NEWBIE would Love your DL SECRETS!

[loveluray]

ANYTHING all you "seasoned" DLer's can offer would be SO greatly appreciated! I'm temporarily out here in sunny Cali with my Marine son b4 he redeploys and while he's away on out of town pre-deployment duty his wife and I would like to spend a few days at DL, mid-Aug. I'm a Disney FREAK and well-versed in all the "best kept secrets" of WDW but have never been to DL.
Info on hotels and idea's on how to get the best rates, where to find the best ticket prices, where to get the best food in the parks and "THE not-to-be-missed" rides/attractions in the parks would be so greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone know if the CA resident season pass is good for both parks?

Oooooh!!!! I'm getting es-sited already!

Thanks so very much, all. Now, I'm off to read the forums and digest as much as my pointed little head can handle.

 

[Jenn1116]

APs are good for both parks.

I would go with Tropicana or BWI or HoJos - try to get the special entertainment rate (you have to have a entertainment book though and the rates are not always available and call the hotel directly, asking for In-House reservations). I've never stayed at any of these but I hear great things about them here. I'll be staying at HoJos in December.

Blue Bayou is a fav of many here - call ahead for priority seating. Carnation Cafe is another on - it's on Main Street and you can get PSs for that as well.

Don't skip rides just because they have 'em at WDW bc I've heard a many times over that they are still different somehow.

Read the tips posted as stickys at the top.

And HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

hojos has a post on this page read it an get all the hojos secrets.-ill be there in oct and dec (if both trips work out)
Make sure to read the sticky at the top this page about fastpasses.
Getawaytoday.com would have best ticket prices and some charcter meals savings.

If you could do a dinner at goofys and brekfest at minnies Id say there the best.
If you do ariels dont do lunch do brekfest.
Dont forget the 32 for pic at goofys and ariels there worht it if you can.

 

[Hound 109]

ANYTHING all you "seasoned" DLer's can offer would be SO greatly appreciated! I'm temporarily out here in sunny Cali with my Marine son

Thank him for his service to our country.


b4 he redeploys and while he's away on out of town pre-deployment duty his wife and I

& to his wife & you for your sacrifice


would like to spend a few days at DL, mid-Aug. I'm a Disney FREAK

You're in the right place.


and well-versed in all the "best kept secrets" of WDW but have never been to DL.

Info on hotels and idea's on how to get the best rates, where to find the best ticket prices,

Check out the threads on Getawaytoday.com.....or if daughter in law is a SoCal resident, maybe she can get a deal.


where to get the best food in the parks

Check out the food sticky at the top.


and "THE not-to-be-missed" rides/attractions in the parks would be so greatly appreciated.

Check out HydroGuy's sticky below.


Also, does anyone know if the CA resident season pass is good for both parks?

Yes.


Oooooh!!!! I'm getting es-sited already!

Thanks so very much, all. Now, I'm off to read the forums and digest as much as my pointed little head can handle.

This thread with many "tip" links is a good place to start.

Print the "abreviation page" & read most/all of the rest. (Might want to have park maps.... found on the DLR site.... handy to look at too).

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

Then scroll back a few pages & click on items that look interesting.

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

 

[tinkermell]

First of all..
WELCOME TO THE DL DIS!!

I agree with everything that Hound has said. Double that on your son's service. I pray for our soldiers and their families every night.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to read Hydroguy's tips.

Our favorite places to eat are:
Cafe Orleans for dinner- Monte Cristo Sandwich, pomme frietes (garlic, parmesan french fries) and beignets for dessert. This is table service with a beautiful location in New Orleans Square. (NOS)
Bengal BBQ-Bacon wrapped asparagus, Yummy!
French Market- French Dips (which I think are no more) Also great location in NOS.
Corn Dog cart right by the hub. Best corn dogs ever!
Carnation Cafe- Loaded potato soup!! The best!

All of these locations are must dos for us. The Blue Bayou is great too, but pricey, so we don't go there every time. It is quite unique. It's inside the PotC attraction as the boats take off. Very dark with candles and fireflies dancing around in the distance. If you could swing it, I'd get a ressie and go for it. Lots of people share their dinners, and get a wonderful dessert. There is a split charge though. Thought I'd warn you.

I'll give my views on the rides.

Most people would agree that DL's are better, with a few exceptions.

SpaceM- Way better
PotC- way better
SplashM- WDW gets the edge
Thunder- some people like WDW, but didn't see a difference. Same ride/plans flipped flopped. Can't remember if the queue is better at WDW?
Peter Pan- better
Tea cups- same ride but prettier to look at.
Actually Fantasyland and Toontown are better at DL. Alot more detail and rides. Alice, Storybook, Toady, Pinnochio, Casey Jr Trains.
HM- better- but I heard that WDW's got a facelift?
Fantasmic- Most people prefer DL's, but some don't like sitting on the ground for it. NO stadium seating.
ToT- WDW hands down.
Indy Jones- DL only and a must see!!! One of my favs.
I think most of the others are pretty much the same.

This is just my opinion.......but I think the fireworks at DL are my favorite. They are very nostalgic to Disney. Illuminations are really good, and so are Wishes, but after seeing DL's 50th Anniversary's :Remember Dream Comes True" I changed my tune. Be sure to see it as soon as possible, cuz they can get cancelled due to high winds.

You will find that DL and DCA have a ton of rides in just two parks. Everything is crammed together for lack of a better word. I think that is what makes the park unique. Around every corner will be something. No wasted space here. Both parks are right across the way from each other. Alot of people hop back and forth. It's that close. And right next to it is DTD. All within easy walking distance.

And one word of warning.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle is small, compared to Cinderella's.

(Most peoples icon for DL is the Matterhorn.)

So I say this in jest to be prepared. Cuz that will probably be your first thought. Most WDW vets do. Even my DD, who grew up at DL, mentioned it after we had seen Cindys'.

Have a great time, and try to give the parks at least 3 days if you can.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Gotta agree with Tinkermell - I never really loved fireworks but Remember Dreams Come True is truly magical and not to be missed. I like to just stake out a seat in the Hub about an hour before and wait to watch it, though I realize not everyone has that kind of time.

Other things/attractions not to be missed
- Free tortillas at the Mission tortilla factory
- Monster's Inc ride in DCA - not at WDW
- Space Mountain at DL is soo much better than WDW
- Pirates at DL is soo much better too
- Indy in Adventureland
- If you like to get wet, Grizzly River Run is great.

You also have to check out Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe. They are hilarious and make great music. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy it during the show.

Food wise, I think Turkey Legs are the best invention ever, but definitely try to get a Monte Cristo at Cafe Orleans, and maybe a visit to Napa Rose. I love it there, but not for everyone. Another good thing to do is if you are tired but don't want to go back to your hotel, just hop in to the lobby at Grand California Hotel and relax there. Lots of seating and you can admire the beauty of the lobby's architecture.

 

[casaazul]

We actually like Disneyland much better than Magic Kingdom at WDW. We kept looking for our favorite landmark .... the Matterhorn!! You must ride this, 2 different lines, 2 different ride tracks!

We like the Disneyland RR better than the RR at WDW also.

California Adventure is a fun park. We like to hop over there in the afternoons when DL gets busy!

Downtown Disney has some nice restaurants. We like ESPN Zone and Ralph Brennans

We have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, Hojo's and Carousel Inn. All had their goods and bads. If you can I would stay at one of the Disney Hotels ... just to say you did! Grand Californian is beautiful, but we have not stayed there, yet!! LOL!

Have a great trip.

 

[loveluray]

A big thank you to all who replied with your wonderful info and especially to those of you who wished my son well. Life is all about making memories and since his deployment will be hard on all of us I thought DL would be a perfect place to take my DIL. That way she will have some "happy" to hold onto. (Man, I'm having a blast with these adorable icons)
Took a clean notebook and labeled it DL OR BUST! and will enter all of these helpful hints and do some follow-up research and make a few phone calls. I LOVE corn-dogs...and amusement park's are the best! Thanks for the eatery hints. I will make rezzie's for the Blue Bayou...it sounds enchanting! Nice thing about pig-out food at places this big...by the time you've walked all day you've burned off most of what you've eaten.
The last HoJo I stayed at was right here in SD when I attended my son's USMC graduation and they treated us so well I will definitely look into the DL location. It appears that it's close enough to walk to DL...am I correct in that? I have to have my afternoon "park break" so will want to stay where I can walk to/from. And, please forgive my ignorance but is this THE anniversary year for the special fireworks/illuminations Dreams show?
Started reading about fast passes and I must admit I'm still confused. I have already read a lot of your suggested "stickies" (especially Hydroguys) and will heed the long lines suggestions. I'm such a low-key Disney parks visitor that I don't let much get to me. I will plan on at least 3 days and whatever I don't get around to in that time will have to wait for a future visit. Life is TOO short not to include Disney vacations! When my son was young I wanted ONE last chance to make special memories with him while he still wanted to hang around with mom, you know BEFORE puberty hit! We were on the 1st Disney Magic cruise after it's innaugural and it was well...er, MAGICAL! Combined with a WDW park stay it was perfect.
Thanks again everyone! Bless your hearts...and Semper Fi!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

There are thing that are still at DL to see from the anniversary. Unfortunately it ended in 2006, I loved it so much. They still have the parade, fireworks, and the 50 Magical Years movie in the Opera House on Main Street.
As for fastpasses, just get one when you see that the ride you want is too long. You can go on the ride during the time your fastpass says to use it or use it anytime after that, it doesn't expire during the time frame, only after the day is done. You can also get another fastpass on the time posted on the very bottom of the fastpass.
I wish you and your family the best and have a magical time!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

You've already received so much great advice, so I only have one thing to add.

Take time to truly savor and experience Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. Disneyland is the only park in the world with Walt's personal touch. Be sure to look for the light in the apartment over the Firehouse. It was Walt's personal apartment and when he was alive, the light was turned on if he was in the park. Since his passing, they haven't turned it off. In fact Lillian Disney rarely went back there after Walt's passing because it reminded her so much of him.

Look at the window displays on Main Street. Notice how the pavement changes as you go from one land to another. When you see how "small" Sleeping Beauty Castle is, remember that Walt deliberately built it small because in medevial times, large castles were used to intimidate the peasant classes, and he wanted none of that in Disneyland.

Yes, Disneyland is smaller than the MK. But it has more attractions than the MK and a special charm that no other park in the world has. Disneyland is the only park in the world built by Walt Disney.

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

I'm so glad that you're going to be making it our way to see DLR !!! And please do send gratitude towards your direction for your son. He truly is a hero! God bless him and you & your family.

There are SOO many things that you really should try out and its soo hard to choose. I've been to DLR almost every year since i was about 5 and i'm 23 now It certainly has changed over the years, but nonetheless the magic is always the same. There are certain things that I LOVE to aim for and understandably it will be hard to do in one day. Luckily you will be available for a couple, so you'll be able to spread out the experience and enjoy it all at a pace. Here's some things I like to do :


@ DL :

Main Street USA: Eat breakfast @ Carnation Cafe (its just nice to see all these smiling faces as they enter the park and the darn smell is just hard to resist!!), take a look in the shoppes near by( the architecture itself is a sight to see), also if you want some clothing check out the clothiers and nearby shops (they don't sell the clothes anywhere else but in DLR).

Adventureland: Get a Dole Whip at the Enchanted Tiki Room (its great), go on Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones ! Eat some BBQ @ Bengal BBQ.

New Orleans Square: Go on Pirates of the Caribbean!!!, Check out the Shops in the area (especially the glass one, the stuff in there is beautiful), go on the Haunted Mansion, Maybe eat at the Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans (the cafe has some of the same items on the Blue Bayou menu, but at cheaper prices esp. if you at lunch), watch the Pirate Show on Tom Sawyer Island (you don't necessarily need to go on the island to see it!), watch Fantasmic !!, eat a Turkey Leg, make sure you stay hydrated !

Critter Country: go on Splash Mountain & The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, get a Tigger Tail at Pooh's Corner. Make sure to get some character pictures in!

Frontierland: Go on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, check out the food!

Fantasyland: I'd just say go on everything, its all SO nostalgic!!!, check out the castle and try to see the evil queen above Snow White's Scary Adventures, look at the golden spike when you cross the castle (it is the original geographic center of the wagonwheel shaped park... it is not longer the geographic center though).

Mickey's Toontown: Check out the town its so cute!, go on Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin.

Tomorrowland: Make sure to hit up all the rides here too ! Take a look at the vegetation (its ALL edible!!!), watch the Jedi Training Show (its kid oriented but SOO cool), If you're going to go on the Train, you should go from here because its fun to see.

@ DCA:

Hollywood Backlot: Go on Monster's Inc. (my fav ride!), watch the Aladdin Musical (its amazing!), go into the animation area (its so wonderful to see!!), go on the Hollywood Tower Hotel Twilight Zone, get a smoothie,

Sunshine Plaza: make sure to watch the parades (esp. Pixar Play Parade & the Electrical Parade), eat some good food!


Paradise Pier: California Screamin!, Toy Story Mania, the Maliboomer, Orange Stinger (go on all these!), make sure to get a Tinker Bell Twist!

Golden Gate: go on Soarin' Over California and Grizzly River Run!!

@ DTD:

I recommend going to these places :

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
House of Blues
ESPN Zone
Catal Restaurant
Starabilias


I recommend also doing Finding Nemo in the morning, Fantasyland, and Toy Story Mania because it gets soo packed. Really take advantage of Fast Passes, they save a load of time!



Hope you have an awesome time !!

 

[loveluray]

wazowskiLOVER You are more precious than words can say! Bless you and thanks for your "words of wisdom". God, I just LOVE the young people in our lives!
Mrs. "C"

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well welcome and enjoy your time here and there my fav thing to say is dont forget to take pics.
POTC is my fav and in wdw i just didnt get the same feeling i knew i had in Disney land.
Wow I never knew the mattohorn had 2 ride tracks? I will have to remeber this.

 

[Hound 109]

A big thank you to all who replied with your wonderful info and especially to those of you who wished my son well. Life is all about making memories and since his deployment will be hard on all of us I thought DL would be a perfect place to take my DIL. That way she will have some "happy" to hold onto. (Man, I'm having a blast with these adorable icons)
Took a clean notebook and labeled it DL OR BUST! and will enter all of these helpful hints and do some follow-up research and make a few phone calls. I LOVE corn-dogs

Also try CornDog Palace in DCA (across from Jumping Jellyfish). Very good corny dogs!


...and amusement park's are the best! Thanks for the eatery hints. I will make rezzie's for the Blue Bayou...it sounds enchanting! Nice thing about pig-out food at places this big...by the time you've walked all day you've burned off most of what you've eaten.




The last HoJo I stayed at was right here in SD when I attended my son's USMC graduation and they treated us so well I will definitely look into the DL location. It appears that it's close enough to walk to DL...am I correct in that?

Yes you can walk from HOJOs. Also look into Candy Cane Inn. A nice place similar to Hojo but they have a free breakfast & a shuttle that comes in handy for 2 (or 3) of your walks to (& from) the front gates each day.


I have to have my afternoon "park break" so will want to stay where I can walk to/from. And, please forgive my ignorance but is this THE anniversary year for the special fireworks/illuminations Dreams show?
Started reading about fast passes and I must admit I'm still confused.

Keep re-reading them (with a map handy) & it will sink in. Collecting FPs early & often (& having them in your pocket for later) allows one to really relax & enjoy the parks more easily imo.


I have already read a lot of your suggested "stickies" (especially Hydroguys) and will heed the long lines suggestions. I'm such a low-key Disney parks visitor that I don't let much get to me. I will plan on at least 3 days and whatever I don't get around to in that time will have to wait for a future visit.

If you get to the park early, & zig when others are zagging, 3 days should be plenty of time to enjoy Walt's park.


Life is TOO short not to include Disney vacations! When my son was young I wanted ONE last chance to make special memories with him while he still wanted to hang around with mom, you know BEFORE puberty hit! We were on the 1st Disney Magic cruise after it's innaugural and it was well...er, MAGICAL! Combined with a WDW park stay it was perfect.
Thanks again everyone! Bless your hearts...and Semper Fi!

Have a great time.

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

wazowskiLOVER You are more precious than words can say! Bless you and thanks for your "words of wisdom". God, I just LOVE the young people in our lives!
Mrs. "C"

No problem !!!! I really hope you love DLR and you get to have some good memories with your son before he is deployed. Try to take as MANY pictures as possible. Don't be shy to ask the photopass CMs to take a picture with your camera, they don't mind at ALL!