Unique Experiences

[DetroitDisney]

Hey Everyone!

I apologize if this is commonly asked, but I didn't know what to search for. I am looking for unique experiences or things to try while at the DLR during my week in Cali at the end of this month (so excited for Halloween decorations).

By unique, I mean things that aren't just riding the rides. I really dont know what special things I should make sure to look in to.

Some examples that I HAVE found:
- Someone told me I need to visit Trader Sams at the DL Hotel, something I would have never ventured out to on my own
- Fantasmic dessert package with preferred seating
- Disneyland tours to see behind the scenes

Really, I am just looking for things that will take the trip to the next level. I havent been to DLR since I was personally a toddler, and probably will not make it back here for awhile. Cost isnt really an issue here, as I would gladly pay extra to do cool stuff.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[DetroitDisney]

bumping.

Looking for any advice you kind folks might have.

 

[Amilo]

The Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour is going into the dream suite while Walt's apartment is down for refurbishment. You've already mentioned most of the things I'm planning to do. I hope some of the dlr experts will weigh in and offer some new ones

 

[gottalovepluto]

Definitely do the Fantasmic dessert preferred seating for a uniquely amazing experience! We got to do it once and it was such a neat experience. Honestly, I thought the desserts a couple years ago were awful but most people love them. If I had the funds I'd do it again in a heartbeat anyway because having that upfront seat + not being shoved every which way while trying to watch + fighting crowds an hour before hand for a partial view = (almost)priceless.

 

[DetroitDisney]

Definitely do the Fantasmic dessert preferred seating for a uniquely amazing experience! We got to do it once and it was such a neat experience. Honestly, I thought the desserts a couple years ago were awful but most people love them. If I had the funds I'd do it again in a heartbeat anyway because having that upfront seat + not being shoved every which way while trying to watch + fighting crowds an hour before hand for a partial view = (almost)priceless.

Do you really have to get there super early to get good seats within the reserved section or are you usually ok? I am 6'4'', so I am not terrible concerned if there is someone sitting in front of me.

 

[Aladora]

Do you really have to get there super early to get good seats within the reserved section or are you usually ok? I am 6'4'', so I am not terrible concerned if there is someone sitting in front of me.

With your height, you should have no problems seeing over people's heads so I would not worry too much about getting there early!

 

[DetroitDisney]

With your height, you should have no problems seeing over people's heads so I would not worry too much about getting there early!

Just ordered my tickets!!!

 

[tanyaegangibson]

Definitely do the Fantasmic dessert preferred seating for a uniquely amazing experience! We got to do it once and it was such a neat experience. Honestly, I thought the desserts a couple years ago were awful but most people love them. If I had the funds I'd do it again in a heartbeat anyway because having that upfront seat + not being shoved every which way while trying to watch + fighting crowds an hour before hand for a partial view = (almost)priceless.

I agree, word for word. DS6 hated the desserts (as did DD9 and I), but he so loved actually being able to see the show that he's already asking if one day for his birthday we could do this again. (He gets that it was very expensive and, thus, isn't going to happen often or soon!) He plays the CD of the Fantasmic music every night now.

 

[tanyaegangibson]

With your height, you should have no problems seeing over people's heads so I would not worry too much about getting there early!

Also, if you are in the last row (third row), you can even stand. (Or at least kids can. DS 6 stood (and jumped up and down because he was so excited) the whole time in the back.

 

[grnflash]

Hey Everyone!

I apologize if this is commonly asked, but I didn't know what to search for. I am looking for unique experiences or things to try while at the DLR during my week in Cali at the end of this month (so excited for Halloween decorations).

By unique, I mean things that aren't just riding the rides. I really dont know what special things I should make sure to look in to.

Some examples that I HAVE found:
- Someone told me I need to visit Trader Sams at the DL Hotel, something I would have never ventured out to on my own
- Fantasmic dessert package with preferred seating
- Disneyland tours to see behind the scenes

Really, I am just looking for things that will take the trip to the next level. I havent been to DLR since I was personally a toddler, and probably will not make it back here for awhile. Cost isnt really an issue here, as I would gladly pay extra to do cool stuff.

Thanks in advance!!!

Hi. I think these suggestions are great and all, but really the special, unique magic at Disneyland can't be bought. The most magical stuff is there for everyone, and it's often little things that give you that heart-thumping magical feeling. Go check out the thread going on right now about people's "epic" Disney experiences. None of them involve anything prepurchased, other than the price of admission. I believe that if you fill too much of your day(s?) scheduling packages and reservations, you may well miss out on the joyful magic that's just there for the finding. And what you find to be the most magical will be unique to you.

If I were taking a friend on their one, maybe only, trip to DL, here's 10 things I would do with them to give them a unique, over-the-top, magical experience.

1. Rumor has it that if the Lillie Belle isn't reserved already (which can only be done by Club 33 members), they are letting regular guests ride in it (first come, first serve.) This isn't confirmed that I know of, but I would definitely give it a shot.

2. Get a 1st Visit pin from City Hall and wear it all day (I think your visit counts!) Then hop a ride to the hub on one of the Main Street vehicles. The horse carriage is our favorite but there's 4 to choose from.

3. Don't skip the castle walk thru, be sure to peek in all the windows along the way or you'll miss some surprises!

4. Lunch at the Blue Bayou waterside.

5. Get your fortune from the Fortune Red machine in NOS. There's 3 fortune telling machines at DL and they're all fun, but Fortune Red is our fave.

6. Grab a snack (preferably a Tigger Tail) and linger a moment on the little path in Critter Country to watch the riders after they have hit the bottom of the Splash Mountain drop. No one realizes you're watching and everyone in the logs is grinning ear to ear, some are soaking wet - but always laughing. It's so fun seeing the fun in action, the squeals and smiles are awesome. Continue on the path to the exit, it gives you a nice detour from the main walkway along ROA, especially if the Columbia is docked along the way.

7. Ride the Teacups at night.

8. Don't skip the little things - find the jumping fish along Big Thunder Trail, wait to see the evil queen peeking from the window in Fantasyland, tug on the interactive elements in the Indy queue (there's 2), ask for a map at the end of your Jungle Cruise ride, take extra pennies and share them with kids at the wishing well as you listen to the echo and Snow White singing under the waterfall, have your pic taken in all the stationary ride vehicles (tea cup, Dumbo, Mr. Toad).....

9. We like the F! dessert package - but at the second showing, we like being on the ground more! It's easy to snag a waterfront spot as soon as the fireworks are over (well, unless it's a super peak season.) Then you'll have about a half hour to lean back (yes, on the ground) and take in the wonderful, communal Disney vibe happening. And you'll have the best seat in the house to view the show.

10. Take a picture with Mickey of course!


Have fun and whatever you do, I'm sure it will be magical.

 

[gottalovepluto]

We went to the 2nd showing and did not stand in line for good seats, we simply arrived to reserve our seats when they told us to. We weren't front row but the view was just fine, and with your height you'll be just fine!

And the Lilly Belle- a couple summers ago we rode in it! If they're still running it like they were here's how it worked: Arrive at Main St Station when the park OPENS. There will be a conductor at the station door. Ask if the Lilly Belle is running, you never know. (If it's extremely hot it does not run.) If it is they have a sign up sheet for riding! Tell them how many in your party and they'll assign a time. Note: this is a round the world trip! you and a few others will be escorted by a conductor who will tell you about Lilly Belle and fun facts about the park. It takes time, obviously, but is really neat! No cost.

A few years ago the parks were so crowded we saw them load people into the LB just for the extra space. (I think a train or two were down that day.)

Have a wonderful time at F!

 

[DetroitDisney]

To say that I am excited would be the understatement of a generation. And I agree with the fact that most of the Disney Magic is "free" once youre already in the park. I only mentioned that cost isnt an issue, because knowing Disney, there are always cool things to experience for a price (as a stockholder I'm ok with this ).

I have a 5 day hopper, so I will likely get to do everything in the park.

Any other suggestions?

 

[BriannaRuth]

Ask to pilot the Mark Twain. It's first come, first served, so you will most likely have to wait in line for the next trip, which means about 20 minutes if it just left and no one else is ahead of you.

The Lilly Belle is available for regular guests as grnflash described. However, it can be very hot inside as it's not open like the rest of the railroad cars, so they don't always run it on warm days.

 

[grnflash]

To say that I am excited would be the understatement of a generation. And I agree with the fact that most of the Disney Magic is "free" once youre already in the park. I only mentioned that cost isnt an issue, because knowing Disney, there are always cool things to experience for a price (as a stockholder I'm ok with this ).

I have a 5 day hopper, so I will likely get to do everything in the park.

Any other suggestions?

Well then, 5 days and cost isn't an issue. I am envious! Have a wonderful trip.

Oh, are you doing a Halloween party? We're big fans of the party and definitely recommend attending.

 

[DetroitDisney]

Does anyone have any recommendations on places to eat as a vegetarian?

I know there are menus available online, but I've always found personal advice goes much farther. To complicate things, I am an awkward vegetarian that doesn't like mushrooms or eggplant, which are traditional stand-ins for meat.

Part of the reason I bring this up is that I would really like to eat at the Blue Bayou, but the only non-meat item on the menu is a giant mushroom thing. Can I get an alternate meal or am I just out of luck? I am not really fancy, so I would legit be fine with eating kids mac and cheese just to experience the restaurant, I just don't know what my options are.

 

[AussieCaribou]

DetroitDisney, I haven't ever done BB. Maybe next time. But I can say that Bangle BBQ is my favorite for veggie meals. It's quick service but YUMMY! And my carnivore hubby can get his sticks of meat as well. LOL.

I haven't been in a year, so who knows what has changed, but I was able to substitute at the places we went to (all character dining, Carnation, and Pizza place in Tomorrowland). My fave place in DCA is Flo's. Basically ate the sides...the veggie meal was sold out when I went in and I didn't want to wait for the new one to cook. I have had veggie stir fry at the stir fry quick service. That was good.

I don't do mushrooms or eggplant....or tofu (unless I make it)...because they are all slimy...yuck!

~AussieCaribou