WDW Expert Lost in Planning first time at DL!

[BensMom]

Help! Blindfold me, and I can take a tour group around any park, any day at DisneyWorld since I live 6 miles away from WDW. However, Disneyland is a whole other ballgame for me! I have just a few questions for you Disneyland Experts out there.

We are staying at the Grand Californian for three nights in early April. I want to make some PS for the parks, etc.

Please tell me your favorite picks for restaurants in the two parks. We love all the signature restaurants at WDW and are regulars at The Flying Fish, Jiko, etc., so, of course, Napa Rose looks very appealing. Other than that, I am totally lost. We think we have an "in" at Club 33 (although some of the reviews are not all stellar, I don't care...just gotta do it).

Plus, what's the deal on Pinocchio's, the kid care place? We know the drill here at WDW, but this is new real estate. I see it's a bit more expensive, and you have to pay for dinner, no big deal, but if anyone has any tidbits or recommendations, I'd sure appreciate it.

 

[Disney Dreams]

As a life-long Disneyland-goer who planned an 8 day visit to WDW last October (and was COMPLETELY overwhelmed in the process) allow me to tell you DLR is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to plan.

Restaurants: PS's / ADRs / whatever you want to call them are NO WHERE near as big of a deal at DLR as they are at WDW. At WDW (as I am sure you know and we were in shock to discover), you must have an ADR to eat at most sit-down restaurants or you will not get in. Disneyland is NOT like this. If you want to eat at the Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans or character meals (or if you have a large group), yes, make PSs. You mentioned Napa Rose. Probably wouldn't hurt to make one for there. Otherwise, you really don't need to worry about them. (There may be a handful of other "PS necessary" places I am forgetting - someone else will chime in. It's not like WDW. And you will come to appreciate that - once you trust it.

If you have an "in" at Club 33, use it (And can I come with you? I'll be your guide for the day! hehe)! It is a unique opportunity, one that many can never have. It is an expensive meal, but it's fun to know you are doing something soooooo many never can. By the way, if you DO decide to eat at Club 33, it includes park entry, so you won't need passes for that day. (Thought this would help you in your planning.)

HTH,
Dreams

 

[BensMom]

As a life-long Disneyland-goer who planned an 8 day visit to WDW last October (and was COMPLETELY overwhelmed in the process) allow me to tell you DLR is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to plan.

Restaurants: PS's / ADRs / whatever you want to call them are NO WHERE near as big of a deal at DLR as they are at WDW. At WDW (as I am sure you know and we were in shock to discover), you must have an ADR to eat at most sit-down restaurants or you will not get in. Disneyland is NOT like this. If you want to eat at the Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans or character meals (or if you have a large group), yes, make PSs. You mentioned Napa Rose. Probably wouldn't hurt to make one for there. Otherwise, you really don't need to worry about them. (There may be a handful of other "PS necessary" places I am forgetting - someone else will chime in. It's not like WDW. And you will come to appreciate that - once you trust it.

If you have an "in" at Club 33, use it (And can I come with you? I'll be your guide for the day! hehe)! It is a unique opportunity, one that many can never have. It is an expensive meal, but it's fun to know you are doing something soooooo many never can. By the way, if you DO decide to eat at Club 33, it includes park entry, so you won't need passes for that day. (Thought this would help you in your planning.)

HTH,
Dreams

Thank you SO much!! Okay, I'll relax a bit! I guess we just need to figure out where we are going to lunch on either day (two days, two parks). We won't hear till close to our trip whether or not C33 will be a reality, so we are putting off the purchase of our DL tickets because of what you mentioned. We do hope it will come through. I don't care how much it costs! Hey, it can't be any more than Victoria & Albert's...$700 later! So, it's worth every penny.

Do you have your favorite restaurants in the parks? Anything that serves wine is fine with me!

I know what you mean by PS here. I have been known to be walking to a restaurant while on my cell with Disney Dining! LOL

Otherwise, we are lucky enough to have bonded with the managers/servers at our favs here and rarely make a PS for these places. I just didn't want to be out of luck when we land in SoCal! Again, thanks.

Anyone? Throw your fav restaurants our way for CA and DLP...I'd appreciate it.

 

[cirquelovers]

I have heard wonderful things about Napa and the Steakhouse at the DLH. I hear you can have a glass of wine, or other spirits, at both of these.

Personally I can't go to Disneyland without having lunch at Carnation Cafe on Main St. The tables are outside but the food is wonderful and if you get the pleasure to meet Chef Oscar than it's a big bonus. The potato soup is to die for and the sandwich on pretzel bread is very good and unusual! I usually get the half sandwich and cup of soup combo. Of course the pot pies are divine also. I have'nt had breakfast there in a few years but I remember enjoying it also.

Everyone I know raves about the bread bowls with soup or gumbo but I don't like soggy bread so I can't give a personal recommendation but I hear it's good. I think you can find them in both parks but the one I hear about the most is in DCA.

If you get to go to C33 have a great time and enjoy the ambiance. That would be a very special treat indeed!

I haven't used the kids club, we brought Grandma when the boy was young so we had a built in babysitter I have heard good reviews though.

I have always wanted to stay at the grand Cal with a theme park view though. I don't think i'd sleep until they turned off the lights, if they do! I'd be to busy looking at the empty park!!

Have a great trip, relax and have fun. It's much smaller than WDW, so it's easier to take it all in!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The DLR is less daunting to plan for than WDW since you're talking about 2 parks compared to 4. However, don't be fooled by the smaller size. While the MK is larger than Disneyland, it actually has fewer attractions than Walt's original park. On the whole, WDW only has about 9-10 more attraction than the DLR.

Dining is much less complicated. Generally speaking, if you want to eat somewhere, call ahead of time and you should be able to make the times you want or fairly close to it. On one occasion, we even got a character breakfast the morning of, though I don't recommend trying that.

If Club 33 doesn't happen, try Blue Bayou. The atmosphere is very nice and I quite liked the food. I also second Carnation Cafe. The food is excellent and the price is great. I've never had a problem getting a table there, even walking up immediatley after the parade ended on some occasions.

 

[DisneyNic]

Help! Blindfold me, and I can take a tour group around any park, any day at DisneyWorld since I live 6 miles away from WDW. However, Disneyland is a whole other ballgame for me! I have just a few questions for you Disneyland Experts out there.

LOL...I laughed when I read this first part because in the last two days, I have found myself in the exact opposite position. We have decided to change our fall DL trip to a trip to WDW instead and I am completely lost as to where to even start!!!

 

[BensMom]

LOL...I laughed when I read this first part because in the last two days, I have found myself in the exact opposite position. We have decided to change our fall DL trip to a trip to WDW instead and I am completely lost as to where to even start!!!

Well, if you need any help, please keep me in mind. I am thrilled to opine about WDW, its parks, hotels and restaurants. I have eaten, stayed and ridden close to Ivory Soap purity in percentages when it comes to WDW!

 

[BensMom]

The DLR is less daunting to plan for than WDW since you're talking about 2 parks compared to 4. However, don't be fooled by the smaller size. While the MK is larger than Disneyland, it actually has fewer attractions than Walt's original park. On the whole, WDW only has about 9-10 more attraction than the DLR.

Dining is much less complicated. Generally speaking, if you want to eat somewhere, call ahead of time and you should be able to make the times you want or fairly close to it. On one occasion, we even got a character breakfast the morning of, though I don't recommend trying that.

If Club 33 doesn't happen, try Blue Bayou. The atmosphere is very nice and I quite liked the food. I also second Carnation Cafe. The food is excellent and the price is great. I've never had a problem getting a table there, even walking up immediatley after the parade ended on some occasions.

Well, I am certainly looking forward to visit a park where Walt himself walked. Something that never happened at the Magic Kingdom. It looks like Carnation Cafe is a keeper...so far, two votes! Personally, we are so burnt out on character breakfasts, we can certainly bypass that! We're over it. Not that I don't like the characters, but, well, you know!

Since I have given the dates to my contact for Club 33, I don't know whether we'll end up eating lunch or dinner (or anything) there, so I am going to pick one night for Napa Rose ahead of time. I am sure we can cancel it if Club 33 comes through.

I just read something screwy...makes no sense. Only concierge guests can use Eureka Springs Fitness Center? What's up with that?

By the way, I like your screen name...since Knight is my last name!

 

[fairycat]

Ok one thing to note you might lose a lot of your day for Club 33, I would try to aim for Dinner if you can. It is a preset price but drinks and a few other treats are extra. The food is only OK in my opinion but the experience is special.

Napa Rose in my opinion beats V&A's hands down!!!! We thought the food was good at V&A but more "safe" and traditional, Napa was more unique, tastes amazing and just seemed better. I also have to say we thought the service was better at Napa. I think the V&A atmosphere is a bit stuffy but does feel intimate, were as Napa is more Modern and open, though not as intimate. Overall I think its a very good place to eat. If you can try and get a counter service at Napa, its a bit like Chef's Table at V&A and I have heard great things about this.

Overall I agree relax get out a map to see what is different and the same and have a great time!!

BTW I would add Wine Country Tratoria at DCA for a lunch it is so nice there and they have good food.

 

[BensMom]

Ok one thing to note you might lose a lot of your day for Club 33, I would try to aim for Dinner if you can. It is a preset price but drinks and a few other treats are extra. The food is only OK in my opinion but the experience is special.

Napa Rose in my opinion beats V&A's hands down!!!! We thought the food was good at V&A but more "safe" and traditional, Napa was more unique, tastes amazing and just seemed better. I also have to say we thought the service was better at Napa. I think the V&A atmosphere is a bit stuffy but does feel intimate, were as Napa is more Modern and open, though not as intimate. Overall I think its a very good place to eat. If you can try and get a counter service at Napa, its a bit like Chef's Table at V&A and I have heard great things about this.

Overall I agree relax get out a map to see what is different and the same and have a great time!!

BTW I would add Wine Country Tratoria at DCA for a lunch it is so nice there and they have good food.

Thanks for the input! I am aware that Club 33 will consume the day if it's for lunch, especially if most people dress up a bit, I would like it for dinner better, but I shall take what I can get at this point! We will work around any plans that are made for us. It was offered to us, so I gave them just a few available dates and times, one of which I do hope will be ours.

V&A isn't on our usual list of "haunts" but for a special occasion. We knew a few servers there and so we were able to yuk it up, and it ended up to a very laid-back, nice dinner. In fact, after dinner, we were given a tour of the kitchen and saw the coveted "Chef's Table," and said someday we would try it (for another special occasion). Napa Rose and the Grand CA look similar to Wilderness Lodge and Artist Point to me, with so much Craftsman-like details. But the Grand CA looks like it's got a lot more wood. I am glad you mentioned WCT...it looked intriguing! I am very excited about Napa Rose (and excited about The Crown Room at The Del for Easter Brunch too! Woo hoo!).

Oh, one more thing: The monorail goes through the Grand CA, is this correct? Similar to the Contemporary? One can walk to CA Adventure, but how does one get to Disneyland Park? I am amusing myself because I don't know a thing about this mystery park called Disneyland!

OMG, ME...HAVING TO LOOK AT A MAP AT A DISNEY PARK! DON'T TELL ANYONE!

 

[toni1227]

We ate lunch at Carnation Cafe on main street (I got the turkey club) and it was really good. I made PS a week before at 11:50 and we had no wait. Also, White water snacks in GCH was excellent for breakfast. We ate there 2 days. I had bkst burrito (well half) and it was huge and so good! Then I got scrambled eggs, bacon, toast another day and it was a lot of food and great. You do not need PS at WWS and there was zero wait last week when we were there. The hotel is great too!

I am thinking we might do WDW next spring break. In my mind I am thinking 7 nights at the Beach Club. Thoughts? I actually worked at WDW with the college program back in 1993. But obviously a lot has changed...and I have not been back since, did not go back while I finished college then got married, had kids (was waiting for my kids to get old enough etc). I just knew when I worked there that I would DEFINITELY stay on property (no more holiday inn in kissimmee for me been there done that LOL). I wish I could stay at Grand Floridian or Poly but that is just way too expensive (Beach club is pricey too but not as bad) (unless they come up with another stay 4 get 3 deal again then I would be at the Floridian no doubt).

 

[BensMom]

We ate lunch at Carnation Cafe on main street (I got the turkey club) and it was really good. I made PS a week before at 11:50 and we had no wait. Also, White water snacks in GCH was excellent for breakfast. We ate there 2 days. I had bkst burrito (well half) and it was huge and so good! Then I got scrambled eggs, bacon, toast another day and it was a lot of food and great. You do not need PS at WWS and there was zero wait last week when we were there. The hotel is great too!

I am thinking we might do WDW next spring break. In my mind I am thinking 7 nights at the Beach Club. Thoughts? I actually worked at WDW with the college program back in 1993. But obviously a lot has changed...and I have not been back since, did not go back while I finished college then got married, had kids (was waiting for my kids to get old enough etc). I just knew when I worked there that I would DEFINITELY stay on property (no more holiday inn in kissimmee for me been there done that LOL). I wish I could stay at Grand Floridian or Poly but that is just way too expensive (Beach club is pricey too but not as bad) (unless they come up with another stay 4 get 3 deal again then I would be at the Floridian no doubt).

Thank you for the suggestions! I am so looking forward to the visit.

Now, for WDW, GREAT choice with the Yacht and Beach Club. This is my second favorite resort (first being Animal Kingdom Lodge...an absolutely beautiful resort). Beach Club has my first favorite pool! Beach Club is handy to three of the four parks, a quick walk to Epcot through International Gateway and you're there and a boatride to Hollywood Studios. Yes, you're right, The Grand is expensive, and I've never stayed there (only because we're DVC, and it's a point robber!). We've pool crashed at the Grand many times, and the pool(s) are nice, but nothing like the Y&BC. So, In my humble opinion, for the Beach Club.

 

[maynrive]

Oh, one more thing: The monorail goes through the Grand CA, is this correct? Similar to the Contemporary? One can walk to CA Adventure, but how does one get to Disneyland Park? I am amusing myself because I don't know a thing about this mystery park called Disneyland!

The Monorail goes through the hotel, but doesn't stop there. I think you'll be surprised at the scale of the place when you compare it to WDW. You can easily walk from the GCH's Downtown Disney entrance to both entrances of the parks. It's probably better if you think of the monorail as an attraction instead of a transportation system like WDW uses it. In fact there's no standing room on ours.

Good luck with Club 33. It is definitely worth the experience. As other's have said, the foods gone downhill since they stopped serving the lunch buffet, but still worth it. The times we've gone, we dressed up in business casual and then changed into park clothes in the bathrooms in the restaurant.

 

[BensMom]

The Monorail goes through the hotel, but doesn't stop there. I think you'll be surprised at the scale of the place when you compare it to WDW. You can easily walk from the GCH's Downtown Disney entrance to both entrances of the parks. It's probably better if you think of the monorail as an attraction instead of a transportation system like WDW uses it. In fact there's no standing room on ours.

Good luck with Club 33. It is definitely worth the experience. As other's have said, the foods gone downhill since they stopped serving the lunch buffet, but still worth it. The times we've gone, we dressed up in business casual and then changed into park clothes in the bathrooms in the restaurant.

Yes, I am told that by my "better half," who has been there twice, along with all the other Disney parks in the entire world (except for Hong Kong). Of course, this was before I met him! LOL

I keep downplaying it to my son, who has grown up at WDW. But it's not the size, but the history, and I will appreciate that. My son will, too, if not right now, but a few years from now.

Yeah, I have been reading the Club33 food reviews, and they aren't thrilling, but, as everyone says, we just need to go. I hope it comes through, I really do.

Guys, I am so appreciative of all the suggestions. Keep them coming!

 

[tinkermell]

Ok, let me first welcome you the DL boards!!!

First of all read all of Hydroguys stickeys at the top of this board. So much good info for WDW vets! A MUST!!

Staying at the Grand Californian will be super. Yes, you get to walk right into DCA from the Grand. From DCA you can walk right to DL. Maybe a 2 minute walk across the Esplande. From there you can walk back to the Grand via DTD. It's all right there, all walkable, which makes it alot of fun! THe lobby is beautiful, and someone is usually playing on the grand piano. There is also storytelling by the big hearth. I love the Grand!!!

The Monorail does run through the Grand, but does not stop there. It just for looks.

If you could, I would definitely try the Napa Rose. I have only done the lounge for wine and desserts, but the restaurant looks fabulous. Alot of people including me, love Whitewater Snacks which is part of the Grand. We love to get breakfast there first thing before hitting the parks.

While at DCA, the Wine Country Tratatorria has great food and a great place for eating outside and sipping wine, if you like that kind of thing. Last time I was there, I tried the Pizzetta ( Salad on top of a pizza crust). It was very good, and enough to feed 2 people.

The other places I like are Pacific Wharf Cafe, and Taste Pilots. The Cove Bar by Ariel's Grotto serves great appetizers. This is the only park that serves alcohol.

In DL our favorite places to eat are these.

Sit down at Cafe Orleans for their Pomme Freites,(garlic, parmesan fries) Monte Cristos and Mickey Beignets. If you get the Monte Cristo, which DL is famous for, split it. It is super rich and quite heavy. In New Orleans Square.

Sit down at Carnation for the Potato Soup!!!! Yumm! On Main Street.

Fast food at Bengal BBQ for Bacon Wrapped Asparugus in Adentureland across from Indy Jones. Corn Dogs at the Red Wagon on Main Street. Pasta and salad at the Pizza Port in Tomorrowland.

Goodies- Applepie caramel apple on Mainstreet and Pooh's corner. Matterhorn macaroon at the Blue Ribbon Bakery, and of course a Dole Whip at the Tiki Room.

Now that I have given you all my favorite food spots, lets move on.

DL packs alot into every nook and cranny it can. You will be surprised how close everything is. Almost right on top of each other. In my opinion, it makes it very intimate and charming.

Most WDW vets are dissapointed in Sleeping Beauty's castle. It is not DL's big focal point. The Matterhorn is what most people view as DL's. So be prepared. Even my own DD made a comment about how small the castle is compared to the MK's.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with Fantasyland and Toonown at DL. The architecture is more detailed, and there are more rides compared to the MK also. I think the MK has DL beat in Tomorrowland as far as looks go. But Space at DL is WAY better, since it was redone. Be sure to check it out. Buzz is better too, cuz the guns are removable.

New Orleans Square is probably one of my favorite parts of DL. It has a nice atmosphere to it. Most people just love to hang around and people watch from there. Usually lots of live music too! Pirates, is located here. This ride is better here too.

To see Fantasmic, you need to sit and save a spot for it in front of the Rivers of America. Most WDW vets complain about this, and maybe rightly so. But it is a great show, and is different than WDWs. If you have time see it.

The fireworks are great. Used to be the best, but I'm afraid that they are cutting them down, and eventually getting rid of them. I am more dissapointed in this than anything else. The "Remember Dreams Come True" fireworks were always my highight of going to DL. If you love Disney, than this show will absolutely give you the chills, and maybe even make you teary. They have cut out the part about Big Thunder Mountain, but hopefully you will still enjoy it, and would not even know the difference if it hadn't been mentioned. Can you tell I am not happy about this? Oh and the first night you are there, plan on seeing them. The reason being, is that if you wait until your last night, they could be cancelled due to high winds. This happens alot.

I could go on with the rides, but I know I have already been long winded.

Keep asking away and good luck!!

PS-It truly is easier to navigate than WDW!!

 

[BensMom]

Well, I am overwhelmed with the response from my DL counterparts! It sounds like things aren't too complicated, and we will relax and just take it all in. I am really excited about the fact that we can walk everywhere and cover a lot of real estate in two days.

I looked to see what typical weather is this time of year. I was really taken aback that it said the temp is typically 68 degrees! Brrrr! Thinking do we even bring bathingsuits? My blood is very thin after moving from Boston to Florida 12 years ago!

 

[mechurchlady]

This area tend to vary from week to week based on winds blowing from the east known as Santa Anas and the winds blowing from the northwest and west. One week in February started of with warm afternoons and perfect days for DLR but by the end of the week there was a torrential rainstorm that ruined our day trip.

I remember long ago when mom and I did Disneyland and the windows were swaying from tornado like winds. I have seen 100 degree weather and ice on the lawns. Check the weather and see what is setting off the coast.

Much of DLR area is desert and bajadas which is hot in the day and freezing cold at night. I love this area because we do not get snow and rarely does it get cold enough to even have the smudge pots out.

hugs and chocolates
Laurie

 

[BensMom]

Well, the weather could be quite interesting! I have been to CA, once in May and once in June, so it was definitely warmer then. I will pay close attention as the time gets near. Thanks.

 

[charmama4]

As it has been said before DL is *way* easier to plan than WDW. I have made PS at Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast, RainForest Cafe for dinner, Blue Bayou for lunch. Just a FYI, if you make a PS for BB and you have a large party your chances of being split up (though close to each other).

Enjoy the laid back California style of Disneyland!!!!

 

[BensMom]

Well, it's my dream to eat at Carnation Cafe for lunch and then Club 33 for dinner one night, and Wine Country Trattoria for lunch and Napa Rose for dinner the next night! Oh, and, of course, compare everything to THE WORLD! lol

I can't wait to ride Space Mountain at DLR. Ours is being shut down for renovations as well, and I am sure (hopefully), it will be as exciting as the one at DLR. I wonder if Soarin' is any different than ours.