Random Questions From A DL Rookie

[ktlm]

I hate Dinosaur, but Indy is one of my favorite rides. Indy is not as dark and much better themed. It is bumpy, but to my family it doesn't seem at all like the same ride. DD won't set foot on Dinosaur, but she loves Indy.

We always get a Photopass plus at DL and have never been sorry. The path by RSR to the pier area is a. Great spot for after dark photos.

Minnie's breakfast is our favorite character meal- assuming they don't standardize it like they did Goofy's Kitchen this year, there are usually a ton of characters and often a few surprises. There are usually characters there you won't find at WDW character meals like Hook, Rafiki, and Max. We have seen as many as 12 characters there and never less than 7.

The DL resort hotels don't have great deals and a stay there is typically more expensive than WDW. 4 nights at DLH typically costs us the same as a full week at a WDW resort. DLH is great though.

 

[jhaig]

The DL resort hotels don't have great deals and a stay there is typically more expensive than WDW.

What king of specials could I see? Is there a room discount for DL Hotel during "slower" times?

 

[figment_jii]

I was looking at the TP site and noticed crowd levels for the month of September 2015 never got over a '3' except for weekends. As long as we have a decent touring plan in place for the weekdays, how much of a realistic difference is there between a level of 1 and 3?

Touring Plans posts a follow-up assessment of their crowd predictions and while I still wouldn't put a lot of faith into those numbers, it does help you get a sense of what the crowds did mean on their scale. It's worth noting that touring plans only uses average attraction wait times to predict their crowds, so it doesn't have anything to factor in large crowds that may not be going on attractions (i.e., seeing the shows, parades, dining, etc.). That's why you'll see low(ish) crowd predictions during marathon weekends even though Dis'ers report that the crowds are packed...the attraction lines didn't increase a lot, but there were a lot of people in the parks. As mentioned, there really aren't any slow periods in DLR anymore, but there are still slower times. I generally think September is the slower month for HalloweenTime (I went in both September and October this year and October was far busier than I expected). As with the holidays, the crowds seemed to ramp up in September (i.e., early September was less busy than later September).

 

[GatorChris]

After switching to DL for the last 3 years, here's some tips based on your questions.

Good call on catching WOC - this show is pretty cool and there's nothing like it at WDW. The fireworks have yet to match up with Wishes or Illuminations, but they're still pretty good. Catch the if you can. And Paint the Night parade is a must-do. Think SpectroMagic on 4K HD.

For can't miss dining, DL just isn't like WDW where there's a ton of faves that you have to hit. The only one we have to do each time is closing (Big Thunder Ranch). Everything else is just OK or good, but not great and can't miss. The beignets at Ralph Brennen's express at DTD is the only thing I HAVE to get each trip. Those are really good. Eating at Flo's V-8 is a cool experience with views of Radiator Springs, but the food is just OK. We've done a bunch of character dining, but none of them are as good as the ones at WDW. Goofy's Kitchen is like Chef Mickey's, but without Mickey so it's not as good. The counter service dining selections are definitely better at DL, though I miss the fixens bar at Pecos Bill's and Starlight. Still, way more selection for a budget. If there's a must do for a once in a lifetime visit to DL, do the Blue Bayou. It's very pricey and the food is good but not great, but the ambiance is great and it's quite a memorable experience.

As for meeting characters, it's nothing like it is at WDW. In FL, they have set places with CMs to help guide lines. At DL, the characters sorta pop out of no where and the lines are erratic most of the time. One big plus is if you want to see Anna & Elsa, it's like a 15-20 minute wait at California Adventure. The hype has certainly died down here in Cali.

Here's some other things about DL. Get ready for short rides at Soarin'. No 60 minute lines all day long like at Epcot. They rarely reach that long at DCA.

Check out Space Mt, Big Thunder, and Pirates as these rides are way better than their Orlando counterparts.

The laid back atmosphere will be hard to get used. When you uber plan forever at WDW, you want to do the same at DL. But you can't because DL only puts out their calendar 6 weeks in advance, and food bookings are only 60 days out. And you can usually get whatever restaurant you want just 1 week out.

The Matterhorn is NOT the Expedition Everest ride. It looks cool. That's it. It's really rough, no fun drops, and it actually feels slow at times....when you're not thinking about how bad your neck hurts.

Your going to love the small size - at least your feet will. And it's Legacy FP so you can do whatever you want when you want. No planning the whole day.

 

[Turk February]

Thanks for all these tips! I am beginning to plan our first DLR trip for August.

 

[starry_solo]

1) Is there much difference between late August - early Sept vs mid-late Oct? When do CA schools start?

Yes. The majority of schools in CA are back in session in late August/early September. If you can wait until after Labor Day to go, that's your best bet.

*note: I remember the days in school in CA when we didn't go back until after Labor Day. Those days are long gone.

2) We are not worried about missing parades or fireworks, but would like to see WOC. Is the best bet to get a dinner pkg or FP?

I have done Carthay Circle lunch and Wine Country Trattoria dinner packages for WOC. Both have good seats. I know with Carthay Circle lunch, we got the first viewing of WOC and WCT had the second viewing. I don't remember much re: viewing for CC, but for WCT Trattoria, we got there about 15 minutes before showtime and were led to our viewing area.

3) Should we go during longer parks hours and bigger crowds ( we usually do rope drop) as long as we have a plan, or during shorter hours and smaller crowds? A 10am opening seems way too late for us to get stuff done.

Shorter hours and smaller crowds are usually best. But remember if you stay on property, you get EMH every day (either DL or DCA, depending on the day) so you can do a LOT in the first extra hour. For DL, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are the only ones open, as I recall, during EMH, so you can do Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain (I don't think Ghost Galaxy will be open then, I've forgotten when they do that overlay), but it might be Star Wars oriented now. Fantasyland, if you like Peter Pan, you'll want to rush there. Those lines are forever long.

4) We don't want to miss HM or Small World. When do they usually go down for overlays and for how long?

According to Mouseplanet:
http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?212744-2015-refurbishment-schedules

Small World was closed down (in 2014) from October 20 - November 6 to do the holiday overlay. I'm still looking for HM overlay, but since that one opens for Halloween Time

5) Where can I find historical DL hours? I have a Touring Plans subscription but can only find historical crowd levels.

Here is MousePlanet's Disneyland Resort Update for September 8-13, 2015. If you click on Park Hours, it will tell you what it was.

6) Will the new Soarin be done by this summer?

Not sure.

7) My family hated Dinosaur at AK with its jerky ride and eardrum shattering noises. Is Indy a better experience?

YES! I went on Dinosaur at AK when I went to WDW (2012) and compared to Indy, Indy is a much better ride (and story). It is a can't miss ride at DL!

8) Is Photopass a good value at DL? We use it every year at WDW and end up with hundreds of photos after editing.

Yes, although I believe they have gotten rid of the advance purchase price option now (you used to be able to advance purchase it for $69 but now you can only buy in park for $99)

9) Our plan is to do mostly counter service food and maybe a character meal and one sit down meal. Which ones are the slam dunk, can't miss meals?

Counter Service

DLR
Plaza Inn (chicken)
French Market (salmon)
Mint Julep "bar" next to French Market, although you can get a Mint Julep from the French Market too. Their beignets are yummy!
There's a baked potato place near the rafts at Tom Sawyer's Island too.
River Belle Terrace (although this is changing to a sit-down thing for dinner packages/shows)

DCA
Boudin's Bakery/Cafe: you can have them slice the the bread and put it on the side to dip your soup in (instead of doing the bread bowl). Also works for salads.
The Mediterranean place by Goofy's Sky School has good kebobs too.
Award Weiners if you like hot dogs.
Tasty Pilot's Grill (I forgot the new name), has a condiments bar that you can load up veggies for your burger with!

Character Meal

Plaza Inn Breakfast Buffet

Sit Down Meal

Blue Bayou is pretty good. Club 33 if you can get in
Carthay Circle isn't that bad either.

10) Are character greets as regimented as WDW or less formal?

Some have fast passes, some they are just there. Fantasyland Theatre/Royal Hall has 3 princesses (usually Aurora, Cinderella, and Ariel). Some are catch them while they are out, etc. But in Toontown, the characters are usually in their houses (Mickey, you can see him in his tux and as Sorcerer Mickey), Minnie, etc.

 

[ktlm]

What king of specials could I see? Is there a room discount for DL Hotel during "slower" times?

When you go to the Disneyland website, if you look at the places to stay tab, there is a place you can click for offers and discounts. I think 20% off is usually about what you get at DL, as opposed to the 30% or sometimes 40% you can get for deluxe at WDW. It seems like the DL rates start off higher too. Typically the discounts aren't posted as far in advance as they are at WDW, which I'm sure is since DLR really doesn't require the level of planning you are used to for WDW. We usually book at regular rate and then rebook if a discount comes out for our dates.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Harbor Galley (near the TSI raft dock) no longer sells baked potatoes. Those can be found now at Troubadour Tavern by the FL Theater. And I think the new name for Taste Pilot's Grill in DCA is Smoke Jumper's Grill.

 

[Jerryp49]

Look into going during Fall 2016 Dapper Day Nov 6. They offer convention rates the two week period surrounding Dapper Day which I guess will be from Oct 31 thru Nov 13, 2016. Rooms for the Spring 2016 are $184 for PP , $204 for DLH, and $259 for the GCH. 5 day park hoppers are $269. Prices will go up, so if you book before then you can lock in the lower prices. Call 714 - 520- 5005 Tell them to add park hoppers to your room reservation. Before you book, check out what else is going on around those dates, like a Marathon .

They also have convention rates for Gay Days around the first weekend in Oct. I`m not gay, and never been during that time but I read you don`t have to be gay to take advantage of the convention rates. You do have to register ,though. No registration is required for Dapper Days

 

[jhaig]

What expenses should I include for a DL trip other than room, food, souvenirs, travel from LAX? Does Uber pick up from there?

 

[ktlm]

What expenses should I include for a DL trip other than room, food, souvenirs, travel from LAX? Does Uber pick up from there?

You might want to look into flying into the Orange County John Wayne airport (SNA). It is a much closer airport and smaller and much easier. It is a 15 minute drive to DLR. If you only plan to go to DLR and no where else, you can take the Disneyland Express which I think is $35 round trip for adults and free for kids. There are other shuttles too. We usually rent a car because we spend half the week at DLR and Half the week down in the San Diego area. Usually we park the car at DLH and don't get in it again until 4 or 5 days later when we leave. You don't need a car there if you plan to stay around DLR the whole time. Also, unlike WDW where resort guests park free, the DL resorts charge a daily parking fee.

 

[mummabear]

Are character greets as regimented as WDW or less formal?

Wayyyy less formal, with a few exceptions(such as the princesses) they are very hard to pin point

 

[BryANDJessMom]

Just a hint. I love Indy now but used to be bothered by the jerks and bumps. Now I make sure I am towards the middle and it really doesn't bother me at all. (The kids like the bumps so they are on the edges.).

Have fun!

 

[ClaraOswald]

What expenses should I include for a DL trip other than room, food, souvenirs, travel from LAX? Does Uber pick up from there?

Park tickets, of course.

I agree with the person above....check out SNA instead of LAX. We always fly into there. So much better.

 

[jhaig]

Park tickets, of course.

I agree with the person above....check out SNA instead of LAX. We always fly into there. So much better.

I would like to but that would require 2 flight transfers from upstate NY. I would need to get to Philly or DC, then either Denver or Phoenix, then fly into SNA.

 

[tarheelalum]

So where can I track down legit DL crowd levels?

At Disneyland its always crowded. DL is either crowded, really crowded or OMG its crowded. No slow season exists anymore.

 

[jhaig]

At Disneyland its always crowded. DL is either crowded, really crowded or OMG its crowded. No slow season exists anymore.

Is that mostly because of the 60th this year?

 

[tarheelalum]

Is that mostly because of the 60th this year?

For the past few years it has gotten more crowded every year. The 60th just added to the trend. All of the construction coming may change that or it possibly may even make it worse. Only time will tell.