Teach a DLR vet new tricks?

[formercalifornian]

Hi, everyone! My wife and I, both former Southern California residents, will be heading to DLR March 16th and 17th as part of our belated honeymoon. We'll be staying at the Park Vue Inn and plan on getting a 2-day park hopper. We have reservations for dinner at the Blue Bayou on the 16th. (Crossing our fingers, too, that Pirates re-opens on schedule, as it's our favorite ride!)

Both of us grew up going to Disneyland regularly, on average 3-4 times a year, and we used to consider ourselves park experts. However, we've since moved away to the East Coast, and have only been back once in the last few years.

What should we know about changes to the DLR parks since 2012/2013 that might not be obvious? We're familiar with current/scheduled ride closures, the Fastpass crackdowns, and similar big news information, but I'm curious to know how the feel and flow of the parks has shifted in recent years, and to receive any tips you might have of which I might not be aware.

Thanks so much!

 

[dismom73]

I would love to gain some new insights as well!! Our last few trips have been to DW and on DCL and I haven't had a lot of time to do research for our upcoming trip.

 

[tarheelalum]

They strictly enforce fast pass return times now so if it says be back between 1230-1:30, don't show up at 1:40 and think it will be ok. Also all of the rides are connected now with the fast passes except Buzz Light year in Disneyland. All of the rides in DCA are connected now. Also every day is crowded so get there early before the park opens. They have metal detectors at security so if you happen to carry a pocket knife regularly they will take it. Also no selfie sticks for your cameras. They will take them as well.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread isn't completely up to date (last updated in Oct. of last year), but it does have some of the information you're looking for: List of changes since summer 2014.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I think the biggest change you will find is that it is extremely crowded compared to when you last visited. It will help that you aren't visiting on the weekend, but be prepared for being stuck in whatever land you are in during parade times. I like to escape DL by going to DCA when DL is shoulder to shoulder people. To me, DCA has gotten much better in the last few years as far as things to do, places to eat, drink, etc.

The security lines can look daunting, but they actually move really fast. You may or may not be selected to go through metal detector. It seems like when I look at them, they select me and when I don't look at them, they don't select me. It doesn't take anymore time to go through those most of the time.

You can get a fast pass for DL and go straight to DCA to get another Fast Pass. While the line for Radiator Springs is always long, you can go in single rider line and often end up in the same car, but probably not seated in same row.

What types of things do you like to do? That may help us give you more suggestions.

I'm glad you got your Blue Bayou reservation. Carthay Circle might be worth getting a reservation on your other day if you don't mind spending 90 minutes at dinner. You can also just get a drink and snack in the Carthay lounge there. All the tables in the lounge say reserved, but they are not reserved. Either someone can show you to a table and they will remove the sign, or you can just sit there and someone will come serve you.

 

[poptart90]

Just returned last week, and would add that the security procedures may change each day. Not sure if that's intentional (as in keeping everyone on their toes) or simply DLR trying to figure out the best way to move the most amount of people around. This comment specifically involves the mornings - Magic Morning/Extra Magic Hour. When we were there they changed the security entrance procedure within a day. It was a bit confusing to figure out, but the CMs were trying their best to direct everyone to the correct entrance. My tip would be to arrive very early so you have plenty of time to navigate whatever the security procedure is for the day. Have a great trip!

 

[CandyMouse]

Hi, everyone! My wife and I, both former Southern California residents, will be heading to DLR March 16th and 17th as part of our belated honeymoon. We'll be staying at the Park Vue Inn and plan on getting a 2-day park hopper. We have reservations for dinner at the Blue Bayou on the 16th. (Crossing our fingers, too, that Pirates re-opens on schedule, as it's our favorite ride!)

Both of us grew up going to Disneyland regularly, on average 3-4 times a year, and we used to consider ourselves park experts. However, we've since moved away to the East Coast, and have only been back once in the last few years.

What should we know about changes to the DLR parks since 2012/2013 that might not be obvious? We're familiar with current/scheduled ride closures, the Fastpass crackdowns, and similar big news information, but I'm curious to know how the feel and flow of the parks has shifted in recent years, and to receive any tips you might have of which I might not be aware.

Thanks so much!

Hi, would you mind telling me how much your rooms are a night? We're planning on going in November and they don't have the rates yet. Hope you have a great trip!! Thanks!

 

[GatorChris]

I'll agree with the comments of the crowds being way up. There was a time when at DL, crowds were predictable. M-Th was very light, Friday it picked up, and the weekends were nuts. Now it's nuts just about all the time.

 

[formercalifornian]

Thanks, everyone, for these very helpful responses!

What types of things do you like to do? That may help us give you more suggestions.

To be honest with you, in the past I've mostly stuck to rides and meals while at Disneyland, to the exclusion of most other things (I've always had a soft spot for the clam chowder bread bowl at Royal Street Veranda). I used to love the Main Street Electrical Parade as a kid, so we're going to check that out one of the nights, and my wife loves World of Color, so that'll happen the other night. If you have any recommendations for other activities around the park that have sprung up in recent years, though, I'd love to hear them! We'd prefer not to spend too much extra money on top of what we're already spending, but otherwise, I'm very open to suggestions. Especially when it comes to DCA--I've actually never been, and my wife hasn't been back in five years, so we're less prepared for that park.

Hi, would you mind telling me how much your rooms are a night? We're planning on going in November and they don't have the rates yet. Hope you have a great trip!! Thanks!

Sure--$179 a night for both nights.

I'll agree with the comments of the crowds being way up. There was a time when at DL, crowds were predictable. M-Th was very light, Friday it picked up, and the weekends were nuts. Now it's nuts just about all the time.

Yeah, it used to be a ghost town mid-week. I remember the days when you could go on a Wednesday between January and March, or between September and November, and walk on just about every ride. Sigh. Good to know, though, to prepare myself mentally--and to make sure we're there when the park opens.

 

[CandyMouse]

Thanks, everyone, for these very helpful responses!



To be honest with you, in the past I've mostly stuck to rides and meals while at Disneyland, to the exclusion of most other things (I've always had a soft spot for the clam chowder bread bowl at Royal Street Veranda). I used to love the Main Street Electrical Parade as a kid, so we're going to check that out one of the nights, and my wife loves World of Color, so that'll happen the other night. If you have any recommendations for other activities around the park that have sprung up in recent years, though, I'd love to hear them! We'd prefer not to spend too much extra money on top of what we're already spending, but otherwise, I'm very open to suggestions. Especially when it comes to DCA--I've actually never been, and my wife hasn't been back in five years, so we're less prepared for that park.



Sure--$179 a night for both nights. Thanks!



Yeah, it used to be a ghost town mid-week. I remember the days when you could go on a Wednesday between January and March, or between September and November, and walk on just about every ride. Sigh. Good to know, though, to prepare myself mentally--and to make sure we're there when the park opens.

 

[PHXscuba]

March will be busy with spring break crowds but you also get longer park hours.

If Pirates has just reopened, expect the line to be even crazier. But it always moves fast.

Big Thunder Mountain was refurbished several years ago and the new exploding effects on the final hill are great. Very easy to get a same-hour FastPass here almost any day.

If you are at all Star Wars fans be sure to ride Space Mountain with the Hyper Space Mountain overlay. And take a quick walk around Launch bay next door to see the props/characters.

In DCA, the Frozen show is good for a hour's rest out of the crazy in the afternoon. They let you bring food in too, so I grab a snack and eat in line and during the show. Or spend some time in the Animation Building.

PHXscuba