Overwhelmed

[yellen97]

We are planning our first trip to DLR in July as part of a 10 day tour of CA culminating with a family reunion in Napa. Because of the hectic schedule of the entire CA trip we will have 2 days for DLR.

We are HUGE WDW fans- we go every 2 years and I know that place like the back of my hand...stay on property, don't need maps, have an opinion on every table service, counter service etc whether we have eaten there or not. Own every "unofficial" book since 2003.... you get the picture.

So....my issue is....in just 2 short days what are the "not to be missed" things at DLR? I know there are many attractions the sames as WDW and many that are different...what should we focus on? If we had more days I know we would be able to get our bearings and do everything but with just 2 days I don't want to "waste" time and want to get to the good stuff!!! (I know it's all good stuff but we need focus!)

In the meantime I will keep reading this site- as I always do!! But I appreciate your help!

 

[ludari]

The Disneyland park is not as spread out like at Magic Kingdom so 2 days at DLR should be fine. If I was you I would definitely focus on those rides/areas that are not offered at WDW first. If I had to pick one thing "not to be missed" that would definitely be Cars Land at DCA. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Canuck16]

As both parks are so close together you may want to consider getting PH tickets with only having 2 days to spend in the parks.

As the OP has mentioned definitely CarsLand.

WOC is an amazing show and should not be missed. Get a FP for it as it does not affect you getting other FP's.

We love Screamin' at DCA and if you feel daring give Mickey's Wheel of Terror a whirl on one of the swinging cars

Have a great trip.......you will love DL and DCA.

 

[figment_jii]

I highly recommend taking a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It has a lot of good information and will help a WDW vet get a sense of the similarities and differences at DLR. My biggest piece of advice is not to go to DLR expecting WDW. They are two very different resorts. Each is magical in its own way!

As WDW Vet it is worth warning you that DLR does not post their calendars as early as WDW. Dining reservations open about 60-days in advance, but it's not as critical to make reservations right at the 60-day mark. The operating schedule is usually posted about 45-days in advance and the entertainment schedule is usually posted about 30-days in advance.

You mention that you're going in July. Do you have specific dates in mind? It's worth point out that the 4th of July is usually one of the busiest days in DLR (given it's a Saturday this year, I would expect high crowds). July 17th (Friday) is DLR's 60th anniversary and very high crowds are expected. If you're going on either of those dates, then I think you'll have a harder time getting a lot of things done because of crowd levels.

When you say you have two days for DLR, do you mean two full days (i.e., rope drop to closing)? By July, the new nighttime parade (Paint the Night) and fireworks (Disneyland Forever) will have debuted. I'm hopeful that it will be possible to watch both on the same night (but the schedule has not yet been released). WoC will also have a new show for the 60th that should be running nightly.

 

[cheekybulldog]

I agree with everyone! You can easily do both parks in 2 days. When we have 2 solid days in the parks we usually just stick to one park per day and see everything in that park. In DL ride Mr. Toad's and in DCA, like everyone said, Carsland is not to be missed, especially at night!

 

[yellen97]

Thanks so much for the great info and keep it coming!! To answer your questions- we arrive in LAX on Sat 7/18 and start driving up the coast on Wed 7/22 so two of any of those days we will be going to DL and the other two days we are doing other LA attractions. I am leaning toward DL on Monday and Tues so hopefully we are far enough from the 60th anniversary celebration to avoid at least some crowds.

We are probably staying about a half hour away so we will do "full" days to the extent we have the energy but my mom will be with us and she doesn't walk that fast so we can't do this in full-on "power" mode. That's why I want to be well prepared to know what we are trying to see and avoid missing the "must do's".

What dining should we make sure to do? Do they still do fast passes old-style (paper tickets from a machine) vs. the new way where you have to book the fast passes 60 days in advance? Oh there's just so much to learn!!!

Thanks again!!!!

 

[figment_jii]

DLR still uses the Legacy/Paper FP system system. There are no advance reservations for FPs or Magic Bands at this point.

Dining is a much tougher question. With such a limited amount of time, I'm not sure I'd spend 60 to 75 minutes at a TS location, although the break might be nice. I think I would opt for one TS meal per day and do CS for other. My favorite in-park TS locations are Cafe Orleans, Blue Bayou, Big Thunder BBQ, and Carnation Cafe.

You might want to look into the dining packages for F! and WoC as a means of doing two things at once (dining and getting a FP/ticket for one of the nighttime shows). I know the DHS also has F!, but DL has a much more impressive show (the most commonly cited ways that DL's F! is better than DHS' is the Peter Pan sequence, the new dragon, and the use of the Mark Twain (think Liberty Belle at MK) in the finale). That being said, WoC is unique to DCA, so you might want to see that. Some folks love it, others are more 'meh' about it. I don't like the viewing area, but that's because I'm on the shorter side and have trouble seeing much of the show.

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree with everyone! You can easily do both parks in 2 days. When we have 2 solid days in the parks we usually just stick to one park per day and see everything in that park. In DL ride Mr. Toad's and in DCA, like everyone said, Carsland is not to be missed, especially at night!

I strongly disagree that DLR can "easily be done in two days". Especially in July. And especially by a first timer.

I do believe that two days is enough to have a lot of fun and get a good taste of DLR.

And I will insist that for anyone who wants to have a solid and more complete DLR experience then four days is the minimum. Especially during high season. Off season it might be three days because entertainment is more limited.

I agree with the PP that for two days it is not worth park hopping and I would just do one park per day as their is more than enough to keep you busy in each park. IMO the parkhopping value goes up when you have at least 3 days.

Although the OP has only two days, for the record during a more complete four day trip here would be some things I think are important:

Fantasmic
DL fireworks
World of Color

Right there that is three evenings unless you can squeeze fireworks/Fantasmic on the same night which is very hard with younger children.

Continuing,

Aladdin
Mickey and Magical Map
Soundsational parade

and after May 22 an entirely new parade

Paint the Night parade.

That will be seven shows to see and I would plan to see them all except maybe Magical Map if one had to be skipped.

Further...and with young children especially girls...

Princess Fantasy Faire

And we have not even gotten to rides yet or character/princess meet and greets.

It will be a very full four days.

For the OP and two days, recognize your limits. It will be like trying to see all of Epcot in one day. Not going to happen. So prioritize and have fun.

Since the OP is a WDW fan I would just skip Fantasmic. Yes it is better at DL than at DHS and yes it remains the most popular night time show at DLR. But it is similar enough to WDW that the OP should pick one night time show IMHO and leave the other night open for rides.

I would pick WOC as there is nothing remotely like it at WDW. However, we will have to see what Paint the Night and the new Disneyland Forever fireworks show turn out to be. Those could possibly trump WOC. But I personally doubt it.

Then prioritize rides that are not at WDW. Choose your dining (see "What WDW Vets Need to Know About Dining at DLR" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2914467) and hopefully stay at a hotel withing walking distance. Voila! There is your DLR trip.

Good luck!

 

[figment_jii]

I would pick WOC as there is nothing remotely like it at WDW. However, we will have to see what Paint the Night and the new Disneyland Forever fireworks show turn out to be. Those could possibly trump WOC. But I personally doubt it.

It's funny, but this is the one place where you and I really disagree. I agree that WoC is unique to DLR, but I have harder time recommending short duration guests spend the time needed to see it. WoC is largely a mist screen show with water cannons and music (to me). In terms of the mist screen, it actually reminds me of Fantasmic!. I've seen WoC several times and I really feel that if you can't see the water surface, it's not worth seeing the show because you're missing half of it! So you either need to get there very early to secure a rail spot (90+ minutes plus the show time) or be very tall in order to make it more worthwhile. It's something I would recommend doing if you have extra time or a long trip planned, but with only two days, I'd probably skip it or accept that you're only going to see part of the show (the top half) and get there at the last minute. Basically, if you're not going to get a rail spot, I don't think it makes a difference if you're in the middle or back the crowd; you still can't see the lower half of the show.

 

[D1sneyfam1ly]

Just my opinion, but I would say plan your days based on the things you enjoy. More focus on rides, restaurants or shows is totally based on your individual preference, regardless of if you are at WDW or DLR. If I were you, I would focus on rides and shows with only 2 days but I would also focus on rides and shows if I had 5 days . That is just me.

These are my favorites.

Shows . . . . (It may change with all the 60th stuff, I am not normally worried about seeing the fireworks but the new show sounds like it will be pretty neat.)
1. WoC!!!!!!
2. Fantasmic
3. Aladdin

Favorite Rides/lands
1. Carsland is an absolute must, it is so immersive in every detail even though there are only 2 rides currently running
2. New Orleans Square - Pirates and Haunted Mansion
3. Fantasyland - Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Mr. Toads are my favorites. (Probably everyone else's too!)

Favorite Food
1. Blue Bayou (TS)
2. Hungry Bear (CS)
3. The Corn Dog Wagon (CS)

 

[Tasscrapper]

I would pick WOC over Fantasmic! any day of the week. However saying that there is a lot of standing involved with watching WOC and depending on your moms age or why she walks slow it might be an issue. Have you thought of getting her a wheelchair? If you did, even if only for the second day if she was getting really tired from the trip, you might be able to sit in the handicap section for WOC. It has an awesome view and actually has some benches as well. Perhaps someone else can chime in on the specifics of how many people could go in with her. You didn't mention how many or the ages of those going. A ride not mentioned that I love is Monsters Inc in DCA. It is just a fun cute ride, especially if you like the movie and the line is often only 5 or 10 minutes. It's right by where they do the Visa Character meet and greet if you have a Disney Visa card.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Hydro guy gave you a lot of good tips already, but my honest opinion is not to think too much about TS restaurants with so little time. Enjoy some of our great counter service spots and spend more time in the parks, you are already going at such a busy time.

Where else are you planning on going in LA? I am sure we could cross something off your list to add another Disney day

 

[martikus]

Can you stay closer? With LA traffic 30 minutes could be crazy bad. There are soooo many hotels within walking distance of DLR.

We are WDW vets and LOVED DL. In days you won't see it all, but plenty! the characters are so much easier to see at DL if you are in to those. I would pick a few rides in each park you don't want to miss and then everything else you do is just gravy.

 

[yellen97]

Wow you guys are awesome!! I should have clarified- girls are 14 and 10 so I am not sure how much character stuff they will be into anymore My mom probably will want a wheelchair which will help but in crowds it sometimes slows you down. We love Fantasmic! but have seen it sooo many times that I would take your advice to see the other shows as a priority first.

As for Dining- it's not a priority but want to know if anything is "not to be missed" (for example even if I had only one day in WDW I would want to hit O'hana if at all possible or Hoop Dee Do etc)

The rest of our trip itinerary is to see santa monica, spend time on the beach, hollywood, beverly hills - I have been to CA many many times but the last time my kids were there they were babies and of course the 14 year old is into all the pop culture of Hollywood and TV so her interests lie there (she loves Disney but is going to feel like "been there done that" vs the other LA attractions). Then we will drive up the coast on Wed, stay over in Monterrey and arrive in Petaluma on Thurs for my family reunion that will be all weekend in parts of Napa and Sonoma (many relatives live up there). Then one more move to San Fran for the night before our flight...that's 4 hotels. This is why we want to stay somewhere in the middle of LA and Disney as I really don't want to switch hotels down south also....5 people traveling switching hotels that many times over a long trip will be more annoying than an extra 30 mins of traffic.

Thanks so much!! I look forward to all my homework!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

It's funny, but this is the one place where you and I really disagree. I agree that WoC is unique to DLR, but I have harder time recommending short duration guests spend the time needed to see it. WoC is largely a mist screen show with water cannons and music (to me). In terms of the mist screen, it actually reminds me of Fantasmic!. I've seen WoC several times and I really feel that if you can't see the water surface, it's not worth seeing the show because you're missing half of it! So you either need to get there very early to secure a rail spot (90+ minutes plus the show time) or be very tall in order to make it more worthwhile. It's something I would recommend doing if you have extra time or a long trip planned, but with only two days, I'd probably skip it or accept that you're only going to see part of the show (the top half) and get there at the last minute. Basically, if you're not going to get a rail spot, I don't think it makes a difference if you're in the middle or back the crowd; you still can't see the lower half of the show.

Actually, I totally agree WOC is not worth seeing if you do not invest the time to get a good viewing spot. You have to be at a rail spot unless you are tall (well over 6 ft). I suspect you know I agree with that part. But there are many things that require a long time commitment to get a good spot at Disney parks. When our kids were younger we waited for hours to see the first Fantasmic show each night. And when RDCT came out we waited over an hour to hold a spot for that.

Anyone on a one day trip I advise to skip WOC. But for two days or more it is worth considering IMO. Not for everyone. But for a WDW vet who maybe wants to see one night time show at DLR? I say WOC is the one to see.

Now as for the quality of the show, I am well aware not everyone shares my view about WOC. I think WOC is head and shoulders above any other Disney show I have ever seen except for Remember Dreams Come True fireworks (in the early years 2005 and for a few years after). Later Disney removed a few show elements and it diminished somewhat. I judge this on my reaction and all four of my kids who saw WOC as teenagers for the first time in 2010. Every time they see it they say "Now I am reminded why I have always thought WOC is so good". FWIW the founder of this website Pete Werner - a huge WDW fan as many folks are aware - also shares this view of WOC - see http://www.disunplugged.com/2010/08/09/world-of-color-disneys-california-adventure.

My two cents is all I have to offer.

And finally, how could anyone disagree with someone whose screen name is "HydroGuy" when talking about a water show like WOC?

 

[tiffjoy]

I am so "meh" on WOC, and I do love Fantasmic. I would skip both, though, as a first timer with only two days, honestly.

I also think you will get so many different opinions depending on people's likes and dislikes. I, for example, completely disagree that you should drop Mickey and the Magical Map. That would be my top "not to miss" show. I absolutely love it and find it completely unique from anything else at DLR or WDW.

I understand the complete nightmare of switching hotels so many times with so many people. But LA traffic can be horrible, and with only two days, you will waste so much time getting into the park. You have to drive through traffic, wait in long lines to park, wait in line for the tram, walk from the trams to the gates, wait in line if you have bags to be searches, wait in line at the gates... I've never done it, but I'm assuming over an hour, easily. Probably more like 90 minutes? Anyone want to chime in? One thing I love about DLR over WDW is the numerous hotels all within walking distance, so we get to the parks in about 10-15 minutes with zero frustration. I really encourage you to consider it. I'd much rather drive to LA attractions on the other days than drive to DLR because there's not such a cramped timetable and a need to be at the place early and in the gates. Santa Monica pier will be there and will be pretty much the same experience whether you arrive at 8am or 10am. Not so DLR.

DLR CS is so great, too! Much better than MK's, so I would just eat CS. If you want something kind like HDDR for dinner, you could try the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. My favorite CS at DLR is Carnation Cafe because I love seeing Oscar (longest working employee at DLR). He's wonderful. As are the fried pickles. That might be my recommendation for TS.

 

[Kristina4109]

I STRONGLY suggest you get a hotel close to DL when you are going to DL. We live in Los Angeles and we prefer to stay in an Anaheim hotel on the nights before we hit Disneyland. If you go to DL on a weekend the traffic is actually pretty light (we've done it in 45 minutes), especially if you leave early in the morning. But on a weekday it can take as long as an hour and a half to get through the rush hour traffic, plus getting on the 5 and staying on the 5 can be stressful if you've never driven it before. (At times to stay on the 5 you have to be all the way to the right, other times all the way to the left, and other times in the middle lanes. I'm used to it now but it drove me CRAZY at first.) The most pleasant times of day to get great park touring time in is first thing in the morning.

 

[DSNY4ever]

If your daughters are super into tv/movies maybe consider the universal backlot tour. I hear nothing but great things about it. In my honest opinion Hollywood is kind of run down, which I am sure you have heard or read. I dragged my husband over to Beverly hills once and we just looked at rich people's houses, maybe you will find something better to do over there (just so you aren't disappointed, the Peach Pit does not exist) .

Dining in disneyland is so different from wdw, we don't have the same over the top themed restaurants, sad, I know. But there is plenty of good food to be found. Our best "themed" restaurant is Blue Bayou, but the price and food often makes for mixed reviews.

For some reason The Plaza on main street always gives me that true Disneyland feel. I also love eating back behind Flo's and watching the racers, but I haven't been since they changed the food. I was never crazy about their old food anyway.

In Monterey go to Pavel's and get pastries one morning. You can thank me later- they are the best ever, no joke!!! Better than Paris.

Enjoy Petaluma, my family is there too