WDW vet DLR novice trip

[HydroGuy]

So this just about wraps up our first day at DL...with a 3 am wake up time it is very tough to make it late at the park - so we probably left about 3pm or so.

DD was too tired to even make it to dinner, so ds and I went to Mimi's (very nice - loved it) and brought some back with us for dh and dd. And an early night it was...

Managed to sleep a bit later (maybe 5-ish) on day 2. Luckily I had an early Goofy's Kitchen reservation - so we didn't have to wait as long this morning. About 7:15 we headed out to Goofy's Kitchen. To get there you walk through the 'central hub' between the parks and into DTD. They were stopping people from entering the hub which confused me for a moment - but then they asked if anyone had reservations and needed to get through. They keep you moving - no stopping for pictures in the hub area. Next was the walk through DTD. Total walk time (with a pokey dd) was about 25 min or so I would guess.

Got right into GK and took our pic with PLUTO. The food was very good characters were great - Mulan, Cinderella (who impressed me, asked lots of questions about which kingdom we were from and asked if we had been to her castle. When we said yes she pointed to my FIGMENT shirt I had been forgotten I was wearing.), Goofy, Chip and Dale. We left there at about 9:00 or so and headed back through DTD. They were not letting anyone in yet so we took lots of pics on the CALIFORNIA letters. And we rented a locker just outside DCA and put our cooler with lunch in there (figured after a huge breakfast like that we wouldn't want much for lunch so just brought stuff with us). LOVE the fact that you can rent lockers OUTSIDE the park area, so don't have to waste valuable time after you get in. We were let in at 9:30 - had to exchange our WDW tics again. And this time the woman gave us hopping tickets. We didn't plan to use them anyway so we let it go. Got in and went on Soarin before opening. Then headed over to TSMM - and it was CLOSED! Didn't open until noon and, no surprise, about a 40 minute wait was the shortest that we saw the rest of our time there! This is my biggest gripe with this park - TSMM really should have FP. Not sure if there isn't enough room for a FP entrance or what - but I was disappointed. Dh and DS got ONE ride on it total on our trip and dd wasn't feeling great so I waited off with her, so I didn't get to ride it at all!


Gotta go eat some breakfast now - our last day in CA! More later...

Nice report. Thanks.

Rumor is that Disney in general wants to phase out FP and TSMM was the first example if this. If there is no FP for Little Mermaid or Radiator Springs Racers then we will know there will not be any more FPs at DLR. IMO TSMM and Nemo Subs are the two hardest rides to do at DLR without a long wait.

ETA: About TSMM opening late, that has happened a lot recently and many are speculating it is related to Toy Story 3. See Toy Story Midway Mania Modifications Coming June 18 for TS3...

 

[AmyK]

I'm enjoying the report. Thanks for taking the time to do it!

Hydroguy, that would stink if they took away all FP. FP made our WDW trip so much more enjoyable 2 years ago. Using smart strategies, we got a lot done even with out them, but they enabled us to go on some of our favorites, like Splash and Soarin' more than 1 time in a day without long waits. Do youknow what the reasoning is behind not wanting them?

 

[nana50]

I don't understand why they would get rid of such a popular item. What is the downside for them?

 

[HydroGuy]

Well Disney is of course a business. And it takes time and money to build and manage FP. The whole idea behind FP was that it would free people from waiting in line so that they could spend more time shopping or dining - in general spending more money. It is debatable whether that has happened. I think Disney knows but they do not share that info.

FP also favors those who learn how to use it and give them a big advantage over those who don't. This makes it unpopular with certain guests because it seems unfair. Especially when Disney does not enforce return windows. If you go onto other forums that are not as nice as this one there are flame wars over FP.

There is also a lot of talk (especially at WDW) about bundling FPs with onsite hotel reservations. If true this would seem to support keeping FP around awhile.

Truthfully I have not heard any good FP rumors for the last year or so. Disney did add FP to TSMM at DHS in 2008. But not at DCA. So they are still nominally supporting FPs at least in Florida. The big test on how Disney feels about FP will be as I said - what happens with LM and especially RSR at DCA when they open in 2011 and 2012.

Another test will be when DL re-opens the new version of Star Tours. DL has had FP for this (don't think DHS does - can't remember). When DL turned off the ST FP machines in 2005 or 2006, it was rumored that they left all the wiring in place so they could re-install the machines at a later date. ST2 will be hugely popular - supposed to open in May 2011. If they bring FP back to ST that will indicate something. If they do not, that too will indicate something.

After all my rambling you can see I do not have a solid answer. I just hear rumors that Disney wants to phase out FP.

 

[AmyK]

Interesting. Thanks for the explanation.

My apologies to the OP for briefly hijacking your thread. Carry on with your trip report. lol

 

[egritz]

Number 2 frown was getting ice cream (my FAVORITE) on Main St. There were about 10 or so people in front of me when I got in line. And it was about 25 minutes from when I got in line til when I got the ice cream. There were 3 people taking orders and only 1 scooping and making the sundaes, etc. - no way could he keep up and obviously was not keeping up. This an a LOONG wait for dinner at the CS next to Splash on Friday gave me the impression that DLR is more 'laid back' and not the 'we get people in and move them out as quickly as possible' that WDW is so known for doing. Now, to be fair the man next to me at the long CS wait says he comes to DLR once a month and it 'never' takes this long. So perhaps we just hit a bad couple of days.

Burbank Ice Cream in DCA is always much quicker -- we usually try to get our treats there.

 

[KCmike]

What did your family think of Fantasyland? It is one of my favorite parts of DL. So many dark rides and unique things for all ages.

Can't wait to hear what you think of:
Fantasmic! DL Version
Remember Dreams Come True Fireworks
Pirates
Space Mtn
IASM
Aladdin stage show in DCA
Railroad and Autopia?

We felt a little like your family. Our first morning we woke up a few hours early and had to wait to get started with our day. We had a few cold days as well the first time we went. I have to say it was kind of nice to wear a hoodie instead of burning at WDW. Plus I love my DL hoodie with the original since 55 emblem on it.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Huff]

I have never really wanted to go to WDW, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is too far and too expensive.

I live in Phoenix and for a week+ long trip WDW has been cheaper than going to Disneyland Resort. Thats because WDW has the value resorts and has had free dining. Even with airfare it works out to be a great bargain.

That doesn't stop me from taking short weekend trips to DLR every month!

 

[disneyderns]

Love this thread and reading your report! We've been to WDW about 5 times (counting the trips as a child). First time to DLR - a little nervous because we are going during high season and only for 2 days - unless I can convince DW to add a day... Tryin to get as many tips a possible. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

First time to DLR - a little nervous because we are going during high season and only for 2 days - unless I can convince DW to add a day... Tryin to get as many tips a possible. Thanks for your thoughts!

My first tip would be to add another day. It is just so much nicer to have that 3rd day to do the things missed on the first 2 days and to slow down and savor the experience.

 

[brymolmom]

Just wanted to update all that I haven't forgotten and will definitely be adding more. But today is our travel day home. I am sitting in LAX right now waiting to board our flight. If I'm not entirely too exhausted when I get home to Rochester, NY tonight (LAX to Chicago, Midway to BUF then 1 hr drive home - UGH I'm tired already) - I'll write more then!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Just wanted to update all that I haven't forgotten and will definitely be adding more. But today is our travel day home. I am sitting in LAX right now waiting to board our flight. If I'm not entirely too exhausted when I get home to Rochester, NY tonight (LAX to Chicago, Midway to BUF then 1 hr drive home - UGH I'm tired already) - I'll write more then!

I hope you find all well at home.

 

[Jazzylolo]

Just wanted to update all that I haven't forgotten and will definitely be adding more. But today is our travel day home. I am sitting in LAX right now waiting to board our flight. If I'm not entirely too exhausted when I get home to Rochester, NY tonight (LAX to Chicago, Midway to BUF then 1 hr drive home - UGH I'm tired already) - I'll write more then!

I didn't realize you are from Rochester. Me too Though I won't be in 2 months when we move to Seattle!!

 

[supersuperwendy]

Thanks so much for sharing and have a safe trip home!

We are considering becoming Disneyland Newbies, but haven't booked anything yet! I feel like I need to do a lot more research first!

 

[brymolmom]

And back to reality...EXCEPT that I can re-live it by writing about it here!

Hydroguy - Thanks for the insight on FP, etc. I didn't realize that FP might get eliminated/phased out/or whatever. Honestly, if they do that at WDW, my trips would be way less frequent. I would ONLY do it during times when I could safely take my kids out of school at the least busy times. It just isn't worth it to me to take my vacation and not be able to go on my favorites at all - or only go on with a really long wait time (and thus miss out on other things since no way can you do everything you want if you're spending that much time in lines). And I have heard of the getting it only with Disney hotels...that would depend how they do it whether it would affect my visits. If I can get it at Values - I would likely go almost or just as frequently. Anyway - I hope they don't go away. I hated not going on TSMM this trip and would have preferred to go on it 3 times and likely would have with FP's.

So Day two closes my first time ever at DCA...and I loved seeing it and experiencing it. One thing for you WDW people that I realized quickly is that the DL/DCA experience is much more of an 'amusement park' experience, IMO. I tell people going to WDW all the time that 'it isn't really 'rides', there are SOME of them, but it is way more about the attractions/shows'. At DL/DCA - it is (or can be) way more about the rides. I actually had to tell my family that I was 'done' with rides after CA Screamin followed by Mickey's Fun Wheel (in a car that rocked a TON) followed by 2 times on Mohulland Madness. I am not much of a ride person and LIKE them, but only in small doses. So at WDW, when the most thrill rides I can do at any one park is 2 - 3 - I am good. But at DL/DCA - especially if lines are short as they were on Wed and Thu of my trip - you can easily go on 6 - 7 'thrill' rides (and even twice that if you go on each twice) within 3 or so hours. I'm counting Screamin', Mickey's wheel, Mulhulland, TOT, Space Mtn, BTMRR, Matterhorn (closed while we were there), am I missing any others? Anyway - it was a bit of ride overkill for me personally, but the kids were loving it so I let them have at it! And I sat out a few times...

Left early again - it was cold. I'd like to say the weather picked up before we left the state - but we didn't see any day above 70. Oh well, it was vacation anyway!

Friday was our hopping day (actually hopped once on Thurs let the kids do BTMRR twice on our way out for the day). Started at DL with Nemo Submarines and I already told you the issues there. I did love the ride though. There was a SIGNIFICANT increase in crowds on this day and we could tell that immediately. Open time was 9:00am but it appeared they opened rides early - we were in line for Nemo by 8:55 or so. Grabbed FP's (and this time we KNEW we'd need them) for Splash Mtn, BTMRR and Buzz before leaving to go to DCA and heading over to the Disney VIsa meet n greet. Just after this we went to Muhulland Madness and Mickey's wheel, I ran over to FP Grizzly Rapids. Talked ds into going on CA Screamin (not an easy task) - so we all did this and enjoyed it to varying degrees. Loved the broccoli cheese soup in the bread bowl from that bread bakery place for lunch - yum! Soon after lunch went on Grizzly run and dd hated it cuz she got absolutely soaked (yes - we had told her but I guess a 6 year old is optimistic). Made our way out of this park by about 2:00 or so. The plan way to go back to the room around 3:00-ish to rest and nap to be able to make it back for the fireworks. We went back to DL and grabbed another Splash FP and went on BTMRR a couple more times. Made it back to the room about 3:30. DD and I slept a bit, DH and ds went to the water slide area at HOJO (even tho it was way too cold). We did get up and make it to DL about 7:00 or so. The FP's we had accumulated came up HUGE here, as we used them all in 2 hours prior to the fireworks walking past large lines all the while. Fireworks were AWESOME and well worth the wait. Unfortunately, I thought that the nighttime parade was going to happen (it did the previous Friday and I saw a Fri - Sun indication on the prior days' time schedule so I was hopeful - but nope ). Whoever was wondering about F! - that wasn't playing while we were there either. We saw lots of contruction for WOC - with divers and everything! Had great seats during our multiple times on Mickey's Fun Wheel!

I think that I should start talking myself into going to bed. I'll write more tomorrow - after work I'll need a pick me up!

 

[seadd67]

take a breather,we will still be here great report. Question?,about how long did take you to walk from DLR to the park entrance? thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

take a breather,we will still be here great report. Question?,about how long did take you to walk from DLR to the park entrance? thanks

Uhhh, the park entrance is in DLR. Guessing you must have meant DLH?

FWIW see "How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

 

[highlander]

"Grabbed FP's (and this time we KNEW we'd need them) for Splash Mtn, BTMRR and Buzz before leaving to go to DCA and heading over to the Disney VIsa meet n greet. "

How does this work? Is this different than at DW? I may be a bit undereducated on this. I'm heading to DL this summer and keep reading about people "collecting" a number of FPs, so am assuming that they're expired by the time they actually get used.

 

[HydroGuy]

How does this work? Is this different than at DW? I may be a bit undereducated on this. I'm heading to DL this summer and keep reading about people "collecting" a number of FPs, so am assuming that they're expired by the time they actually get used.

FPs do not expire on the day they are obtained at DLR or WDW.

See "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"The Joy of FASTPASS - details and secrets" www.micechat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5720

 

[Hound 109]

FPs do not expire on the day they are obtained at DLR or WDW.

See "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"The Joy of FASTPASS - details and secrets" www.micechat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5720

Quoting this because i can.

(& because these linked threads should be read several times so they are completely understood)

Grabbed FP's (and this time we KNEW we'd need them) for Splash Mtn, BTMRR and Buzz before leaving to go to DCA.....

The FP's we had accumulated came up HUGE here, as we used them all in 2 hours prior to the fireworks walking past large lines all the while....

Classic DLR Disboarder moves.

Few things finer than using up 4-5 FPs (collected that morning) & casually strolling by (& around) LONG standby lines on popular attractions during the early evening at DL.