VGC - q's

[goldilocks_63]

We're heading to Villa's at Grand Calif for first time... Oct 8 - 12. We're missing the halloween party becuase it's the night we're flying in and will be too tired. I had hoped they'd have it more dates... We've done the one in Orlando, so is this a big deal to miss.

At any rate, we really wanted to see the Haunted Mansion decorated as nightmare before xmas (hubby loves that). I'm hoping that will be changed while we're there.

Any recommendations on where to eat? and rides not to miss (different than orlando). We have 3 full days there.... (limited by school schedules).

Also, hoping wait list comes thru... we have 2 days 1BR, studio, then 2BR. This is what we could book at 7 months out. Ugh... Hoping for pixie dust. I was going to wait, but airfare was good, so I'm hoping WL comes thru so no moves.

Any advice appreciated on how to best use our 3 days in California appreciated.

DD is 12. and Hubby and I going (3 of us).

Goldi

 

[Djsgoofy]

The Storyteller's Cafe at VGC is great. The Blue Bayou inside Pirates of the Carribbean is great atmosphere but pricey. If you have never been there I would recommend going. Orleans Cafe, just outside of Pirates has some of the same food but less expensive. It has outdoor seating where it is fun to watch the people go by.

For rides - Pirates is longer and, IMO, much better at DL. The Matterhorn Bobsleds are a must just because it is a 1 of a kind. Toontown is wonderful. The California Screaming at DCA is one of Disney's best roller coasters.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The HM overlay is going to be done by Mid Sept so you'll get to experience that. It's fun how different it makes things! Also, I believe they'll be doing the Ghost Galaxy overlay at Space Mt. Either way you have to do SM as it's quite different from WDW. And way better IMO.

Other unique rides: Indiana Jones (like Dinosaur - but better), the Matterhorn, Mr. Toad, Storybook Land boat ride, Casey Jr. Trains, Alice in Wonderland, Roger Rabbit and more......
This post on the DL boards gives a great comparison of WDW to DL.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And you have to try and see Fantasmic and Aladdin if they are playing on any of the days you are there.

 

[La2kw]

The GCV are in a great location, located inside DCA and Downtown Disney, with Disneyland just a short walk away. You can be anywhere within the resort within minutes just by walking. No need for buses, boats, monorails, or parking lots! You will love Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Ghost Galaxy in Space Mountain should also be back when you are here. Disneyland also has a great Halloween fireworks show, but I'm not sure if it will be playing when you are here.

Space Mountain, Fantasmic!, and Pirates are better at Disneyland. Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Storybookland Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Pinnochio, Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island, Tarzan'sTreehouse, Columbia Sailing Ship, Toontown, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, the original (although shortened) version of the Enchanted Tiki Room, Main Street vehicles, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and Magical Fireworks (with Tinker Belle and Dumbo flying through the air) are all things you will not find at WDW. The original Star Tours is located in Disneyland, though it will be closed for the changeover when you come. Captain Eo (blech) is located at Disneyland as well.

Of course, all of DCA is different, though you will find a few things that WDW has, like the original Soaring Over California (it actually makes sense here), Muppetvision, ITTBAB, and Midway Mania. DCA has a few things you can't find in WDW like California Screamin', Mulholland Madness, Jumping Jellyfish, Silly Symphony Swings, Golden Zephyr, Mickey's Fun Wheel, The Art of Animation, Monsters Inc. Ride, Grizzly Rapids, Pixar Play Parade, and World of Color water show.

 

[Nikisha421]

First let me say have a great trip...I always love traveling over Columbus Day weekend!!

Storytellers was a dining experience...we also ate at Rainforest Cafe and I thought that was nice...we actually had great seats...

 

[lisah0711]

And you have to try and see Fantasmic and Aladdin if they are playing on any of the days you are there.

And World of Color if they are running it in the Fall.

Also, Napa Rose in Grand Calforinian is a great restaurant for a special occasion, like California Grill without the view.

Have fun planning!

 

[dwelty]

Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel for Breakfast and Dinner!

 

[goldilocks_63]

I didn't know about space mtn done for halloween.

How is fantastic better in california.

I'm so excited.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I didn't know about space mtn done for halloween.

How is fantastic better in california.

I'm so excited.

Fantasmic is done on the Rivers of America at DL. They use both the Mark Twain paddle wheel and the Columbia sailing ship. And - they have Murphy the fire breathing dragon. It's a smaller more intimate setting with a better set and props IMO.

 

[bumbershoot]

Take advantage of the Magic Mornings you get by staying onsite. Since you have a time change in your favor for early mornings, USE IT.

As a head's up, last year over Columbus Day weekend it was *extremely* busy. Our first park was DCA, and we were AP holders. They had us get handstamps, which is something AP holders almost never have to do, while ENTERING (unheard of, for me) the park, just in case we left and wanted to get back in or hop to DL. The handstamps prove that we entered a park already, and gets you higher on the "list" for getting into a park that's slowly closing due to capacity.

So expect some crowds!