WDW vet - going to DL for first time

[stschaefer]

I have been to WDW many times and would like advice for our first trip to DL.

1. What hotels are comparable to All Stars? How would Candy Cane, Howard Johnson, or Sheraton Anaheim compare?

2. Any advice on eating at the parks? Last couple of times at WDW we used the dining plan - but DL plan isn't as good. Do most people eat counter serve for lunch and outside of the park for dinner? What restaurants close by would you suggest (will have rental car)?

3. What rides are usually closed in March?

4. What special things can we do for my DD who will be turning 5 during our trip?

Thank you,

 

[HydroGuy]

I have been to WDW many times and would like advice for our first trip to DL.

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

. What hotels are comparable to All Stars? How would Candy Cane, Howard Johnson, or Sheraton Anaheim compare?

Haven't stayed at All-Stars - I know it is a "value" hotel - and I have stayed at HoJo's at DLR. Lots of people like the Candy Cane. I believe they would be roughly comparable to All-Stars - maybe a step up.

WDW vets never seem to mind buses and shuttles, but it is not necessary to do this at DLR, as there are hotels within easy walking distance to the parks. This is discussed at length in the DLR Guide link above. With that, I would shy away from the Sheraton - too far. The HoJo and CCI are a bit of a walk but not too bad.

Also see "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

2. Any advice on eating at the parks? Last couple of times at WDW we used the dining plan - but DL plan isn't as good. Do most people eat counter serve for lunch and outside of the park for dinner? What restaurants close by would you suggest (will have rental car)?

DLR does not compare very well to WDW in the area of dining. The Blue Bayou at DL is a special place to eat. And there is DTD. Since there are not that many places with sit-down, reservations, etc., in the parks, people do tend to use the counter service places. I like Taste Pilot's Grill at DCA and Rancho Zocalo's at DL for this.

3. What rides are usually closed in March?

There is a difference between early and late March, as late March gets into the Spring Break period which means more crowds but more rides and shows available (i.e., less refurbs). I would not let crowds hold you back.

I do not think there are any regular rides down in March. Unfortunately in 2007, the POTC ride may be down in March. See "POTC Ride Down For Refurb #2 - Possibly Feb-May 2007" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1222667

4. What special things can we do for my DD who will be turning 5 during our trip?

Sorry, I have four boys so can't help you very much here. They have a new Princess Fantasy Fair. See the latest DLR Park Update at MousePlanet for more info - www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=dl061009xx

There are also Character meals. See the "DLR Guide" for more info.

 

[puggymom]

I am WDW vet too and went last year to DL for this first time since 1976 (and am tentatively planning one for next year too).

I loved the Candy Cane Inn, great free buffet breakfast, very clean rooms and a great free shuttle, that leaves the hotel and park every half hour. It is also a very short walk.

I did mostly counter service, but my favorite was Taste Pilot's Grill, definately try to go to Blue Bayou. Offsite you might want to try an In and Out burger, they are to die for. I also liked the convienence store next to Candy Cane for sandwiches and some nice fresh fruit.

 

[Amy&Dan]

The HoJo will be similar to an All Star as far as room size and amenities. But you won't have that fun theming, several pools and Disney customer service (that is cm's who can help you with Disney dining reservations, ticket upgrades and things like that). That said, the HoJo which is the only one I have stayed at on your list is a fine place to stay. Its about a 10-15 minute walk from the gate, has two nice pools, kiddie pool/spray jets and some pretty landscaping. But bear in mind, its an older motel not a resort. But the rooms are clean, the staff is nice and its so convenient.

I have heard wonderful things about the Sheraton, its a notch above the HoJo and looks really nice. Its more of a full service hotel. It also has its own dedicated shuttle to Disneyland.

The Candy Cane is another thing I have heard only good things about. It also has its own dedicated shuttle.

As far as dining, Disneyland is more expensive for meals (Southern California thing) but they have some really nice counter service places. For full service in Disneyland, I love the Carnation Cafe which is right on Main Street. You sit outside, its a nice setting, and the prices aren't much more than cs except that you have a tip. Blue Bayou is great, right inside the Pirates ride and really a themed atmosphere. The only thing I know at WDW that comes close to that theming is San Angel Inn. Same kind of riverside setting. Disneyland has some nice character meals in the three hotels, if you go to the top of this page right under the heading (in brown I think) you can click on Dining (or any of the other small headings under the main Dis heading) for information on the character meals. There are also two character meals in the parks, a Minnie and Friends Breakfast in Disneyland (at the Plaza Inn which turns into cs for lunch and dinner) and Ariel's at DCA which has a princess lunch and dinner just like the format they have at Askershus in Norway at Epcot. Again, all of this can be researched in detail by clicking on those links up top. DTD is right there too and there are many nice options, including Rainforest Cafe, Tortilla Joes, Naples, Ralph Brennans and several others. DTD in Disneyland is smaller but I like it better. They have lots of nice entertainment and restaurants all steps from the parks. Offsite we like Mimi's which is right on Harbor (next to the HoJo). Huge portions, pretty atmopshere and great prices. If you stay at the HoJo in particular Mimi's is great and very convenient. Good luck with all of your planning!

P.S. Forgot to mention that the Plaza Inn in Disneyland has a birthday party. Each person gets to make their own little birthday cake and Minnie and Mickey make a brief appearance (just for photos, no autographs). Its very cute, they have this guy named Pat E. Cake who runs the party, sings and is sort of funny. Perfect for a five year old. Its about $10 per person. Goofy's Ktichen in the Disneyland Hotel is very fun (think Chef Mickey's) and a great place to celebrate a birthday. She can get a sticker at Town Hall to be recognized on her special day and the tortilla factor over at California Adventure gives a free bag of tortillas to honor guests on their birthday.

 

[GailT]

I am so excited, staying at the GC, costing me big $$$$ at Christmas time but I am such aand advid WDW nut that I will probably go back there. I think no matter where you stay it will be nice, these boards are great to give us guidance. Have a FUNtastic time no matter where you decide yo stay, you'll be in DL

 

[ter-moo]

I would compare Candy Cane to a moderate at WDW, as far as the rooms are concerned. As others have said, you don't have the themeing, but it is a nice property, with a good free breakfast and its own free shuttle buses.

 

[denyd]

Since most of the other questions have been answered, I'll take # 4.

They've just opened the Princess Pavillion where the Snow White Show used to be. Lots of special girly things like hair braiding, glitter makeup & princess dresses, plus a special ceremony to honor the new 'little princesses'.

If she's a bit of a tomboy, she'l probably prefer the Jedi Training Academy over at the Tomorrowland Terrace, with light saber duels with Darth Maul & Darth Vader.

Also in DTD there is Club Libby Lu for the pre-teen girl set. Lots of princess pampering things for her to enjoy.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I have heard wonderful things about the Sheraton, its a notch above the HoJo and looks really nice. Its more of a full service hotel. It also has its own dedicated shuttle to Disneyland..

I have to disagree on that one...Sheraton is way bigger notch wise than Hojo...not even in the same category...it has really turned into a superior hotel ...its always been as far as category wise but prior to a year or so ago I didnt know why...it is now a very nice hotel with its own shuttle and not even in the same league as any of the ones you asked about...best thing about it is the price...its cheaper than some of the lower end motels...its the only property I have stayed at off site up to this point

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have to disagree on that one...Sheraton is way bigger notch wise than Hojo...not even in the same category...it has really turned into a superior hotel ...its always been as far as category wise but prior to a year or so ago I didnt know why...it is now a very nice hotel with its own shuttle and not even in the same league as any of the ones you asked about...best thing about it is the price...its cheaper than some of the lower end motels...its the only property I have stayed at off site up to this point

Why are you disagreeing? I said it was a notch above the HoJo and a full service hotel. . And incidentally, when I said I "heard", I was referring to your postings about this property as well as a few other dis regulars who love this hotel.