UPDATE: Trying to wrap my head around this...

[lntsmom]

Why the heck is it that I find planning a trip to WDW so much easier than planning one for Disneyland? It seems like info about how things work at WDW seems to be everywhere...and the DL info is closely guarded!

So...let me ask you about some of the things I've read this week.

1. Is it true that there are no more MMs? Really? If so, I guess I'll buy tickets through a discount vendor. Why pay full price if you don't get the early entry???

2. What's the deal with the Nemo ride? I read that plus sized people shouldn't ride it. They are supposed to go sit in the handicapped area and watch the "show" on a screen. If I wanted to watch videos of the ride, I'd stay home. I wear a women's size 26. Am I going to humiliate my children if I try to wedge myself onto the ride?

3. Are there any DTD restaurants that offer coupons or deals? Last time we were there the ESPN Zone had a great deal. I couldn't find anything similar this time.

4. What's the news on parades and such? I see that there are days in April with no parades. I'm not going to spend the money for a trip if there are no parades and fireworks. Where do I get the info about this???

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

The april schedule wont be out for some time...but it is off peak season so fireworks and parades are only going to be going on during the weekend. Unlike WDW, which is mostly visited by tourists constantly year round, DLR is visited by locals who come out on the weekends, therefore weekday crowds are pretty low. You can look here http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-dlr2-200804.asp for last years hours and entertainment to help get you a better idea. Although these things are subject to change at any notice!

As far as I know there are MM's but they are only offered to onsite guests and guests who buy a 3+ day park hopper.

I hadn't heard that about the nemo subs although I can see it being a tight fit down there. The sub is kinda close quarters.

I am sure someone else will have more info for you. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Lynzer Torte]

Is it because you're much more familiar with WDW than DL?

Yes, MM is offered Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If staying on site, you can get into MM every day it's offered. If not, you get 1 MM entry when you purchase a 3 day+ Park Hopper.

Don't know about Nemo, never rode it.

Yes, I just posted a coupon about Rainforest Cafe. ESPN Zone used to have offers if you joined their club on their website. Don't know if it's still offered or not.

DL.com has been slacking with their updates lately. You'll most likely see what's going on for parades, fireworks 6 weeks before your trip.


Do research on this site- there is a wealth of information to be found!

 

[fairycat]

Yes it is harder to plan DLR over WDW because most people don't plan DLR like they do WDW.

If you don't have ADR's, a room, a plan you are going to be in some trouble at WDW. You have to plan transportation in and out of the parks, to the parks and all the way around. Staying on Site or Offsite its a huge difference. And if you dont plan your eating at the wrong time of year its 7-14 days of burgers for you and your family.

Most people do day trips or short trips to DLR, so the heavy planning isn't as important. Sure PS helps on super busy days, but if you plan you can get one the day before or same day. There are so many hotels, its rarely an issue to find a room even last minute. And transportation is getting from the airport or to tourist stuff not typically when dealing with getting into the parks.

All these eases and the difference in how most people travel in both the parks really effects what is out there. But then that is why you have the disboards our experts will answer all your questions




1. Is it true that there are no more MMs? Really? If so, I guess I'll buy tickets through a discount vendor. Why pay full price if you don't get the early entry???

Last I heard MM is still available, but not through all of the outside vendors. You can also get them by staying on site.

2. What's the deal with the Nemo ride? I read that plus sized people shouldn't ride it. They are supposed to go sit in the handicapped area and watch the "show" on a screen. If I wanted to watch videos of the ride, I'd stay home. I wear a women's size 26. Am I going to humiliate my children if I try to wedge myself onto the ride?

My sister is what you would call Pooh sized (probably close to your size) and she is 6ft tall and she did Nemo no problem. The stairs are not nearly as close as they look. But be warned the seats aren't really big, but my sister still did fine, but she did take a little of my seat. Sit between your kids and you will be just fine. No embarassment at all.

3. Are there any DTD restaurants that offer coupons or deals? Last time we were there the ESPN Zone had a great deal. I couldn't find anything similar this time.

Some one just posted a deal on Rainforest, and I know they have a club thing available as well. You might find one through the restaurants direct websites, especially as they are trying to encourage diners.

4. What's the news on parades and such? I see that there are days in April with no parades. I'm not going to spend the money for a trip if there are no parades and fireworks. Where do I get the info about this???

I know through March at least Main Street is being repaved so they are offering no parades and limited fireworks, but extra showings of Fantasmic. I am unsure if the parade will be coming back in April, as I know a brand new one is on its way. I am sure some on else can expand on this. But I think there should be weekend fireworks by April.

 

[pindecisive]

Why the heck is it that I find planning a trip to WDW so much easier than planning one for Disneyland? It seems like info about how things work at WDW seems to be everywhere...and the DL info is closely guarded!

After planning for both, I'd have to say that WDW is a little easier even though I'm a Cali rezzie and haven't been to WDW before, because WDW is package based. It's cheaper to get a package in WDW, whereas DL isn't so much package based. Most people spend several days in WDW and in DL, one day is sometimes enough.

Also WDW provides a free shuttle from not only the airport to the hotel but from the hotel to WDW, which DL doesn't. More often than not the hotels in DL from what I've seen, don't have shuttles. And you have to pay to get to and from the airport.

This means there's more planning, more things to look up, more effort spent trying to get from one place to another.

Because I'm guessing you live closer to WDW, adding in flights and transfers, getting to and from DL must seem so much harder than the easiness a WDW package affords you.

 

[Tasscrapper]

Just a note about the parades . . . DCA will probably have the Pixar Parade and a High School Musical one. The Pixar one is cool and the HSM probably would be IF you like HSM. Also, the Aladin show in DCA is a must see. Better than the movie in my opinion.

 

[DangerMouse]

The new "Celebration" parade is due to debut in DL in late March.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Funny, I have to say that we are looking to make our first trip to WDW in four or five years. The little I've looked into it, I'm already overwhelmed. It seems like it will take me four years just figure out what is going on!

About the High School Musical parade. When I went with my sister she said she is always being chased by it. Sure enough, we come around the corner only to be hurriedly waved off to the side of the path by a CM in front of the parade. Mostly it is just one float that drives around. It sure seemed like that thing followed us everywhere we went!

 

[bumbershoot]

Is the no-MM worry caused by a post about getawaytoday no longer having TWO MM days with their hoppers? they would still have one, or they should, on a 3+ day hopper just like everywhere else...

The seats on Nemo flip down, and do not have arm rests. So especially if you have kids with you, it's easy to sort of share a bit if you need to. Hubby, son and I all just squish together, no biggie.

Any mention of wanting to watch it from the accessible area is ONLY for those who WANT to do so. It's an easier way of watching, if you're a bit claustrophobic or just don't want to deal with the subs. The sub is really close, I won't lie, but it's not so close you would have to watch it from elsewhere if you don't want to.


There's a coupon listed just today for $10 off a $25 purchase at Rainforest Cafe.

dining coupons here for various area restaurants, including a HOB coupon.

Also sign up for Mimi's and Millie's newsletters for a chance to get coupons (we got coupons the week AFTER we got home, LOL).


I have no idea about parades and fireworks. But they aren't the reason we go to DLR. To us they are extra.

 

[Califgirl]

I actually prefer experiencing Nemo from the accessible viewing area. The sound is great, the screen is big, the room is air-conditioned and there's usually not more than a 10 min. wait. I really think it is a better experience. Try both ways and see what you think.

 

[pixiewings71]

1. Is it true that there are no more MMs? Really? If so, I guess I'll buy tickets through a discount vendor. Why pay full price if you don't get the early entry???

Ummm, no this is not true at all. MM is available on S & T days I belive. So Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. You get one MM with your 3 day park hoppers, if you buy a 2 day ticket you will not get MM unless you stay onsite and it falls on one of your days.

2. What's the deal with the Nemo ride? I read that plus sized people shouldn't ride it. They are supposed to go sit in the handicapped area and watch the "show" on a screen. If I wanted to watch videos of the ride, I'd stay home. I wear a women's size 26. Am I going to humiliate my children if I try to wedge myself onto the ride?

I don't know, it's a tight squeeze but I really don't know because I'm not your size. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to offend you I honestly don't know the answer to your question.

3. Are there any DTD restaurants that offer coupons or deals? Last time we were there the ESPN Zone had a great deal. I couldn't find anything similar this time.

Check Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen's site, sometimes they will have a 10% off coupon on their site. And yes, the RFC has one out right now.

4. What's the news on parades and such? I see that there are days in April with no parades. I'm not going to spend the money for a trip if there are no parades and fireworks. Where do I get the info about this???

Currently they are repaving Main Street so there are no fireworks or parades until the end of March. These should both be back in April. And April is not the off-season, it's Spring Break so it's peak season. The DL website calender has not been great lately, so it's not surprising it hasn't been updated for April. You should start seeing April events show up sometime in March, or maybe if you're lucky in Feb.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...2. What's the deal with the Nemo ride? I read that plus sized people shouldn't ride it. They are supposed to go sit in the handicapped area and watch the "show" on a screen. If I wanted to watch videos of the ride, I'd stay home. I wear a women's size 26. Am I going to humiliate my children if I try to wedge myself onto the ride?...

You can ride Nemo.

There is an option for anyone who finds it too cramped (or is claustrophobic or can't go down the stairs into the sub).

HTH,
Dreams

 

[bumbershoot]

lntsmom, is there any chance you could tell us where you got the no-MM info, and the Nemo info as well? I'm concerned that we're saying things wrong, or that there's a source out there giving out really awful advice.

 

[pjstevens]

New to DL, this will be our very first trip there in August (after many to WDW) and I'm don't know what MM's are (I was thinking M&M's, lol)

 

[Disney Dreams]

lntsmom, is there any chance you could tell us where you got the no-MM info, and the Nemo info as well? I'm concerned that we're saying things wrong, or that there's a source out there giving out really awful advice.

This is just a guess, but - Nemo is cramped. I could see someone telling another that if you are plus-sized, you might not fit / be comfortable / want to go down into the sub. And since they have the observation deck, some might perceive that as an easy option instead of worrying about fitting. Any other ride at Disneyland does not have an option. If you don't fit, you don't ride. Explained quickly or incorrectly, I could easily see the observation room of Nemo being talked about this way.

- Dreams

 

[pixiewings71]

New to DL, this will be our very first trip there in August (after many to WDW) and I'm don't know what MM's are (I was thinking M&M's, lol)

MM is Magic Morning, you get in an hour before the park officially opens if you have MM with your tickets or stay onsite.

 

[pjstevens]

MM is Magic Morning, you get in an hour before the park officially opens if you have MM with your tickets or stay onsite.

Thanks Pixie, We'll be staying at the Grand so we'll have these MM's then. Getting so excited yet so much to learn about DL.

 

[pixiewings71]

Thanks Pixie, We'll be staying at the Grand so we'll have these MM's then. Getting so excited yet so much to learn about DL.

You're very welcome! I'm jealous you are at the GCH, that's my favorite place to stay there.

 

[lntsmom]

Is it because you're much more familiar with WDW than DL?

No, I think it's because I'm a little dingie! I just don't know what the issue is!

The info I found about MM was on another site...they had in big red letters that MM had been suspended indefinitely.

I went out and bought the Unofficial Guide this weekend...feeling quite stupid because I still have our 2005 edition. Quite a bit of the stuff in it was identical to my 2008 WDW Unofficial Guide, but it did have some good info.

I was reading all the negative stuff on another website...I forget exactly which one...I have it on favorites at work. I need to note which one it was, then delete it!

I think part of what makes WDW easier is that Disney kind of takes you buy the hand and does all the hard work...ie...transportation. Plus, there's so much to do there that there isn't the temptation to work in a day at the beach, a trip so the little one can see the Hollywood sign , etc.

Right now I'm asking myself, "So, what would the kiddies do if I were to rent a car for two days, do Laguna Beach and Hollywood/Knotts Berry Farm the first two days, and not take them to Disneyland until day 3 of our vacation...despite the fact that they can see Space Mountain and the fireworks from our hotel? Would they revolt??? It would make more sense to just keep the car two days...I just don't know!

 

[lntsmom]

Funny, I have to say that we are looking to make our first trip to WDW in four or five years. The little I've looked into it, I'm already overwhelmed. It seems like it will take me four years just figure out what is going on!

About the High School Musical parade. When I went with my sister she said she is always being chased by it. Sure enough, we come around the corner only to be hurriedly waved off to the side of the path by a CM in front of the parade. Mostly it is just one float that drives around. It sure seemed like that thing followed us everywhere we went!

I'm with you! Want a copy of my schedule from last summer? LOL. Actually, if you have the Unofficial Guide you can go on their site and see plans that all sorts of folks have made...it really helped me!

As for HSM...my older son can sympathize with your sister. He is 13 and hates anything to do with HSM. We made rope drop each morning of our trip except the day we did the Studios. Hey, we were at MK until 3 that morning. I thought we were doing good to be at the gate by 9:30!

Anyway, I had been joking with him that if we were going to get Dreamed, it would surely be that he'd be picked to join the HSM parade. We enter the Studios, get to the first corner, a gate swings open, and out comes the entire HSM set...music blasting, etc. I almost fell over laughing!!!

There is something a little scary about the whole phenomenon!

BTW...to all, I should clarify, we aren't going to DLR until the first week of June. I was just looking online at the schedule and wondering why it was pretty much blank!