WDW to DL Trip review - 4/21-25

[TinkSassy]

I'm a WDW vet and made my first trip to CA in a decade last week. Just some thoughts:

Love MaxPass - I wish WDW would go to this system. Everyone gets passes the day of and I had little to no stress about getting on everything we wanted. This took all the stress out of 60 day pre-planning and disappointment of not getting FP for a ride I want but won't stand hours for

We did 2 specials - Blue Bayou dining for Fantasmic and WoC Dessert Party. I have a bad back so the night shows are hard for me and these help.

Blue Bayou is beautiful and the food is hit and miss (gumbo was great, mint juleps good, dessert fabulous - entree was ok but WAY over salted). We were about 45 minutes early for the show and we got a good spot but had some late comers that were not happy with the crowd but for us it was worth it. The seat cushion was a big help - but keep in mind it is really bulky to pack so leave room.

WoC - we would have been earlier so we had more time to enjoy the food (we got there at 9:30 for 10 show). The view was great, LOVE that they give you a chair and the desserts and bread were very good. Our table companions were not drinking so we got their alcoholic beverages - bonus! We were given to-go boxes for the rest of the food we didn't finish.

We stayed at Best Western Pavilion on Katella - nice hotel, clean, good service, free parking and free breakfast for 2 at the Denny's next door. We were please with everything but the walk - the hotel advertises 15 minutes - but it is a full 30 minute walk to the main gate (this got long over the days). I kept trying to find the Uber drop at Downtown to see if it would be closer. This said it was 15 minutes to Downtown security so . . . .depends on how up you are for walking.

As always - I keep thinking I need to go to DL more as I love this park. I only wish the on-property hotels were not so far from my budget as I always wish we could stay there but I'm not willing to go into debt to do it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... As always - I keep thinking I need to go to DL more as I love this park. I only wish the on-property hotels were not so far from my budget as I always wish we could stay there but I'm not willing to go into debt to do it.

Glad you had a good trip. Next time, look at the hotels on Harbor right at the crosswalk. ("Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/). Some of the Harbor hotels are closer to the front gates than the on site hotels are -- and much less expensive, too.

 

[cinnaminny]

Sounds fun!! I want to do try Blue Bayou and WOC dessert party on our next trip also....I am more excited about WOC, less with the Blue Bayou....I might pass on BB lol


I love Disneyland, it has a different vibe than WDW, its not to be missed. The DLR hotels are very expensive though. We are doing one this next time, just to have the experience, but generally speaking I would rather stay across the street to save some bucks.

 

[TinkSassy]

Glad you had a good trip. Next time, look at the hotels on Harbor right at the crosswalk. ("Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/). Some of the Harbor hotels are closer to the front gates than the on site hotels are -- and much less expensive, too.

We have usually stayed at the Tropicana - but hotels were almost $50 cheaper per night on Katella this time so we thought we would try it. I will definitely insist on Harbor next run (if I can't afford to stay on site).