WDW faithful interloaper here, but educate me and I might convert!

[Microcell]

It looks like we are going to LA for spring break this year, my first time there, and we think maybe two days at DL, one at Sea World for sure.

Do things operate there at DL like WDW?

Do I need to make ADR's? If so, where are the best places to eat?

Are there fast passes on some of the rides?

How do I get the best discounts?

Where in LA and San Diego should we stay? We have Mariott points and want to stay in a safe part of town, but in hopefully Aneheim is fairly safe since it as close to DL as possible for early starts. I think we are looking at 3 nights in LA and two in San Diego. IS staying in Aneheim a pain for being able to go to Hollywood and all the other touristy places?

Where should we eat, what should we do? Any answers to all or some of these questions would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

It looks like we are going to LA for spring break this year, my first time there, and we think maybe two days at DL, one at Sea World for sure.

Lots of useful info here "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Do things operate there at DL like WDW?

In some ways "yes", and in other ways "no". Some WDW vets who do not understand the differences get frustrated at DLR - and vice versa. The DLR Guide link above discusses the similarities and differences.

Do I need to make ADR's? If so, where are the best places to eat?

ADR's (called PS - or priority seating at DLR) work roughly the same as at WDW. Except you can only make these 30-60 days in advance. One place that is special to eat is the Blue Bayou at DLR.

Are there fast passes on some of the rides?

Yes, this works pretty much the same at DLR as WDW, although DLR has some tricks you can use that you cannot at WDW.

How do I get the best discounts?

Hmmm. Sign up for the MouseSaver's newsletter at www.mousesavers.com. If you go high season it can be harder to get discounts.

Where in LA and San Diego should we stay? We have Mariott points and want to stay in a safe part of town, but in hopefully Aneheim is fairly safe since it as close to DL as possible for early starts. I think we are looking at 3 nights in LA and two in San Diego. IS staying in Aneheim a pain for being able to go to Hollywood and all the other touristy places?

Whatever you decide, to have the best DLR experience follow "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Whether you want to get a hotel in San Diego or Hollywood depends on what day of the week you go and how long you want to stay there. It is easier getting around SoCal on the weekends when the traffic is lower.

Where should we eat, what should we do? Any answers to all or some of these questions would be helpful.

The first link to the DLR Guide gives lots of ideas and resources.

 

[Microcell]

Errrr... ummmm.....


WOW! That is alot of information! I will try to respond in 2016 when I have read it completely!

What an undertaking, hats off to you!

 

[PattiPB]

Gotta love HydroGuy!

 

[ScooterL]

I'll respond to the "where to stay in San Diego" part...I think that any area in San Diego where there's a Marriott should be a "safe" area. There's a Marriott and a Residence Inn in Hotel Circle, and that area is fairly close to Sea World and downtown (about 10 minute drive to either one). I believe that one of the hotels near the Convention Center downtown is a Marriott, and that's of course close to downtown, as well as to the Gaslamp District (lots of restaurants!) and Seaport Village. There ARE some areas within a few blocks of there that you don't want to be in at night, but the area around the hotel and the tourist areas is fine.

 

[abby]

Some of the answers depend on who is in your party, kids and what age? Disney visiting changes with ages.

 

[utahkennedys]

As a WDW vet of over 30 trips in 32 years of my life, we absolutely loved DL! I was so pleasantly surprised as I think a small part of me was thinking I may not like it. The only thing I hated, and I mean hated, was the food! The food was expensive and terrible compared to WDW, with the exception of the Blue Bayou. We were there in Sept. and it was very slow, so about 1/2 the restaurants were closed, including the ones I had heard good things about. We aren't even very interested in the food aspect of WDW, but we were sorely disappointed in the food! I would just starve myself all day and then eat outside of the park at places like Mimi's after 1 or 2 days of being there. Next time I am bringing dd4's lunch in the park and maybe a granola bar for me to tide me over until we leave and eat somewhere else.