WDW expert heading to DL...What should we see in 2 days?

[holden]

We are seasoned WDW experts. We will have 2 days in DL/CA in June. What are the "must dos" for us? We'd like to skip anything that is pretty much the same as in WDW since we'll be in WDW in Aug (i.e. if Dumbo is the same, we'll skip it).

DD7 and DD2 will be with us, so we'd like to foucs on them. They don't need to see the princesses or the fab 5, but if there are other characters that appear in DL that aren't usually in WDW, we'd like to see them.

Also, are there any Touring Plans type sites for DL/CA?

Thanks for any help in advance!!

 

[nana50]

In Disney you need to go on the matterhorn as you don't have one. Our POTC is much better, and just enjoy the original "Walt" touches. Look for the light above the train station.

 

[Duckfan]

Over at California Adventure: The Aladdin Show and Grizzley River Rapids!

I second POC, I think it is better at DL as well. And of course Indy

 

[HydroGuy]

Ridemax has excellent touring plan software for both DLR and WDW - www.ridemax.com. I have used it at both resorts and found it valuable and cost effective.

As for June, be informed. This June is likely to be pretty busy because of the opening a major new show at DCA - World of Color. This thread outlines some of the issues:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

Also be aware of grad nights - "The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

Finally, this thread from a DIS poster I really like () has had 28,000 views and is referenced a lot around here:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599. See the section on "Not to be missed" for info on, well, what not to miss for WDW vets.

Have a great visit! DLR offers a different experience than WDW, but just as magical!

 

[holden]

Thanks for all of the great tips. I'll be sure to check out those sites and the rides other posters mentioned.

Thanks again!

 

[raftislander]

The DL Fantasyland has lots to offer that WDW does not. Alice in Wonderland, Mr Toad, Pinocchio, Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through, Casey Jr. Train, and the Storybook Canal boats. These last two cover much the same area, but in a very different manner. Young children seem to love riding in the animal cages on the train. A warning to any large adults- there is no leg room. I thought a cast member was going to have to use the Jaws of Life to get me out of one cage! I love the canal boats and going at night. I also think that the teacups are beautiful at night, although the ride is the same. Our Small World is bigger, different, and better. Our Peter Pan is different as well, but whether it is better is a matter of opinion. Our Pirates is much better and should not be missed. Same with Space Mt for the adults. There is a game of musical chairs that gets played with the Mad Hatter and other characters in the afternoon at a restaurant on Main Street. In California Adventure, there in the Monster's Inc ride, and the Bug's Land rides that are not in WDW and are good for young kids. If your seven year old is adventurous and tall enough - she might like Indiana Jones at DL. It is the same track as Dinosaur, but very differently themed. And Captain EO may still be playing in June- if it is, you might want to take the opportunity to go down memory lane. I think the pp meant to say to look for the lamp in the window upstairs in the firehouse on Main Street as this indicates where Walt's room was.

 

[jlmarr]

... look for the lamp in the window upstairs in the firehouse on Main Street as this indicates where Walt's room was.

Yes, I believe that back in the day having the light on meant "Walt is in the park". Now it's always on, to symbolize that Walt is always in the park.

 

[Eeee-va]

If your girls love Tiana, New Orleans Square currently has a little show where she sings a few songs with some live dancers and a band. WDW doesn't seem to offer that right now.

However, there are rumors (just rumors as far as I know) that BOTH parks will have the Showboat Jubilee (a much bigger show) return in the summer. If it returns to both parks, then they may be similar enough to skip in DL. Most people I heard preferred Disneyland's version (which has live singing; I thought WDW's doesn't? plus it's set in New Orleans, not Colonial America ). But in fairness, most people I hear from are on Disneyland forums so in most cases they prefer Disneyland's version of things regardless.

But if your girls like or love Tiana, I'd keep an eye on entertainment offerings in the two parks this summer, since it's possible that one park will have something that the other doesn't on that front.

(DLR currently does not have a Tiana meet and greet; you have to see her at Princess Fantasy Faire. )

I believe Pixie Hollow has the same pixies you'd be seeing at WDW but I think the setting might be more interesting? With just two days, though, you might want to keep your girls from learning about that area. It is a little area you can walk through at night and last summer at least they had a tiny little fountain show--cute but not worth going out of your way to see with your limited time, IMO.

 

[Leofoenget]

What are your dates? I suggest mid week the last week in June avoiding Friday Sat Sun if possible. I have been this week many times and as long as the AP's are blocked out it should be fine (the So Cal AP's) the other two shouldn't be a problem

 

[monkey30]

Don't forget about the Indiana Jones Ride, it is awesome for the fans out there.

Pirates and splash mountain are far better at DL vs WDW. Same with Space Mountain. The rest in Dl are similar, but still unique in thier own way.

 

[oc_tony]

Indy and Matterhorn are unique to DL, so definitely ride those. Also, DL's Space Mt and Fantasmic are superior to WDW's. If you miss Mr. Toad, get that in too.