Tell Me About DL

[britterbell]

We're WDW regulars and are going to have to switch it up next year because DD14 is going to HS. We can't go to WDW during our usual time in Sept. beacause she can't miss school. So were thinking of during early August or during Feb/March break taking a trip out west to DL. I've never been to DL and have a bunch of questions to ask: (Feel free to answer only one or two, any info is GREATLY appreciated)
1) Which time would be best to go from the ones mentioned above?
2) Definite 'must do's' compared to WDW attractions
3) Which hotel for AKL fanatics?
4) Any other sights to see in the area?
5) Is there a Dining Plan for DL?
6) Best restaurants? (IYO)
7) Any behind the scenes tours?

Thanks for all help!

 

[tinkcollector]

Hi britterbell.
1.) Both of your dates have pros and cons. Your Feb./Mar. date could put you into Spring Break. But, so many of the local schools have different spring break dates that it might not be a problem. The weather IMO is great. Your August date will be warm, and usually humid. Schools in the area start back the beginning of August so your crowds could end up being okay.
2.) You will enjoy doing everything at DL, the differences are truly noticeable between WDW and DL. So, I would say don't miss anything.
3.) Since you say your a AKL Fanantic, I would suggest the Grand Califorian for you. It is like the WL in WDW. The Disneyland Hotel is awesome because of all it's history, and the Paradise Pier is nice. But, for the over the top theme based hotel your accustomed to I think the GCH would suite you well.
4.) Of course. If you have never been to So. Cal. beaches I would say take a day and go to the beach.
5.) I believe DL has a dining plan, but I have never used it. I used the WDW one and loved it.
6.) I would say plan a meal at the Blue Bayou. And I also enjoy Catal's and the Jazz Kitchen in DTD, and Steakhouse 55, in the DLH (Granville's wish they had not changed the name, again so much history.). I would make reservations for at least one meal a day.
7.) Yes, check out what is available when you decide on a date. The Walk in Walts FootstepsTour was really nice, and we also enjoyed the Segway Tour.
Have Fun!

 

[jlmarr]

2) Indiana Jones ride, PoTC, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr Toad, Space Mtn in DL. Aladdin show and Animation Building in DCA.

4) This is SoCal, a major metropolis, lots of stuff to see. Hard to know where to begin. Sporting events (Angels, Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Ducks, Kings, plus college sports if you go in the spring), museums, studio tours and show tapings, music events such as at the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater, etc. Need to know what you're interested in.

5) Dining plan - I'd say don't bother.

6) Napa Rose and Storyteller's in GCH, Blue Bayou for the PoTC atmosphere.
We like Pacific Wharf Cafe for the bread bowls, and Taste Pilot's Grill for burgers, both in DCA. Across the street there is Mimi's Cafe.

Be sure to read Hydroguy's tips for WDW veterans:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

(Mods - we get this question pretty regularly - could this particular Hydroguy thread be made a little more prominent amongst the sticky threads?)

 

[HydroGuy]

We're WDW regulars and are going to have to switch it up next year because DD14 is going to HS. We can't go to WDW during our usual time in Sept. beacause she can't miss school. So were thinking of during early August or during Feb/March break taking a trip out west to DL. I've never been to DL and have a bunch of questions to ask: (Feel free to answer only one or two, any info is GREATLY appreciated)
1) Which time would be best to go from the ones mentioned above?

I agree with tink about pros and cons. The biggest con for someone like you about Feb/ early March is that it is off season. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Also in 2010 the Rivers of America will be drained from Jan-April and that means no Fantasmic (performed inside DL onthe ROA), no Mark Twain, and none of the other ROA attractions.

Also see "Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

Finally, "DL" is a bit ambiguous around here as DL is a theme park and Disneyland Resort (DLR) is the whole resort. We know what you mean but it can confuse some. See "Disneyland Resort Lingo for Newbies" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2214012

2) Definite 'must do's' compared to WDW attractions

See my opinions on this in the link jlmarr gave:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

3) Which hotel for AKL fanatics?

If you can afford it the Grand Californian is the closest thing to AKL. It is closer still to WL but has a similar feel to both.

4) Any other sights to see in the area?

See my DLR guide linked previously for lots of ideas on SoCal.

5) Is there a Dining Plan for DL?

There is a DDP at DLR but it works differently than WDW's and everyone is unanimous that it is not worth it.

6) Best restaurants? (IYO)

Blue Bayou at DL is unique.