Unexpected DL/DCA visit

[magicbob]

I'll be traveling to CA on business and the Disney folks are providing us with 2-day park hoppers while we're there. I wish my family was going to be there but I can't be too bummed out. This is my first trip to CA and I'll have about 7 hours each evening (parks will be open late) to visit. I'm especially looking forward to the attractions (such as Indiana Jones) that don't exist at WDW in FL.

 

[Shunasee]

You should have no problem checking out DCA in 7 hours. DLR might be a bit harder. Although compared to WDW its pretty compact.

If you want to see World of Color I highly suggest ordering a picnic lunch/dinner on line. For only $14.99 (or close to), you get good spot to see the show.

Indy is one of my favorites, same type of car as Dinosaur. Get a Fastpass if you can.

Toy Story Mania in DCA does not have a FP, and the lines are typically 60-90 minutes. The que is basically all outside, so if you want to do it just to see the que, no need to stand in lin.

For Fantasmic, the best bet to see it, without waiting hours in one spot is to order a dessert box, as its reserved seating. Since the Fantasmic out here does not have a stadium, it get really crowded a few hour before the show in that area.

I prefer the Fantasmic at DLR, the dragon is stunning (when it works)

 

[magicbob]

Thanks for the info. I probably won't be worrying about trying to see all of DL. I'm just planning on hitting the attractions that don't exist or are significantly different than those in FL:

Indiana Jones Adventure
Matterhorn
Nemo Submarine Voyage (oh, how I miss 20K Leagues in FL!)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (oh, how I miss Mr. Toad in FL!)
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion (I think the differences between FL are pretty subtle but I like this too much not go on)
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

If time:
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Alice in Wonderland


I'll probably get to DCA around 5pm the first day and just plan on hitting these:

California Screamin'
Monsters Inc. to the Rescue
Soarin' (even though I've ridden it at EPCOT, I really like it)

I'll probably pass on TSM if the line is too long. I'll wait until Florida trip in July and go with my family (w/FP) at DHS.

I might check out the Alladin musical and spend some time looking around the Sorcerer's Workshop if I have time. I thought I might watch World of Color at 9pm and then spend just a little while to check out ElecTRONica. I think I'll probably have gotten those few rides in before 9pm, so I might hop over to DL around 9:30 or 10:00 (open until midnight) to get a jump on the rides over there.

Then on day 2, I'll get to DL around 5pm and they're open until midnight, so I can hit rides that I didn't get to the night before. Even though I've seen the DHS version, I'll probably check out Fantasmic at 9pm on the off chance that the dragon is working.

Right now, I've only developed this very loose plan, but I'll figure out a somewhat more detailed plan between now and then. If I hop to DL on the first night, I'll have about 6 hours at DCA for 3 rides (maybe 4 if TSM isn't too packed), plus WoC, and some leisurely sightseeing. That will leave me with 9 hours split between the two days to ride 8-10 rides at DL. If I don't make it to everything on my list I won't be crushed. I couldn't be happier that this little surprise materialized.

 

[mdsd8700]

DL and DCA are awesome, we have been there only 4 times but we absolutely love them. There is a great Disneyland portion to these boards, (if you haven't found it already) check it out when you have time. You will get lots of great information and tips on how to maximize your time.

Enjoye.

 

[Princess/es19]

Aladdin at the Hyperion is AMAZING. DH and I went twice on the same trip because we were laughing the whole time at Genie's jokes! I would def. second the suggestion to buy the dinner pack. DH and I ordered the kids one so we could get the bracelet. Also, do NOT sit right next to the water. We made that mistake on our honeymoon, we marked out spots closest to the water, and we were drenched even though we had on ponchos. Only the first people on the railing get wet. It should be said that that show was so amazing DH and I agreed that we would get wet again just to see it another time!

If you cant get the WOC picnic, and can only spend evenings at the park, chances are that you cant get a fastpass for the show. If you can't get reserved seating, try and see the second show if they are playing two.

Also be warned that California Screamin and most of the surrounding areas of Paradise Pier basically shut down when WOC is on.

Also, the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle are wonderful. Try and Schedule that around Fantasmic, if you can.

 

[magicbob]

I was very excited to learn that my obligations on the second day of my stay in Anaheim will conclude by lunch time rather than 5 pm. So, I'll have a lot more time to spend in the park. Are WOC FPs generally gone in the first two hours the park is open? If I'm able to score a FP, I might go ahead and check out that show. But if not, I might hop over to DL earlier in the afternoon.