Unknowingly booked during D23 expo

[dvcmember1983]

As a DVC member I had so many points that needed to be used before September. Based on availability and something we haven't done before we chose Disneyland on August 18-23. Today I discovered that I booked our trip during the D23 expo. I am worried about crowds. I will be 8 months pregnant and we will be bringing along our 3 young children. Dates are set in stone now because we booked non refundable plane tickets and schools here in Pennsylvania start the week after we come back. So, what should I expect? I think we can deal with the crowds, if I have an idea of what I should expect. Also, on the 22nd we need another decent place to reserve for dinner but with this being our very first disneyland trip we don't know. We already have goofy's kitchen, cafe orleans, ariels grotto, and carnation cafe booked. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ashley

 

[skiingfast]

I wouldn't worry about crowds because of the Expo. Those people will be in the Expo not in the parks. It's making the hotels busier not the parks.

You can still expect crowds because it's summer.


You might want to eat in Story Tellers in the GCH. I would trade Goofy's or Ariel's for a breakfast at the Plaza Inn with Minnie and friends(breakfast only). You can also choose from places in DTD, they are all almost right out the door.

 

[Sydnie]

You might want to eat in Story Tellers in the GCH. I would trade Goofy's or Ariel's for a breakfast at the Plaza Inn with Minnie and friends(breakfast only). You can also choose from places in DTD, they are all almost right out the door.

Ditto this. My boys loved the Storyteller's Cafe, and since you are in the DVC I would assume you are staying at the GCH so it will be very convenient for you. They have all sorts of woodland creatures at the Storyteller's Cafe and the food is delicious. Another bonus-if you and your spouse get the buffet kids under 3 eat free. Chip and Dale were the huge hits there.

The Plaza with Minnie was great too. My recommendation would be to go there one of the mornings when you can get in early. We ate there at about 7:30 and the kids each got tons of time with the characters, who actually had time to play with them and not just pose for a quick picture.

Have a great trip!

 

[michelle1177]

I did the same exact thing and our dates can't be changed. We booked August 19-24 and I had no idea about the Expo. Fingers crossed it's not too busy. I made my reservations for dining and the BBB right at the 60 day mark just in case to make sure we got everything we wanted!

Although between the Expo and the Southern California AP dates becoming unblocked, I'm really nervous about crowds too!

 

[the donut]

I did the same exact thing and our dates can't be changed. We booked August 19-24 and I had no idea about the Expo. Fingers crossed it's not too busy. I made my reservations for dining and the BBB right at the 60 day mark just in case to make sure we got everything we wanted!

Although between the Expo and the Southern California AP dates becoming unblocked, I'm really nervous about crowds too!

I agree that the expo won't be the problem. It's the AP dates becoming unblocked combined with the new rides. I predict a tidal wave of SoCal residents getting a last day or two in at DL before school starts in the last few days of your trip. I'd focus on your top priority rides during the first few days of the trip and save the high capacity rides for later (like the railroad, steamboat, etc.). Also, SoCal residents definitely tend to come to the park late, so I'd try to take full advantage of MM's and the first few hours. I think locals tend to start showing up around 10-11am.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

As the PP's mentioned, the people attending the Expo won't be adding to the park crowds during the normally crowded days (Fri-Sun) because they'll be busy with the Expo. Last year, it ran from early morning until late at night, so the only time you may see an influx is in the evening as they guests start to trickle into the parks.

Being that this is your first trip as you mentioned, please be prepared for the size of DL. It is MUCH smaller than WDW. Not only in the resort itself, but also in the parks, so it almost always feels crowded. However, it is manageable. Work the FP's and have a plan, leaving yourselves time to get from place to place and to stop & enjoy the details.

I know some have mentioned Storyteller's Cafe for breakfast, but I've had different experiences there. The characters are sparse and the food has always left much to be desired (we've been there a few times, as recently as February). I would definitely recommend Minnie & Friends at the Plaza Inn. The food selection is smaller, but it's consistently good, it's less expensive, there are always a lot of characters walking around, and you simply cannot beat the location. Most locals tend to skip the character meals, but for us, this is a must-do and a regular stop.

If you're planning on doing any of the DTD restaurants, Naples is great, as is Ralph Brennan's for lunch.

Just plan, use the FP's, and take breaks. You'll have a great trip!

 

[HydroGuy]

Starting on August 21 DLR will be very crowded. I agree the D23 will be a small impact. The APs coming unblocked in Aug 21 will be the big impact.

I personally will be there on August 22-23. I would much rather visit DLR the days before D243 but it appears I have a conflict. So unless that changes I will brave it and go after.

Get there early. Use FP. Have a good game plan. You can still have a great time.

ETA check this thread for some info on August Al Lutz Mega-Update - DCA Magic Mornings?, Lots of Refurbs, PFF Moving, Tiered Prices