Off-season is REALLY "off"

[aristocat65]

You will be amazed how much you can get done at DL. The atmosphere is magical and it has a charm that WDW can't match.

I agree(even though I love WDW too). Make sure you catch Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. Even your 4 year old will like it, even though he likely won't understand the corny jokes. It is a little like the hoop de doo review, but it's shorter, not a dinner show and free. You can buy snacks in the theatre though.

 

[gweeptrish]

You guys are all great. Earlier this evening I was thinking I should just cancel the trip because we'd just be sitting in our hotel room staring at the walls for half of our waking hours and now I have a huge list of things to try and see and do after all.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond and help and cheer me up. I appreciate it.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I
If you look at those posts you will find that there is a more laid back attitude for some, my opinion, most be locals who have the chance to go many times so DLR is old hat. I do not live as far away as the OP, and have been many times mostly during the summer month's so I do not have to deal with the attractions not being available. I also do not have the personality not to plan. I have to plan a trip to the store!! Since I have never been to WDW and can not get my family to entertain the thought, I can not compare the down times, but I have to assume that in both parks "what goes on at any one time" is constantly changing, so planning to me is a must. I like to avoid disappointment.
I can remember when my kids were your kids ages and if I remember correctly there was very little internet and most was dialup so there was very little research that could be done and when I was in college in SoCal we never planned other than what time to leave.
I truely hate to hear of anyone having a bad time or having there expectations ruined.
If possible, I would change plans, if not, little people really do not have many expectations, they key of the adults emotions, so sometimes so goes the trip.
I do wish you a great time which I think anyone can have at anytime of the year..IT's Disneyland


Jack

 

[Disney Dreams]

Wind is a big safety issue for fireworks at DL. Unlike WDW, DL is built right in the middle of a city. If the wind blows the fireworks too far to one direction, there is a freeway. Another direction, people's houses. Another direction, into the crowd. So.... wind is watched very carefully during fireworks and can be a "deal breaker" on any given night.

Musical Chairs with Alice & Friends? Never heard of it before (but yes, I just googled it). Thanks for the tip!

OH! It's fabulous! This is NOT my video or my family. I did a random YouTube search for you to see and I just watched this one. It's a classic example of what a "session" could be. (And can I just say how adorable the little snow white is in this video!)

Here you go, check it out.

- Dreams

 

[radius]

No offense to OP but we are HUGE fans of DL during off
Season. Yes there is a lot of reno's going on. But being able to ride
Space mountain 15 times a day because the wait is only 15 minutes is much better
then the 65-85 minute wait during summer. To us, less people in the parks is less stressful then when the park is packed. Also it's easier with a 2 year old with a stroller. I think your trip will be fine and fun as long as you make it that way.

Maybe you could send a email or letter to DL and explain to them your frustration? A lady we ran into at DL last time did that and she got free gift card and some other stuff from DL. Or in the best scenario they might offer fantastic during the week if enough people complain. I know a lot of people don't think letters don't work, but I have had someone in management at Disney tell me letters work a lot at DL.

Good Luck.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Another vote for Billy Hill. It reminds me of Hoop, on a much smaller scale. We usually grab some ice cream floats for during the show!

We are a family from NC that went to WDW at least a couple of times a year. We were transferred to WA two years ago and discovered how much we LOVE DL!

We all miss Epcot, but DCA is a better alternative to DHS. We always had trouble filling a day at AK. You will be surprised how much more there is to do and see at DL and DCA. Just remember that DCA is undergoing a huge refurb right now.

Don't forget to ride the more adult attractions too! Indiana Jones is fantastic...like Dinosaur on steriods. Space Mountain is so much better than the DL version.

 

[pinktink83]

We went during off season the first time with a 3 and 5 yo, and it was totally fine time-wise even with the shortened hours + naptime! We still took breaks every afternoon and went back to our hotel to take naps for 2-3 hours. But we rode everything we wanted to at least once, favorites more than once, and even got to trade a few "adult" rides. You can read my trip report for a better idea of how we handled it.

It was kind of a bummer to leave at 8pm (we adults could've stayed till midnight!), but with their ages, they were ready to go back to bed anyway. By the 3rd day, they were done with all things DL and wanted to go home at noon. So really, the hours are pretty perfect for going with little kids.

Plus, they won't be able to ride at least a quarter of the rides, if not half. So that cuts a lot off your to do list, leaving you more time to sneak in naps.

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW veteran here; finding myself really disappointed in DLR right now. We've been planning a trip to DLR for the first week in February for a few months. Now that it's close enough to see the official posted entertainment schedules

I'm *shocked* to see that there are no parades at all for the week we're going to be there. No fireworks or Fantasmic Mon-Thurs and the parks open only 10-8.

Off-season at WDW means 1 offering of parade & fireworks per night instead of 2 or 3 and parks closing at 9 or 10 instead of midnight. I had no idea that DLR cut back so much more than that.

Everybody says DLR is so much easier than WDW - no need to plan it out like a major military campaign. Now I'm wishing I had, so this would not be such a surprise.

Have you read Hydroguy's tips up in the stickies? There's lots of great info there. Keep reading the threads on the DLR boards until your trip and you should have a good feel for what is going on at DLR so you can plan accordingly.

1. At the top of this forum is a sticky thread called: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

2. At the top of the above thread is a link to "HydroGuy's tips"

3. There one can easily find this thread: "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

The above link is also discussed here (also in the sticky): "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

4. In this thread it says:

The entertainment offerings at DLR are significantly reduced during off-season. WDW vets in particular may get tripped up by this as WDW works differently in this regard. Non-regular DLR visitors planning a multi-day trip may not be aware of this either.

Compounding things further, DLR does not post their entertainment schedule until 1-3 months ahead of time. So if you plan an off-season trip far in advance, you may find out too late that you will not be able to see some of the excellent shows and parades at DLR. This is different from WDW where park hours, EMH, and entertainment are posted at least 6 months in advance. WDW vets can confidently plan a WDW trip for any week of the year and be comfortable they will have access to all of the entertainment offerings. Thinking that DLR works similarly is a mistake.

5. A simple question on this forum would have received an answer that points you to it or otherwise offers similar advice from one of the many other knowledgable people on this forum.

This DLR forum on DIS is - by far - the best DLR forum for WDW vets. And I have never seen anyone here say off-season at DLR works the same as WDW and therefore one does not need to plan. I have seen people say they prefer off-season. (Usually those people are fairly regular visitors.) I have seen many WDW vets be disappointed that DLR off-season works differently than WDW and they did not find until too late because they did no research on the subject.

Did you ever stop here and ask or look around at the stickies? If not then why are you posting this now? Frankly I feel like you are accusing us and other DLR vets of misleading you - and that we are somehow ignorant.

It is true that DLR does not require as much planning as WDW. No ADR's 180 days in advance. No EMH avoiding or attending based on your philosophy. No working around buses, boats and monorails to get places. But that does not mean DLR requires no planning at all. If you want to see something like the spectacular World of Color show then be prepared for military precision planning or you will be standing behind a tall person and unable to see. And be very frustrated. (See World of Color Superthread).

Sorry you are disappointed. I hope your trip is otherwise a success. DLR is a magical place. But it is not WDW West or WDW Lite. It is it's own place with outstanding shows and rides and...well...differences.

 

[princessnicchia]

We have the same issue...fly down from Alaska, little ones are early risers, and I only go in the offseason (I live in Alaska for a reason, it's not crowded and huge crowds freak me out). So we usually have a little time in the morning with nothing to do. We usually take some time in downtown Disney, it's pretty deserted and there are lots of fountains (which my children find completely fascinating, not sure about yours) to throw pennies in and look at. Most of the shops aren't really opened, but there's lots to look at. A character breakfast one day is also a GREAT option...it's expensive but tons of fun and takes up a lot of time. Also, last time we were there California Adventure opened around 9:15 everyday even though it said 10:00 on the website. I guess that's pretty standard, talking to the CMs it is pretty well known to Disney regulars (I am one of those people who assume that if it is posted for 10:00, well, then they mean 10:00).

I hope you have a great time....I think you will!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Something else after watching Dream's musical chairs video. We have noticed how superior the character interaction is at DL over WDW. The little shows that pop up around the parks are fantastic! Maybe it is because of all the aspiring actors/actresses in the LA area, but the CMs really get into the act and have talent.

Mary Poppins and Bert are one of my favorites. My kids love the Green Army Men show!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Everyone here has given you great advice....one other thing - you can hang out at Down Town Disney. It is right outside of the resort hotels so you don't have to travel to get there like WDW. When my kids were little, we spent hours at the LEGO store, Build-A-Bear (just looking, not even making a bear) and watching the outdoor entertainment. We would usually go hang out there after the parks closed on the early nights.

Also, are you staying at the Grand Californian? If I remember correctly, they have story time in the lobby at night....its been many years (I have a teenager now) so my memory might not be correct, but I am sure that they had something downstairs in the lobby for little kids. If you stay on Club level, they have story time in the lounge every night with milk and cookies.

When our kids were younger, we went to DL during the off season a lot! We were able to do so much, without the huge crush of people.

My favorite part during the off season is that we can easily get into all the restaurants in downtown disney and the nice ones like the Blue Bayou or Napa Rose.

I hope this all helps. I hope you have a very nice, easy, laid-back vacation at DLR.

 

[Dobie]

Another thought for a morning (a non magic morning morning) is to visit a beach. There are several lovely beaches just 20 minutes away.

 

[bumbershoot]

If the way my son got used to Eastern time is anything to go by, in just a few days your kids will be totally used to Pacific time, and the mornings won't be so bad.

If you're going to play in DTD, go to the part AWAY from the Grand's rooms...there are rooms just up from the DTD stores, and we *could* hear things from DTD even with the doors closed. Don't want to wake up the pacific coasters!

Wind is a big safety issue for fireworks at DL. Unlike WDW, DL is built right in the middle of a city. If the wind blows the fireworks too far to one direction, there is a freeway. Another direction, people's houses. Another direction, into the crowd.

Exactly what I was going to say.

Because everybody built around DLR, they have to watch the noise and safety etc, so they don't cause problems in the surrounding neighborhoods.


Even kids who don't know a certain thing can enjoy the thing for what they think it is. Jedis are immensely cool (sit AWAY from where Darth Maul can come near you, though, he's scary!), the Tron stuff is really neat to the eyes (DS is 6 and he thought it all looked VERY cool, with the lightcycles and colors and neon-ish stuff, well before he saw the first movie (which I'm still not sure was a good idea)). And dancers are dancers, and kids love dancing.



Here's my DLR-vet WDW annoyance! We went from 11/30 to 12/17. It was FREEZING. I'm still getting over whatever it is I got there, just now getting my voice back (it's been gone since the 16th). We didn't get to do anywhere near what we thought we could do, because it was so bone-chillingly cold we just lost body-power! I can't even think about our night seeing Illuminations without almost crying, it was so cold. I didn't get to see Wishes. Or MSEP. UGH.

Disappointments happen at Disney parks b/c things happen. But here I am, writing my trip report slooowly (you just got more info than I've gotten to in the report yet, LOL) and thinking about the next time...

DLR will be just fine for you, and the short hours will allow you to get your rest without feeling guilty that you're missing this or that.

 

[mellers]

Those "everybodies" would be this board. Seems like every post from a WDW veteran on here gets answered by a bunch of people saying "calm down, chill out, DLR doesn't need the kind of intensive planning WDW needs, etc."

I guess it had never occurred to me that a parade or fireworks counted as an attraction. I certainly expected rides to be down for rehab but never for a moment guessed that there wouldn't be fireworks. I'm sure I'm not the only person that thinks that scheduling construction such that it wiped out the parades in both parks at the same time was less than optimal.

The reduced park hours are only a problem because we're coming from the East Coast with a 1 year old and a 4 year old. By 10am California time we'll have already been up for 5 or 6 hours. It had also never occurred to me that the Disney-owned hotels in DLR wouldn't have playgrounds. Every single Disney-owned hotel in WDW does.

On a more constructive, less-whiny note, can anyone offer suggestions for things to do with a 1 and 4 year old between say, 7am and 10am at DLR? I don't want to let them get loud and rowdy where normal people are trying to sleep. Is it practical to take them over to Downtown Disney to run about? Is it pretty deserted that early?

I'd take them to a character breakfast at the PCH grill, Storyteller's Cafe, and/or Goofy's Kitchen. Give them lots of time with the fuzzy guys, and then, when the parks open, you can head for Dumbo and the Autopia, and not get sidetracked.

 

[Anna1227]

We almost always take our trips during the off-season, and we love it. We also have really young kids, and by 8 pm they are exhausted. Our favorite splurge is a character meal, so if your kids like characters that would be really fun for them. Toontown is also very popular with my kids, and with it being off-season it should be less crowded and easier for them to get turns to try and play on everything. I'm sorry there will be some things that you can't see on your trip, but I'm sure you can still have a great time.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

I hope you guys still have a fun trip! The parade situation is kinda a unique predicament. Pixar Play Parade is on hiatus because DCA's major construction is expanding, breaking up the parade route. Disneyland is getting an amazing new parade in just a few short months. Unfortunately in between the holiday parade and the new parade premiering there is a gap with no parade. So having no parades at DLR during the off season is definitely not the usual. Also no fireworks during the week in off season due to noise regulations. As others said DLR is in the middle of a major metropolitan area.

 

[nunzia]

Another thought for a morning (a non magic morning morning) is to visit a beach. There are several lovely beaches just 20 minutes away.

That was my suggestion as well..you could go to the beach on a day that didn't have MM and be back by rope drop.
Where are you staying?
WOC is nightly?? I'm going soon and didn't even check that. We also like to go in off seasons, and already know that Fantasmic and fireworks only happen on weekends so always go Wed-Sat. I do need to check the calendar to see if WOC is running though. It is really a great show! If you are staying at teh Grand and have the correct view you can catch the show from your room, but not with as good a view as in teh park,k but still. Also, the music is piped into the rooms, so you can enjoy it in comfort from your balcony.
yes, Fantasmic surely may scare your kids anyway..I'm taking a 21 month old this time (doing the dessert thing) and anticipate some freaking out...

PS Hey Molly, I was just thinking about you! Our one and only trip to WDW was nasty weather too..in March..I hope you do a trip report!

 

[nana50]

No offense to OP but we are HUGE fans of DL during off
Season. Yes there is a lot of reno's going on. But being able to ride
Space mountain 15 times a day because the wait is only 15 minutes is much better
then the 65-85 minute wait during summer. To us, less people in the parks is less stressful then when the park is packed. Also it's easier with a 2 year old with a stroller. I think your trip will be fine and fun as long as you make it that way.

Maybe you could send a email or letter to DL and explain to them your frustration? A lady we ran into at DL last time did that and she got free gift card and some other stuff from DL. Or in the best scenario they might offer fantastic during the week if enough people complain. I know a lot of people don't think letters don't work, but I have had someone in management at Disney tell me letters work a lot at DL.

Good Luck.

I agree. I love DL during off season. the little ones won't care about parades and such. I just took my 3 year old grandsons for their first visit. They loved Tom Sawyer's Island! I would never cancel a trip because of missing parades and such. I don't even go to them when they are there. I love the magic of being there, going on the rides over and over. I hate sitting on the curb 2 hours ahead of time waiting for a parade. Talk about time waster.Also your kids will adjust to the time change pretty quickly. Have fun, it's Disneyland!!

 

[lugnut33]

I forgot about Magic Mornings! We avoid them like the plague at WDW. Thanks!

????? Really????? Why?????

I've found getting to the parks for that morning hour is awesome because most people don't get up that early while on vacation.

 

[blackjackdelta]

????? Really????? Why?????

I've found getting to the parks for that morning hour is awesome because most people don't get up that early while on vacation.

I am with Lugnut here. Magic Mornings are the best times to go. You can get so much done in a short period of time. Our family gets up at 0500 or earlier every day vacation or not..

Jack