Visiting DL & CA, Staying at GCL on a Wknd

[catjammies]

Visiting DL & CA
Staying at GCL
for a Friday Sat & Sun -

HOW best should we maneuver this?

Are Hopper passes really BEST? or worth it?
OR should we do one park Fri / Rest on Sat / one park Sun?????

Should we hit the Char Bkfst at GCL for our one char.bkfst?
Should we hit a good dinner at GCL one nite?
and a good dinner at DTD - which rest. would you rec.?

 

[dizzyami]

Parkhoppers all the way!!! The best strategy is to hit DL as soon as it opens, and the hop to DCA when the crowds hit - then back to DL as it gets later.

 

[catjammies]

Thanks for the advice & strategy!

We're old DWers & never get hoppers - but I've heard others say that we MUST!

DL to CA to DL is a good idea - sounds like.

Can CA really be all seen within the middle of the day? or would we still plan to go back to CA a separate time on a diff. day?

Should we take the Sat day (the middle day) totally off?
We'll be avail. Fri Sat & Sun.
Do you buy Hoppers for individual days? or for a series?

Do you rec GCL for nice dinner & their Char Bkfst?

 

[dizzyami]

Thanks for the advice & strategy!

We're old DWers & never get hoppers - but I've heard others say that we MUST!

DL to CA to DL is a good idea - sounds like.

Can CA really be all seen within the middle of the day? or would we still plan to go back to CA a separate time on a diff. day?

Should we take the Sat day (the middle day) totally off?
We'll be avail. Fri Sat & Sun.
Do you buy Hoppers for individual days? or for a series?

Do you rec GCL for nice dinner & their Char Bkfst?

When we go (usually four days at a time) we always do the DL to DCA to DL every day. One thing to note is that the Fastpass machines are not linked between the two parks - so we like to have a couple left over from DL (to use later), and then get more in DCA. As much as we love DCA - it is not that busy of a park. We will usually FP Soarin', FP or Single Rider Screamin', and always FP Grizzly (DH's favorite - and it is not linked to ANYTHING - so get one of those just 'cuz). Sometimes we will FP ToT - but it is usually 20 min or so standby, or the FP return is an hour or so away - so easy to get it and do something else. Many of the other rides have short standby times - so it is not bad at all. DH usually plays a few of the midway games - and will definitely stop for a margarita or beer (he usually needs these by noon anyways )

As for taking a break Sat - I would see how you feel. Your best bet is to buy a three day park hopper pass - this will be the most inexpensive, and also allow you early entry on Sat. to DL if you so desire.

Remember too - that hopping parks in DL is like walking to the next ride. You could throw a rock (almost ) to DCA from DL - so it is not an issue like it is at DW.

The character breakfast at GCH is very relaxed - an odder group of characters but the food was delicious and we do recommend it. We never did the other restaurants there. If you are looking for a snack - hit White Water (in GCH) - great prices (for Disney), huge portions, yummy food, and it is out of the way - so not busy crazy - a nice quick-serve meal or snack.

 

[catjammies]

Thanks for the info.
I think you've pretty much sold me on the Hoppers & strategy.

Yeah, at DW - everything is so far apart, we feel it not the best of use of time to bus betw. parks on hoppers!

Thanks!

 

[pittypat]

In DTD we had an excellent meal at House of Blues (be forewarned-the serving sizes are HUGE). The Red Beans & Rice comes with the best cornbread I have ever tasted!