One month and counting - our first visit to DLR!

[tndislvr]

After some initial concern I'd miss WDW too much and waffling back and forth on where to take vacation this year we have our plane tickets purchased, our room reserved at PPH, and counting down the days till our visit to DLR next month. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! As we have never been to DLR I'm relying on you DLR vets to help me with our game plan for the week. We arrive on a Saturday afternoon/evening so most likely won't go to a park that day. Should we start with DLR on Sunday or DCA? We can most likely only do one park a day as our kids are small and we have to take things at a very slow pace. My guess is it will take us two days minimum to see all of DL and perhaps only one day at DCA. I wasn't sure how the crowds are at each park respective of the day of the week. For example, at WDW I know to avoid Magic Kingdom on Mondays as that is one of the busiest days of the week for that park. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[HydroGuy]

After some initial concern I'd miss WDW too much and waffling back and forth on where to take vacation this year we have our plane tickets purchased, our room reserved at PPH, and counting down the days till our visit to DLR next month. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! As we have never been to DLR I'm relying on you DLR vets to help me with our game plan for the week. We arrive on a Saturday afternoon/evening so most likely won't go to a park that day. Should we start with DLR on Sunday or DCA? We can most likely only do one park a day as our kids are small and we have to take things at a very slow pace. My guess is it will take us two days minimum to see all of DL and perhaps only one day at DCA. I wasn't sure how the crowds are at each park respective of the day of the week. For example, at WDW I know to avoid Magic Kingdom on Mondays as that is one of the busiest days of the week for that park. Any advice is appreciated!

Here is way more advice than you could ever want:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Assuming you have Magic Morning privileges, use that on Sunday - the first day is usually best because you will have the most energy. That means MM at 7AM.

Since entertainment will be cut back on weekdays you may want to re-consider skipping the parks on Saturday. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

FYI, most DLR vets parkhop every day because the resort lends itself to that. See "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

There is no reason to skip DL or DCA on any particular days of the week (like your MK example). The only thing of which to be aware are mornings with MM or TTMM in Toontown - which will cause TT, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland to be busy first thing in the morning unless you yourself are there for MM or TTMM. See "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

 

[ArchOwl]

Totally agree with HydroGuy that you should really look into the shows and other entertainment options and make decisions about what you really want to see. Fantasmic and fireworks will not be operating during weekdays when you are there, so you should consider entering Disneyland on Saturday to see one of these shows.

World of Color will be operating in DCA during the week, so you can catch it then. Here is the World of Color superthread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717&highlight=world+of+color

Even with small children, it is very easy to parkhop, since they are just a few minutes walk apart. Of course, it entirely depends on what you want to do.

And you will want to take advantage of Magic Morning when it is offered, since it is one of the perks of staying on site. You should be able to do many Fantasyland rides (perfect for little ones) in that first hour.

Have fun!

 

[Huff]

You really don't have to worry about which park to visit each day like you would at WDW. The two parks are only a couple minutes walk apart so visiting both each day if needed is simple.

Things to note:

Disneyland is almost always more crowded than California Adventure on any given day. This may change when Carsland opens at least for awhile.

Space Mountain is superior to MK's version with awesome in car sound (like Rock'n Roller Coaster). Lines can get long especially late afternoon and night. Fastpass's can run out midday or have long return times so get them early AM.

Toy Story Mania almost always has moderate to long lines much like WDW's version. However, there is no fastpass. Arrive early, use the singles line or hope you are there on a slow day.

Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Muppets, Bugs Life, Turtle Talk, Monsters rarely have long lines so grab fastpasses for other attractions then ride these while waiting for fastpass return time.

Grab fastpasses at DL early morning but do not use. Then visit CA and collect and use fastpasses there (they are not connected). Then return to DL for afternoon or evening and use the fastpasses you collected earlier.

 

[Hound 109]

After some initial concern I'd miss WDW too much and waffling back and forth on where to take vacation this year we have our plane tickets purchased, our room reserved at PPH, and counting down the days till our visit to DLR next month. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! As we have never been to DLR I'm relying on you DLR vets to help me with our game plan for the week. We arrive on a Saturday afternoon/evening so most likely won't go to a park that day. Should we start with DLR on Sunday or DCA? We can most likely only do one park a day as our kids are small and we have to take things at a very slow pace. My guess is it will take us two days minimum to see all of DL and perhaps only one day at DCA. I wasn't sure how the crowds are at each park respective of the day of the week. For example, at WDW I know to avoid Magic Kingdom on Mondays as that is one of the busiest days of the week for that park. Any advice is appreciated!

You're staying at the Paradise Pier.....perfect location to do the following:

- Start each day at DL (at rope drop or MM opening).
- Hop to DCA after 2-3 hours of touring at DL. (It's only a 100 yard hop to DCA)
- Tour DCA for 1.5 - 2.5 hours & then exit by walking thru the GCH (using the side entrance next to Griz Rapids) back to the PPH (5 min. walk tops from Griz Rapids in DCA) for a mid day break (swim break). might want to look at a map of DL/DCA/DTD to get a feel for how easy this is.
- Back to either DL &/or DCA for the afternoon & evening.

Rinse & repeat each day.

DCA is merely "CaliforniaLand"....& CaliforniaLand is closest to your hotel & doesn't open as early as the rest of DL. So hit it (after touring 2-3 hours in DL) before going back to your hotel for a mid day break (or possibly before calling it a night).

With little ones, being in DL the first two hours is even more important (imo) because you can enjoy slow loading rides without lines EARLY in the AM. So get to DL first thing each day.....then hop to DCA.....each day.

(might want to check out the first page of my one day trip report linked in my siggy below for how to "tour" from the Paradise Pier.)

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[tndislvr]

Thanks everyone for all the great information! I'm relieved to know that DLR really isn't like WDW in a "avoid the park on this day" way. I also had no idea how close the entrances to each park are in relation to each other. I had it in my head it would take much longer to walk between the two parks. My only concern now is PPH distance to the DL entrance. I have seen several posts on Tripadvisor about the distance of PPH. From looking at maps online it doesn't look bad to me but I have seen several posts complaining of the distance.

One other thing - will I need to fold our double stroller on the monorail? We normally don't at WDW and have never felt like we were out of line by not doing so as there has always been plenty of room even with our stroller. This isn't a big deal but there may be some days I take the kids to the park alone (DH is in school so will unfortunately have to do some studying and homework while we are on our trip) and it would be much easier if I could get on the monorail without folding the stroller. If I need to, no biggie - or will probably just walk to the main entrance of DL.

Now off to read Hound's touring plan from PPH! Thanks again everyone!

 

[BeccaG]

Thanks everyone for all the great information! I'm relieved to know that DLR really isn't like WDW in a "avoid the park on this day" way. I also had no idea how close the entrances to each park are in relation to each other. I had it in my head it would take much longer to walk between the two parks. My only concern now is PPH distance to the DL entrance. I have seen several posts on Tripadvisor about the distance of PPH. From looking at maps online it doesn't look bad to me but I have seen several posts complaining of the distance.

One other thing - will I need to fold our double stroller on the monorail? We normally don't at WDW and have never felt like we were out of line by not doing so as there has always been plenty of room even with our stroller. This isn't a big deal but there may be some days I take the kids to the park alone (DH is in school so will unfortunately have to do some studying and homework while we are on our trip) and it would be much easier if I could get on the monorail without folding the stroller. If I need to, no biggie - or will probably just walk to the main entrance of DL.

Now off to read Hound's touring plan from PPH! Thanks again everyone!

If I recall, the monorail at WDW is open, while its solid seating at DL, no standing. So if I recall, they will have you fold your stroller. The monorail at DL can be used to get in the park, but it is more of an attraction here then a mode of transportation at WDW. However, if you are use to WDW you will find the walk from PPH to the gates very dooable. That is probably the biggest win for DL, is how much they pack in a small space compared to WDW.

 

[skiingfast]

Now off to read Hound's touring plan from PPH! Thanks again everyone!

What you will want to do is skip the monorail for getting to or from the parks. Unless you are going to dinner in the end of DTD where one stop is, or going to or from Tomorrowland midday where the other stop is it doesn't make a lot of sense.

From the PPH if you go out onto Disneyland Dr. Take the sidewalk to the interesection near the NE corner of the PPH and go onto the sidewalk to the GCH. Follow that sidewalk to the front doors of the GCH and enter the hotel. Go just past the check in desk and make a left. Then to DCA go right, around the lobby, to use the special resort guest entrance. Signs will direct you to the DCA entrance. If you go along the check in and continue strait it will drop you into DTD. Make a right it's about 150 yards to the DL gates and normal DCA gates.

By using those directions the walk is often shorter than from the DLH.

 

[BeccaG]

You may have already checked it, but here is a link to the calendar for May at DL. Be aware, there is a special event May 7, I think the Pirates Premiere, closing the park early that day.http://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar/#/default/2011/05

 

[CrazyDuck]

Cool . Ya packed yet?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks everyone for all the great information! I'm relieved to know that DLR really isn't like WDW in a "avoid the park on this day" way. I also had no idea how close the entrances to each park are in relation to each other. I had it in my head it would take much longer to walk between the two parks. My only concern now is PPH distance to the DL entrance. I have seen several posts on Tripadvisor about the distance of PPH. From looking at maps online it doesn't look bad to me but I have seen several posts complaining of the distance.

One other thing - will I need to fold our double stroller on the monorail? We normally don't at WDW and have never felt like we were out of line by not doing so as there has always been plenty of room even with our stroller. This isn't a big deal but there may be some days I take the kids to the park alone (DH is in school so will unfortunately have to do some studying and homework while we are on our trip) and it would be much easier if I could get on the monorail without folding the stroller. If I need to, no biggie - or will probably just walk to the main entrance of DL.

Now off to read Hound's touring plan from PPH! Thanks again everyone!

Concerning the distance from PPH to the DL entrance, it is not bad at all, I want to say a little further than walking from the last bus stop to the entrance of the MK. You will be amazed at how close everything is. With all the walking you do at WDW, this will seem like nothing. You will also be shocked that you can be sitting on the train in DL and see the Tower of Terror in California Adventure. CA and DL are closer together than the distance across the lake at EPCOT.

We don't have little ones, so no experience there, but I do believe you have to fold up strollers for the monorail. The monorail is a completely different experience at DL, it is more of a ride than mode of transportation like at WDW.

For a WDW person, there is nothing quite like your first trip to DL. Have a fabulous time.

 

[tndislvr]

Again, thanks to all of you for your wonderful advice and insight! I have to say that this board is the best! Everyone here is so friendly and helpful!

We are getting so excited for our first trip to DLR! I'm actually starting to think we are going to fall in love with DLR and make that our new "home"! Can't wait to visit Walt's park!

I know this has been covered in other threads and weather is unpredictable but do you think we'd be better off packing jeans/t-shirts/jackets rather than shorts as we are there May 14th-20th? Going to WDW would be shorts all the way but I know California weather is much different. We really need to maximize our luggage space so I'm trying to decide the best type clothing to bring.

For those who have stayed at PPH - do they have a laundry on site now or do you still have to walk to DLH to do laundry? If I can do laundry at the hotel I can simply pack a little prepared for both and wash after a couple of days.

Thanks!

 

[Hound 109]

What you will want to do is skip the monorail for getting to or from the parks. Unless you are going to dinner in the end of DTD where one stop is, or going to or from Tomorrowland midday where the other stop is it doesn't make a lot of sense.

From the PPH if you go out onto Disneyland Dr. Take the sidewalk to the interesection near the NE corner of the PPH and go onto the sidewalk to the GCH. Follow that sidewalk to the front doors of the GCH and enter the hotel. Go just past the check in desk and make a left. Then to DCA go right, around the lobby, to use the special resort guest entrance. Signs will direct you to the DCA entrance. If you go along the check in and continue strait it will drop you into DTD. Make a right it's about 150 yards to the DL gates and normal DCA gates.

By using those directions the walk is often shorter than from the DLH.

Completely agree with Skiingfast. Only use the monorail in the afternoon....or early evening into DTD for dinner (if at all). Don't use it early morning or late evening.

Also agree with his Paradise Pier Hotel to DL turnstile route. Get a map out & follow his (or my) instructions:

- Out the PP doors....walk a hundred yards to the light.
- Cross the street & into the GCH front entrance. (might want to ask someone at this point your first day).
- Hang a hard left inside the GCH & walk down the long hallway until it dead ends (then a short right & left)....&....
- you're dumped into DTD.
- hang a right & walk a couple hundred yards to Security & the turnstiles.

Easy & pretty 1/2 mile stroll.

To get back to the PP, look at the route from the front of DCA....past Soarin'....over to Griz Rapids. That's where the GCH side entrance is. Into the GCH...& then a few steps over to the main lobby.... then across the street back to the PP. It's got to be the BEST round trip walking route in the world.

Your first day, check out the GCH (maybe wander around for 10-15 min. during your mid day break....or if arriving the night before, maybe the night before) & KNOW the following:

- Where the front desk/main lobby is. (which is where you enter from or exit out to the PPH)
- The hallway to DTD.
- The outdoor hallway to Napa Rose/Whitewater Snacks/Storytellers....which is ALSO the hallway to use coming from (or going into) DCA.

Perhaps one of your days (but not your first)....you'll want to start your day at DCA.....if so you'll use the GCH side entrance to enter. (but most days start at DL for all the many reasons given ).

Get a map of the two parks, DTD & the GCH & it will start to make sense.

 

[GrandBob]

I know this has been covered in other threads and weather is unpredictable but do you think we'd be better off packing jeans/t-shirts/jackets rather than shorts as we are there May 14th-20th? Going to WDW would be shorts all the way but I know California weather is much different. We really need to maximize our luggage space so I'm trying to decide the best type clothing to bring.

I understand the need to minimize packing, but for a May trip, I'd really pack both. May weather is variable, but most likely you'll encounter some fog and gloom in the morning, which will burn off around 11AM. Middle of the day will hopefully be warm, but evenings will cool off again. You'll probably want a light jacket, and perhaps even long pants, for early AM and evening after the sun goes down. But you should hopefully be good with T-shirts and shorts midday.

For these shoulder seasons, we usually get a locker to store the jackets and extra layers when we don't need them.

-Bob

 

[TheColtonsMom]

May weather is changeable.. and unpredictable..Layers Layers Layers is the mantra. You wont need more than a light jacket or hoodie for mornings and evenings but you can locker these or dump them in your stroller if need be.

They absolutely without exception will make you fold your stroller on the monorail and I would never use it to enter the park.

Use at least one morning for Fantasyland but with little ones also make time for Toon Town one morning which is different that the former Toon Town in WDW. Toon Town opens 1 hour after the rest of the park.