Quick TR.... our experience!

[hsmamato2]

So hit Disneyland last week... Dec 15-17... had a great time, in spite of cold,and quite a bit of rain! Our first day the 15, was a Thursday,and no really big crowds (I was fearful but it was cool) we hit Lax the nite before, stayed at the Travelodge at airport(wouldn't repeat that lol) and picked up the fam at 10 the next morning. Got to Hotel Indigo by about 11, (great hotel) checked in and on our way by 12 or so. (MIL stayed at Anaheim Plaza, very nice basic place) Straight to DL, went to Jolly Holiday bakery for lunch, plenty of outdoor seating, this food was GOOD. I had a gf Tomato/mozz. sandwich, probably the best I've ever eaten,and the Matterhorn macaroon (oh yes!) spent the day going on rides, the longest line was for IASW(!,I know,right?)at about 20 mins. by nightfall, it was raining steadily(and about 45-50 degrees) so we put on our jackets and umbrellas ,and went on lots of rides till we were to cold to do any more! The crew did Matterhorn in the rain with no line!
Next a.m.(Friday) was still a bit rainy and chilly, this worked to our advantage,as crowds were much lower than expected. (we arrived at about 8:30 or so,it was damp) I assume locals who didn't want to deal with the weather.Did Indy ride first thing,no wait. got FP's for later, but never used them as it kept breaking the rest of the day off and on.Did mostly DL again,(used FP for star tours and Sp. Mtn) then over to DCA for some fun,did Toy Story ride(wait:25 mins,our longest of the day) then back to DL at 6 for PTN at 6:30. straight back to IASW (thanks for the advice here) barely any crowds, watched the IASW lights and parade from the raised area along the side,perfect! (what a parade,it was awesome!)
Saturday, dry, but CHILLY. Crowds def. picking up now. Spent most of the day in DCA- we got there about 8 a.m,rode Soarin' twice with almost no wait, then RSR single rider twice,no wait! Then we hit Starbucks to warm up a bit. Spent our day at DCA ,Award Weiners for lunch (oh yum) the longest line of this day was at Tower of Terror,we had FP, but ride broke,waited,left,went back later,just lines everywhere here but oh well. hung out and had fun till we got in line for WOC Dessert Party.... that show is BEYOND amazing. It was so beautiful,what a work of art. Can't say it enough. The DP.... I guess I'm glad we tried it, but even with the higher crowds,I felt like it was not well executed(the line to enter,etc,the waiting took longer than regular lines) I wouldn't do it again or recommend it.Just not worth the cost,and didn't save us a lot of time on our feet. That said, the desserts themselves were very good,and we enjoyed ourselves regardless (the show!)
Last Sunday morning we had breakfast at Mickeys Surfs up. we DID NOT know that it was located W-A-A-Y out in the hotel that's basically off property. So we walked from Harbor,thru security,WAY out past and thru the big hotel, across the street,and made it!(took over 20 minutes) It was fun, breakfast was good. Heading back into DTD, they rerouted everyone even FARTHER out back to the main back entrance to DTD,and thru security,again. (what is up with all the security here?) so a LOT of walking.... keep that in mind if making your own plans, it's WAY out there!
Trip was great,security lines were fairly crappy, but not the worst ever....crowds manageable, food(even all qs) completely manageable all the time! thanks to everyone here for all the great advice in planning!

 

[GatorChris]

Did you say you had a gluten free tomato soup and grilled cheese? Are you Celiac or is this dietary? My wife has Celiac's, so this is of great interest to me. She's always been afraid to go into a "bakery" for fear of cross contamination.

 

[Nevada Jen]

I didn't even think about how surf's up is no longer very appealing because of the new security. Its actually a really easy walk through the GCH if you are already in the park but if you are outside security, I wouldn't even be able to figure out a better way to do that than what you did. I really think the new security is going to kill PPH. Maybe others will fill the slots that long time vistors are leaving vacant but I suspect after a year or so, no one is going to fall for those prices for the rooms or surf's up for all the distance it adds on.

 

[hsmamato2]

I had a tomato and mozzarella caprese sandwich,with a pesto dressing. The roll was warm and the best I've ever had- I don't have celiac though, but I did order from the food allergies person, who makes it separate. The macaroon says it's GF - I guess those who are extremely sensitive have to be extra careful, but IMHO nobody does allergies like Disney parks.
.......I forgot, but the cashier said that I could ask for any sandwich made GF. IDK about cross contamination tho,since I don't have celiac It's not as much of an issue for me