WDW plans change ==> DLR update

[DISHoppy]

OK, so I've had a chance to review and digest a bunch of info on DLR the past couple of weeks, and my wife is confirmed to attend the ALA conference in Anaheim June 21-16. So here is what I have thus far:

• Confirmed cancellation and refund through WDW. Still amazes me that I'm in their system, but the two don't have access to each others systems for booking changes, etc.
• Flight change on SWA into SNA from CMH (seems like the better choice than LAX for distance and only a slight cost difference)
• Disneyland Express through Grayline to/from DLR
• Staying @ PPH. Doesn't look like concierge upgrade is worth it due to breakfast ressies. Tried to persuade DW on Candy Cane, but no dice (HoJo is booked and a bit far from the convention center). Any need to knows about PPH?
• Ressies made @ Bayou (dinner), Plaza (bfast), Orleans Cafe (dinner), Ariel's outdoor (birthday bfast), Goofy's (birthday dinner) and Napa (dinner for me and DW). Anything I missed? Of course still awaiting 411 on CCT dining...
• Buying new tix doesn't look doable since we are staying onsite, so using our existing WDW ne tix may be our only choice (meaning no hopper upgrade).
• Reviewing park schedules for parades, etc. When are calendar updates posted? Right now the calendar is posted to 5-June.
• F! and WoC seating/viewing...how critical is it to get in line early and/or buy a package? Best places to view both and the fireworks w/o a package?
• Any other details I may have overlooked?

-Kevin

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Don't know your exact dates. Weekdays you can usually get a really good spot one hour before F! On more than one occassion I've walked up near Pirates Layer boats 20 minutes before showtime. The further into summer, the earilier you'll have to stake a claim. You can see the fireworks from your F! spot.

My personal experiance with WoC is dated. I saw it Thanksgiving weekend 2010. I went for the Areil's dinner/WOC prefered area deal. I did this because at the time the lines to get FP's were still crazy and I'm not a fan of cold chicken (the picnics). Also, most people lined up for the FP areas at least 2 hours before showtime. With the dinning deal I didn't have to wait in line for a FP and I didn't have to line up as soon because this area had limited availablity. I think I lined up about an hour before showtime and got a spot up by the railing.

Check out the WOC superthread. They even have a color coated map so you can get your bearings.

 

[DISHoppy]

Don't know your exact dates. Weekdays you can usually get a really good spot one hour before F! On more than one occassion I've walked up near Pirates Layer boats 20 minutes before showtime. The further into summer, the earilier you'll have to stake a claim. You can see the fireworks from your F! spot.

My personal experiance with WoC is dated. I saw it Thanksgiving weekend 2010. I went for the Areil's dinner/WOC prefered area deal. I did this because at the time the lines to get FP's were still crazy and I'm not a fan of cold chicken (the picnics). Also, most people lined up for the FP areas at least 2 hours before showtime. With the dinning deal I didn't have to wait in line for a FP and I didn't have to line up as soon because this area had limited availablity. I think I lined up about an hour before showtime and got a spot up by the railing.

Check out the WOC superthread. They even have a color coated map so you can get your bearings.

Thanks. My brain is going to mush trying to keep track of DLR and WDW threads these days. Are both shows generally packed? I should be able to get our DDs to hang for the late shows. They've been known to last to midnight on occasion, but with the east coast/left coast time change, all bets are off. Our dates are June 17-23.

-Kevin

 

[skiingfast]

OK, so I've had a chance to review and digest a bunch of info on DLR the past couple of weeks, and my wife is confirmed to attend the ALA conference in Anaheim June 21-16. So here is what I have thus far:

• Staying @ PPH. Any need to knows about PPH?
  
  
• Reviewing park schedules for parades, etc. When are calendar updates posted? Right now the calendar is posted to 5-June.
  
• F! and WoC seating/viewing...how critical is it to get in line early and/or buy a package? Best places to view both and the fireworks w/o a package?
  

To the parks from PPH, walk onto Disneyland Dr, and cross the street at the north east corner of the hotel. Follow the sidewalk into the GCH and make a left. Go along the registration and strait to DTD for DL, or make right along the back of the lobby to DCA.

The Calendar only goes out about 6 weeks and can take a couple to fill in entertainment information.

WoC Superthread, read the OP and skip to the last couple pages for current information.

F! Superthread.

 

[pixiewings71]

[*]Staying @ PPH. Doesn't look like concierge upgrade is worth it due to breakfast ressies. Tried to persuade DW on Candy Cane, but no dice (HoJo is booked and a bit far from the convention center). Any need to knows about PPH?
[*]Buying new tix doesn't look doable since we are staying onsite, so using our existing WDW ne tix may be our only choice (meaning no hopper upgrade).
[*]F! and WoC seating/viewing...how critical is it to get in line early and/or buy a package? Best places to view both and the fireworks w/o a package?
[*]Any other details I may have overlooked?


-Kevin

Ok, let's see, good choice on the hotel. We liked the PPH, it was easy to get to and from the parks, altho I do not suggest you follow the walking directions posted from the PPH itself. Instead, walk out the front, cross at the crosswalk, enter the GCH lobby and follow the signs to DTD or enter DCA from the GCH. MUCH faster than walking the way the signs direct you.

I wouldn't rule out the hopper upgrade, I'm assuming your WDW NE tix are not hoppers, but it is still possible you might be able to get some magic, ask if an upgrade is possible. If they say no then say Thanks and leave, but you may get lucky and be able to add hopping.

We've never had a package when watching F!, fireworks or WoC. We've found it isn't necessary (in our opinions). For F! watch the 2nd show, get there as the first show is exiting and enjoy. You'll get good seats that way. For fireworks, we just find a spot on MS and enjoy them, we don't get there super early but we've seen them a lot so maybe that's why. For WoC get a FP and line up early for that one.....but definitely see it!!!!

 

[DISHoppy]

I wouldn't rule out the hopper upgrade, I'm assuming your WDW NE tix are not hoppers, but it is still possible you might be able to get some magic, ask if an upgrade is possible. If they say no then say Thanks and leave, but you may get lucky and be able to add hopping.

The CM I spoke to today specifically mentioned comp tix in the exchange, so I'm not hopeful about that. Altho, our youngest DD is turning 6 while we are there, so maybe some dust is possible. Of course, this CM also had to go away and get the proper 411 as I asked more specific questions. Also, one of the two I spoke with asked me if I was a Cast Member since I had mentioned Cast Member and CM during the call. Nope, just a DI$ geek. Strange since she laughed when I mentioned the DISboards. Perhaps it was an oh **** laugh.

-Kevin