Questions from a DLR newcomer

[Kristine316]

Hi everyone! I am new to this board. I have been to WDW a couple times and was planning to go back this September for the Free Dining.

We have decided to head to CA instead. My son is in the USAF and the military discounts are pretty decent. Plus, I was really getting worried about the fall weather in FL... our other trips were in December and January. I don't like humidity. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid.

Anyway, We are planning to stay onsite. I already have reservations for DLH. Since we have never been to DLR or even CA I feel like I have a million questions and was hoping I could get some feedback here.

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance? I have been reading this board and noticed that DLH seems to be a good jaunt to the mono-rails. I was hoping to get something really close. My husband gets motion sickness from rides on occasion and we were hoping to get something close enough where if he starts feeling sick he can just head back to the hotel for awhile without much effort. Is that even possible?

I have been searching but, I can't find a crowd calendar for DLR. I guess I have been looking for something like what you can find for WDW. I know of TP and I use it for WDW but, from reading this forum I get the strong impression Touring Plans doesn't work all that well for DLR. I am trying to figure out what kind of crowds to expect. Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter?

I have been reading rumors about BTMRR and Indy both being down starting this fall. I also understand that HM and Space Mountain go down in September for overlays. Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort? I would seriously think about sticking with WDW if that were the case because 4 big attractions like that being closed would seem like we are missing so much!

Thanks!!

 

[figment_jii]

I don't like humidity. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid.

In general, in September the highs are likely to be in the 90's and the lows in the 60's, but it won't be terribly humid.

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance?

The closest on-site hotel is the Grand Californian. DLH and PP are both at the far end of DTD, so it's not really a close walk if your DH feels motion sick. The walk from the middle of the esplande to DLH is about 0.35 miles (or six and half football fields). The monorail platform is much closer to DLH, but it's not like the WDW monorails. The DLR monorail is more like a "ride" than a transportation mode. The cars are much smaller and it drops you off in Tomorrowland.

Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter? Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort?

Disneyland's Halloween time starts on 9/14, so I would guess that HM and SM will be up by then. I would guess the crowds would be moderate, but heavy on weekends as AP holders come to see the Halloween decorations/rides.

 

[soled]

Hi everyone! I am new to this board. I have been to WDW a couple times and was planning to go back this September for the Free Dining.

We have decided to head to CA instead. My son is in the USAF and the military discounts are pretty decent. Plus, I was really getting worried about the fall weather in FL... our other trips were in December and January. I don't like humidity. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid.

Anyway, We are planning to stay onsite. I already have reservations for DLH. Since we have never been to DLR or even CA I feel like I have a million questions and was hoping I could get some feedback here.

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance? I have been reading this board and noticed that DLH seems to be a good jaunt to the mono-rails. I was hoping to get something really close. My husband gets motion sickness from rides on occasion and we were hoping to get something close enough where if he starts feeling sick he can just head back to the hotel for awhile without much effort. Is that even possible?

I have been searching but, I can't find a crowd calendar for DLR. I guess I have been looking for something like what you can find for WDW. I know of TP and I use it for WDW but, from reading this forum I get the strong impression Touring Plans doesn't work all that well for DLR. I am trying to figure out what kind of crowds to expect. Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter?

I have been reading rumors about BTMRR and Indy both being down starting this fall. I also understand that HM and Space Mountain go down in September for overlays. Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort? I would seriously think about sticking with WDW if that were the case because 4 big attractions like that being closed would seem like we are missing so much!

Thanks!!

Where did you read that BTMRR and Indy would be down in the fall?

 

[Girimama33]

Hi everyone! I am new to this board. I have been to WDW a couple times and was planning to go back this September for the Free Dining.

We have decided to head to CA instead. My son is in the USAF and the military discounts are pretty decent. Plus, I was really getting worried about the fall weather in FL... our other trips were in December and January. I don't like humidity. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid. So CA is not humid. The weather should be much better here. Cool in the Am and PM, warmer during the afternoon.

Anyway, We are planning to stay onsite. I already have reservations for DLH. Since we have never been to DLR or even CA I feel like I have a million questions and was hoping I could get some feedback here.

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance? I have been reading this board and noticed that DLH seems to be a good jaunt to the mono-rails. I was hoping to get something really close. My husband gets motion sickness from rides on occasion and we were hoping to get something close enough where if he starts feeling sick he can just head back to the hotel for awhile without much effort. Is that even possible? Closest hotel (onsite or otherwise) is the Grand Californian. DLH will be about a 10 minute walk through DTD to the security gates.

I have been searching but, I can't find a crowd calendar for DLR. I guess I have been looking for something like what you can find for WDW. I know of TP and I use it for WDW but, from reading this forum I get the strong impression Touring Plans doesn't work all that well for DLR. I am trying to figure out what kind of crowds to expect. Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter?
TP has a DL section, you have to pay extra for it...if you already use WDW. Here are the predictions's for your days:
DL DCA
Mon, September 17, 2012 3 out of 10 1.2 4.0
Tue, September 18, 2012 2 out of 10 1.1 4.0
Wed, September 19, 2012 3 out of 10 1.2 4.1
Thu, September 20, 2012 3 out of 10 1.1 4.3
Fri, September 21, 2012 7 out of 10 7.0 6.4
Sat, September 22, 2012 7 out of 10 6.5 6.7 SC SL
Sun, September 23, 2012 7 out of 10 4.9 6.9 SL

I have been reading rumors about BTMRR and Indy both being down starting this fall. I also understand that HM and Space Mountain go down in September for overlays. Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort? I would seriously think about sticking with WDW if that were the case because 4 big attractions like that being closed would seem like we are missing so much!

SM and HM should have completed their holiday overlay by your trip. I believe the Halloween decorations are out around of 9/14.
The Indy/BTMRR refurb has not been confirmed that I know of. I think Indy is probably going to get refurbed at some point during the fall. I hope BTMRR is a rumor...or at least completed before our trip. That is one of DD's favorites.
Thanks!!

Have fun planning!

 

[HydroGuy]

We have decided to head to CA instead. My son is in the USAF and the military discounts are pretty decent. Plus, I was really getting worried about the fall weather in FL... our other trips were in December and January. I don't like humidity. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid.

See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance? I have been reading this board and noticed that DLH seems to be a good jaunt to the mono-rails. I was hoping to get something really close. My husband gets motion sickness from rides on occasion and we were hoping to get something close enough where if he starts feeling sick he can just head back to the hotel for awhile without much effort. Is that even possible?

GCH will be your best bet if money is not an obstacle.

I have been searching but, I can't find a crowd calendar for DLR. I guess I have been looking for something like what you can find for WDW. I know of TP and I use it for WDW but, from reading this forum I get the strong impression Touring Plans doesn't work all that well for DLR. I am trying to figure out what kind of crowds to expect. Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter?

I have been reading rumors about BTMRR and Indy both being down starting this fall. I also understand that HM and Space Mountain go down in September for overlays. Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort? I would seriously think about sticking with WDW if that were the case because 4 big attractions like that being closed would seem like we are missing so much!

Be careful with those dates. It is unlikely four major rides will be down at once, but it has happened in recent years. But usually only for a few days where refurbs overlap. And usually the week right after Labor Day. If you have a whole week then the worst you are likely to experience is two major rides or shows down.

And by Sept 17 HM and Space Mtn will both be up.

 

[MagicMomma1]

My son is in the USAF...

Thank you to your son for his service. You must be so very proud of him! I pray God will watch over him, blessing and keeping him safe always. Have a wonderful trip!! Our paths will JUST overlap-- will be at DLR with my family from Sept. 9-17.

 

[rtfelt]

Yes, HM and SM will have their Halloween "costumes" on by then--HM's Nightmare Before Christmas, and SM's Ghost Galaxy. These are fun to see if you never have--especially as a WDW vet. I'm personally not a fan of the Nightmare before Christmas overlay, but I have many friends who love it. Keep in mind that as soon as the overlay goes up, the line for HM gets longer and actually has a FP system--something it doesn't use most of the rest of the year. I do really like the Ghost Galaxy though.

The weather will be warm if not hot but not humid. Our hottest months here in S. CA are really July, August, September. Unlike Florida, it's much cooler in the shade, and it cools off at night, so bring a jacket for evenings.

I have heard from several sources that IJ will be down for a major refurbishment in Fall. I don't know the day it's starting, but I would predict the 2nd week of September. One of the major features of the ride, the big rock ball that comes down at you near the end of the ride doesn't come down anymore (well for the last 3 months), so I'm sure they need to do some major things to get that fixed. It's really too bad that a WDW vet might miss this ride. It's not at WDW, and it is a fabulous ride and shouldn't be missed by any WDW vet.

I haven't heard anything about BTMRR being down though. It had a refurbishment about a year ago, so I don't believe it's due for another one.

Crowds: I use TP but have found their crowd predictions for DLR way off. Example: this spring they had 3/10 on grad night days that were crazy. I would have given them at least an 8/10. I generally have found the 2nd full week (not necessarily the week of Labor day, though that is MUCH lower than the last 2 weeks of August) and 3rd weeks of September to be one of the, if not the, slowest weeks of the year. Just keep in mind that typical of DLR, Friday nights and weekends can get packed with us locals (I'm often there Friday nights with my DH for date night ). It's also hard to know how the opening of CarsLand is going to affect the crowds. There's no data for that yet.

Forget the DLR dining plan--total rip off. If you don't want to carry cash, just get a gift card.

If you don't go this year, I encourage you to go some time. DLR is a completely different experience than WDW. In my opinion our big E ticket rides are far better (SM, POTC, Autopia..) than the equivalent rides at WDW, and our night shows are tons better.

 

[TeddiBarra]

We have decided to head to CA instead. I heard CA weather in the fall is still hot but, not nearly as humid.

Anyway, We are planning to stay onsite. I already have reservations for DLH.

Which onsite hotel has the closest and easiest access to the parks? Are they all about the same distance? I have been reading this board and noticed that DLH seems to be a good jaunt to the mono-rails. I was hoping to get something really close.

I have been searching but, I can't find a crowd calendar for DLR. I get the strong impression Touring Plans doesn't work all that well for DLR. I am trying to figure out what kind of crowds to expect. Our dates are 9/17-9/23. Anyone have a guess as to what kind of crowds we may encounter?

I have been reading rumors about BTMRR and Indy both being down starting this fall. I also understand that HM and Space Mountain go down in September for overlays. Can anyone tell me if all four of these rides are likely to be down during our days at the resort? I would seriously think about sticking with WDW if that were the case because 4 big attractions like that being closed would seem like we are missing so much!

1) Weather is variable in CA, but almost never as humid as FL. It may be pleasant/ pleasant and warm or even hot, but not likely humid. Check weather forecasts right before you leave. You will likely need to plan on it being cool after dark and you'll want a jacket/hoodie and pants.

2) You should like DLH. It is the furthest or at least potentially furthest away of all the Disney hotels. The Grand is the closest. Look at resort map and you will see that the Grand Californian is adjacent and touching DCA, and has a private entrance into/out of it as well. (well only really private entrance into the park in the morning hours and if they choose to enforce it being for hotel guests only). It is not a long walk to the monorail. It is a short walk to the monorail but again, it depends on which of the three towers, the rear tower (frontier tower now? I think?) then it's longer than it is, so you might want to request a room in the Fantasy or Adventure. I would estimate it is 3-7 minutes walk to the monorail from any given tower. I think the walk to disney buses at most WDW resorts is longer.

The monorail is not always as convient as you may think- during key times (like fireworks and/or close to closing) there's a line to get back on it from Disneyland park. During the middle of the day you should not have a long wait (well one to two train cycles), and it can be a time saver to get back to the PP/DLH that way. Getting IN the park with it is not easy. Sometimes in the morning there is only one tram running- it usually doesn't open until the park opens (so many times you have to go to the front gates for Early Entry).

3) Dates. Your dates are some of the lightest dates of the season, the "off season". However, after a long summer of being blocked out, this season will likely be heavier than usual at DCA due to local APs. These locals are likely to hit the parks on Friday EVENINGS and probably Sunday your last day. I'd suggest that you gear you afternoon for Friday and any park time on Sunday to be at Disneyland, not DCA. Keep checking back here on the boards to see what best days/strategies may be.

I have never used Touring Plans, but many folks have and actually like it for Disneyland. That said, Carsland has been a pattern game changer and so right now, I wouldn't recommend using it, except for Disneyland ONLY planning.

4) Closures. Yes, they really might have all 4 big rides down. Last year in the off season, they had 5 down, though not all at the same time. Keep your eyes open to find out about Indy and Big Thunder. I doubt that all 4 will be down the whole time, but prepare yourself for the possibility, it can happen.

 

[quantumottle]

Another important piece of info for a WDW veteran going to DL for the first time is to relax. DL does not require anywhere near the amount of pre-planning that is required for WDW. Take it easy and enjoy yourself, you'll be surprised how much more laid back and easy DL is by comparison.

And if nobody has mentioned it already, the best advice you can get is to read HydroGuys DLR Guide for WDW Vets.