need help planning please

[02AggieGirl]

Ok my family me, dh, 3 dd (5,3, 6 mo) are going to do a quick weekend trip for my bday. We will be there March 4-7. So we are only spending 2 days at the parks (thursday, march 5 and friday, march 6--my bday ).
How crowded is this time? What time should we be at the parks?
Any places you would recommend we eat?
What are some nice hotels within walking distance? (hojo doesn't have rooms)
I'm very unfamiliar with DL. I've only been once and that was in Jan '01 and DCA wasn't even open yet, so any advice/info would be greatly appreciated!

Jo

 

[Dizneydaz]

It shouldn't be too crowded, esp. on Thursday. However I would plan on getting there before the parks open. If you have to get tix, allow yourself maybe an hour before it opens to get your tix. The lines at the booths have been long lately.

My DD9 and I enjoy eating at Pizza Port in TL and DL. Also, I like Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. If it's a nice day eating outside on the patio is wonderful. I rec. making PS for sit-down if you can, even if you make them in the a.m. of the same day (I've done this and basically walked past all those waiting who were walk ups ) Consider having the kids share an adult meal instead of 2 kid's meals. Better value and more food.

Also, recently we have eaten at White Water Snacks in the GC. It's located just outside the DCA entrance to the hotel. It's their food court and it's not as crowded as some of the restaurants in the park. And the food is pretty good. I've had the French Dip and the Chili Dog-both very good. DD has had the chicken strips and cheeseburger. Also, you may get a glimpse of the kitty who hangs out there-she's a nice little calico.

Get as many FP early in the day as possible just in case it gets crowded. You can use them even after the time has passed.

Can't rec. a hotel, we have AP and stay at home.

Plan some time for your DD (esp. the 2 older ones) to play at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at DCA. My DD9 loves it here. A chance to run around and zip down a zip line.

Also, check out the Animation Academy at DCA. You can learn to draw a Disney character in about 20 min. and talk to Crush. Many people bypass this-don't, it's really nice.

When (and if) DL starts to get crowded, cross over to DCA. It's never as crowded. The kids will enjoy Flik's Fun Fair. Soarin' is really cool. And if it's warm enough, Grizzly Rapids is exciting.

Hope this helps, any more ??, just ask.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Crowds is a matter of perspective, but in terms of how crowded it can get at Disneyland, March 5 & 6 shouldn't be too bad.

Since the HOJO is booked, you may want to check out the Candy Cane Inn - cute, free continental breakfast, about an 8-10 minute walk but they also have their own private shuttle to/from Disneyland that runs on the hour and half hour. They have a heated outdoor pool, spa, and children's wading pool. http://www.candycaneinn.net/

Be at the parks EARLY. You'll get a lot done early in the day before the mid-morning crowds start pouring in.

Have a great time!

 

[Hound 109]

Ok my family me, dh, 3 dd (5,3, 6 mo) are going to do a quick weekend trip for my bday. We will be there March 4-7. So we are only spending 2 days at the parks (thursday, march 5 and friday, march 6--my bday ).
How crowded is this time? What time should we be at the parks?
Any places you would recommend we eat?
What are some nice hotels within walking distance? (hojo doesn't have rooms)
I'm very unfamiliar with DL. I've only been once and that was in Jan '01 and DCA wasn't even open yet, so any advice/info would be greatly appreciated!

Jo

Welcome to the DLR side of the board .....where even longhorns can help aggies.

I always do quick visits to DLR....it's a blast. For your stay... it will probably be more crowded on Fri. evening, but not too bad on Thursday or Friday morning. (but if you pick up FPs early & zig when others are zagging, Friday evening & even Saturday wouldn't be a problem).

As mentioned above, the key is arriving early (30 min. before opening) to get the most done. I also agree that the Candy Cane is a great choice (as is several "walking distance" Harbor Blvd. hotels). See this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862


You should consider Park Hopping each day for most effecient touring & avoiding crowds:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


If you're a WDW vet, here's the primer:

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


& here's the rest of HydroGuy's tip threads....all worth a read:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


I also enjoy the Tratoria in DCA (sit outside on a nice sunny day) & the Carnation Cafe on Main St. for brunch after touring early at DL.

A couple of thoughts:

Have you priced a 3 day hopper (for your arrival or departure day)? It might not be much more & it would give you Magic Morning.

If only 2 days...have you priced the Disney Hotels for your dates? Staying at the Paradise Pier might be worth it.... if not too much more than the CCI because it would give you MM each day offered.

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

 

[merrrydeath]

I would just like to say that March 6th is my birthday and I will be there that day and Saturday the 7th! I'm crossing my fingers for an easy trip and not too bad of crowds. Have fun!