Never been to DSLND...a little help, please?

[Lorelai]

Lorelai,

I just did some research at TGM's site and at first it didn't look promising. It talked alot about "sample park tours" and custom tours based on your "preferences" which sounded like you wouldn't get any manual tweaking abilities.... then I found this statement.

The ability to add or delete any attraction, restaurant, hotel, activity, ticket, or vacation article to/from your itinerary with a click of the mouse.

Now that sounds like what I would want... I think I may give TGM a go on my next trip

Now I am leaning towards perhaps trying TGM for DL. I used it for WDW a few trips back, and it was very helpful. Yet, with the type of planners that you & I are, I kept thinking that I really didn't need it because it was probably my 7th trip to WDW and I had so much info of my own. But with DL I feel like a fish out of water. I can't imagine that I'd be able to do this without assistance.

By the way, I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that i can get to DCA from DL without going on the monorail to a transfer station so that I can hop to a seperate loop! It sounds amazing to be able to park hop so efficiently in CA. I am very excited to embrace the differences between these two wonderful visions of Walt!

 

[Sherry E]

Oh, I almost forgot - Lorelai, you asked about the Monsters, Inc. ride in DCA - yes, it is most definitely an actual ride!! It's technically called "Mike and Sulley to the Rescue," but everyone just calls it Monsters, Inc.! It's really cute. There is even a smell of ginger inside as you pass through a sushi restaurant. At the end of the ride, your vehicle stops in front of Roz, and Roz makes comments about or to people in the car (obviously someone is voicing her behind the scenes somewhere, just like how it's done with Turtle Talk).

So Monsters, Inc. is something you will definitely want to make time for. I think Aladdin is really worth it too - almost everyone agrees it is a great show. Be sure to stop and see the Toy Story zoetrope in the Animation Building, as well as the Beast's Library and Ursula's Grotto (I think it's called Ursula's Grotto)? Anyway, you can add your voice to different Disney scenes or songs.).

Does your daughter love Princesses? You can see them at the Princess Fantasy Faire in DL or at the Ariel's Grotto Princess Meal in DCA.

Newport Beach is a beautiful town - but I have no clue what the traffic is like getting from NB to Anaheim! Now if you were going from Los Angeles to Anaheim and back, I coud tell you. The Newport Beach route I am not so sure of. I'm sure someone will have that info for you.

 

[Nala83]

No TGM for Disneyland (only for WDW).

I might be inclined to use Ridemax if I was in your shoes. It's a busy time of year and you only have 2 days. You'll want to fit a lot in. Ridemax can help...and it's really not expensive. (Plus it's fun to play with.)

 

[raftislander]

I have used both TGMike and Ridemax for WDW. I would describe Ridemax as being more similar to the Unofficial Guides touring plans than TGM. Both the Unofficial Guide and Ridemax try to minimize the number of minutes you are waiting in line and maximize the number of attractions you can see in a given day. TGM also wants you to minimize the number of minutes you are waiting in line, but his approach is that you will not have the best vacation by going commando style and encourages breaks, etc. As pp stated, TGM is strickly WDW. I found TGM advice more useful as he offered lots of advice as to what to see and what to skip. Ridemax did not; it just gave the best order in which to see things. Unofficial guide has lots of touring plans for DLR and gives you lots of information about how rides load etc. Many people have had great success with ridemax for DLR. I have never used Ridemax at DLR.

I will say that it is very important to be at DLR at rope drop as you can get so much done early in the morning. I think that you might get a better answer to your commute time question from Newport Beach if you start a new thread with that question inthe title. Someone on this board will know the answer

 

[HydroGuy]

I have used both TGMike and Ridemax for WDW. I would describe Ridemax as being more similar to the Unofficial Guides touring plans than TGM. Both the Unofficial Guide and Ridemax try to minimize the number of minutes you are waiting in line and maximize the number of attractions you can see in a given day. TGM also wants you to minimize the number of minutes you are waiting in line, but his approach is that you will not have the best vacation by going commando style and encourages breaks, etc. As pp stated, TGM is strickly WDW. I found TGM advice more useful as he offered lots of advice as to what to see and what to skip. Ridemax did not; it just gave the best order in which to see things. Unofficial guide has lots of touring plans for DLR and gives you lots of information about how rides load etc. Many people have had great success with ridemax for DLR. I have never used Ridemax at DLR.

I will say that it is very important to be at DLR at rope drop as you can get so much done early in the morning. I think that you might get a better answer to your commute time question from Newport Beach if you start a new thread with that question inthe title. Someone on this board will know the answer

I have used TGM, RM and UOG at WDW, and RM at DLR. IMO TGM and RM share a similar philosophy - which is that Disney is fun and you will have more fun if you can avoid lines. TGM is about the whole vacation experience while RM is about rides. The UOG feels so much more business like and un-fun (is that a word?). Their style was so un-Disney to me.

RM does not advocate a commando touring style. Like TGM they advocate a smart approach to touring. They help you make good decisions about ride order. Can people use RM to go commando? Yes! But even RM warns against this.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is the Monster's Inc. a ride through? They have a Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club in MK at WDW but it's a live theater show/comedy club with the same technology as Turtle Talk. I'd love to know what the California version is like as my daughter loves Monster's Inc. characters.

Totally different rides. At DCA MI is a dark ride sort of like Peter Pan.

Also, unfortunately it looks like we are a bit further from Anaheim than I thought. I've never been to California but I hear the traffic is a bit difficult to navigate. However, I am from North Central, NJ and the traffic from here to Manhattan is no party...so i hope I am prepared for West Coast gridlock. We are coming from a town called Newport Beach??? It looks like it's about 21 miles from Disneyland. Should I plan on roughly 2 hours of traffic/gridlock on a Monday morning from Newport to Anaheim?

The traffic gods will have final say over this. Yesterday - Saturday afternoon at 2:30PM - we headed out for north San Diego (Oceanside) from DLR on Interstate 5 - and hit...traffic. Bumper to bumper, stopped stone-dead cold on the freeway traffic. Took us almost two hours to go 55 miles.

Today - Sunday - my cousin came to visit from north of LA and hit... what do you think?... stop and go traffic... all afternoon. Delayed them over an hour.

It is so hard to say how long something will take. Newport Beach is close to DLR and I doubt it will take 2 hours - probably closer to 30-40 minutes. But who knows except for the traffic gods? Offer a sacrifice to them in Newport and it may help.

Lastly, where can I find a really clear online park map of DL & DCA so that I can get my "crazy mama" plan in motion. I feel like I need to see where the rides/attractions are located to plan our itinerary.

These maps seem to be good:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/

 

[mousermerf]

What? No one is going to tell her what Monsters Inc used to be and why it exists in place of that abysmal failure of an attraction that sat closed and unused for years because it was so bad?

Talk about lobbing Disney a soft one...

 

[sportbettor]

I've driven a bunch of times from NB to DL. Its never taken me an hour. However when its rush hour I take surface streets. It might not be any quicker, but I hate stop and go freeway traffic.

If you want to take surface streets, depending on where in NB you are staying you can take Newport Blvd to Harbor (if you are closer to the water/Costa Mesa) or you can take Macarthur to Harbor (if you are staying more inland). Disneyland is on Harbor like 15 miles north.

If I were u I would fire up http://www.sigalert.com before I leave in the morning and look at the northbound traffic on 55 and 5. If its red all over the place I would consider taking surface streets.

 

[Petraman]

I have used TGM, RM and UOG at WDW, and RM at DLR. IMO TGM and RM share a similar philosophy - which is that Disney is fun and you will have more fun if you can avoid lines. TGM is about the whole vacation experience while RM is about rides. The UOG feels so much more business like and un-fun (is that a word?). Their style was so un-Disney to me.

RM does not advocate a commando touring style. Like TGM they advocate a smart approach to touring. They help you make good decisions about ride order. Can people use RM to go commando? Yes! But even RM warns against this.

I couldn't agree more.
RM can be a commando approach, but only if you absolutely pack it with choices for that day. I really loved how RM would take the extra time that was available, and place "breaks " strategically throughout the day.

It's the programmability to me that make TGM and RM more similar.... UOG is a set of pre-planned days that feel very clinical. They tell you what rides you should ride or skip.

As always Hydro, I think you said it all very well

 

[blackjackdelta]

Totally different rides. At DCA MI is a dark ride sort of like Peter Pan.

The traffic gods will have final say over this. Yesterday - Saturday afternoon at 2:30PM - we headed out for north San Diego (Oceanside) from DLR on Interstate 5 - and hit...traffic. Bumper to bumper, stopped stone-dead cold on the freeway traffic. Took us almost two hours to go 55 miles.

Today - Sunday - my cousin came to visit from north of LA and hit... what do you think?... stop and go traffic... all afternoon. Delayed them over an hour.

It is so hard to say how long something will take. Newport Beach is close to DLR and I doubt it will take 2 hours - probably closer to 30-40 minutes. But who knows except for the traffic gods? Offer a sacrifice to them in Newport and it may help.

These maps seem to be good:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/

This seems to happen to me everytime I go to SD if I leave later than 0630. I need a tank!. I may go slower but stops for nothing.

Jack

 

[AmyPond]

I lived there for about a year. I adapted but even on my last visits before moving again there were just some common practices of "locals" that made me shake my head.

I'm intrigued by this. What "common practices" are you referring to?

 

[Lorelai]

Totally different rides. At DCA MI is a dark ride sort of like Peter Pan.

The traffic gods will have final say over this. Yesterday - Saturday afternoon at 2:30PM - we headed out for north San Diego (Oceanside) from DLR on Interstate 5 - and hit...traffic. Bumper to bumper, stopped stone-dead cold on the freeway traffic. Took us almost two hours to go 55 miles.

Today - Sunday - my cousin came to visit from north of LA and hit... what do you think?... stop and go traffic... all afternoon. Delayed them over an hour.

It is so hard to say how long something will take. Newport Beach is close to DLR and I doubt it will take 2 hours - probably closer to 30-40 minutes. But who knows except for the traffic gods? Offer a sacrifice to them in Newport and it may help.

These maps seem to be good:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/maps/

Thank you...any idea what's best to offer the traffic gods of California...I only know what works in New Jersey.

Seriously, thank you...your info & threads on DL are fantastic.

I have to ask you, HydroGuy...can you give me your top three rides or attractions at DL & DCA...also, your fave place to eat. I just gotta know.

 

[Lorelai]

What? No one is going to tell her what Monsters Inc used to be and why it exists in place of that abysmal failure of an attraction that sat closed and unused for years because it was so bad?

Talk about lobbing Disney a soft one...

Oh, now I've just got to know! C'mon, spill...

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you...any idea what's best to offer the traffic gods of California...I only know what works in New Jersey.

Seriously, thank you...your info & threads on DL are fantastic.

I have to ask you, HydroGuy...can you give me your top three rides or attractions at DL & DCA...also, your fave place to eat. I just gotta know.

Oh, oh, oh!

1. POTC
2. Indy
3. Soarin
4. Space Mtn

Eating...

No clear favorite. Last week Ariel's Grotto stood out as did Plaza Inn. Blue Bayou is always fun but IMO never totally worth the cost. It is just so unique we keep going back.

As for sacrifices, I have not found one that works!

 

[Sherry E]

Lorelai -

With all due respect to HydroGuy and his vast wealth of information, if you post a question about dining on the board, you will get tons of ideas and suggestions from people. Dining is a hot topic on the DIS, and there are lots of people who have eaten at all the restaurants (far more than I have) and have strong opinions (good or bad) on them. You should try doing that!

 

[HydroGuy]

Lorelai -

With all due respect to HydroGuy and his vast wealth of information, if you post a question about dining on the board, you will get tons of ideas and suggestions from people. Dining is a hot topic on the DIS, and there are lots of people who have eaten at all the restaurants (far more than I have) and have strong opinions (good or bad) on them. You should try doing that!

I will never claim to be an expert on DLR dining because I am not.

Last week we did more DLR dining than all of our previous trips combined. In the past we did things fast and ate sandwiches a lot. Sherry is right. Go visit the other dining threads!

 

[Lorelai]

Oh, oh, oh!

1. POTC
2. Indy
3. Soarin
4. Space Mtn

Eating...

No clear favorite. Last week Ariel's Grotto stood out as did Plaza Inn. Blue Bayou is always fun but IMO never totally worth the cost. It is just so unique we keep going back.

As for sacrifices, I have not found one that works!

Excellent!

You know, I was wondering if The Plaza Inn was similar to The Plaza on Main Street in Magic Kingdom at WDW...

Blue Bayou totally caught my eye...we're only in DL for 2 days, so I would love to check out the sit down, non counter restaurants that are DL specific.

We love to chill out once or twice a day and do sit down lunches or dinners in WDW...they add so much to the flair of the trip. Like Biergarten or LeCellier in WS at Epcot. Also, I am a crazy freak for the Tonga Toast in the Polynesian's Kona Cafe. Any sit down joints that you recommend, I would seriously consider.

 

[Lorelai]

Lorelai -

With all due respect to HydroGuy and his vast wealth of information, if you post a question about dining on the board, you will get tons of ideas and suggestions from people. Dining is a hot topic on the DIS, and there are lots of people who have eaten at all the restaurants (far more than I have) and have strong opinions (good or bad) on them. You should try doing that!

Good idea...I will do that...PRONTO. Thanks ~

 

[Funball]

We will be in Anaheim for 2 days in November...I've been to WDW 9 times and feel really good about our park plans there. However, I have no idea at all how to negotiate Disneyland...is 2 days even enough time to scratch the surface?

Thanks, in advance, for any help.

I don’t mind giving my opinion on dining….and yes you need like 3 days (like sherry said).

Dining at Disneyland (Inside Park), well I like these places:

Rancho Del zocalo-near big thunder mountain, Mexican food, has lots of choices!

Blue Bayou- the atmosphere is awesome, 2 thumbs up!

Bengal BBQ—they have the best kabobs EVER!


In Downtown Disney, I like these places:

Naples-simple, nice Italian favorites—gourmet pizzas!!

Tortillas Jo’s-mexican food, but they have the best margaritas ever and fish tacos are so yummy!

Ralph Brenneman’s jazz kitchen—you will feel like your on bourbon street when you eat here, its’ awesome!! The menu—well let’s just say your going to want one of everything!


You did not mention going to DCA, so I will list my fav’s anyway:

Taste pilots grill—burgers, ribs, chili cheese fries and vegetarian selections also(this is a fav, place among most disers)

Wine country trattoria-nice atmosphere inside and out, lovely setting, awesome menu you will want one of everything, they do serve adult beverages also.

Farmers Market—yummy wraps, giant salads and overall the food is great!!


***Oh and op, you will need maps of Both parks, well at least Disneyland, so you can better navigate through park before you get here, so please PM me and I can send you a map in the mail(I’m the park map girl at the moment!!)

 

[Lorelai]

I don’t mind giving my opinion on dining….and yes you need like 3 days (like sherry said).

Dining at Disneyland (Inside Park), well I like these places:

Rancho Del zocalo-near big thunder mountain, Mexican food, has lots of choices!

Blue Bayou- the atmosphere is awesome, 2 thumbs up!

Bengal BBQ—they have the best kabobs EVER!


In Downtown Disney, I like these places:

Naples-simple, nice Italian favorites—gourmet pizzas!!

Tortillas Jo’s-mexican food, but they have the best margaritas ever and fish tacos are so yummy!

Ralph Brenneman’s jazz kitchen—you will feel like your on bourbon street when you eat here, its’ awesome!! The menu—well let’s just say your going to want one of everything!


You did not mention going to DCA, so I will list my fav’s anyway:

Taste pilots grill—burgers, ribs, chili cheese fries and vegetarian selections also(this is a fav, place among most disers)

Wine country trattoria-nice atmosphere inside and out, lovely setting, awesome menu you will want one of everything, they do serve adult beverages also.

Farmers Market—yummy wraps, giant salads and overall the food is great!!


***Oh and op, you will need maps of Both parks, well at least Disneyland, so you can better navigate through park before you get here, so please PM me and I can send you a map in the mail(I’m the park map girl at the moment!!)

Oh my gosh...YOU ROCK! How do I PM you to get maps...I need maps so badly...and I wish I had 3 days, alas, I can only be in the area for 2 days.

Lastly, Blue Bayou & Ralph Brenneman's jazz kitchen sound like immediate must do spots for me. Do they take reservations , priority seating, ADRs...what on earth do they call reservations in DL anyway?