Tips for Disneyland.

[WanderlustNZ]

Season's greetings everyone. If I forget to say it over the next few days, Merry Christmas!

I'm hoping for some advice on Disneyland. Any advice whatsoever would be appreciated, but mainly I'm keen to hear about those things you did (or wish you did) that really stood out, but required a bit of advance planning or booking.

I feel like I became a bit of an expert WDW planner over the last few years, but this DL trip has me feeling a bit in limbo. I know most people would rejoice in the fact that DL requires much less planning, but not me. I thrived on all the planning. It's the choice of dining options in particular that I'm missing as I reminisce about the likes of 50's Prime Time, Biergarten and Sanaa. There is a little part of me wants to fly over to Orlando for 10 nights instead of of staying in California and, if I thought for a second that we could afford it and DH would agree to it, then that's probably just what I would do.
But as that isn't the case, I'm looking for things (beyond the rides) to research about DL.

For example, has anyone tried the WOC dining package, and was it worth it?

What are the best character breakfasts?

Are there in park dining options that allow you early entry without using early entry passes? E.g. I'm thinking something similar to Crystal palace where we loved walking down Main Street and admiring the empty park.

Any tips for making the most of the Halloween party?

Etc etc etc.

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to your responses.

 

[miss.potatohead]

Seasons Greetings to all! I'm in the opposite situation right now - I know DLR quite well but am in the midst of planning a VERY last minute trip to WDW! I'll try and help where I can


The WOC dining packages were popular in the initial year of WOC when getting a fast pass for the show required you to line up for a long time. Now I'm not so sure of their popularity or effectiveness - have a look at Hydroguy's WOC Superthread in the Disneyland Board here because it has a lot of details (sorry id link you but I'm using the mobile app)


As for character meals, Disneyland kind of lacks in this area compared to WDW. There is only one in each park (Minnie and Friends Breakfast at DLR and Ariel's Grotto Princess meal at DCA) and then one at each of the DLR hotels (I think...) . As far as I remember, the first reservations for the Minnie breakfast at DLR is just before/when the park opens - so just say it was a Magic Morning and opens at 8am for those with MM privileges, then you could get an 8am reservation. Even if you don't have the MM, or you don't want to use it on that day, you can get in 'earlier' than those with normal entry (if that makes sense?). Assuming breakfast will take 30-45min, you'll be slightly ahead of the rest of the park at entry. I hope that's still correct but that was my experience in the past. Someone has made a Superthread detailing all the character breakfasts - give it a search


I can't help with the Halloween party but once again I'm pretty sure there is a Superthread for each years so far!


Another special thing that people often mention is the Dessert box and reserved seating or Fantasmic. That may be something to look into. Enjoy

 

[kylieh]

We're just back - we spent $60 each for Fantasmic seating, I wouldn't do it again. Yes, we got a seat off the ground and dessert plate. We were in the front row of the seating area, but I needed to line up about an hour or so before check in to get that. An hour or so before I could have easily grabbed a railing spot. But there was the chair

I think DL needs planning, but compared to DW it was easy to change times and reservations. EG, I booked Minnie and Friends breakfast the morning before we went, I think looking at the empty tables you could have walked up.

We did the Princess Breakfast too, unless you need to meet the Princesses I wouldn't bother. Again it's a cost thing, with tax and tip for the 3 of us it was just under US$150. DD is 11so she had adult pricing.

Because DL is less planning and walking you'll find yourself so more less exhausted at the end of the day. And as for attractions etc there is just as many as DW but there is a lot crammed into the two parks.

We all loved Aladdin the musical in CA.

There are quite a few restaurants in DTD, and a quick walk over to Garden Walk for Bubba Gumps, Cheesecake Factory, PF Changes ,etc

Are you just doing DL, or heading up to LA or San Diego for any time?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Seasons Greetings to all! I'm in the opposite situation right now - I know DLR quite well but am in the midst of planning a VERY last minute trip to WDW! I'll try and help where I can The WOC dining packages were popular in the initial year of WOC when getting a fast pass for the show required you to line up for a long time. Now I'm not so sure of their popularity or effectiveness - have a look at Hydroguy's WOC Superthread in the Disneyland Board here because it has a lot of details (sorry id link you but I'm using the mobile app) As for character meals, Disneyland kind of lacks in this area compared to WDW. There is only one in each park (Minnie and Friends Breakfast at DLR and Ariel's Grotto Princess meal at DCA) and then one at each of the DLR hotels (I think...) . As far as I remember, the first reservations for the Minnie breakfast at DLR is just before/when the park opens - so just say it was a Magic Morning and opens at 8am for those with MM privileges, then you could get an 8am reservation. Even if you don't have the MM, or you don't want to use it on that day, you can get in 'earlier' than those with normal entry (if that makes sense?). Assuming breakfast will take 30-45min, you'll be slightly ahead of the rest of the park at entry. I hope that's still correct but that was my experience in the past. Someone has made a Superthread detailing all the character breakfasts - give it a search I can't help with the Halloween party but once again I'm pretty sure there is a Superthread for each years so far! Another special thing that people often mention is the Dessert box and reserved seating or Fantasmic. That may be something to look into. Enjoy

Thanks Miss Potatohead. Very helpful - particularly the link suggestions.

I read some of the WOC superthread and it had me equal mixtures of excited and worried. I hate that we might have to queue over an hour in advance just to secure a spot where my son will be able to see.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks kylieH, it's great to get firsthand feedback.

I think we'll definitely head over to the restaurants at the shopping centre. I've never tried the Cheesecake Factory and hear it's quite an experience.

Do you think it would be a big deal to miss Fantasmic altogether? We saw it at WDW and thought it was good, but not great. When we go it looks like Fantasmic and DL fireworks will only be Sat and Sun night. We were hoping to avoid these days altogether due to it being Gay days (couldn't care less about people's sexual preference, just hate crowds). We will see the Halloween fireworks and WOC instead during the middle of the week.

We plan on spending 3 nights in the San Diego area to visit the zoo, Balboa park and Legoland.

Then we have 7 nights in Anaheim with the plan to spend 4 days at DLR, 1 day at Universal, 1 day shopping (thinking of going to Fullerton), and 1 day undecided.

Thanks for your help

 

[Tashinwdw]

Wanderlust I am in the same situation, I am a big planner and even though I did heaps of research for our last trip, I still seem to be doing alot for our upcoming one. I have researched everything and anything relating to WDW.

My planning folder is jam packed but when it comes to disneyland its not that good. I feel like I am missing something, it feels strange not to have so much information and lists and spreadsheets in relation to that part of our upcoming trip.

So far all I have done for disneyland is make a chart of rides and shows that are different in disneyland to WDW so that we can focus on those first when we get there.

Good luck for your planning and thanks for posting this question as it is also helping me

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I feel like I am missing something.

That's it exactly! I think I keep looking for something that doesn't actually exist.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wanderlust - You have to do Fantasmic! at Disneyland at least once. I personally prefer the DLR version as they use both the Columbia and the Mark Twain in their production. The seating is not as good at WDW and you'll need to go earlier to get a good location. If you don't do it this trip, then maybe the next.


DH and I prefer Disneyland because it is a lot less planning than WDW. You don't need to book ADRs 6 months in advance; you don't have to worry about which park on which day; and right now...you also don't have to worry about MB and FP+.


Depending on what time of year you go, you might be blessed with low crowds and won't have to worry about a thing! Especially if you hit the parks mid-week. I just re-read your info and realised you're hitting it during Gay Days.


As for WoC....I would try and get a FP for that; preferably in the blue section. Hydroguy's map is pretty useful. The preferred spot everyone aims for is near the yellow fire hydrant. Failing that, I try for a spot right along the railing.


Where are you planning on staying?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Wanderlust - You have to do Fantasmic! at Disneyland at least once. I personally prefer the DLR version as they use both the Columbia and the Mark Twain in their production. The seating is not as good at WDW and you'll need to go earlier to get a good location. If you don't do it this trip, then maybe the next. DH and I prefer Disneyland because it is a lot less planning than WDW. You don't need to book ADRs 6 months in advance; you don't have to worry about which park on which day; and right now...you also don't have to worry about MB and FP+. Depending on what time of year you go, you might be blessed with low crowds and won't have to worry about a thing! Especially if you hit the parks mid-week. I just re-read your info and realised you're hitting it during Gay Days. As for WoC....I would try and get a FP for that; preferably in the blue section. Hydroguy's map is pretty useful. The preferred spot everyone aims for is near the yellow fire hydrant. Failing that, I try for a spot right along the railing. Where are you planning on staying?

We're hiring a car and staying here.
http://www.vrbo.com/435694

No idea yet where we are staying in San Diego, and are hoping to get DVC points for Aulani in Hawaii. We'll also need a night at the start and end near LAX due to late arriving and early leaving flights. The planning of all that can wait for the new year though.

We may be able to move our Holiday home booking forward and do San Diego at the end instead of the start. That way we would avoid Gay days. However, this version of my itinerary doesn't flow quite as nicely as the one I presently have organised. Hhmm, decisions, decisions. Perhaps I should post the 2 itinerary options and see what you all think? I'm wondering now if I'm making a mistake by missing Fantasmic and the Fireworks?

Does anyone have any experience with Gay Days? How were the crowds on the days surrounding?

 

[PrincessInOz]

We're hiring a car and staying here.
http://www.vrbo.com/435694

No idea yet where we are staying in San Diego, and are hoping to get DVC points for Aulani in Hawaii. We'll also need a night at the start and end near LAX due to late arriving and early leaving flights. The planning of all that can wait for the new year though.

We may be able to move our Holiday home booking forward and do San Diego at the end instead of the start. That way we would avoid Gay days. However, this version of my itinerary doesn't flow quite as nicely as the one I presently have organised. Hhmm, decisions, decisions. Perhaps I should post the 2 itinerary options and see what you all think? I'm wondering now if I'm making a mistake by missing Fantasmic and the Fireworks?

Does anyone have any experience with Gay Days? How were the crowds on the days surrounding?

Love the vrbo. It looks stunning!

Are you flying from LAX to get to Hawaii? The airport at SD has pretty decent service. Not sure if it might suit you to fly from there to Hawaii; rather than using LAX all the time.

Have fun with the planning.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Current itinerary.

Thursday: Arrive late, stay in LAX hotel.
Friday: Unrushed morning. Hire car, drive to San Diego with a stop at Carlsbad Aquarium and perhaps a few hours in Legoland. (We may even stay in Carlsbad instead of San Diego)
Sat: Zoo
Sun: Somewhere else in San Diego. I'm thinking the museums in Balboa park
Mon: Drive to Anaheim via a stop at Legoland. Check into Anaheim holiday home late afternoon and go out to stock up on groceries.
Tue - Thursday: DLR
Fri - Perhaps a character breakfast at one of the DL hotels, then go shopping
Sat: Not sure. Perhaps a self-driving tour of LA or one of the beaches.
Sun: Universal Studios
Mon: Pack up car, check out of home and go to Disneyland. Head to an LAX hotel that evening and return car.
Tue: Early morning flight to Hawaii.

The only downside I can see to this itinerary is that we will miss Fantasmic and the DL fireworks by not being at DL on any weekend nights. (The second Fri-Sun are gay days and the parks will be too crowded for our liking).

Alternative Itinerary

Thursday: As above
Fri: Pick up car, then not sure. We can't check in until 4pm so not quite sure what we'd do with this day. Perhaps Disneyland? Would prefer not to attempt a tiki- tour around LA roads on our first day with the car.
Sat-Sun: Universal and shopping.
Mon - Thu: DLR
Fri - Mon: The same as the San Diego stuff above. The only difference is that we would drive from Legoland to our LAX hotel at the end.

The pro to this itinerary is that we avoid Gay Days and we could pop in to see Fantasmic after our day shopping. The con is that the first Friday seems a bit messier, plus we'd do most of our shopping at the start of the trip (I much prefer shopping at the end when I know what my financial situation is like).

Am I thinking too hard about this? Either way, I need to decide quickly while there is still the availability at the holiday home to change our dates.

Please feel free to make suggestions, even an itinerary that is different from those above.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Love the vrbo. It looks stunning! Are you flying from LAX to get to Hawaii? The airport at SD has pretty decent service. Not sure if it might suit you to fly from there to Hawaii; rather than using LAX all the time. Have fun with the planning.

Great idea, however the flights are booked and pretty much set in stone. Got a really great deal with Hawaiian Airlines - the only reason we could justify this trip.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great idea, however the flights are booked and pretty much set in stone. Got a really great deal with Hawaiian Airlines - the only reason we could justify this trip.

 

[kylieh]

Current itinerary.

Thursday: Arrive late, stay in LAX hotel.
Friday: Unrushed morning. Hire car, drive to San Diego with a stop at Carlsbad Aquarium and perhaps a few hours in Legoland. (We may even stay in Carlsbad instead of San Diego)
Sat: Zoo
Sun: Somewhere else in San Diego. I'm thinking the museums in Balboa park
Mon: Drive to Anaheim via a stop at Legoland. Check into Anaheim holiday home late afternoon and go out to stock up on groceries.
Tue - Thursday: DLR
Fri - Perhaps a character breakfast at one of the DL hotels, then go shopping
Sat: Not sure. Perhaps a self-driving tour of LA or one of the beaches.
Sun: Universal Studios
Mon: Pack up car, check out of home and go to Disneyland. Head to an LAX hotel that evening and return car.
Tue: Early morning flight to Hawaii.

The only downside I can see to this itinerary is that we will miss Fantasmic and the DL fireworks by not being at DL on any weekend nights. (The second Fri-Sun are gay days and the parks will be too crowded for our liking).

Alternative Itinerary

Thursday: As above
Fri: Pick up car, then not sure. We can't check in until 4pm so not quite sure what we'd do with this day. Perhaps Disneyland? Would prefer not to attempt a tiki- tour around LA roads on our first day with the car.
Sat-Sun: Universal and shopping.
Mon - Thu: DLR
Fri - Mon: The same as the San Diego stuff above. The only difference is that we would drive from Legoland to our LAX hotel at the end.

The pro to this itinerary is that we avoid Gay Days and we could pop in to see Fantasmic after our day shopping. The con is that the first Friday seems a bit messier, plus we'd do most of our shopping at the start of the trip (I much prefer shopping at the end when I know what my financial situation is like).

Am I thinking too hard about this? Either way, I need to decide quickly while there is still the availability at the holiday home to change our dates.

Please feel free to make suggestions, even an itinerary that is different from those above.

I like the first itinerary - are you going to get the 10 day ticket? That way you could go for the fireworks only on the Saturday night after touring and do things with small to no lines on the busier days. And the big attractions on the weekdays. Visit LA beaches on the Friday and shop on the Saturday as per the 2nd plan - you may find that you could combine the two days and have time at DL.

 

[Thumper_Man]

You mentioned going during Gay Days. You don't have to worry too much about this. DW and I went this year during that time. Usually they will pick one park a day to go to. I didn't notice any of this group park hopping so I think you will be ok there. While we were there, they did DL on Saturday and DCA on Sunday. We went to the parks opposite of them to avoid the crowds as well. Worked out great.

We've stayed in both Carlsbad and Oceanside. They're right next to each other. I would stay at any of these places again. Very close to the beach.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Current itinerary.

Thursday: Arrive late, stay in LAX hotel.
Friday: Unrushed morning. Hire car, drive to San Diego with a stop at Carlsbad Aquarium and perhaps a few hours in Legoland. (We may even stay in Carlsbad instead of San Diego)
Sat: Zoo
Sun: Somewhere else in San Diego. I'm thinking the museums in Balboa park
Mon: Drive to Anaheim via a stop at Legoland. Check into Anaheim holiday home late afternoon and go out to stock up on groceries.
Tue - Thursday: DLR
Fri - Perhaps a character breakfast at one of the DL hotels, then go shopping
Sat: Not sure. Perhaps a self-driving tour of LA or one of the beaches.
Sun: Universal Studios
Mon: Pack up car, check out of home and go to Disneyland. Head to an LAX hotel that evening and return car.
Tue: Early morning flight to Hawaii.

The only downside I can see to this itinerary is that we will miss Fantasmic and the DL fireworks by not being at DL on any weekend nights. (The second Fri-Sun are gay days and the parks will be too crowded for our liking).

Alternative Itinerary

Thursday: As above
Fri: Pick up car, then not sure. We can't check in until 4pm so not quite sure what we'd do with this day. Perhaps Disneyland? Would prefer not to attempt a tiki- tour around LA roads on our first day with the car.
Sat-Sun: Universal and shopping.
Mon - Thu: DLR
Fri - Mon: The same as the San Diego stuff above. The only difference is that we would drive from Legoland to our LAX hotel at the end.

The pro to this itinerary is that we avoid Gay Days and we could pop in to see Fantasmic after our day shopping. The con is that the first Friday seems a bit messier, plus we'd do most of our shopping at the start of the trip (I much prefer shopping at the end when I know what my financial situation is like).

Am I thinking too hard about this? Either way, I need to decide quickly while there is still the availability at the holiday home to change our dates.

Please feel free to make suggestions, even an itinerary that is different from those above.

I like the first itinerary as well. I'm with kylieh. Can you get more than a 3 day ticket? I'm assuming that you're thinking of getting the SoCal City Pass as you'd have the tix for the other theme parks packaged up in that pass.

Perhaps you could extend your 3 day DLR pass at Guest Relations so that you have the flexibility of going in and out of the park on the other days.


Oceanside is a very nice beach.
And the museums at Balboa Park are great. There is usually lots of outdoor entertainment about on the Sunday. If you have a car, you could drive to Coronado or head towards Seaport Village, should you want to do some touristy trinket shopping. Or Old Town (but the last time I was at Old Town, it was quite dead and a little seedy).

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I like the first itinerary as well. I'm with kylieh. Can you get more than a 3 day ticket? I'm assuming that you're thinking of getting the SoCal City Pass as you'd have the tix for the other theme parks packaged up in that pass. Perhaps you could extend your 3 day DLR pass at Guest Relations so that you have the flexibility of going in and out of the park on the other days. Oceanside is a very nice beach. And the museums at Balboa Park are great. There is usually lots of outdoor entertainment about on the Sunday. If you have a car, you could drive to Coronado or head towards Seaport Village, should you want to do some touristy trinket shopping. Or Old Town (but the last time I was at Old Town, it was quite dead and a little seedy).

Thanks for the tips. I don't know much about San Diego, so are going to look those places up. Do you have a San Diego TR anywhere for me to read?

I'm pleased you and kylieh like the first itinerary. They are so similar, I thought I was being overly pedantic. But the first one seems better in my head also.

I was thinking of getting the 5 days disney pass so we could use the 4 days we have planned with an extra up our sleeves if we decide to brave the weekend crowds.
I looked at the SoCal pass, but it doesn't really work out cheaper given that we won't be using the SeaWorld part of it. Plus we will probably buy front of line passes for Universal rather than standard ones. I'm expecting Universal to be a bit busier in the weekend, but we thought Sunday would be the best day to go to avoid work traffic to and from LA.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

You mentioned going during Gay Days. You don't have to worry too much about this. DW and I went this year during that time. Usually they will pick one park a day to go to. I didn't notice any of this group park hopping so I think you will be ok there. While we were there, they did DL on Saturday and DCA on Sunday. We went to the parks opposite of them to avoid the crowds as well. Worked out great. We've stayed in both Carlsbad and Oceanside. They're right next to each other. I would stay at any of these places again. Very close to the beach.

Thanks Thumper Man. This is very useful stuff to know.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I like the first itinerary - are you going to get the 10 day ticket? That way you could go for the fireworks only on the Saturday night after touring and do things with small to no lines on the busier days. And the big attractions on the weekdays. Visit LA beaches on the Friday and shop on the Saturday as per the 2nd plan - you may find that you could combine the two days and have time at DL.

Thanks Kylieh. Of all the things you did in LA during your week there, what was your favourite? I like the look of the Wax museum from your photos.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks for the tips. I don't know much about San Diego, so are going to look those places up. Do you have a San Diego TR anywhere for me to read?

I'm pleased you and kylieh like the first itinerary. They are so similar, I thought I was being overly pedantic. But the first one seems better in my head also.

I was thinking of getting the 5 days disney pass so we could use the 4 days we have planned with an extra up our sleeves if we decide to brave the weekend crowds.
I looked at the SoCal pass, but it doesn't really work out cheaper given that we won't be using the SeaWorld part of it. Plus we will probably buy front of line passes for Universal rather than standard ones. I'm expecting Universal to be a bit busier in the weekend, but we thought Sunday would be the best day to go to avoid work traffic to and from LA.

I have an aunt that lives in San Diego and we're particularly close; so we go visit her and her family whenever we can.
I haven't got a pure SD thread per se. But here are a couple of places to research in addition to the ones I mentioned before:

• Gaslamp Quarter - dinner at night so you can see the lamps. But it can be a bit rowdy because of the bars; so go early.
• USS Midway
• La Jolla - you can usually find some seal on the beach/cove there.
• Birch Aquarium - If you decide to head to La Jolla, it might be worth checking out the Birch Aquarium. Pictures of the Birch can be found on my latest TR.
• Balboa Park - I've done the Model Train, Mingei, Museum of Man, Science, Natural History, Automotive and the Air & Space there. I've loved each one.
• The Japanese garden is also nice to wander through; as is the Botannical Building.
• Most people like shopping at Horton Plaza Mall in the city.

There is the Las Americas Premium Outlets at San Ysidro near the border of US/Mexico. Just be aware that there may be Mexican visitors to those outlets during the day.


I wouldn't think of crossing the border into Tijuana at the moment. It's still pretty inconsistent with the drug lords as to what could happen.