Planning a trip to DL

[fires_grumpy]

DW and I are planning a trip to DL for the 1st time. We are looking at May 2011 most likely 1st or 2nd week. Is this a good time to go? We we be staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel. Planning on staying 7 days. Flying in on a Saturday and leaving on Sturday. We go to WDW all the time 2 to 3 times a year. Any advise on this trip will be wonderful. It will be DW and I no kids. We have been looking at resturants we want to eat at.We will be renting a car for travel and I hear traffic is .

 

[jlmarr]

Be sure to read the Newbie tips in the sticky notes. There's an extensive thread by Hydroguy for WDW veterans. He also has advice for hotel selection, advocating getting a hotel within walking distance to DLR.

May should be a good time to go - after spring break and before the June AP blockout logjam.

For off-site restaurants I'd recommend Mimi's Cafe on Harbor right opposite Tomorrowland, and Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's in Gardenwalk on Katella just east of Harbor. These are walking distance from the DLR entrance.

Not sure what else you're interested in. The Anaheim Angels play nearby, the Dodgers play in LA. Gray Line offers tours of LA and Hollywood, including a Hop On Hop Off tour that allows you to spend as much time at any of the stops as you like. The Hollywood Bowl won't be in season yet but you can go there and walk around (last I heard). Universal Studios is near Hollywood and has its Citywalk entertainment venue.

 

[nana50]

If you plan on being there for 7 days you will need some other stuff to do. Disneyland is 3 or 4 days at most. San Diego is a paradise unto itself. They have the zoo of course, Seaworld, the beaches, Wild Animal Park, and Gaslamp for the evening. Check it out.

 

[fires_grumpy]

I understand that it is only 2 parks. Is DL that small that you can do it all in 4 days? WDW is 4 parks and in 4 days you are just getting your feet wet.

 

[IBLarsen]

I understand that it is only 2 parks. Is DL that small that you can do it all in 4 days? WDW is 4 parks and in 4 days you are just getting your feet wet.

Things are much more compact at DL, a lot more at DL than at the Magic Kingdom park itself. More rides per capita. I would say you could definately do DL and DCA in 4 days, especially with no kids. Others do opt to stay longer, and feel that the extra time is nice. But you won't really miss out on anything in 4 full days.

 

[onelilspark]

We had about 3.5 days at DL and I must say, without pushing it, we easily got done everything we wanted to do.

Also: can someone confirm...is May usually when DL's Food and Wine Festival is held? That would seal the deal for me!

 

[Sherry E]

I understand that it is only 2 parks. Is DL that small that you can do it all in 4 days? WDW is 4 parks and in 4 days you are just getting your feet wet.

It also depends a lot on the pace at which you take everything in, what kinds of crowds you are dealing with in the parks and what exactly is on your 'to do' list. I must say, in theory, 3 - 4 days sounds like plenty at DLR, and for many folks it is. Although, because my friends and I don't really do a commando-style of touring and just kind of take things one moment to the next, at our own pace, with a loose plan of action, we have easily been there for 3 nights and 3 full days before and missed a lot of things - or at least I have missed a lot of things - and I am not even certain that 4 days would have been enough for my agenda! Some people are fine with just going on certain rides, eating in a couple of places, looking in a couple of stores and then leaving, having had their fill of DLR for a good while. Some folks are fine with planning everything they are going to do, see, buy and eat day by day, and those are the ones who probably get more done! And then there are those who just play everything by ear and see where the day takes them.

So, again, even though 3-4 days is a good chunk of time, and if planned right, you should be able to do mostly everything, I do know that I have come home from trips of that length thinking, "How did I lose so much time? I still haven't gotten to do (X, Y and Z)!" Between all the photos I would like to take, all the shops I would like to look in (not even to buy anything necessarily, but because sometimes you find cute hidden details in these shops), wandering around the DLR hotels and Downtown Disney, all the rides I would like to ride and all the rest time that is necessary mid-day each day to maintain stamina and energy, I never seem to have enough time to get it all done!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I understand that it is only 2 parks. Is DL that small that you can do it all in 4 days? WDW is 4 parks and in 4 days you are just getting your feet wet.

Do it all? Sort of. Four days is enough to feel like you had a very solid and fullfilling visit. About equal to do doing 8-10 days at WDW. Enough do it all? No, but enough to feel filled up!

Early May is off-season. Be aware of off-season issues: "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Here is what to expect regarding hours and refurbs:

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

Here is what to expect for weather: "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

I think May is the best off-season month to go to DLR. Lower crowds. Good weather. And most major refurbs are done in preparation for summer high season.

 

[fires_grumpy]

I want to thank every one for your great info. That is what is so great about the Dis board every one is so helpful. Thanks again