WDW/DVC vet going to DLR...HELP!

[donmil723]

Hi Everyone!

DH and I will be meeting our DD and her fiancee at DLR June 6-10. Although we go to WDW 2-3 times per year, this will only be our second time at DLR. First time was in July, 1996 before DCA opened. We will be staying at VGC. Lots of questions....

1. What should we expect crowd wise June 7-9 (Mon-Wed)? It was crazy busy when we were there in July, 1996.

2. What is the weather typically like in early June?

3. Should we use Ridemax? Or is there another tour planning guide that is recommended?

4. When will the park hours be out? When can I make ADR's?

5. Will WOC be open? Will the EP still be going on or will it already be headed to WDW?

6. Any suggestions for not-to-miss attractions and/or restaurants for 4 adults?

7. I booked the Business Express Service through ExecuCarExpress for transportation from LAX to VGC as it was a few dollars less than the Disneyland Express bus. Has anyone used this service before? Is it faster than the DE bus.

8. Is Vons the only grocery delivery service at DLR? Do you have to be in the room for delivery or can bell services accept it for you?

Thanks for any help and suggestions! I'm sure I'll have many more questions as I really get into planning this vacation.

 

[HydroGuy]

1. What should we expect crowd wise June 7-9 (Mon-Wed)? It was crazy busy when we were there in July, 1996.

Well, the good news is you will be at DLR. The bads news is...it will likely be very crowded.

Here is the big uncertainty: World of Color.

First, WOC is supposed to debut sometime around May 1 to June 1. There have been a lot of rumors that it will delay until June 1. If so, that will make it very crowded at DLR and especially DCA in June.

Second, WOC is a night time show and typically early June is still off-season and park hours are shorter on weekdays with reduced entertainment. I think most people expect once WOC opens then Disney will keep DCA open later and show it once or twice a night. If for some reason they do not show WOC on weeknights that week the crowds will not be bad.

If it shows nightly then the prediction in June is for "epic crowds". Not to scare you, just to help you know what might be ahead of you. If so, then make sure you do your homework.

Also get a handle on the AP situation at DLR. See "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

2. What is the weather typically like in early June?

June gloom. Which means a lot of marine layer fog that often burns out during the day.

See "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

Average Hi/Low 80/60F. Great weather IMO.

3. Should we use Ridemax? Or is there another tour planning guide that is recommended?

IMO RideMax is the best and really the only option if you want touring plans. Should you buy it? Well, when I made my first trip to WDW in 2006 I found it invaluable just to get an idea of traffic flow. We never used a strict itinerary but it helped us develop a basic plan for each day. It helped me feel more comfortable.

4. When will the park hours be out? When can I make ADR's?

Park hours will probably be out in late April maybe early May. For past years see:

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

You can make dining ressies 60 days in advance. But the demand is much lower than WDW. It is common to be able to get reservations for nice places like the Blue Bayou a day or two in advance. See * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

5. Will WOC be open? Will the EP still be going on or will it already be headed to WDW?

EP will be long gone to WDW by June. It will leave DCA in April. As I said WOC is rumored to open May 1 to June 1.

6. Any suggestions for not-to-miss attractions and/or restaurants for 4 adults?

For dining most everyone including me recommends Blue Bayou the signature restaurant at DL.

See above link for more dining advice * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

As far as things not to miss, see section 21 in "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

7. I booked the Business Express Service through ExecuCarExpress for transportation from LAX to VGC as it was a few dollars less than the Disneyland Express bus. Has anyone used this service before? Is it faster than the DE bus.

8. Is Vons the only grocery delivery service at DLR? Do you have to be in the room for delivery or can bell services accept it for you?

Can't help with those ones myself.

The earlier link "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 does give lots of helpful helpful advice and perspective.

Have a magical trip!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

8. Is Vons the only grocery delivery service at DLR? Do you have to be in the room for delivery or can bell services accept it for you?

Yes Von's is the only grocery delivery service in the area. It depends on the hotel whether or not they will accept the delivery. They give you a 2 hour window for delivery. I'm not sure what GCH's policy is.