything!).

 

[SteveH]

We've done both on my must do list are Radiator Springs, Guardians & Incredicoaster, plus the rides like Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room. Rides you can't get at WDW like Matterhorn, and of course Indian Jones. As far as meal, I would say Blue Bayou, its not cheap but there really is nothing like it.

 

[avalon451]

Check Disneyland Daily if you want a couple of really good pre-made touring plans for free. Casey Starnes does her own touring plans monthly to make sure they're up to date and still work well. You can see just about everything in 2 days with her plans. Plus lots of good advice and tips for the last-minute planner.

 

[SG131]

I know you're short on time, but it's probably worth it to give HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets a quick look.

Are you going to get park hoppers? The parks in DLR are much closer together (think like Epcot's FW and WS; they're about 110 yards apart), so it doesn't necessarily take that long to hop between the parks (it depends on how long the lines are at the ticket gates).

Personally, I would focus on the things that are "unique" (or at least markedly different) to DLR. It also depends on what kinds of attractions and activities you like. It's not "unique" to DL anymore, but SW:GE is open so you can check out the DL version. I would also go see Carsland (and ride RSR). DL's version of F! is better than DHS' (other than DHS has better seating) and WoC is unique to DCA.

In terms of food, DLR doesn't have as many "Signature"-level dining experiences, but their CS is pretty good. For TS locations, I like Cafe Orleans (Pomme Frites!) and Carnation Cafe (Fried Pickles). For CS locations, I like Plaza Inn (Fried Chicken), French Market (Beignets), and Jolly Holiday (everything!).

Thanks, I will definitely try to read through that tonight. I'm very much a planner so this is a bit daunting for me. Is it worth doing the plaza parade package? I did get hoppers and maxxpass since I'm pretty short on time.

 

[chickapin parterre]

1. fortune tellers, will make you enter the theme merch retail space, but still fun and Disneyland true tradition
2. Watch the folks paddle the canoes and count your self lucky
3. take your time walking from ROA into fantasyland and look at the new themed walkway redesigned for the new redesigned RR, for the new redesigned Disneyland.
4. look at the windows of all the names, for sure if you watched Mr.Banks, why, heck, might as well ride the horse.
5. Look at the castle...but please don't make fun of it.
6. Ride the parking lot tram if you hadn't already
7. Ride snow white three times, could win you money in a trivia contest, the first ten feet of the kitchen is the best themed 10 feet at Disneyland.
8. Take a picture of the big rock in the sub lagoon, people use to swim around that rock.
9. See Small World at night and listen to the jungle beat at night, a whole different concept.
10.And if you have never been to New York, check out the dinosaurs, they have visited New York

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks, I will definitely try to read through that tonight. I'm very much a planner so this is a bit daunting for me. Is it worth doing the plaza parade package? I did get hoppers and maxxpass since I'm pretty short on time.

Personally, no I don't think the parade package is necessary, but it does depend a bit on how many people are in your group. If you solo and you don't mind standing, you can probably find a spot without much wait for the second parade.

 

[TinkerTay]

Definitely Cars Land, and make sure to check it out at night, it is even better with all the neon lit up! And yes, Guardians since it’s still ToT at WDW... also the Incredicoaster is even better at night too... the parkhoppers and MaxPass will get you to do pretty much everything you’d like to do, I tend to hop back and forth several times in a day. Some people don’t like to do that, but everything is so close so it’s super easy. I like to stack later fp’s at DCA while I’m in DL and hop over for the evening, since several of the rides are better (to me) with the lights more visible when it’s darker...

 

[SG131]

Personally, no I don't think the parade package is necessary, but it does depend a bit on how many people are in your group. If you solo and you don't mind standing, you can probably find a spot without much wait for the second parade.

Yup solo trip and I don't mind standing I'm just excited to see the parade again! It was my favorite thing at WDW!

Definitely Cars Land, and make sure to check it out at night, it is even better with all the neon lit up! And yes, Guardians since it’s still ToT at WDW... also the Incredicoaster is even better at night too... the parkhoppers and MaxPass will get you to do pretty much everything you’d like to do, I tend to hop back and forth several times in a day. Some people don’t like to do that, but everything is so close so it’s super easy. I like to stack later fp’s at DCA while I’m in DL and hop over for the evening, since several of the rides are better (to me) with the lights more visible when it’s darker...

Ok, I'll definitely make sure to do those at night, I didn't even think of that though at WDW I do have a list of rides I prefer to ride at night. What do you mean by stack fp?

 

[Chickinvic]

WDW vet here,. I was planning a trip to WDW for SWGE opening weekend, but thanks to the possible hurricane I've done a complete 180 on my plans and am now coming to DL for 2.5 days. I'm excited but overwhelmed since I'm leaving Saturday and the only thing I know about the parks is that maxxpass is worth the money. What should some of the must do activities and places to eat that I should add to my list? Thanks so much.

Some of the rides that are better at Disneyland (or just don't exist elsewhere):
Must do: Pirates of the Caribbean is far better at Disneyland, as is Space Mountain (not sure about any current overlays they might have though). Indiana Jones ride doesn't exist at WDW. Matterhorn bobsleds don't exist at WDW. Kind of not a very exciting ride, but IASW is nicer at Disneyland. Roger Rabbit in Toontown doesn't exist at WDW. The train ride is better than WDW's. I always go at least once all around the park.

Fanasmic is better out in the open.

DCA: If they are still running the original (and far superior) Soarin' Over California, then that is a must do. Guardians of the Galaxy (the ride they turned their Tower of Terror into). Radiator Springs (Carsland). I like Grizzly River Run (but skip if you don't like getting wet). The Incredicoaster.

As far as restaurants not available at WDW, I love eating at Blue Bayou in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Love the ambiance, and I've always had good food there.

A treat I LOVE that isn't available anywhere else but Disneyland, California is the Tigger Tail. Buy at the candy store by the Winnie the Pooh ride. Marshmallows dipped in caramel then white chocolate and rolled in coarse sugar and drizzled with chocolate. I'm not even a marshmallow fan and I love these things.

Oh, and do park hop. They are so close to each other. I never hop at WDW, but do so every day at Disneyland.

 

[TinkerTay]

Ok, I'll definitely make sure to do those at night, I didn't even think of that though at WDW I do have a list of rides I prefer to ride at night. What do you mean by stack fp?

When you choose your fast passes thru MaxPass, if you choose later times as they’re available, you can end up with several fp’s at or near the same times, so it’s easy to go from one ride to the next with little wait time. For example, RSR @ Cars Land tends to go thru fp’s fairly quickly, so if you keep a good eye on the return times, you can get a FP with a return time for say 8pm, in the late morning/early afternoon. MaxPass only has to wait 90 min (instead of 2 hrs for reg paper fp’s) to make another fp, so when that time is up, check wait times and choose one (in the same park) with a 6 or 7pm return time. In 90 min make another for somewhere within 6 and 9 pm, then you’ll have 3 fp’s already made for later, so you’ll just go from one to the next to the next with fairly limited waiting. There’s an hour return window for each, so just use the earliest one first and so on. I think I’ve had 4 stacked up at one time before, it just makes it nice to have it planned out. There’s a thread that is all about strategizing your MaxPass usage, check it out... it probably explains much better than I do, lol...
https://www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/

 

[SG131]

When you choose your fast passes thru MaxPass, if you choose later times as they’re available, you can end up with several fp’s at or near the same times, so it’s easy to go from one ride to the next with little wait time. For example, RSR @ Cars Land tends to go thru fp’s fairly quickly, so if you keep a good eye on the return times, you can get a FP with a return time for say 8pm, in the late morning/early afternoon. MaxPass only has to wait 90 min (instead of 2 hrs for reg paper fp’s) to make another fp, so when that time is up, check wait times and choose one (in the same park) with a 6 or 7pm return time. In 90 min make another for somewhere within 6 and 9 pm, then you’ll have 3 fp’s already made for later, so you’ll just go from one to the next to the next with fairly limited waiting. There’s an hour return window for each, so just use the earliest one first and so on. I think I’ve had 4 stacked up at one time before, it just makes it nice to have it planned out. There’s a thread that is all about strategizing your MaxPass usage, check it out... it probably explains much better than I do, lol...
https://www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/

Oh wow, I thought it was similar to the old paper FP system in that once you had a reservation you had to wait until you use that one to make another. Great to know especially during the time I'll be in Star Wars Land and can't use them anyway.

 

[Becca1007]

Oh wow, I thought it was similar to the old paper FP system in that once you had a reservation you had to wait until you use that one to make another. Great to know especially during the time I'll be in Star Wars Land and can't use them anyway.

Also ... if your booking window is open and there isn't something you want to ride listed or something is listed as not available (RSR typically) refresh the page several times. As people cancel fastpasses they open back up to be booked, as a solo traveler you will be able to get some extra rides this way. Also don't hesitate to use the single rider lines (especially on Space Mountain). And if you have a time for which you don't want/need another fastpass right away, I always just pick up the first available one for Indiana Jones... since the ride breaks down often it can turn into a magical experience pass (used on a number of other attractions at any time during the day received).