Tips for Disneyland.

[Caroline NZ]

A few random comments from me:

We love the Las Americas Premium Outlets

This October we did the Carthay Circle lunch package for WOC. Expensive, but it was a lovely quiet meal and we got a great uncrowded spot to watch the show.

We saw Fantasmic 2 times, 1st time we were late and got bad spots. Second time we were ready and waiting when the 1st show ended, and were then able to get spots on the railing for the 2nd show. We did the dessert package back in 2011. Enjoyed see it that way as a one off luxury.

Love the fireworks, we saw both Dreams, and the special Halloween Party ones. Both were fantastic.

We enjoyed eating at the Cheesecake Factory at the Garden Walk. Not amazing, but a HUGE menu, so there is bound to be something to please everyone.

We got the 10 day vacation passes, as we were there for a 9 days.

One day I got Cars fastpasses at opening, this still meant waiting for 1/2 hour to get the passes though ( with return time of early afternoon). Another day we rode other rides first (TSMM etc) and I then went back and got Fastpasses around 9.930am and didn't have to wait at all. The return time was in the evening, but that suited our plans.

We say Aladdin 3 time this last trip. LOVE that show.

We did the Minnie and Friends Character breakfast ( first time we have done a character meal in all of our 3 trips). We enjoyed it, but having photos/interactions with characters is not especially important to us.


Thunder Mountain is a wonderful family roller coaster ride. We were so sad that it was down for major maintenance this last visit.

 

[aussie shaz]

As for Disneyland, our biggest surprise was Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. We did it the first time we were there, and I found it fantastic, quite emotional actually. We also went last time, and it was still really good. A great place to relax.

The kids absolutely loved the petting zoo. We didn't even know it was there the first time we went. This time we visited it about 3 different times. Also a great place to relax, but still feels very Disneyish.

We went in August 2011, which was pretty busy, but I loved it. The late nights, the great atmosphere. I probably preferred it to our time in May. Loved being at the parks from 7am to Midnight! I guess we had more time than you though, so maybe not as great to be there on the busy days/weekends.

We also loved Thunder Mountain and were so disappointed it was closed when we were there. It's definitely a not to be missed ride.

Oh, and don't forget the castle walk through. I don't think you can do that at Walt Disney World.

 

[zanzibar138]

I completely missed this thread! I love planning too, but I think WDW is a bit of overload, now having to even figure out which rides you're going to be doing 6 months out!

As a DLR fan, the # 1 thing I loved to do there was just wander around and take in all the details and charm of the parks

We were very pleased with the dining options available at DLR, and were actually disappointed we didn't get a chance to try more. I'm really looking forward to trying some different places on our next trip! Here's a basic run-down of the places we tried last time:

• Tortilla Jo's, Downtown Disney - we went for a late lunch our first day, and enjoyed much better Mexican food than we're used to
• La Brea Bakery/Cafe, Downtown Disney - we went there for brekky many times, which we thoroughly enjoyed
• House of Blues Gospel Brunch, Downtown Disney - started off with much confusion regarding our booking (apparently we didn't have one, and the show had already started), and we weren't that impressed with the food offerings, the show was good, but I would have preferred it to be a little bit shorter
• Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland - LOVED this! Had amazing character interaction with a whole heap of different characters, food was the usual breakfast stuff
• Blue Bayou, Disneyland - loved the theming of this place, and the novelty factor of watching the POTC boats floating by, make sure you get there early and ask for a table by the water, food was nothing to write home about
• Naples Ristorante, Downtown Disney - we had our last dinner here and thoroughly enjoyed it, great service, nice food, and view of the fireworks from the tables outside

We also enjoyed marinated skewers from Bengal BBQ, ice-creams from Gibson Girl Ice-Cream Parlour, and hot chocolate from River Belle Terrace. Refreshment Corner (Corner Cafe while we were there) was a great place to sit with a hot chocolate and be entertained by the pianist. We were disappointed with Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (typical greasy, expensive theme park food), and Lucky Fortune Cookery (we're too spoilt with great quality Asian food in AUS!). We also did the WOC dining package at Ariel's Grotto, but I'll talk about that later.

On the list for next time are: Cozy Cone Motel; Ghirardhelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop; The Golden Horseshoe; Hungry Bear Restaurant; Jolly Holiday Bakery/Cafe; Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen; character breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe; Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar; Wine Country Trattoria; and Mum loves Rainforest Cafe, so we'll probably end up there too!

Other places I've heard good things about are Carnation Cafe, Flo's V8 Cafe, and Uva Bar (see PIO's TR).

WOC is a great show, and I was very happy to have the dining package so that we didn't have to bother to get fastpasses. This was when the show first started though, so you had to make sure you got your fastpasses within the first couple of hours of the park opening. That's probably not the case anymore.

We chose the meal at Ariel's Grotto. Unbeknownst to me, DH was actually planning to propose during the meal. Unfortunately it didn't work out for him as it was very rushed and didn't seem like the right atmosphere. The restaurant theming was cute, and food was ok. For me it was totally worth it to be able to walk into a great viewing spot 20 minutes before the show. If you can get behind a fence or garden bed, you're set DH ended up proposing after WOC

If you've seen Fantasmic! at WDW and weren't really into it, I wouldn't break your neck trying to get a good spot at DLR. I've heard it's better, and I personally LOVED it! But if it's not your thing, then it's not worth the bother. We went in straight after the first show and got what I thought was a great spot right at the front. However, I didn't realise that we were not allowed to stand up during the show, so all my photos are of fence with Fantasmic! (sometimes blurred) in the background I'm thinking of doing the dessert package this year as a birthday treat, as my birthday will be on a Sunday

I also thought the fireworks were great. But you know what, to me fireworks are fireworks, and we didn't bother to line up for hours for a great spot or anything. In fact, it was only by chance that we happened to see them! I would be happy seeing the Halloween themed ones during the week. So jealous you'll get to experience that - I really want to see the Halloween parade!

Do you get fireworks views from your condo? Apparently we do from the main bedroom and the patio, or the park across the road. If you get anything similar, that could be another option for seeing them without having to fight the crowds. And thanks again for getting me into that! I'm so excited about our rental!

Sorry this has turned into an essay Hope you can pick out some bits of useful information

 

[Caroline NZ]

Zanzibar, this last trip we ate at both Ghirardelli and Flos and really enjoyed them both

 

[WanderlustNZ]

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.

Thanks so much PIO. That's really helpful. I googled all those places and I think we will buy the Balboa Park Museum and Zoo pass and spend the two days exploring all that Balboa park has to offer. I think the museums will offer a bit of a reprieve from all the other theme park stuff and I know my Mother in law will appreciate a bit of culture.

Of the museums, which ones would you recommend most for a 6 year old? I'm thinking that we should prioritise the Science, Natural History and miniature Train museums as I think we'd all enjoy these three. However my DH would probably also love the Automotive and Air and Space museums, while my Mother in Law would love all the Art ones, and I would love the photography museum and the botanical gardens. Ahhh, decisions. decisions.

I must say, I'm becoming increasingly excited about this leg of our journey. Thanks for all your help.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

A few random comments from me: We love the Las Americas Premium Outlets This October we did the Carthay Circle lunch package for WOC. Expensive, but it was a lovely quiet meal and we got a great uncrowded spot to watch the show. We saw Fantasmic 2 times, 1st time we were late and got bad spots. Second time we were ready and waiting when the 1st show ended, and were then able to get spots on the railing for the 2nd show. We did the dessert package back in 2011. Enjoyed see it that way as a one off luxury. Love the fireworks, we saw both Dreams, and the special Halloween Party ones. Both were fantastic. We enjoyed eating at the Cheesecake Factory at the Garden Walk. Not amazing, but a HUGE menu, so there is bound to be something to please everyone. We got the 10 day vacation passes, as we were there for a 9 days. One day I got Cars fastpasses at opening, this still meant waiting for 1/2 hour to get the passes though ( with return time of early afternoon). Another day we rode other rides first (TSMM etc) and I then went back and got Fastpasses around 9.930am and didn't have to wait at all. The return time was in the evening, but that suited our plans. We say Aladdin 3 time this last trip. LOVE that show. We did the Minnie and Friends Character breakfast ( first time we have done a character meal in all of our 3 trips). We enjoyed it, but having photos/interactions with characters is not especially important to us. Thunder Mountain is a wonderful family roller coaster ride. We were so sad that it was down for major maintenance this last visit.

Thanks Caroline. I enjoyed reading about your experiences.

I am thinking of the Carthay Circle WOC lunch also as I think the restaurant looks quite beautiful. How was the food?

I saw Aladdin on the Fantasy (apparently it's quite similar to the one at DLR) and loved it. It was my favourite of the three shows that cruise. Will definitely add that to my priorities.

I hope Thunder mountain is up and running this visit as it was my husband and son's second favourite ride at WDW. Expedition Everest was their favourite and I'm curious if the Matterhorn is similar?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

As for Disneyland, our biggest surprise was Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. We did it the first time we were there, and I found it fantastic, quite emotional actually. We also went last time, and it was still really good. A great place to relax. The kids absolutely loved the petting zoo. We didn't even know it was there the first time we went. This time we visited it about 3 different times. Also a great place to relax, but still feels very Disneyish. We went in August 2011, which was pretty busy, but I loved it. The late nights, the great atmosphere. I probably preferred it to our time in May. Loved being at the parks from 7am to Midnight! I guess we had more time than you though, so maybe not as great to be there on the busy days/weekends. We also loved Thunder Mountain and were so disappointed it was closed when we were there. It's definitely a not to be missed ride. Oh, and don't forget the castle walk through. I don't think you can do that at Walt Disney World.

Thanks Aussie Shaz. Thanks for the tip on Mr Lincoln. It's an attraction I never would have considered.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Sorry this has turned into an essay Hope you can pick out some bits of useful information

Don't apologise, I really appreciate you taking all the time to write so much helpful information. That's what I love about the Dis, and particularly this ANZAC board - there are so many wonderful, like-minded, people always willing to help.

Thanks for all the restaurant tips. What I need to do is change my perspective and realise that I need to stop comparing WDW and DLR as they are different places.

When I picked my dining options at WDW I felt like a kid in a candy shop and it was almost my favourite part of the whole planning. I'm now realising that while DL doesn't have the same number of exciting options, there are enough for the short time we'll be there. Plus I'm quite excited about the dining options over at the Garden Walk. I imagine that we'll go there for at least 3 or 4 of our dinners.

Thanks for all your feedback on your dining experiences. Blue bayou has me the most torn. It reminds me of the atmosphere in Biergarten and San Angel Inn (both restaurants I enjoyed) but it seems a bit costly. Do you think it's worth the splurge?

Other than that, I'm thinking I like the looks of the Big Thunder ranch Backyard, Cafe Orleans (for the fries, gumbo and beignets), Carthay Circle (WOC), and a character meal somewhere. That's probably plenty to cover our 4 days there.

How lovely that you DH proposed at Disney. How very special for you!

Don't let Fastpass + put you off ever going to WDW. For all it's cons (e.g. Faulty glitches) it also has an equal number of pros. The main one is that it helps avoid that early morning rush for Fastpasses. I enjoyed the fact that I could plan all my fastpasses for an afternoon or evening, spend the morning relaxing at the resort or visiting another park, and then arrive at the park later in the day without thinking that my first job of the day was to waste time trekking across the park to pick up fastpasses. As I watched the mass of people charging into Hollywood Studios to get Toy Story mania fastpasses before they all disappeared, I felt quite smug that mine were already sorted.
I also had no issues changing my Fastpass options a day or two before as our plans changed.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Zanzibar, this last trip we ate at both Ghirardelli and Flos and really enjoyed them both

We went to Chiradelli at Downtown Disney in WDW and loved it. My son ordered a single serve waffle cone and he received an ice cream as big as his head - it was huge! So yummy! we'll have to save room for one on this trip as I much preferred our Chiradelli ice cream to the dole whip.

 

[Caroline NZ]

Thanks Caroline. I enjoyed reading about your experiences.

I am thinking of the Carthay Circle WOC lunch also as I think the restaurant looks quite beautiful. How was the food?

I saw Aladdin on the Fantasy (apparently it's quite similar to the one at DLR) and loved it. It was my favourite of the three shows that cruise. Will definitely add that to my priorities.

I hope Thunder mountain is up and running this visit as it was my husband and son's second favourite ride at WDW. Expedition Everest was their favourite and I'm curious if the Matterhorn is similar?

We are not "foodies" but we really enjoyed our meal at Carthay, the dessert was divine.

I haven't been to WDW yet, so can't compare, but we really enjoyed the Matterhorn with the new ride cars, it is bumpy though, I found leaning forward slightly meant my back wasn't abused so much.

 

[zanzibar138]

Don't apologise, I really appreciate you taking all the time to write so much helpful information. That's what I love about the Dis, and particularly this ANZAC board - there are so many wonderful, like-minded, people always willing to help.

Thanks for all the restaurant tips. What I need to do is change my perspective and realise that I need to stop comparing WDW and DLR as they are different places.

When I picked my dining options at WDW I felt like a kid in a candy shop and it was almost my favourite part of the whole planning. I'm now realising that while DL doesn't have the same number of exciting options, there are enough for the short time we'll be there. Plus I'm quite excited about the dining options over at the Garden Walk. I imagine that we'll go there for at least 3 or 4 of our dinners.

Thanks for all your feedback on your dining experiences. Blue bayou has me the most torn. It reminds me of the atmosphere in Biergarten and San Angel Inn (both restaurants I enjoyed) but it seems a bit costly. Do you think it's worth the splurge?

Other than that, I'm thinking I like the looks of the Big Thunder ranch Backyard, Cafe Orleans (for the fries, gumbo and beignets), Carthay Circle (WOC), and a character meal somewhere. That's probably plenty to cover our 4 days there.

How lovely that you DH proposed at Disney. How very special for you!

Don't let Fastpass + put you off ever going to WDW. For all it's cons (e.g. Faulty glitches) it also has an equal number of pros. The main one is that it helps avoid that early morning rush for Fastpasses. I enjoyed the fact that I could plan all my fastpasses for an afternoon or evening, spend the morning relaxing at the resort or visiting another park, and then arrive at the park later in the day without thinking that my first job of the day was to waste time trekking across the park to pick up fastpasses. As I watched the mass of people charging into Hollywood Studios to get Toy Story mania fastpasses before they all disappeared, I felt quite smug that mine were already sorted.
I also had no issues changing my Fastpass options a day or two before as our plans changed.

You know what, on our last trip we never even ate at GardenWalk! After having watched Big Bang Theory for years now, we'll definitely have to get to the Cheesecake Factory next time around

For me Blue Bayou was totally worth it, as it was completely different to anything I've ever experienced. The novelty factor was amazing! And we had plenty of entertainment too as POTC broke down while we were eating so we saw all the boats bank up, then glimpses of CMs running around behind the scenes trying to fix whatever it was, then the boats slowly got going again, followed by a whole heap of empty boats If you've eaten somewhere similar at WDW, it may not be worth it. The food was average and generally gets so-so reviews.

As far as the Matterhorn goes, we were disappointed. I found it to be more similar to Space Mountain in the style of coaster. There were no real drops or twisting and turning, and it wasn't very fast. In fact, those round and round type coasters are the type that bring out my motion sickness There was always at least a 20 minute wait too, with no fastpasses. Obviously I haven't been on Everest, but from what I've heard, I wouldn't say they're that similar apart from both being themed around a mountain and having Yeti animatronics.

Thanks for the info about WDW too! Good to know that there is a bit of flexibility there

 

[aussie shaz]

I was also not a fan of Matterhorn. It was closed in 2011, so I was excited to try its this trip, but to be honest, I don't think I'd do it again. The line is always so long, and it was really uncomfortable. Not very fast or exhilarating at all.

 

[alicia1506]

For those with questions about the WOC dining package -- we just returned (november) from our dlr + wdw + dcl + universal orlando trip and we did the WOC dining package at Carthay Circle.

Carthay Circle is a lovely restaurant, and the WOC dining package with reserved premium seating is fabulous. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the Wine Country Trattoria or picnic WOC deals (obviously a step up in terms of type of food/quality of service etc) but the reserved viewing spot is epic.

they put you right at the front, right at the edge of the lagoon/lake/whatever you call it, so you have a front row seat to the entire show. yes, if the wind is blowing in the right direction, you will get wet, but not drenched. and even so...it's part of the show (it's a water show after all, lol) and the park is closed by the time WOC starts, so no one will see you and you just head straight back for your hotel to get into your pjs and go to bed anyways

we absolutely loved it, and will definitely be doing it again on our next visit. i cannot recommend the carthay circle WOC dining package enough, however with one caveat -- it worked for us as a party of 3 adults. i do not think it would suit a family/party with small children just because it is a lot to spend for a child/ren who might not eat enough to justify the price... there are cheaper food options nearby that have options to get fastpasses to the show.

on the character breakfasts, we did the minnie & friends breakfast in the park. food offerings were plentiful, even for me with my food sensitivities and issues, and for my partner who is a vegetarian, and my sister who is not an adventurous eater most of the time. we had the best seat in the room and so much character interaction i actually felt sorry for some of the other tables around us. it really made our day. the park opened at 8am for magic morning, and we specifically chose this morning for our reservation so that we could enter the park without using up one of our MM days on our tickets. main street was practically deserted and we got some great shots of the castle before our reservation. we were out before they opened the park to regular guests, and so still got to get a head start on fp and rides

 

[WanderlustNZ]

You know what, on our last trip we never even ate at GardenWalk! After having watched Big Bang Theory for years now, we'll definitely have to get to the Cheesecake Factory next time around For me Blue Bayou was totally worth it, as it was completely different to anything I've ever experienced. The novelty factor was amazing! And we had plenty of entertainment too as POTC broke down while we were eating so we saw all the boats bank up, then glimpses of CMs running around behind the scenes trying to fix whatever it was, then the boats slowly got going again, followed by a whole heap of empty boats If you've eaten somewhere similar at WDW, it may not be worth it. The food was average and generally gets so-so reviews. As far as the Matterhorn goes, we were disappointed. I found it to be more similar to Space Mountain in the style of coaster. There were no real drops or twisting and turning, and it wasn't very fast. In fact, those round and round type coasters are the type that bring out my motion sickness There was always at least a 20 minute wait too, with no fastpasses. Obviously I haven't been on Everest, but from what I've heard, I wouldn't say they're that similar apart from both being themed around a mountain and having Yeti animatronics. Thanks for the info about WDW too! Good to know that there is a bit of flexibility there

That's a shame that you and Aussie Shaz were disappointed by the Matterhorn. It was a ride I've never tried so I was looking forward to it. In saying that, I really like Space mountain, so I'll have to give it a go. It doesn't sound like Expedition Everest which is a slightly bigger and scarier version of Thunder Mountain.

I'm still on the fence a bit with Blue Bayou. At least I've got plenty of time to decide.

Thanks for continuing to give me advice. I really appreciate it

 

[WanderlustNZ]

For those with questions about the WOC dining package -- we just returned (november) from our dlr + wdw + dcl + universal orlando trip and we did the WOC dining package at Carthay Circle. Carthay Circle is a lovely restaurant, and the WOC dining package with reserved premium seating is fabulous. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the Wine Country Trattoria or picnic WOC deals (obviously a step up in terms of type of food/quality of service etc) but the reserved viewing spot is epic. they put you right at the front, right at the edge of the lagoon/lake/whatever you call it, so you have a front row seat to the entire show. yes, if the wind is blowing in the right direction, you will get wet, but not drenched. and even so...it's part of the show (it's a water show after all, lol) and the park is closed by the time WOC starts, so no one will see you and you just head straight back for your hotel to get into your pjs and go to bed anyways we absolutely loved it, and will definitely be doing it again on our next visit. i cannot recommend the carthay circle WOC dining package enough, however with one caveat -- it worked for us as a party of 3 adults. i do not think it would suit a family/party with small children just because it is a lot to spend for a child/ren who might not eat enough to justify the price... there are cheaper food options nearby that have options to get fastpasses to the show. on the character breakfasts, we did the minnie & friends breakfast in the park. food offerings were plentiful, even for me with my food sensitivities and issues, and for my partner who is a vegetarian, and my sister who is not an adventurous eater most of the time. we had the best seat in the room and so much character interaction i actually felt sorry for some of the other tables around us. it really made our day. the park opened at 8am for magic morning, and we specifically chose this morning for our reservation so that we could enter the park without using up one of our MM days on our tickets. main street was practically deserted and we got some great shots of the castle before our reservation. we were out before they opened the park to regular guests, and so still got to get a head start on fp and rides

That's really useful Alicia. Thanks for the tips. You've sold me on Carthay Circle as I don't mind spending this bit extra on my son to get him a place where he'll be able to see. So did you have a seat? For some reason I was under the impression that WOC is standing only. Also, how long did you queue up before the show to get this spot?

Good advice on the Minnie and friends breakfast also. Thanks.

How was your trip? What part was your favourite?

 

[alicia1506]

That's really useful Alicia. Thanks for the tips. You've sold me on Carthay Circle as I don't mind spending this bit extra on my son to get him a place where he'll be able to see. So did you have a seat? For some reason I was under the impression that WOC is standing only. Also, how long did you queue up before the show to get this spot?

Good advice on the Minnie and friends breakfast also. Thanks.

How was your trip? What part was your favourite?

for the WoC dining at Carthay Circle, all you have to do is prebook your reservation with Carthay Circle. It is standing only (sorry, i realised i said front row seat, but it's front row standing really, lol), but you don't have to queue up to get a great spot, they rope off a section right at the front with premium views for you, and when you finish dinner, you just walk down to World of Colour, they direct you to the reserved section, and then hey presto...great viewing and no lining up or standing around for hours. this was one of the features we loved the most...we did this for my partner's birthday, and he really loved the ease and convenience of it all. being able to go to dinner, enjoy ourselves, and then wander/race (our dinner went slightly longer as we dawdled a bit) down to pacific wharf for the world of colour show and not have to stand in line...magic and perfection!

this trip was fantastic for us. our first trip back in 2011 was great, but we were new travellers and we missed A LOT. this time, we took our time and really enjoyed everything. we loved the cruise sooooo much. So much so, that my partner (who wasn't hugely sold on the idea of cruising with disney anyway) has insisted now that all our future vacations include a disney cruise so for me, that was my favourite part.

for disneyland -- being able to do so many rides & attractions, the main street cinema (so cute and old school and classic), the new fantasyland theatre & princess meet & greet area, oh -- and mickey & the magical map -- we got there about 10 mins before the show started and were able to get great seats in the middle section, and it was an absolute blast!! also, riding the casey junior train at night time - it takes it up a notch from a kiddie ride to a fun experience

i will have to start my TR on here soon so you can read all about it -- but we had an absolute blast!

 

[MissHippy]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but we did Ariel's Grotto WOC Dinner package. I would highly recommend it. This included priority to view WOC (yes we got wet) loll. I am so excited for you to see this. My DD16 is a bit too 'cool' for it all atm, but even she had tears in her eyes at the end. It was really magical.

As for LA, we stayed down at Redondo Beach. It was so pretty. Manhattan Beach is up the road, so we spent time there. Marina Del Ray is also nice. We always hire a car, so we just go where we feel like. We aren't huge planners, which works well for us. I highly recommend The Grove too. I absolutely LOVE that place.

 

[MissHippy]

One other suggestion, try a Mint Julep in New Orleans Square. You won't be disappoint

 

[WanderlustNZ]

for the WoC dining at Carthay Circle, all you have to do is prebook your reservation with Carthay Circle. It is standing only (sorry, i realised i said front row seat, but it's front row standing really, lol), but you don't have to queue up to get a great spot, they rope off a section right at the front with premium views for you, and when you finish dinner, you just walk down to World of Colour, they direct you to the reserved section, and then hey presto...great viewing and no lining up or standing around for hours. this was one of the features we loved the most...we did this for my partner's birthday, and he really loved the ease and convenience of it all. being able to go to dinner, enjoy ourselves, and then wander/race (our dinner went slightly longer as we dawdled a bit) down to pacific wharf for the world of colour show and not have to stand in line...magic and perfection! this trip was fantastic for us. our first trip back in 2011 was great, but we were new travellers and we missed A LOT. this time, we took our time and really enjoyed everything. we loved the cruise sooooo much. So much so, that my partner (who wasn't hugely sold on the idea of cruising with disney anyway) has insisted now that all our future vacations include a disney cruise so for me, that was my favourite part. for disneyland -- being able to do so many rides & attractions, the main street cinema (so cute and old school and classic), the new fantasyland theatre & princess meet & greet area, oh -- and mickey & the magical map -- we got there about 10 mins before the show started and were able to get great seats in the middle section, and it was an absolute blast!! also, riding the casey junior train at night time - it takes it up a notch from a kiddie ride to a fun experience i will have to start my TR on here soon so you can read all about it -- but we had an absolute blast!

I'm looking forward to your TR.

Your feelings about the Fantasy were much the same as ours. Unfortunately it'll be a while before we can afford to cruise with Disney again, but it's definitely high on my wishlist. Oh to win the lottery....

 

[WanderlustNZ]

One other suggestion, try a Mint Julep in New Orleans Square. You won't be disappoint

Yum! Now that's the type of advice I'm after

Thanks MissHippy