New here with a few questions

[*RJ*]

Hey there, I'm heading to Disneyland in a couple of weeks (so excited!!) and thought of a few questions for all you smart folks. This will be my 7th trip to DL, but the first with DH and 11-month-old DD. So...

1) I was last there in 2005. I know the Remember fireworks are there, but have they changed at all? I thought I heard that Julie Andrews' narration was removed, as well as some of the projections.

2) Is DL likely to reach capacity on Labor Day? We're planning on going to DCA that morning, but would like to park hop to see the fireworks that night.

3) Is Playhouse Disney Live any good? I'm trying to think of things at DCA that would be good for an 11-month old. She doesn't watch TV, so she wouldn't know the characters, but she loves music, so I thought it might be fun for her.

4) Do DD stores/restaurants open much earlier than the parks? We'll be going home on a Wednesday when DL doesn't open until 10 and we'd love to spend the morning shopping in DD if we can.

Thank you so much!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

1) I was last there in 2005. I know the Remember fireworks are there, but have they changed at all? I thought I heard that Julie Andrews' narration was removed, as well as some of the projections.

The fireworks are mainly the same w/ a few minor additions. Now they have a few more images that appear on the castle along w/ a few more fireworks coming from the castle. But I do have to say that sometimes the lazers at the end don't work, so just be prepared. Julie Andrews still narrates and I always say good evening to her.

2) Is DL likely to reach capacity on Labor Day? We're planning on going to DCA that morning, but would like to park hop to see the fireworks that night.

I'd say that it would get crowded, but not up to capacity.

3) Is Playhouse Disney Live any good? I'm trying to think of things at DCA that would be good for an 11-month old. She doesn't watch TV, so she wouldn't know the characters, but she loves music, so I thought it might be fun for her.

The show would be good for her. I went for the first time a while ago and I was thinking about how the little stories really didn't relate to the main story and it didn't make any sense to me, but to a little one, it's fine.

4) Do DD stores/restaurants open much earlier than the parks? We'll be going home on a Wednesday when DL doesn't open until 10 and we'd love to spend the morning shopping in DD if we can.

I'm not sure when everything officially opens since they're all different, but some places serve breakfast like La Brea Bakery, Jazz Kitchen Express, and Rainforest Cafe. I know that most of the shops open at 10 but I'm not sure about the restaurants. I'm sure that WOD will be open though.

 

[disneylandgeeksx4]

We will be there this time as well (31-7th). This has become our annual trip and Disneylvrforever is right, however IMO the crowds should be low. The 31st is likely most tourists' last day and go back home for the 2nd as it's likely the 1st day of school. We have done this trip 4 years in a row, over the same dates because of the pleasent experiance. The 1st is the 1/2 marathon and it's in the morning, it weeds out around 9:30. On the 2nd "we'll" have the park to ourselves. Sidenote, be sure to check the closers that begin on the Tuesday the 2nd. If you plan on your "MUST DO" rides/shows on the 31st and 1st you'll get most everything in. Don't forget about parent swaps too, as I see you'll be with 11m/o. We took our youngest at 4m/o. Also I believe Play House Disney has changed recently. It's more in tune with the what's on the tube these days. Hope my insight helps. Cheers, Mike

 

[*RJ*]

Thanks to both of you for your help! Glad to hear that the fireworks are the same.

The main store that we're hoping will be open early on Sept. 3 is World of Disney. I can't seem to find their hours. Anybody know what time they open when DL opens at 10?