Never been to DL, possibly going in Sept?? Help

[LovesTimone]

I am a WDW super fan and planner. DH and I decided to for go WDW this year as we have made several other trips plans. We are heading for Vegas at the end of Sept for my B-Day and are talking about adding a few days to drive over the mountains into Cali and go to DL. Which I did not think that we would ever get to go to DL and this will probably be my only trip ... I am super excitied. I normally plan our trips for at least 6 to 8 months....... Okay really a year. But I don't have this kind of time line.

So If this was your only trip to DL, what should we do?

I think that we need to stay off site? but within a short walking distance?

What are our must do's? we are going to try to do both parks? Parkhopper?

Special dinning, or a must have meal ..? snack...?

Thanks so much

 

[zavandor]

The first thing to do is reading this wonderful post.

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

It explains all the differences from WDW and DL to a WDW veteran. After reading this you'll have most of your doubts cleared. I think that planning for DL is much easier than planning for WDW. For example, not having you ADR done yet it's not really a problem.

Then you should read all the other threads linked in this post:

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

above all the Hydroguy's threads.
Enjoy the magic of DL, it's a very special place

 

[KCmike]

September might see the beginning of refurbishments. I'll see if I can find any listings. I thought I read that Alice In Wonderland and several other rides are going down. This is just rumor as of now but Al is usually dead on.

"EDITOR’S NOTE 7/19-20: The long delayed and much debated redesign for the outdoor track portion of Alice In Wonderland has finally been decided on. The multi-month rehab at Alice is now scheduled to begin September 4th, along with shorter rehabs starting that same day at Indy, Storybookland, and Casey Jr Circus Train. After shorter rehabs, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain will open as their Halloween versions on Friday, September 14th. - Al Lutz"

There is still so much to see and do but thought you would like to know.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am a WDW super fan and planner. DH and I decided to for go WDW this year as we have made several other trips plans. We are heading for Vegas at the end of Sept for my B-Day and are talking about adding a few days to drive over the mountains into Cali and go to DL. Which I did not think that we would ever get to go to DL and this will probably be my only trip ... I am super excitied. I normally plan our trips for at least 6 to 8 months....... Okay really a year. But I don't have this kind of time line.

So If this was your only trip to DL, what should we do?

I think that we need to stay off site? but within a short walking distance?

What are our must do's? we are going to try to do both parks? Parkhopper?

Special dinning, or a must have meal ..? snack...?

Thanks so much

Only trip to DLR? First, I would not go in September. But sometimes you can't control that such as in your case. The main reason to avoid Sept is it is an offseason month which IMO is fine for more regular visitors but not so much for only trip in a lifetime. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

With that said, I would definitely plan for at least 3 days - you really need 4. Two will just not be enough. If you all have is two then you can still have a lot of fun but it would be like having 3-4 days at WDW - just not enough time.

Try really hard to make days overlap a weekend. This is discussed in the link above.

Good news for you is that DLR does not need months of planning. But it does need some. Have fun!

 

[kirstie101]

Have fun planning and reading all the links everyone has given you so far!

You will definitely run into some ride closures but you'll also have the benefit of low crowds so you should get to see just about everything (thats open) in both parks with no problem. September and October are my favorite times to visit the parks!

We like staying offsite, within walking distance. In the end it seems to save us money and time.

As for dining, everyone has their favorites. If its your one and only trip to DL I'd definitely suggest making ressies for Blue Bayou. That would be my one "must do" dining if it was my only chance to go.

 

[smiles33]

Wow, how exciting! PP have posted great tips. If it's likely your only trip, you really need to savor it and seek out the unique DLR aspects. Ride closures are inevitable in Sept., but I know we still had a fantastic time last September 2011 and POTC and Screamin' were both down--two rides I was REALLY looking forward to enjoying.

There is a wealth of knowledge here. I strongly recommend you read ALL of HydroGuy's tips (great advice re: everything from where to say--ALWAYS choose walking distance hotels--to where to sit for World of Color!). Maybe read some TR to get a sense of pacing (we went in September so you can review mine but we had 2 kids 5 and under). Then ask specific questions, maybe even post a proposed plan and get feedback. I find the DLR posters are IMMENSELY helpful and seem a bit more laidback than some WDW posters when I venture to other DISboard fora.

Most of all, ENJOY your time at Walt's park!

 

[LovesTimone]

September might see the beginning of refurbishments. I'll see if I can find any listings. I thought I read that Alice In Wonderland and several other rides are going down. This is just rumor as of now but Al is usually dead on.

"EDITOR’S NOTE 7/19-20: The long delayed and much debated redesign for the outdoor track portion of Alice In Wonderland has finally been decided on. The multi-month rehab at Alice is now scheduled to begin September 4th, along with shorter rehabs starting that same day at Indy, Storybookland, and Casey Jr Circus Train. After shorter rehabs, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain will open as their Halloween versions on Friday, September 14th. - Al Lutz"

There is still so much to see and do but thought you would like to know.

My birthday is the last day of sept. so we would be heading over around oct 4 or 5th, will DL be decorated for halloween?

 

[rtfelt]

"EDITOR’S NOTE 7/19-20: The long delayed and much debated redesign for the outdoor track portion of Alice In Wonderland has finally been decided on. The multi-month rehab at Alice is now scheduled to begin September 4th, along with shorter rehabs starting that same day at Indy, Storybookland, and Casey Jr Circus Train. After shorter rehabs, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain will open as their Halloween versions on Friday, September 14th. - Al Lutz"

Where did you find this? The last article I could find from Al Lutz was for 7/17.

 

[2Brave]

Where did you find this? The last article I could find from Al Lutz was for 7/17.

The top of this page:

http://miceage.micechat.com/

 

[kirstie101]

My birthday is the last day of sept. so we would be heading over around oct 4 or 5th, will DL be decorated for halloween?

Yes Halloween decorations will be up by 9/14 I believe.

 

[2Brave]

My birthday is the last day of sept. so we would be heading over around oct 4 or 5th, will DL be decorated for halloween?

First Halloween party is Sept 28 so decorations should be up.

 

[squirrel]

Looks like you will hit the Halloween parties, if you arrive in October. You may want to go one night. Should be a slower time to visit.