Tips, Tricks, Advice for the DLR Newbie?

[Tinkerspell]

This is a rather fun but overwhelming thing for me to be planning, so any and all help would be great! The hubby and I are WDW vets, having lived in the Midwest for 17 years and taking multiple trips to Florida. But we've recently moved to the Pacific Northwest (AND LOVING IT!!) which now puts us closer to California than before.

Hubby is coming up on "must use vacation or lose it" so this weekend, he sprung it on me that he'd like to take a summer trip to DLR. I'm all for it! But then, he was the one who did the original WDW research and this time, it's all on me to do the pre-trip legwork.

Thanks to having just moved and teenagers in school until late June, we're looking at a July trip. They're 15 and 16, if that helps with ideas and advice. Is there anything we really should know before attempting a last-minute planned trip? Recs for where to stay? Etc....

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Well, you're in luck!! Preping a DL trip is WAY easier than a WDW trip.

Some this to know: Carsland will be opening in June, so the DCA park will be packed. DO NOT do the DL dining plan, it's nothing like WDW's. You get vouchers with a dollar amount. If you do not use the entire amount you don't get change back. If you must pay for your food in advance, put some money on a Disney gift card. The parks are next to each other, makes park hopping very easy (you walk everywhere) Staying off site is very popular because a lot of hotels are closer than most of the DL hotels and cost around $100/night less (again all walking distance).

Read Hydroguys DL for WDW vets http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599&highlight=dl+for+wdw+vets If you have any more questions, don't be afraid to ask, we are here to help

 

[lk2500]

This is a rather fun but overwhelming thing for me to be planning, so any and all help would be great! The hubby and I are WDW vets, having lived in the Midwest for 17 years and taking multiple trips to Florida. But we've recently moved to the Pacific Northwest (AND LOVING IT!!) which now puts us closer to California than before.

Hubby is coming up on "must use vacation or lose it" so this weekend, he sprung it on me that he'd like to take a summer trip to DLR. I'm all for it! But then, he was the one who did the original WDW research and this time, it's all on me to do the pre-trip legwork.

Thanks to having just moved and teenagers in school until late June, we're looking at a July trip. They're 15 and 16, if that helps with ideas and advice. Is there anything we really should know before attempting a last-minute planned trip? Recs for where to stay? Etc....

Your kids area about the same age as mine. We're flying Virgin America to LAX (cheapest direct flight you will likely find assuming you're flying out of SeaTac) and staying at the FFI near Disneyland. Since our kids are older and love thrill rides we'll be doing SFMM, Knotts, and Sea World (mainly to ride Manta) as well. We usually hit SFMM/Knotts in the morning-afternoon and then do DLR at night.

Have fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

This is a rather fun but overwhelming thing for me to be planning, so any and all help would be great! The hubby and I are WDW vets, having lived in the Midwest for 17 years and taking multiple trips to Florida. But we've recently moved to the Pacific Northwest (AND LOVING IT!!) which now puts us closer to California than before.

Hubby is coming up on "must use vacation or lose it" so this weekend, he sprung it on me that he'd like to take a summer trip to DLR. I'm all for it! But then, he was the one who did the original WDW research and this time, it's all on me to do the pre-trip legwork.

Thanks to having just moved and teenagers in school until late June, we're looking at a July trip. They're 15 and 16, if that helps with ideas and advice. Is there anything we really should know before attempting a last-minute planned trip? Recs for where to stay? Etc....

Try reading through the standard starting point around here from one of my favorites DISers and then come back with more questions:

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