Veteran WDW with first timer questions for DL

[aengus]

Hey guys, after many years of saying we are going to Disneyland, we are finally doing it. Bringing my brother out there for his 40th birthday. It will be just the two of us and have a few questions. We will be there in mid may, Sunday - Thursday.

We are landing in long beach, and so far i see best shuttle as having the best price to bring us from long beach to DL hotel. $78 round trip in a van. Anyone familiar with their service?

We know we would like to eat at the blue bayou, when should AR's be made?

Any other must eat places places?

half day, day 1, what park would you recommend?

Can you pick 2 rides at each park, assuming I would be there at open on the other days, that you feel should be done first thing before crowds build?


I'm sure I'll have more questions but thats a pretty good start

thanks in advance

 

[Raindown]

Can you pick 2 rides at each park, assuming I would be there at open on the other days, that you feel should be done first thing before crowds build?

I can start you off with be saying I'd hit Space Mt. off early in the morning. It tends to not have a long wait then but will get longer and usually stay that way even into the evening. You'll also heard that hitting fantasyland early in the morning is a popular idea. I'll let someone more experienced with DCA answer in that dept.

As for reservations for the restaurants, I think 60 days is the most in advance to can call and book. I'd probably do it at 60 days, probably not necessary, but that is just how I work.

 

[DLR29]

At DL the rides that should be done early are:
-Peter Pan (single fastest building line in the park, no FP unlike WDW)
-Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (close second)
-Space Mountain (or FP)
-Indiana Jones (or FP)
-Matterhorn

At DCA:
-Toy Story Midway Mania (kinda like Peter Pan at DL, no FP and line builds quickly)
-Soarin (or FP)
-Screamin

However, the lines for Soarin and TSMM are NOT nearly as bad as those horror stories at WDW. Also, one major tip that all WDW vets should know when coming to DLR is that park hopping is SUPER easy. It takes 2 minutes to walk from entrance gate to entrance gate between DCA and DL, so definitely don't restrict your days to "just DL" or "just DCA". Hopping is much more accessible at DLR.

 

[Sara*s_Mommie]

Mid-May on Sunday to Thursday sounds to me like you should have a nice leisurly trip. I can't imagine that it would be too busy on the M-Th - school should still be in. On weekdays, I've noticed crowds getting larger in the afternoon, probably AP holders. If I was going during the time you indicated, I would think I could ride the best rides multiple times and see pretty much everything else at least once and not feel rushed doing it. As for restaurants, I usually just do character meals. It's been years since I ate at the Blue Biyou - but it was great and lots of people like it. I've never eaten at Napa Rose either but it's supposed to be special too.

 

[aengus]

Thank you all, great advice there

Although I'm hoping it will be relatively light crowds, I figure if I plan for the worst I wont be disappointed I figure especially if we can bang out some of those bigger attractions in the morning, we can then take it nice and easy and take it all in.

Thanks for the information so far I would love to hear more opinions

 

[jlmarr]

I'm sure I'll have more questions but thats a pretty good start

Have you read the newbie sticky notes? Lots of good info there.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I'm going to watch this thread for sure. I've got so many details to learn about DL. Veteran WDWer here too. I have been to DL once in 93 or 94. I've been to WDW many times(including employment) though.


When I had no choice really but to move back to AZ from FL I told myself I was going to make DL a friend. I do want to see the new stuff. I didn't even realize they had a downtown disney as well. WHOA sees how much I pay attention. No doubt I will return to WDW more too. I especially want to take dd to AK. She has only been to MK.

I'm looking forward to it. I missed my fav ride at MK this past June it was closed(space mt.)

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm going to watch this thread for sure. I've got so many details to learn about DL. Veteran WDWer here too. I have been to DL once in 93 or 94. I've been to WDW many times(including employment) though.


When I had no choice really but to move back to AZ from FL I told myself I was going to make DL a friend. I do want to see the new stuff. I didn't even realize they had a downtown disney as well. WHOA sees how much I pay attention. No doubt I will return to WDW more too. I especially want to take dd to AK. She has only been to MK.

I'm looking forward to it. I missed my fav ride at MK this past June it was closed(space mt.)

Since you last went DL has of course expanded to add DCA and DTD. The whole thing is now known as Disneyland Resort (DLR). It has changed a lot. The Space Mtn was down for 2 1/2 years and they really made it much better. It totally rocks now.

I am sure you will have fun when you get over there.

 

[GrandBob]

Trey!!! You forgot to promote your DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Seriously, this awesome piece of work is the most important thing that the OP (or any WDW vet) can read to familiarize himself with DLR.

-Bob

 

[HydroGuy]

Trey!!! You forgot to promote your DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Seriously, this awesome piece of work is the most important thing that the OP (or any WDW vet) can read to familiarize himself with DLR.

-Bob

Thanks. If the OP does not ask questions that are addressed in that link I often do not mention it.

 

[aengus]

Thanks guys, every spare moment I get I have been browsing through those links

Great info there, and I agree, am very much enjoying the DLR giude for WDW vets

 

[Peri]

Aengus! At last you make it to the West coast - welcome and greetings, old chum!

The eating at DLR and Calif. Adventure is no where near as varied or tempting as WDW - Blue Bayou rez should be made 60 days in advance (called reservations now! They do all they can to keep us guessing at the terminology). A cool place for lunch is whitewater snacks - they have great nachos and made to order burgers, etc - this is located in the grand californian hotel, but on the perimeter of the inner courtyard, so really just steps away from the hotel entrance to Calif. Adventure.

You have so much time to spend you will easily see virtually all that you want to! Don't miss the special DLR only stuff like the walk through at Sleeping Beauty's castle (very low key, but nice and VMK old fashioned lol) and the wonderful Tiki Room in close to its original state. You might prefer it to the raucous show in the Tiki Room at WDW.

Looks like the rivers may be open when you come, I hope so, we are going in April and they will still be dry, but we get to go often.

So sad we won't be there at the same time to meet you and your brother!

Have a wonderful trip - many here are very expert and you can totally rely on Hydroguy.