Need advice about trip in a couple weeks

[Dreaming of Main St]

I am so excited right now!!! We just decided to add a few nights at Disneyland after visiting family in CA. We're headed out in a couple weeks and I have a few questions for the experts...

* World of Color - We're planning to get fastpasses as early as possible (hopefully blue!). I know during busy season you still need to line up really early to get a good spot. The show is at 8:15...I'm thinking Wednesday or Thursday night would be the least crowded. What time do you think we need to get there to line up? We have 2 young kids so we hope to find a place where they'll get a good view. Also, is there any chance of getting a blue fastpass later in the morning or do we have to be there right at opening?

* Park/DTD restaurant hours - During past trips at this time of year, we've often put off dinner until close to park closing or after leaving the park to get the most out of the hours the park is open. To plan better this time, is there anyplace online that lists the hours for the restaurants? Do the DL restaurants/counter service usually close an hour before park closing? What about the DTD restaurants?

* We'll be staying at LAX the night we arrive then driving toward Bakersfield in the morning. We're thinking about checking out the Getty Museum or Santa Monica on the way (I know it's not actually on the way, but not too far off). Any LA residents that want to share your thoughts on the best time of morning to leave or the best route to take? We live in a metro area so I am well aware of heavy traffic...just looking for any tips. Also, if there are good alternate routes if the grapevine is closed, I'd love to hear them as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for your help!!!

 

[cirquelovers]

I 've never been to WOC so I can't help you there.

We have always been able to get something to eat after the parks close, although everyone else has the same idea some times. At those times we used the Jazz Kitchen express,I think, and just ordered something up to take back to our room. I love fresh beignets and everyone else can get a sandwich or something! We have eaten at Rainforest after park close but it was a long wait. I know a few other places were open but don't remember names just where they are,probably HOB and the Mexican place. We have also grabbed a little something before leaving the park at the ice cream place or bakery. My fav is to go to the candy store for a little treat

My Mom just went on a tour of the Getty and had a great time. She said there was a lot of walking, but she is 70 and has bad knees. She said we should go next time we get down that way.


I hope a local can come along with a little more advice.

Have a great trip!!

 

[HydroGuy]

* World of Color - We're planning to get fastpasses as early as possible (hopefully blue!). I know during busy season you still need to line up really early to get a good spot. The show is at 8:15...I'm thinking Wednesday or Thursday night would be the least crowded. What time do you think we need to get there to line up? We have 2 young kids so we hope to find a place where they'll get a good view. Also, is there any chance of getting a blue fastpass later in the morning or do we have to be there right at opening?

Reports have been that busy season or low season, WOC attendance has not been affected that much. If you want a good spot you should plan to get to the WOC line-up area about two hours ahead of time. So 6:15. There may not actually be a line - you can ask WOC CMs in the area. They often will not (or are not allowed to) tell you where the line starts or when it starts. But two hour is about right to be near the front.

 

[DLR29]

Also in order to guarantee a Blue FP, you should be there between 9:30 and 10AM OR order the picnics online. I have seen the show 3 times with blue FP so I wouldn't know about what time the blues run out and they start giving out yellows.

 

[pinktink83]

As to food, last time we went we waited to eat dinner one night and it was right before the park was closing and we were SO lucky to get a corn dog on Main St from a vendor. All the restaurants were closed, all of the counterplaces were already closed, and the corn dog hut ran out of food *right* after us (in fact we had to get one less than we needed, and share) not to mention, the line was insanely long. So definitely don't plan on eating dinner in the last hour of the park closing. You'll either need to eat earlier, or plan to eat outside of the park!

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Thank you for the responses!

cirquelovers - good to know the dtd places are still open after closing...my kids love Jazz Kitchen express! I'd be fine with a treat from Marceline's too!

HydroGuy - I'll follow that advice! I've read all of your tips - you are a great asset to this board!

DLR29 - thanks - we're staying at the GCH so I'll make sure to get there early...do you know what time they open it up to hotel guests?

pinktink83 - thanks for the info! I'll plan to go earlier or to DTD

 

[kailuagirl]

I'd take hyrdoguy's advice about WOC line up and get there early. We got to the line up about 10 minutes before our FP return time said and we were way way too late, we were about the 5th group let in, so get there early. And don't forgot to take advantage of getting your FP early through the GCH entrance before the park officially let's people in.

We just stayed at the GCH early December and LOVED IT!! it was amazing. You can eat onsite at Storytellers or White Water Snacks after park closing on early days, I think they both were closing at 10 when we were there. Also DTD seemed to stay open late too so it shouldn't be a problem finding a place to get something to eat. You can check out allears.com for the menus, but it doesn't list the times they close.

Have fun

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Thanks kailuagirl! Good to know that the GCH restaurants are usually open late. Looks like we won't have a problem finding something.

 

[skiingfast]

Reports have been that busy season or low season, WOC attendance has not been affected that much. If you want a good spot you should plan to get to the WOC line-up area about two hours ahead of time. So 6:15. There may not actually be a line - you can ask WOC CMs in the area. They often will not (or are not allowed to) tell you where the line starts or when it starts. But two hour is about right to be near the front.

One thing I want to mention. When you get your FP in hand for the 8:15 show it will show a return window like any other attraction's FP does. I think, without checking, for 8:15 it will say 7 to 7:45. But they open the "holding pen" into paradise park before this. In my experience and according to others, the gate opens about 20 minutes before the the starting return time. So if you want that rail spot aim for 6:40 as the minimum time to be standing in the color groups waiting area("holding pens").

If this sounds daunting for a show that isn't supposed to have a wait, know once you get a spot a parent can run the kids out to the bathroom or short walk and bring them back. Just hold onto your FPs so the CM will let you back into Paradise Park.

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

skiingfast - Thank you! It's definitely good to know that one of us can take the kids for a little walk. I was trying to think of things to keep the little guys occupied during the wait. They have seen the promos for WOC though and are very excited to see the show!