WDW Vet looking for DL tips!!

[Gondingl]

Hello everyone! I am super excited to announce that I'll be visiting Disneyland for the very first time this June! June 12 and 13th to be exact. I have been to WDW countless of times, I go multiple times a year. But really looking for some useful tips and tricks from the DL pros. Here is what I've got going on so far for my DL trip:

• We are only going two days - one day at DL and one day at DCA. Wish we could go more but it isn't in the cards for this trip so can't change that (go 2-days or not go at all).
• Staying at Anaheim Marriott. (Would love to stay at a DL resort but we can stay at the Anaheim Marriott for 3 nights at the price of 1 night at Paradise Pier). Can I walk to the park? If I take the ART will a lot of time be spent on the bus/tram? I want to maximize my time at the parks so I'm thinking of walking in the morning and Uber-ing home. It will only be 2 adults.
• Arriving on the 11th, plan to visit Trader Sam's at DLH.
• I want to go to DCA on the 12th and DL on the 13th - my birthday. I would love, love, love to visit Walt's park on my birthday. But looking at the calendars I'm starting to think EMH will be for DL on the 13th and DCA on the 12th. I've read that to max your time, if staying off site, to avoid the park when they have EMH. True? Thoughts?
• Currently have WOC dining package at Carthay Circle for the 12th. Torn between that and Wine Country.
• Have a MSEP dining package at Blue Bayou.
• Counter service suggestions for lunch/breakfast?
• FastPass suggestions - used to electronic ones at WDW so any tips on the paper system would be much appreciated.
• Anything else I should know?

TIA for everything!

 

[figment_jii]

I recommend taking a quick look at HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets to help you get a sense of the major differences.

Staying at Anaheim Marriott. (Would love to stay at a DL resort but we can stay at the Anaheim Marriott for 3 nights at the price of 1 night at Paradise Pier). Can I walk to the park? If I take the ART will a lot of time be spent on the bus/tram? I want to maximize my time at the parks so I'm thinking of walking in the morning and Uber-ing home. It will only be 2 adults.

Technically it is within walking distance, but I probably would opt to either take taxi/Uber or try walking to the Toy Story parking lot and then catching the bus from there.

I want to go to DCA on the 12th and DL on the 13th - my birthday. I would love, love, love to visit Walt's park on my birthday. But looking at the calendars I'm starting to think EMH will be for DL on the 13th and DCA on the 12th. I've read that to max your time, if staying off site, to avoid the park when they have EMH. True? Thoughts?

It depends to some degree on what attractions you want to do the most. Over in DL, EMH/MM only includes FL and TL, so the rest of the park won't have lines when it opens. Over in DCA, I think it makes a bigger difference because most of the most popular attractions are open for EMH (e.g., RSR, TSMM). So in that way, I would consider doing DCA and DL on their non-EMH/MM days. However, the impacts of EMH/MM don't last that long into the day because the parks are so close together and it's easy to hop between parks, so a lot of guests do hop.

Counter service suggestions for lunch/breakfast?

It really depends on what kinds of food you like. I recommend taking a look at the Disneyland Dining Reviews and Photos thread to get a sense of what is currently being offered (start with the most recent pages). My favorite CS location are Plaza Inn, French Market, and Jolly Holiday.

FastPass suggestions - used to electronic ones at WDW so any tips on the paper system would be much appreciated.

DLR announced a new MaxPass system that is supposed to roll out sometime this year; they haven't said when. Once that starts, it's hard to say what impacts it will have on the legacy/paper FP system. Right now, you can get another FP two hours after you pulled the current one or when the time window opens, whichever comes first. The parks are now connected and there are no disconnected attraction FPs. My general sense is that RSR is the most popular FP in DCA (followed by TSMM), although given the Mission: Breakout should be open by the time you get there, that might be a pretty popular FP (not sure if it'll displace RSR as number one) and HyperSM is the most popular FP in DL.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hello everyone! I am super excited to announce that I'll be visiting Disneyland for the very first time this June! June 12 and 13th to be exact.

Pay attention to grad nights:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

• Staying at Anaheim Marriott. (Would love to stay at a DL resort but we can stay at the Anaheim Marriott for 3 nights at the price of 1 night at Paradise Pier). Can I walk to the park? If I take the ART will a lot of time be spent on the bus/tram? I want to maximize my time at the parks so I'm thinking of walking in the morning and Uber-ing home. It will only be 2 adults.

Whenever possible I always recommend staying at a walking distance hotels. WDW vets have a comfort level with staying farther from the parks and taking buses and boats and monorails. When they do that at DLR they give up one of DLR's huge advantages over WDW IMO.

In case you want to reconsider, here is something to read

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

• Arriving on the 11th, plan to visit Trader Sam's at DLH.

• I want to go to DCA on the 12th and DL on the 13th - my birthday. I would love, love, love to visit Walt's park on my birthday. But looking at the calendars I'm starting to think EMH will be for DL on the 13th and DCA on the 12th. I've read that to max your time, if staying off site, to avoid the park when they have EMH. True? Thoughts?

If you are rope drop person I would suggest you reverse these days.

Mondays are EMH at DCA and Tuesdays are EMH at DL. If you arrive anytime after the first hour or so it will not matter. But if you arrive for rope drop, you want to be on the same level playing field as everyone else. That means go to DL on Mondays and DCA on Tuesdays for rope drop. Unless you have EMH which you will not. Or arrive late by an hour or more.

• Currently have WOC dining package at Carthay Circle for the 12th. Torn between that and Wine Country.

Both good options. I do not like the CCR area they try and direct you to so read more here: "World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

• Have a MSEP dining package at Blue Bayou.

No opinion on this. Blue Bayou is definitely worth doing. Getting a package for MSEP? I personally would not do that.

• Counter service suggestions for lunch/breakfast?

Lots of opinions on this out there all with good suggestions I am sure.

At DL I am partial to Plaza Inn and Red Rocket's Pizza Port. I have been hearing good things lately about River Belle Terrace and there is the new Red Rose dining area in Fantasyland.

At DCA, I like Pacific Wharf Cafe and Flo's V-8 Diner. I would suggest Flo's in CarsLand.

I never eat breakfast in the parks so can't help you there.

• FastPass suggestions - used to electronic ones at WDW so any tips on the paper system would be much appreciated.

Here are some tips: "Thoughts on Maximizing FASTPASS in Today's Disney Parks" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=50089263

• Anything else I should know?

Lots of info here. I need to update it sometime soon!

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Gondingl]

I recommend taking a quick look at HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets to help you get a sense of the major differences.
Thanks! Definitely something I'm working my way though.

Technically it is within walking distance, but I probably would opt to either take taxi/Uber or try walking to the Toy Story parking lot and then catching the bus from there.

It depends to some degree on what attractions you want to do the most. Over in DL, EMH/MM only includes FL and TL, so the rest of the park won't have lines when it opens. Over in DCA, I think it makes a bigger difference because most of the most popular attractions are open for EMH (e.g., RSR, TSMM). So in that way, I would consider doing DCA and DL on their non-EMH/MM days. However, the impacts of EMH/MM don't last that long into the day because the parks are so close together and it's easy to hop between parks, so a lot of guests do hop.
I want to do all of the attractions which I know isn't feasible. Just wondering what are some of the "must do's" according to the DL fans.

It really depends on what kinds of food you like. I recommend taking a look at the Disneyland Dining Reviews and Photos thread to get a sense of what is currently being offered (start with the most recent pages). My favorite CS location are Plaza Inn, French Market, and Jolly Holiday.
We like any and all food as long as it is good food. I keep hearing good things about the Plaza Inn and Jolly Holiday.

DLR announced a new MaxPass system that is supposed to roll out sometime this year; they haven't said when. Once that starts, it's hard to say what impacts it will have on the legacy/paper FP system. Right now, you can get another FP two hours after you pulled the current one or when the time window opens, whichever comes first. The parks are now connected and there are no disconnected attraction FPs. My general sense is that RSR is the most popular FP in DCA (followed by TSMM), although given the Mission: Breakout should be open by the time you get there, that might be a pretty popular FP (not sure if it'll displace RSR as number one) and HyperSM is the most popular FP in DL. I wonder if the MaxPass will roll out with the opening of Breakout...?

 

[Gondingl]

Pay attention to grad nights:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400
Hooray! No Grad nights on either of our nights!

Whenever possible I always recommend staying at a walking distance hotels. WDW vets have a comfort level with staying farther from the parks and taking buses and boats and monorails. When they do that at DLR they give up one of DLR's huge advantages over WDW IMO.
We unforuntely can't switch hotels, or I would move on into a DL hotel. Since we can't I guess we will Uber or ART to the parks.

If you are rope drop person I would suggest you reverse these days. We try to be Rope Drop people but life gets in the way, so I'll keep our park plans and plan to arrive late. If we arrive early, maybe we will just soak up 'Disneyland' vibes.

Both good options. I do not like the CCR area they try and direct you to so read more here: "World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447 So tell them I want to be upfront and they will let us go there? Is the CCR area same as Wine Country?

No opinion on this. Blue Bayou is definitely worth doing. Getting a package for MSEP? I personally would not do that. MSEP is one of my favorite Disney things, I have to see it again before it goes away. My thoughts was to get a package and thus not have to stake out a good spot to watch. If you don't think I'll have a problem finding a good spot to watch without the package, I may rethink this.

At DL I am partial to Plaza Inn and Red Rocket's Pizza Port. I have been hearing good things lately about River Belle Terrace and there is the new Red Rose dining area in Fantasyland. I'm leaning towards the Plaza for now.

At DCA, I like Pacific Wharf Cafe and Flo's V-8 Diner. I would suggest Flo's in CarsLand. Is Cove Bar more snacks than a meal?

Thanks for all the info! Lots of reading to do!

 

[figment_jii]

I like the Plaza Inn's fried chicken meal. Jolly Holiday has some soups, sandwiches, and salads, but my favorites are the desserts. The selection varies (mostly by season, not necessarily daily), but most things I've tried have been really good. I highly recommend the raspberry Mickey macaron and the eclairs.

I don't think anyone really has a good sense of when MaxPass will roll out. At the start of the summer would make sense, but so would earlier (to try and work out the bugs before the summer). It'll be interesting to see what happens.

In terms of attractions, I would probably focus on the ones that are either classics or unique to DLR. My favorites are HyperSM, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Matterhorn, IaSW, Mr. Toad, PotC, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, RSR, Soarin', and TSMM.

Regarding the WoC Dining package...yes and no. The dining packages areas for Carthay and WCT are different (WCT shares with Ariel's). Once they open up the area, guests are free to go anywhere they want within the designated area. So if you want to go to the front area (wet zone?), then head there. Whether you'll get a front row depends on how many guests ahead of you want the same place.

For MSEP, if you're there on a two parade night, you can often get a pretty good spot without a dining package. If you watch the fireworks from where you want to see the parade and then immediately head to the "curb" after fireworks, you should be able to get a "curb" spot. It means you will have to wait about an hour until the parade starts, but that's usually a shorter wait than you would have to wait for the first parade.

The Cove Bar has food...things like lobster nachos, flatbread, sliders, etc. The food is more substantial than just "snacks". The only drawback is that the Cove Bar is very popular, so expect waits of an hour or more for a table (and you'll have to wait in line because they don't take reservations and they'd discontinued the pager system). The food is really good, but it's not a quick place to eat because of the table wait.

 

[DisBabe94]

Just one thing: get a park hopper

 

[HydroGuy]

I like the Plaza Inn's fried chicken meal. Jolly Holiday has some soups, sandwiches, and salads, but my favorites are the desserts. The selection varies (mostly by season, not necessarily daily), but most things I've tried have been really good. I highly recommend the raspberry Mickey macaron and the eclairs.

I forgot to mention Jolly Holiday. I second @figment_jii recommendation. We usually visit JHB at least once per trip.

 

[HydroGuy]

If you are rope drop person I would suggest you reverse these days. We try to be Rope Drop people but life gets in the way, so I'll keep our park plans and plan to arrive late. If we arrive early, maybe we will just soak up 'Disneyland' vibes.

Then for your DL day, if you arrive at RD, start your day in Adventureland/FrontierLand/Critter Country/New Orleans Square (the left side of the park). Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during EMH so if you go left at RD you will be on the same level field as all the EMH folks.

Both good options. I do not like the CCR area they try and direct you to so read more here: "World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447 So tell them I want to be upfront and they will let us go there? Is the CCR area same as Wine Country?

No, as @figment_jii says, CCR is different. The WOC superthread also talks about this. And do not show up late for WOC or you will not be able to see it! When I do the dining packages I arrive 75 minutes early to the WOC queue. Again, see the WOC superthread.

At DCA, I like Pacific Wharf Cafe and Flo's V-8 Diner. I would suggest Flo's in CarsLand. Is Cove Bar more snacks than a meal?

I have never done Cove Bar. But I understand they expanded it recently because of popularity.

 

[choirboy501]

My thoughts (some have already been stated):

- since you will only be at DLR for two days, I recommend doing rope drop (show up at the gates an hour prior to park opening) at whichever park doesn't have EMH. It seems early, but with Starbucks in hand, you get a chance to meet/talk with other like-minded folks who share your passion. And, skip breakfast in the parks. Eat something before arriving (in your room, Starbucks, etc.). The first couple of hours in the park can be golden, free of locals and you'll be surprised at how much you can get done, especially in DL.

- WOC package at Cathay Circle is a great choice. I do it every time I go. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your reservation time to enjoy some time in the lounge.

- also, don't be afraid to park hop. Most of the time, I have table service dinner reservations/a dining package in the opposite park that I start my day. It's a nice break, and helps me fight fatigue on long park days.

- using your arrival night to knock out Trader Sam's (or other place) is a smart move. As is, if you choose to fly out in the morning, making a reservation at another location before departing. Ex: I never fly on a park day, I stay an extra night at my hotel after closing a park. So, I typically eat at Steakhouse 55 for breakfast when they open (7am) before heading to the airport. It can make 2 days seem like 3-4 days that way.

- don't regret any decision. If you don't see something/do something - that means making another trip. I deliberately try to keep from doing everything (unless it's something that will not be available or is only available for a limited time) to maintain anticipation/an excuse to come back. I keep my visits to 3 days, the length of the Salute the Troops tickets (I'm military). It gives me something to look forward to next time.

Enjoy your time in the parks! Don't sweat anything. Have just a few must dos, and enjoy the rest.

And, my best times (I've always gone solo) has been meeting other like-minded folks and doing a few unplanned things off the cuff.

 

[choirboy501]

Another very small tip: if doing rope drop, and you like Starbucks, use the app to do mobile order for the two Downtown Disney locations, so you can pick up on the way to the gates for rope drop.

 

[Gondingl]

I like the Plaza Inn's fried chicken meal. Jolly Holiday has some soups, sandwiches, and salads, but my favorites are the desserts. Sounds like Plaza for fried chicken and JH for dessert will be the plan!

I don't think anyone really has a good sense of when MaxPass will roll out. Wish Disney would let us know a potential date at least.

In terms of attractions, I would probably focus on the ones that are either classics or unique to DLR. My favorites are HyperSM, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Matterhorn, IaSW, Mr. Toad, PotC, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, RSR, Soarin', and TSMM. Sounds like a good game plan. Then hit up others it time allows but have these be the main goal.

The Cove Bar has food...things like lobster nachos, flatbread, sliders, etc. The food is more substantial than just "snacks". The only drawback is that the Cove Bar is very popular, so expect waits of an hour or more for a table (and you'll have to wait in line because they don't take reservations and they'd discontinued the pager system). The food is really good, but it's not a quick place to eat because of the table wait. Yikes. Maybe Cove Bar will be for Trip #2.

 

[Gondingl]

Then for your DL day, if you arrive at RD, start your day in Adventureland/FrontierLand/Critter Country/New Orleans Square (the left side of the park). Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during EMH so if you go left at RD you will be on the same level field as all the EMH folks. This is a wonderful tip! Thank you!

 

[Gondingl]

My thoughts (some have already been stated):

- since you will only be at DLR for two days, I recommend doing rope drop (show up at the gates an hour prior to park opening) at whichever park doesn't have EMH. It seems early, but with Starbucks in hand, you get a chance to meet/talk with other like-minded folks who share your passion. And, skip breakfast in the parks. Eat something before arriving (in your room, Starbucks, etc.). The first couple of hours in the park can be golden, free of locals and you'll be surprised at how much you can get done, especially in DL. Rope drop and Starbucks is a wonderful idea!

- WOC package at Cathay Circle is a great choice. I do it every time I go. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your reservation time to enjoy some time in the lounge. Ooo lounges are always welcome on vacations!

- also, don't be afraid to park hop. Most of the time, I have table service dinner reservations/a dining package in the opposite park that I start my day. It's a nice break, and helps me fight fatigue on long park days.

- using your arrival night to knock out Trader Sam's (or other place) is a smart move. As is, if you choose to fly out in the morning, making a reservation at another location before departing. Ex: I never fly on a park day, I stay an extra night at my hotel after closing a park. So, I typically eat at Steakhouse 55 for breakfast when they open (7am) before heading to the airport. It can make 2 days seem like 3-4 days that way. We have an afternoon flight after our last park day and plan to spend the morning strolling Downtown Disney.

- don't regret any decision. If you don't see something/do something - that means making another trip. I deliberately try to keep from doing everything (unless it's something that will not be available or is only available for a limited time) to maintain anticipation/an excuse to come back. I keep my visits to 3 days, the length of the Salute the Troops tickets (I'm military). It gives me something to look forward to next time. This is an awesome tip/excellent words of advice. You instantly made me feel better about the "what if I don't get to see everything?" question, I'll see it on my second trip!

Enjoy your time in the parks! Don't sweat anything. Have just a few must dos, and enjoy the rest. Thank you!

 

[aboveH20]

My tip. . . . Make sure you grab a park map when you enter. The Orlando and California Magic Kingdoms (AKA Disneyland, not California Adventure) are similar enough that you'll think you know where you're going until you end up someplace else. A couple years ago I went to DLR for the first time in a number of years and got so frustrated thinking I knew where I was going and getting lost that I finally gave up and went to City Hall to get a first time pin because that's what it felt like.

It seemed like the Matterhorn was always getting in my way

 

[KingLlama]

Now THIS is the thread I've been waiting for. So many of the "help me with my DL trip" threads, while highly informative, seem to be directed more towards those who are at DLR for 3+ days, will be park-hopping, etc.

But I'm in the same boat as the OP....two days, one park per day. So these are great tips.

One DCA question...with only one day at DCA, does it make sense to splurge for the WOC Dessert Party, since it will (hopefully) be a time-saver? I'm just thinking that with one day in the park, any time that can be saved from not getting to WOC earlier than necessary will be a huge bonus(and, of course, the chair).

And one DLH question....do Trader Sam's and Tangeroa Terrace share a seating area? In other words, if I want longbeans from Trader Sam's, and a flatbread from TT, can I get both and simply take to the patio? Trying to kill two proverbial birds with one stone. Thinking of going there the night I arrive at DLR, and not hitting the parks until the following day.

 

[fly girl]

Lots of repeats of what others posted, but I'm going to throw my two cents in anyway.

Stay in a walking distance hotel. That's the absolute beauty of DL. Enjoy going bus free, it's liberating!!

Get park hoppers if possible. Then you can enjoy the best of both on your birthday. Everything is so close and it's nice to jump from one park to the other in minutes.

Carthay Circle is a great choice for WOC.

I see you're from my area (NKY!), you'll be up for rope drop with the time change. Take advantage of it at the non EMH park.

The paper FP's are like old WDW. So much better than FP+ imho. I know they linked DL/DCA FP machines (it was a trek and really a pain anyway) but I'm not sure how Max Pass will change things.

Remember, the castle is a lot smaller at DL. I know a lot of WDW folks are surprised by that.

Have fun! DL is a lot less planning way in advance -- a refreshing change from the 180 day dining, and 60/30 FP+ WDW has. Relax and just go with the flow.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Now THIS is the thread I've been waiting for. So many of the "help me with my DL trip" threads, while highly informative, seem to be directed more towards those who are at DLR for 3+ days, will be park-hopping, etc.

But I'm in the same boat as the OP....two days, one park per day. So these are great tips.

One DCA question...with only one day at DCA, does it make sense to splurge for the WOC Dessert Party, since it will (hopefully) be a time-saver? I'm just thinking that with one day in the park, any time that can be saved from not getting to WOC earlier than necessary will be a huge bonus(and, of course, the chair).

And one DLH question....do Trader Sam's and Tangeroa Terrace share a seating area? In other words, if I want longbeans from Trader Sam's, and a flatbread from TT, can I get both and simply take to the patio? Trying to kill two proverbial birds with one stone. Thinking of going there the night I arrive at DLR, and not hitting the parks until the following day.

We did the WOC dessert party last summer and in my opinion, it is well worth the money. Great way to relax and watch the show. Not being packed with the crowd made it extra nice. I stayed at the DLH for three nights but did have a PH and found the ability to hop a great advantage to have. You should consider it.

 

[KingLlama]

Believe me, I'd love to park hop. But this is a two-week California trip, and it's just not in the budget. Trying to save money every way I can.

The plan is to go back in about 5-6 years(after SWL hype has died down a bit) and do DLR for an entire week or so....really do it up right. But for this trip, it's gotta be pretty bare bones.

Kentuckian here, too....Lexington area.

 

[Gondingl]

My tip. . . . Make sure you grab a park map when you enter. The Orlando and California Magic Kingdoms (AKA Disneyland, not California Adventure) are similar enough that you'll think you know where you're going until you end up someplace else.

I definitely see this happening to me! Especially since DL isn't in quite a 'round' shape as MK, I see myself getting lost easily!

Now THIS is the thread I've been waiting for. So many of the "help me with my DL trip" threads, while highly informative, seem to be directed more towards those who are at DLR for 3+ days, will be park-hopping, etc.

But I'm in the same boat as the OP....two days, one park per day. So these are great tips.

Welcome! And from KY too! I went to college at UK and love getting back for Keeneland and visiting friends I wish we could do PH too but one of those "it is either single day tickets, or no tickets at all" kind of budget trip. When is your DL trip?

Lots of repeats of what others posted, but I'm going to throw my two cents in anyway.

Stay in a walking distance hotel. That's the absolute beauty of DL. Enjoy going bus free, it's liberating!!

Get park hoppers if possible. Then you can enjoy the best of both on your birthday. Everything is so close and it's nice to jump from one park to the other in minutes.

Carthay Circle is a great choice for WOC.

I see you're from my area (NKY!), you'll be up for rope drop with the time change. Take advantage of it at the non EMH park.

The paper FP's are like old WDW. So much better than FP+ imho. I know they linked DL/DCA FP machines (it was a trek and really a pain anyway) but I'm not sure how Max Pass will change things.

Remember, the castle is a lot smaller at DL. I know a lot of WDW folks are surprised by that.

Have fun! DL is a lot less planning way in advance -- a refreshing change from the 180 day dining, and 60/30 FP+ WDW has. Relax and just go with the flow.

Whoa more Kentucky folks! (Who knew I'd find so many on a DL thread! Love it!) I can't change the hotel or ticket options - the hotel for 3 nights is the cost of 1-night at many of the 'walking distance' hotels so we will try and walk or Uber. I think I've gotten so spoiled being able to book my FP while in line for my current FP I may not enjoy running from FP dispenser to the next.. but hopefully I can get back into the 'older' ways!

Side note: has anyone done the Art bus? It seems like it makes multiple stops and will take awhile to get get from the hotel to the parks...