New and need help PLEASE! :)

[hyd_inplain_sight]

Hello

I'm new to this board and it's been almost 14 years since we've been to DL. I'm going with my 2 adult children for a couple of days before we head out on a cruise in Feb 2017. What are some of the do not miss things that are new in the last 14 years? Last time we went we had much smaller kids and I was married. Now I'm divorced and going with a 23 and 22 year old. We are driving but unsure where we are going to stay.

Can someone give me some insight? Best places to eat? Is fastpass still the same or have they changed it ie: you go to a kiosk near the ride and get tickets for each pass scanned? We will only have 2 days and I know they will be packed with a ton of things to see and do

Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[figment_jii]

Firstly, !

A lot of has changed in the last 14 years. To see a list of the changes since summer of 2014, check out this thread: List of Changes Since Summer of 2014. There have been a lot of other changes prior to that (e.g., Carsland, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Winnie the Pooh, Soundsational Parade, Pixar Play Parade, World of Color, etc.). The other biggest change you'll probably notice is that crowd levels have significantly increased.

Disneyland has an official app, which includes current wait times, FP return times, character schedules, etc. I highly recommend downloading the app.

For dining, are you looking for counter service or table service locations? Table service reservations open 60-days in advance (online or via the phone). While not always necessary, I recommend making reservations if you know you want to eat at a particular location and/or particular time. While walk-ups are possible, I have been there when they were turning walk-ups way or telling guests that the wait time was very long (>45 minutes). My favorite TS locations are River Belle Terrace, Cafe Orleans, and Carnation Cafe (inside the parks) and Storytellers and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (in DTD and the hotels). For CS locations, I like French Market, the Plaza Inn, and Jolly Holiday (mostly for it's desserts).

The FP system is still pretty similar to how you describe except they are now strictly enforcing return times. So make sure you return to the attraction during the time printed on the FP. For the most part, most of the FP kiosks are near the attraction (the biggest exception is RSR, which is near the entrance to It's Tough To Be A Bug Theater entrance). You'll insert your ticket into the FP machine to get the FP; they do post the current return time so you'll know if it works for you or not before getting the FP. You can also check the official Disneyland App, which will give you the current return time.

Once you've obtained a FP, you can collect your next FP two hours later or when the FP window opens, whichever comes first. Let's say it's 9:00 am and you obtained a FP with a return time of 10:15 am to 11:15 am. You'll be able to get your next FP at 10:15 am (when the time window for the most recent FP opens). On the other hand, let's say it's 9:00 am and you obtain a FP with a return time of 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm. You'll be able to get your next FP at 11:00 am (two hours after you pulled your most recent FP). (Caveat: You cannot hold two FPs for the same attraction, so if you already have a FP for an attraction, but it's time window has not yet opened, you cannot get another FP for that attraction even if you're eligible to get more FPs.) A few other notes:

• There are a handful of "disconnect" FPs. You can obtain these FPs and they do not limit/impact your ability to get another FP immediately. The only "disconnected" attraction FP is for Buzz Lightyear. WoC, Frozen at the Hyperion (a show), and Fantasmic! (show is not currently being presented) are also "disconnected" FPs. In other words, you could go get a WoC FP and then immediately go get a RSR FP. F!, when it was being presented also used the FP system, but it is likely dark for the rest of 2016.
• The two parks are "disconnected" from each other. Meaning you can collect a FP in DL and then immediately hop over to DCA and collect a FP there. For example, if you are in DL and pull a FP for Space Mtn, you can immediately go over to DCA (assuming you have park hopper tickets) and get a FP for RSR.
• Once a park ticket has been used to enter a park, you can obtain FPs in either park. So let's say your party all enters DL in the morning. You can then have one person (aka "the runner") hop over to DCA to get FPs in that park. (It's worth noting, I've only ever done this with park hopper tickets, so I don't know if works if someone had a one-park-per-day ticket). This is one of the biggest differences from WDW when it was still using the Legacy FP system.
• There aren't a huge number of attractions at DLR that use the FP system. Mostly they are the thrill rides and a few of the more popular non-thrill rides. Disneyland.com has a list of the attractions that currently use the FP system: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/#/fastpass/

 

[hyd_inplain_sight]

Firstly, !

A lot of has changed in the last 14 years. To see a list of the changes since summer of 2014, check out this thread: List of Changes Since Summer of 2014. There have been a lot of other changes prior to that (e.g., Carsland, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Winnie the Pooh, Soundsational Parade, Pixar Play Parade, World of Color, etc.). The other biggest change you'll probably notice is that crowd levels have significantly increased.

Disneyland has an official app, which includes current wait times, FP return times, character schedules, etc. I highly recommend downloading the app.

For dining, are you looking for counter service or table service locations? Table service reservations open 60-days in advance (online or via the phone). While not always necessary, I recommend making reservations if you know you want to eat at a particular location and/or particular time. While walk-ups are possible, I have been there when they were turning walk-ups way or telling guests that the wait time was very long (>45 minutes). My favorite TS locations are River Belle Terrace, Cafe Orleans, and Carnation Cafe (inside the parks) and Storytellers and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (in DTD and the hotels). For CS locations, I like French Market, the Plaza Inn, and Jolly Holiday (mostly for it's desserts).

The FP system is still pretty similar to how you describe except they are now strictly enforcing return times. So make sure you return to the attraction during the time printed on the FP. For the most part, most of the FP kiosks are near the attraction (the biggest exception is RSR, which is near the entrance to It's Tough To Be A Bug Theater entrance). You'll insert your ticket into the FP machine to get the FP; they do post the current return time so you'll know if it works for you or not before getting the FP. You can also check the official Disneyland App, which will give you the current return time.

Once you've obtained a FP, you can collect your next FP two hours later or when the FP window opens, whichever comes first. Let's say it's 9:00 am and you obtained a FP with a return time of 10:15 am to 11:15 am. You'll be able to get your next FP at 10:15 am (when the time window for the most recent FP opens). On the other hand, let's say it's 9:00 am and you obtain a FP with a return time of 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm. You'll be able to get your next FP at 11:00 am (two hours after you pulled your most recent FP). (Caveat: You cannot hold two FPs for the same attraction, so if you already have a FP for an attraction, but it's time window has not yet opened, you cannot get another FP for that attraction even if you're eligible to get more FPs.) A few other notes:

• There are a handful of "disconnect" FPs. You can obtain these FPs and they do not limit/impact your ability to get another FP immediately. The only "disconnected" attraction FP is for Buzz Lightyear. WoC, Frozen at the Royal Theater (a show - may no longer be used), and the A&E M&G (may no longer be using this) are also "disconnected" FPs. In other words, you could go get a WoC FP and then immediately go get a RSR FP. F!, when it was being presented also used the FP system, but it is likely dark for the rest of 2016.
• The two parks are "disconnected" from each other. Meaning you can collect a FP in DL and then immediately hop over to DCA and collect a FP there. For example, if you are in DL and pull a FP for Space Mtn, you can immediately go over to DCA (assuming you have park hopper tickets) and get a FP for RSR.
• Once a park ticket has been used to enter a park, you can obtain FPs in either park. So let's say your party all enters DL in the morning. You can then have one person (aka "the runner") hop over to DCA to get FPs in that park. (It's worth noting, I've only ever done this with park hopper tickets, so I don't know if works if someone had a one-park-per-day ticket). This is one of the biggest differences from WDW when it was still using the Legacy FP system.
• There aren't a huge number of attractions at DLR that use the FP system. Mostly they are the thrill rides and a few of the more popular non-thrill rides. Disneyland.com has a list of the attractions that currently use the FP system: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/#/fastpass/

Thank you SO much for your help! This is exactly what I was looking for!!! I cannot wait to get started on planning!! So excited to finally be going back!!

 

[Astylla]

I can provide my personal experiences with hotels and food

It's just me and my hubby ( no kids) and we drive down several times a year from San Fransisco Bay area.

Many of the best places in proximity will be classified as motels due to outdoor corridors but don't let this deter you. We spent years staying farther away and parking and just this last year we got smart and stayed within walking distance - LIFE CHANGER.
I know favorites here are :

Best Western Park Place Inn : http://parkplaceinnandminisuites.com/ - They book up fast !
Park Vue Inn : http://www.parkvueinn.com/
Desert Inn and Suites : http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/
Tropicana Inn and Suites : http://www.tropicanainn-anaheim.com/
Howard Johnson Anaheim : http://www.hojoanaheim.com/

I myself have not stayed at any of these yet however will be at Howard Johnson this June 30th-July 4th so can report back then. The ones listed get very favorable reviews from regulars here and are all within 5-10 minutes walking distance if not right across the street. It really makes it easy for midday breaks , which we have found actually very helpful however in February if hours are shorter may not be needed but still nice to be close by! While most have some parking fees , it's still less than paying for parking at the Disney structures or lots.

Considering you have an all adult party I would recommend Parkhoppers personally just because it gives you flexibility , however depending on your touring styles One park per day may be better.

My favorite subject...Disney food !

I have so many favorites but will give my "must do's"

Counter Service/ Quick Service

Disneyland

Plaza Inn - - Lunch or dinner for Fried Chicken - me and my husband often split this because the pieces are so generous. I'm from the south and this chicken is amazing.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor - Awesome sundaes anmd floats on main street , great for parade watching or to relax
Little Red Wagon Corndog Cart - THE BEST CORNDOGS.
Dole Whip Bar - This is by the Tiki Room and a favorite. If you like/love Pineapple definitely get a Dole Whip.
Bengal Barbecue - Great skewers cooked to order - beef , chicken and veggie. Bacon wrapped asparagus too is a favorite.

DCA

Pacific Wharf Cafe - Delicious bread bowls with chowder and soups. Fresh bread from the nearby Boudin Bakery
Clarabelle's hand dipped Ice Cream - Delicious hand dipped ice cream bars with your choice of toppings
Cozy Cones - Theres several different "Cones" in Carsland offering different treats. We love the soft serve here !

 

[figment_jii]

I apologize, but I realize that there is an error with the first FP bullet point. Frozen at the Royal Theater is no longer being presented and the A&E M&G does not use FPs anymore. The new show, Frozen Live at the Hyperion does use FP, as did Fantasmic! (before it went dark earlier this year).

• There are a handful of "disconnect" FPs. You can obtain these FPs and they do not limit/impact your ability to get another FP immediately. The only "disconnected" attraction FP is for Buzz Lightyear. WoC, Frozen at the Hyperion (a show), and Fantasmic! (show is not currently being presented) are also "disconnected" FPs. In other words, you could go get a WoC FP and then immediately go get a RSR FP. F!, when it was being presented also used the FP system, but it is likely dark for the rest of 2016.

 

[hyd_inplain_sight]

I can provide my personal experiences with hotels and food

It's just me and my hubby ( no kids) and we drive down several times a year from San Fransisco Bay area.

Many of the best places in proximity will be classified as motels due to outdoor corridors but don't let this deter you. We spent years staying farther away and parking and just this last year we got smart and stayed within walking distance - LIFE CHANGER.
I know favorites here are :

Best Western Park Place Inn : http://parkplaceinnandminisuites.com/ - They book up fast !
Park Vue Inn : http://www.parkvueinn.com/
Desert Inn and Suites : http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/
Tropicana Inn and Suites : http://www.tropicanainn-anaheim.com/
Howard Johnson Anaheim : http://www.hojoanaheim.com/

I myself have not stayed at any of these yet however will be at Howard Johnson this June 30th-July 4th so can report back then. The ones listed get very favorable reviews from regulars here and are all within 5-10 minutes walking distance if not right across the street. It really makes it easy for midday breaks , which we have found actually very helpful however in February if hours are shorter may not be needed but still nice to be close by! While most have some parking fees , it's still less than paying for parking at the Disney structures or lots.

Considering you have an all adult party I would recommend Parkhoppers personally just because it gives you flexibility , however depending on your touring styles One park per day may be better.

My favorite subject...Disney food !

I have so many favorites but will give my "must do's"

Counter Service/ Quick Service

Disneyland

Plaza Inn - - Lunch or dinner for Fried Chicken - me and my husband often split this because the pieces are so generous. I'm from the south and this chicken is amazing.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor - Awesome sundaes anmd floats on main street , great for parade watching or to relax
Little Red Wagon Corndog Cart - THE BEST CORNDOGS.
Dole Whip Bar - This is by the Tiki Room and a favorite. If you like/love Pineapple definitely get a Dole Whip.
Bengal Barbecue - Great skewers cooked to order - beef , chicken and veggie. Bacon wrapped asparagus too is a favorite.

DCA

Pacific Wharf Cafe - Delicious bread bowls with chowder and soups. Fresh bread from the nearby Boudin Bakery
Clarabelle's hand dipped Ice Cream - Delicious hand dipped ice cream bars with your choice of toppings
Cozy Cones - Theres several different "Cones" in Carsland offering different treats. We love the soft serve here !

Thanks so much for the info!! We are looking at Getaway today and some of their deals. We stayed at the Deseret Inn and Suites many years ago (actually over 9/11 when we were there) so I may look into that again. I would love to be able to walk back and forth for sure so we will definitely look into it. I was thinking of doing the dessert for Worlds of Color but unsure if it's worth the $79 a person or if we'd be better just doing something on our own. We have a couple of must do's one of which is eating at the Blue Bayou if possible. I know that one books fast. I will be waiting for the reservation window to open and try to get in that way. We are definitely looking at park hoppers since we only have 2 days.

Thank you both for all the wonderful insight and I would love to know about your stay at the Ho Jo's!

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of hotels/motels, I've stayed at the Fairfield Inn, Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance, Hilton by the Convention Center, Ramada/Grand Legacy (before it changed), and the BWPPI. The Convention Center Hotel was outside of what my family would consider walking distance, so while nice, we haven't been back. The Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance is a hotel and it's fairly new. I really liked it and the walk is not bad, but it is on the pricier side. The Fairfield Inn and Ramada were both fine, but nothing special. The BWPPI is a pretty typical motel, but it is one of the closest motels to the parks, so that's my family's first choice. However, as mentioned it does fill up pretty fast, so book early if you want to stay there.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thank you both for all the wonderful insight and I would love to know about your stay at the Ho Jo's!

I've stayed at that Hojos over 30 times and would absolutely recommend them. The rooms are clean, grounds well kept, parking free, and staff great. On the few occasions when we have had an issue there, they have been very helpful in solving the problem quickly and to my satisfaction. I prefer the interior corridors of a hotel setting over a motel, so that's a selling point for me. The beds are extremely comfortable. There is no breakfast included, but there are several good options nearby including Mimi's and Panera.

 

[SplashMo]

The nice thing about Best Western Park Place Inn : http://parkplaceinnandminisuites.com/ and its direct neighbors is the closeness to the park.

Be sure to arrive at the parks 40 minutes early each day. Park Hoppers are great as you can hit both parks in one day very easily. They are almost connected. Be sure to know if you want to watch WOC as it requires a FP. It is very easy to get though.... You can be in DL and someone can run with all of the tickets to DCA and get a FP for WOC around 10:30 or so... Everyone must have entered one of the parks that day for this to work.