Tips and Tricks for a Disney Newbie?

[justapixel]

Hi everybody,

I'll be at Disneyland end of July, for the first time in 12 years and the second time in my life. (I live in CA, too!)

We are staying at the Hotel Menage, which is supposed to be walking distance from Disneyland. We have a two day park hopper pass, and we get to enter Fantasyland an hour early one morning. We also get to have a priority seating for a turtle show, and also a morning Toon Town Madness event. (Still unclear on what that is.)

I know that it's going to be really crowded in July, so I want to maximize my time. I have heard of fast passes and I *think* I understand how they work, but if there is anything I should know about that, please share.

Is there anything else I should know or plan to make the best of my two days? I don't want to spend a fortune in the park, so I'm looking for relatively cheap lunches, treats, etc. Can you bring food in? Bottled water? What should I carry?

I bought the park hopper pass because I thought if Disney got too crowded in the afternoon, we could go over to CA Adventure. Is that good thinking? I don't do the rollercoaster type rides though, so that would be more for the rest of the family.

I will be travelling with my husband, my 20 year old son, and my 10 year old son. Any advice you have for me would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

[CanadianPaco]

bump.

 

[justapixel]

bump.

Thanks for the bump!

I have read some of the stickies, but some of them are older and I don't know if it's still the same. None of them address what I may bring in. (Water? Food?) I read a good post about the fast passes and how California Adventure and Disneyland aren't on the same system - is this still true?

How do you get from one park to the other? Is it easy? (CA Adventure wasn't there last time I was at Disneyland!)

People mentioned getting mint juleps and other drinks - I thought Disney was dry?

Is it true that if I decide to go back to my hotel for a swim in the middle of the day, I might not be allowed back in???

I'm not looking for hidden Mickeys or anything - I'm very interested in how to maximize my time. Going in July would never have been my choice, but we are going to be down there for my nephews wedding and my 10 year old is the only kid in his class who has never been to Disneyland, so it's time.

Also, I'm short and suffer from a bit of claustrophobia in crowds, so I really would like to have a plan with rest periods. I have no idea what the park will be like but I imagine extremely crowded.

Sorry for the newbie questions. I'm searching, I really am.

 

[shkeogh]

The entrance to California Adventure is a little over 300 ft south of the entrance to Disneyland, you can't miss it. If Disneyland is to busy for you, head over to CA. The main paths there always have tons of room. Make sure to get your hand stamped when you leave either park.

 

[justapixel]

The entrance to California Adventure is a little over 300 ft south of the entrance to Disneyland, you can't miss it. If Disneyland is to busy for you, head over to CA. The main paths there always have tons of room. Make sure to get your hand stamped when you leave either park.

Thank you. So, there is only one exit to get there? What section of Disneyland is the south part? (By that I mean, fantasyland, tomorrowland, etc. I'm a real newbie...taking notes....)

 

[shkeogh]

There's only one entrance to Disneyland and it's at the start of Main Street. When you're standing in line to get into Disneyland turn around and you'll see the entrance to California Adventure. If you haven't been there in twelve years, you might want to check out Downtown Disney and the Grand Californian hotel too.

 

[Saavy?]

Hello!
I can try and help you out a bit.

Early Entry
Pick your day and arrive at the main gates 1.5 hours earlier than whatever is posted for the normal opening hour (go to disneyland.com and click on "calendar" up on the linebar, this will have all the park hours/events day by day). You will have access to many rides in Fantasyland, Space Mountain, and Buzz. From what I understand, sometimes Nemo is open, but it seems to vary. It is not considered one of the rides for EE. It has NO fastpass. You will get alot of ride time in during this early hour.

Calendar:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/calendar/monthly/monthly?name=CalendarMonthlyPage


Mickey ToonTown
You can check this out on the Disney site too. Have never done this before, but apparently there is a parade, lots of character interaction, etc. Sounds great for kids, your 10 year old should enjoy it. Toontown opens one hour after the rest of the park.

Toontown Madness
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/reserve/detail?name=MtmmWhyBuyOnlineDetailPage

Fastpasses
Read Hydroguy's fastpass thread. Read it and then print the puppy out and take it with you. He has covered everything you need to know about fastpasses. Grizzly Run and Roger Rabbit are not connected to the other fastpass rides in the system. Oh bother... just read his thread... he explains it all so well.

Hydroguy's Threads
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319&referrerid=&highlight=fastpass+hydroguy

Food & Water
Yeppers, you can bring in your own food and water and drinks. No glass bottles, don't tote in an ice chest with wheels. Carry what you want, if they make a fuss (which security usually never does), tell them you are on a special diet and require certain foods.
White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian has decent prices with huge portions.

White Water Snacks
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...dining/detail?name=WhiteWaterSnacksDiningPage

FAQ's
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/detail?name=DisneylandResortFAQDetailPage#qa13

Parkhopper
Good idea... yes, you can hop when DL is busy, DCA is almost always less crowded no matter what day of the week. You simply walk out the gates of DL, across an open pavillion, directly to the DCA gates. Remember where the parking lot used to be? That is now DCA. Remember where the trams used to unload in front of the gates? That is now the open pavillion.

Misc...

Ultimate Packing List
http://www.mousesavers.com/UltimatePackingList.doc

Rides that will be down
http://www.riderefurbs.com/

Tons of Info... surf & click away
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland-california/disneyland-fantasmic.htm

Hope this helps!
Have a wonderful time!

 

[disneyscootergal]

Thanks for the bump!

I have read some of the stickies, but some of them are older and I don't know if it's still the same. None of them address what I may bring in. (Water? Food?) I read a good post about the fast passes and how California Adventure and Disneyland aren't on the same system - is this still true?

How do you get from one park to the other? Is it easy? (CA Adventure wasn't there last time I was at Disneyland!)

People mentioned getting mint juleps and other drinks - I thought Disney was dry?

Is it true that if I decide to go back to my hotel for a swim in the middle of the day, I might not be allowed back in???

I'm not looking for hidden Mickeys or anything - I'm very interested in how to maximize my time. Going in July would never have been my choice, but we are going to be down there for my nephews wedding and my 10 year old is the only kid in his class who has never been to Disneyland, so it's time.

Also, I'm short and suffer from a bit of claustrophobia in crowds, so I really would like to have a plan with rest periods. I have no idea what the park will be like but I imagine extremely crowded.

Sorry for the newbie questions. I'm searching, I really am.

Other experienced posters have stated that the park never maxes out in attendance at this time of year, so I don't think you need to worry about that.

You can bring in bottled water, snacks, sandwiches, etc. (no glass), and most people bring it in a backpack or the bottom of a stroller.

Have you thought about subscribing to RideMax? It's a program that designs a custom made plan with just what you want to accomplish, and minimizes wait times. Here's the link in case you're interested:

http://www.ridemax.com/order.php

 

[Leggyb]

Ooooo Saavy? You are GOOOOOOOD!

I appreciate all this information as I'm sure the OP does!

 

[jacksparrowfan]

Hi Justapixel... You mentioned the "turtle show". I didn't realize they had priority seating for Turtle Talk (if that was it) but you are in for a real treat! You asked about the mint juleps. These are non-alcoholic and they actually wonderful. They are sold in New Orleans Square! You can't drink alcohol in Disneyland. But, you can in DCA. You mentioned being on some sort of spending plan for meals. Check out allearsnet.com. This is one of the best websites for WDW. They have been adding Disneyland information and now have all the menu's. (Click on the Disneyland link at the bottom left. Then, look for DLR Dining in the top bar. Then find disneyland menus on the left.) You can get an idea of what you will be spending and what is available at each restaurant. You are at Disneyland, and it's not the cheapest. You are going at a busy time with lots of people. The park will close if they reach a certain maximum. We may be reading that they close the park tomorrow for 4th of July. Usually, on (around) big holidays. Have a great time. Know that you can walk out the gate of Disneyland and over to DCA if you feel it's too claustrophobic. Have a great time!!!!

 

[justapixel]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Especially you, Savvy, that is exactly the kind of aggregated tips I needed. I have about ten windows open now with all sorts of information, and I'm getting dizzy. Your tips with links are so helpful!

I did see the fast pass thread you were talking about, but I wasn't sure how up-to-date it was. It begins with the AAA enhanced ticket, and I was happy as I bought my package through AAA...but in another thread I see they discontinued the enhanced version. So, I will concentrate on the regular.

And, I believe I am going to have to start a "Disneyland Tips" book to take with me to the park, with a lot of the information I've found here.

It's excellent to know we can take some water and snacks in. I don't want to carry a lot, but want to keep our energy levels up without buying expensive, high sugar treats. Water, nuts, jerky should help us make it between meals.

The turtle show, I just looked up, is called Turtle Talk with Crush. I get priority seating for that one. A google shows that it's an interactive conversation with a character from Finding Nemo. My ten year old may enjoy that one, although I'm pretty sure he'll figure it out instantly.

I keep hearing about the Blue Bayou restaurant. IIRC, it is the one near the Pirates of the Carribean, yes? With the fireflies? Would it be a good idea to splurge on a meal there? Should I make reservations now?

(I'm sure I'll have more questions, thanks SO MUCH for your advice and help!) I'll look into that ride software too.

 

[Hound 109]

You indicated that you had a 2 day Park Hopper AND EE available for one day. And you indicated that you aren't staying on property.

Are you sure you have early entry priviledges? (normally a 3 day park hopper is needed for EE priviledges)

 

[squirrel]

If you have time stop by city hall for a first trip button for your son.

With four of you make use of your fast passes. In DCA if you and your younger son don't want to do the roller coaster and other thrill rides, have your husband and older son use your passes to get more fast passes for another ride, then they can meet up with you sooner.

I have heard the water isn't very tasty and that it is a good idea to bring some Crystal Light or Nestea singles to add to your water bottle.

Some of the restraunts have free drink refills: I think Pizza Port was one.

Have a great trip.

 

[justapixel]

You indicated that you had a 2 day Park Hopper AND EE available for one day. And you indicated that you aren't staying on property.

Are you sure you have early entry priviledges? (normally a 3 day park hopper is needed for EE priviledges)

I wasn't sure at all. After I booked the trip, I read you needed the three day park hopper pass. So, I emailed the travel agent who sold me the fare and asked him. His response was:

On line 8 preferred seating at dca select attractions is for toon town morning madness and will have info for you in your documents and the early entry into fantasyland
will have the voucher for you to enter as a AAA member, so when you arrive at the resort they will have the opening times for the day and you get exclusive entry 1 hour
prior over the general public.

So, I'm going to hold him at his word. I hope it won't be an argument but that is why I booked this trip with AAA over using expedia.

 

[jacksparrowfan]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The turtle show, I just looked up, is called Turtle Talk with Crush. I get priority seating for that one. A google shows that it's an interactive conversation with a character from Finding Nemo. My ten year old may enjoy that one, although I'm pretty sure he'll figure it out instantly.

I keep hearing about the Blue Bayou restaurant. IIRC, it is the one near the Pirates of the Carribean, yes? With the fireflies? Would it be a good idea to splurge on a meal there? Should I make reservations now?

Turtle Talk: Great for all ages. They talk to the kids and the adults. It's very cute! Adults can ask questions too.

YES! Reserve now for Blue Bayou. The restaurant is inside and alongside the beginning of the POTC ride. You can see the menu/prices on that allears website I noted. I haven't had a bad meal/service yet. You can ask for seating along the water. They will tell you how long of a wait it is. If you feel like waiting, it's a nice seat. Across from Blue Bayou is another restaurant called Cafe Orleans. They have inside and outside tables. Have some Mickey beignets after your meal. When we go in the summer we always make reservations at one place for a big meal each day. With so many people, and so warm, we would like to have a seat quickly rather than wait. It's a good rest in the middle of the day, if lunch. On the DCA side is Trattoria. Wonderful!!!!

 

[justapixel]

Thank you. I remember that area from years back and thought it would be very pretty. We will have one luxury meal there and that will be it.

I'm not sure what time to reserve for - I bought the RideMax software and am playing with it now. If that software is correct, I can do everything I want, with very little wait time, even in July. Amazing.

 

[Master Mason]

I ate at Blue Bayou for the first time ever on Sunday, it was fantastic, great service, great food, great atmospher.... But it is pretty spendy, so if your on a food budget it could singlehandedly blow that budget.

I am sure I will eat there again someday, but it won't be a regular thing for me simply due to the cost.

 

[camouseketeer]

Are you sure you have early entry priviledges? (normally a 3 day park hopper is needed for EE priviledges)

I want you to have a great time, so please double check your EE ability.

Have you received your tickets and paperwork yet?

I have never heard of a two-day PH having EE priviledges even if booked through AAA.

Either your ticket (in small letters on the bottom or the back) or a voucher (never heard of using a voucher for EE) should clearly say EE acceptance.

I would get your paperwork as soon as you can to double check, as I would love to learn about this feature!

 

[camouseketeer]

We are staying at the Hotel Menage, which is supposed to be walking distance from Disneyland.

I had never hear of your hotel, so I looked it up on a map.

Here's a good reference map of close motels.

http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html

The HOJO's is about a 10-15 walk from the DLR gates, so your walk will be a bit more than that. I'm guessing it will take 20 minutes to and from the gates.

You can see if it is on the ART bus transportation system. There is a fee for it, you could avoid the walk that way.

The hotel looks lovely on its website!

Have a great time!

 

[justapixel]

I want you to have a great time, so please double check your EE ability.

Have you received your tickets and paperwork yet?

No, I've not. I only bought it yesterday, and he said he'd put it in the mail on the 5th.

He was very specific about what I was getting when we were on the phone. I told him that I had done some research and could get the two day pass and the hotel cheaper by not using an agent - I even went through the numbers. He told me the EE and the Toontown thing was worth $150.00, and so that gave the package more value..

Then, after even more research, I emailed him to double-check I'd be getting it, and he assured me I would get it.

If I don't, I will speak to his manager and insist they upgrade my tickets or refund me $150.00. I would not have given him my money without that.

But, I'll let you know either way - maybe it's a new promotion from AAA.