WDW Vet Makes first DLR Trip during the Dreaded Spring Break! Tips/Advice needed...

[Mackie Mouse]

DH and I are WDW vets who will be taking our first DLR trip next year. We'll be flying to Arizona to visit some friends/family, and then will road-trip out to California with two friends for four days at Disneyland and DCA. The trip will be four of us - all adults. Since I'm a teacher, we're somewhat limited in terms of the times of year we can do this trip...and have decided that my spring break week (the last week in March, 2013) is when it has to happen.

I know that we'll likely be dealing with some intense crowds during this time, so my OCD-WDW-trip-planning self has already been doing some research - yes, a year in advance! - and has read up on many of the terrific threads here. I'd love any additional tips/advice all of you could provide, as well as answers to the following questions/concerns:

1) We will likely stay at a Good Neighbor hotel and have 3- or 4-day park hoppers, which will afford us one MM. Since DL will likely be open that day from 8-12, this seems like a ridiculously intense day, where we will be waiting for rope drop around sun-up. (I am used to avoiding EMH in WDW and and "early morning" means showing up for rope drop around 8:30 AM.) However, all the reading I've been doing points me to the fact that being on a ride at 7 AM that morning is a must if we want to maximize our time and fit it all in. Is this for sure the case? I'm fine with telling friends we'll have to do this one morning...and then hoping we can sleep in and take a leisurely stroll round DCA the next day starting at 10 AM. Mostly just looking for confirmation that a spring-break-DL-commando-day is not optional.

2) We are pretty set on taking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour on one of our days. Any recommendations for how we should schedule that day to maximize our time on other days? Keep in mind that when I ask this I'm coming from the hyper-planning WDW perspective...so "whatever you feel like doing that day!" is an OK answer.

3) What, in your opinion, are can't-miss dining experiences? We're looking at some combination of the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose (maybe the chef's counter?), the Ariel's Grotto/WoC dining package, and/or something at DTD (Catal or Jazz Kitchen?). A character breakfast at the Plaza Inn or Goofy's Kitchen also looks fun. Is there anywhere new coming from the DCA 2012 expansion that might be worth noting?

4) Do you have a favorite Good Neighbor Hotel? Our requirements are finding a good balance of a AAA discount, some form of a quick, free breakfast (WDW breakfasts usually consist of a bagel and a piece of fruit grabbed on our way out the door), walking-distance access to the parks, and a decent pool for mid-day breaks (we'll take at least 1 or 2). I know some of the popular choices here - particular the Candy Cane, the Best Western Park Place, and the HoJo, but would love to hear your opinions!

Thanks in advance for helping this WDW vet shift her focus...!

 

[Cinderpamela]

1) We will likely stay at a Good Neighbor hotel and have 3- or 4-day park hoppers, which will afford us one MM. Since DL will likely be open that day from 8-12, this seems like a ridiculously intense day, where we will be waiting for rope drop around sun-up. (I am used to avoiding EMH in WDW and and "early morning" means showing up for rope drop around 8:30 AM.) However, all the reading I've been doing points me to the fact that being on a ride at 7 AM that morning is a must if we want to maximize our time and fit it all in. Is this for sure the case? I'm fine with telling friends we'll have to do this one morning...and then hoping we can sleep in and take a leisurely stroll round DCA the next day starting at 10 AM. Mostly just looking for confirmation that a spring-break-DL-commando-day is not optional.
Get there at rope drop, and definitely take advantage of EMH. Keep in mind it is completely different than WDW in that you can walk in between parks, and also back to your hotel to take breaks if you need to.

2) We are pretty set on taking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour on one of our days. Any recommendations for how we should schedule that day to maximize our time on other days? Keep in mind that when I ask this I'm coming from the hyper-planning WDW perspective...so "whatever you feel like doing that day!" is an OK answer. Totally recommend the Walk in Walts Footsteps Tour... especially if you are a WDW vet. It will give you great insight into Walts vision and you get to see the lobby of Club 33.

3) What, in your opinion, are can't-miss dining experiences? We're looking at some combination of the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose (maybe the chef's counter?), the Ariel's Grotto/WoC dining package, and/or something at DTD (Catal or Jazz Kitchen?). A character breakfast at the Plaza Inn or Goofy's Kitchen also looks fun. Is there anywhere new coming from the DCA 2012 expansion that might be worth noting?
Our can't miss dining is Blue Bayou for lunch, first seating so you can get waterside, and we split a Monte Christo (the portion is huge). Napa Rose is a must for us! Goofy's Kitchen IMO is the best Character Breakfast. It's not necessary to do Ariels Kitchen for WOC seating... just get to DCA early on the day you plan to see WOC and grab a FP. For counter service we love Ranch del Zocalo in DL, and Whitewater Snack in the GC over by the pool... its a best kept secret, but just ask a CM if you cant find it.

4) Do you have a favorite Good Neighbor Hotel? Our requirements are finding a good balance of a AAA discount, some form of a quick, free breakfast (WDW breakfasts usually consist of a bagel and a piece of fruit grabbed on our way out the door), walking-distance access to the parks, and a decent pool for mid-day breaks (we'll take at least 1 or 2). I know some of the popular choices here - particular the Candy Cane, the Best Western Park Place, and the HoJo, but would love to hear your opinions!We have some friends that swear by the Candy Cane... its a bit farther of a walk though, but very nice. Also have some other friends that loved the Fairfield. When we stay offsite we stay at the Sheraton, very nice, but we stay there only because we have points through them, the walk is longer (close to 1 mile).

Thanks in advance for helping this WDW vet shift her focus...!

Also, if you havent already, you really need to read this article for WDW vets at DL, it can help WDW vets reset their thinking for touring DLR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Have a great time planning!! We love DLR!

 

[tinkermell]

Hi there and welcome to the DL side to the the DIS.

I think you have a really good start.

Definitely plan on early entry.

My favorite places to eat are DTD Jazz Kitchen. Ask for a table upstairs on the balcony or inside by the Jazz band. If you request inside, make sure your reservation is timed to the band playing. Super fun interaction. If you come too early, they will not even be there yet.

Tried the new Holly Jolly Bakery that last time there, and the sandwiches were really good. I had the caprese and tuna. (I had the caprese 2 times. )They also make home made potato chips there. Yummy!
One of my all time favorite salads called Aunt Polly's Vege Salad, is from the RiverBelle Terrace.
If you like corn dogs, the best ones you will ever have are from the Little Red Wagon at DL and not sure where at DCA now. (Things keeps changing over there.LOL.)

My new favorite place to go, is over at the DL Hotel, called Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sams, which are connected. A perfect place to hang out with just adults. The outside patio is really nice, and they usually have live music playing in the evening. Tangaroa is counter service, and Trader Sam's is a bar with really fun and cool Hawaiian atmosphere. When the guests order certain drinks, things happen inside the bar. Super fun! The pineapple cheeseburger is really good, and is served with sweet potato fries or slaw. I would definitely go there for one of your evening meals! This would be my number one suggestion for a nice easy going relaxing meal. You can even sit on a nice comfy couch while you are eating. Don't get me wrong, Napa is wonderful, the Blue Bayou is wonderful, and so on. They are just totally different in the feel.

I second White Water Snacks for good counter service food at the Grand California. You get there from the DCA exit to the Grand. Also gives you a chance to check out the beautiful hotel.

Something you might want to reconsider is maybe staying on property. If you are used to WDW, you might get more of an immersion feel if you stay on property. All of the hotels are super nice. It's fun being in the middle of the action when you stay onsite. You walk through DTD to get to each of the Hotels. Each person in your party gets 2 Fastpass tickets to any attraction that offers a Fastpass. You also get in every morning early that it is offered. This might be huge with the crowds that will be there. It is pricey, but if you can swing it, I would try. Some people might disagree, but for a WDW first timer, this is my suggestion. Now if it definitely out of your budget, I would try Park Place or Candy Cane. Candy Cane is prettier, but is farther to walk. Park Place and Park Vue are literally right across the street. Along with some others. I had heard that Park Place is in the process of remodeling.

Something you might want to try is RideMax for your trip. It really does work

Plan on seeing Fantasmic. A different and better one in most people's opinions. The only bummer, is that you have to sit on the ground for it. Seeing that you are adults only, you can probably wait and see it at one of the later showings.

Oh and how can I forget this. The best of the best fireworks is at DL, called Remember Dreams Come True. If I had to stake out a place for hours for a show, this would be it! If you love all things Disney, these fireworks have it. Very nostalgic, and downright right spine tingling. To get the best experience you must sit in front of the castle with the Matterhorn in view also. Sit towards the right of the castle, with no trees hindering your view, as they use the castle and the Matterhorn for the show. Bring a blanket, get some drinks and get there early, as it is going to be a zoo. One word of caution. I would try to see it as soon as you can. DL has to cancel the fireworks if there is too much wind. Some people make the mistake of skipping it on the first nights, only to plan on seeing it their last night, which gets canceled.

Ok, that should do it for now, as I need to get going.

Have fun and keep on asking questions. And do not forget to read the thread by HydroGuy!

 

[HydroGuy]

DH and I are WDW vets who will be taking our first DLR trip next year. We'll be flying to Arizona to visit some friends/family, and then will road-trip out to California with two friends for four days at Disneyland and DCA. The trip will be four of us - all adults. Since I'm a teacher, we're somewhat limited in terms of the times of year we can do this trip...and have decided that my spring break week (the last week in March, 2013) is when it has to happen.

I know that we'll likely be dealing with some intense crowds during this time, so my OCD-WDW-trip-planning self has already been doing some research - yes, a year in advance! - and has read up on many of the terrific threads here. I'd love any additional tips/advice all of you could provide, as well as answers to the following questions/concerns:

1) We will likely stay at a Good Neighbor hotel and have 3- or 4-day park hoppers, which will afford us one MM. Since DL will likely be open that day from 8-12, this seems like a ridiculously intense day, where we will be waiting for rope drop around sun-up. (I am used to avoiding EMH in WDW and and "early morning" means showing up for rope drop around 8:30 AM.) However, all the reading I've been doing points me to the fact that being on a ride at 7 AM that morning is a must if we want to maximize our time and fit it all in. Is this for sure the case? I'm fine with telling friends we'll have to do this one morning...and then hoping we can sleep in and take a leisurely stroll round DCA the next day starting at 10 AM. Mostly just looking for confirmation that a spring-break-DL-commando-day is not optional.

2) We are pretty set on taking the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour on one of our days. Any recommendations for how we should schedule that day to maximize our time on other days? Keep in mind that when I ask this I'm coming from the hyper-planning WDW perspective...so "whatever you feel like doing that day!" is an OK answer.

3) What, in your opinion, are can't-miss dining experiences? We're looking at some combination of the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose (maybe the chef's counter?), the Ariel's Grotto/WoC dining package, and/or something at DTD (Catal or Jazz Kitchen?). A character breakfast at the Plaza Inn or Goofy's Kitchen also looks fun. Is there anywhere new coming from the DCA 2012 expansion that might be worth noting?

4) Do you have a favorite Good Neighbor Hotel? Our requirements are finding a good balance of a AAA discount, some form of a quick, free breakfast (WDW breakfasts usually consist of a bagel and a piece of fruit grabbed on our way out the door), walking-distance access to the parks, and a decent pool for mid-day breaks (we'll take at least 1 or 2). I know some of the popular choices here - particular the Candy Cane, the Best Western Park Place, and the HoJo, but would love to hear your opinions!

Thanks in advance for helping this WDW vet shift her focus...!

Maybe you are exaggerating for effect, but I do not see anything "dreaded" at all about Spring Break. Will it be busy? Yes. Will hours and entertainment be maxed out? Yes. You are on the right track with MM, early starts and mid-day breaks. I would not dread a trip like that. I would look forward to it because it will be wonderful if done right.

OK, now to your questions. Yes for sure do MM and for sure get to the gates - with your bodies standing in line at least 20 minutes early (by 6:40AM) - 30 minutes early is better. Totally worth it.

Note there are rumors that MM will be changing/expanding this summer to DCA so by 2013 MM could look very different from today and advice will likely be different. Also, it appears that DCA hours may be changing this summer as well and it may open at 8AM as well. So your sleep-in, start at DCA at 10AM may not be viable in 2013.

I did the Walt Tour last year. Only advice is do the afternoon tour so you do not burn precious morning hours on a tour and instead use afternoon hours for touring when things are busy.

You have got the good spots for dining and I would say aside from BB there are many good options at DLR but none are "can't miss". Tortilla Jo's in DTD is a favorite in my family and many other DISers on the forum.

AG is a good choice. Cafe Orleans is good at DL - but there is some overlap in menu with BB (e.g., Monte Cristo sandwich and gumbo). Plaza Inn is darn good for a buffeteria. We also like Redd Rocket's at DL.

Yes, there are some new dining options coming to Cars Land but nothing so far sounds major.

You are on the right track if you want a good neighbor hotel. The two slightly nicer and closer hotels are Candy Cane and Hojo's. BWPPI is closest but breakfast is at the next door Captain Kidds and not so great.

But, but, but - think again about your need for breakfast. I think Disney breakfasts are best done light and mobile - fruit and bagels. You need to be moving in the morning to the parks and not sitting around eating. My two cents.

Hope you have a magical trip. With your advance planning I am certain you will!

 

[dlinne]

Hi there and welcome to the DL side to the the DIS.


Something you might want to reconsider is maybe staying on property.Each person in your party gets 2 Fastpass tickets to any attraction that offers a Fastpass. You also get in every morning early that it is offered.

Hi Tinkermell--you mentioned that by staying on property you get 2 FP tickets to any attraction that offers FP. Can you tell me a little more about how this works?

Would that be 2 FP tickets in total per person (like pick 2 rides and get a FP ticket for each) or 2FP tickets for each ride that takes FP? Also does this require a vacation package (including room and tickets) or can you get this benefit with a room only reservation? Would this be the same at any of the 3 Disneyland hotels?

thanks!

 

[Mackie Mouse]

Thanks for the great responses so far!

Maybe you are exaggerating for effect, but I do not see anything "dreaded" at all about Spring Break. Will it be busy? Yes. Will hours and entertainment be maxed out? Yes. You are on the right track with MM, early starts and mid-day breaks. I would not dread a trip like that. I would look forward to it because it will be wonderful if done right.

I was actually not exaggerating for effect based on what I had read! Being at the mercy of school schedule means that off-season trips just aren't possible and I can't take your usual advice, HyrdoGuy. That said, I'm relieved and in total agreement with what you're saying. One of my most memorable WDW trips was one my family took while I was in college for two weeks over Christmas and New Year's - yes, the two busiest weeks all year long at WDW. We look our time, got to the parks early to make the most of our time there, spent some days off-property, and made some awesome memories. I'm hoping that this trip next year, while shorter, will feel similar. I also have the benefit of one of our friends being as gung-ho about Disney as I am...which should help keep my husband and his wife from dragging their feet too much at 6 AM on a Magic Morning

(You would recommend doing this MM as early in our trip as we can, correct?)

As adults, our approach to the Disney Parks is a bit different than the typical family, too...DH and I easily banged out MK in WDW in a day this past summer and felt like we had seen all we needed and wanted to. DLR will be a bit different (e.g. Dumbo, Peter Pan, Mad Tea Party, etc. are skippable at WDW for me at this point...it will NOT be missed at DL!)...but hopefully this will work to our advantage at least somewhat, in that certain shows/attractions just won't be up our alley without kiddos in tow.

Something you might want to reconsider is maybe staying on property. If you are used to WDW, you might get more of an immersion feel if you stay on property. All of the hotels are super nice. It's fun being in the middle of the action when you stay onsite. You walk through DTD to get to each of the Hotels. Each person in your party gets 2 Fastpass tickets to any attraction that offers a Fastpass. You also get in every morning early that it is offered. This might be huge with the crowds that will be there. It is pricey, but if you can swing it, I would try. Some people might disagree, but for a WDW first timer, this is my suggestion. Now if it definitely out of your budget, I would try Park Place or Candy Cane. Candy Cane is prettier, but is farther to walk. Park Place and Park Vue are literally right across the street. Along with some others. I had heard that Park Place is in the process of remodeling.

Honestly, I think Good Neighboring will be the way to go for us. All my WDW trips growing up where spent off-property, and as of this summer I am a total convert to saving money and staying "on" property in WDW at the Swan or Dolphin...so the "24/7 Disney Immersion" aspect is not super-important to me. If you have any tips on finding an on-property room for less than $200/night in the high season, tell me about it and I'm in! (I'll even take a suite that would be good for 4 adults in the range of $3500ish dollars a night...ridiculous, right??) Otherwise, I'm glad we seem to be on the right track with our choices. The plan is to wait for rates to come out and scoop up the best balance of price and location we can.

I am, however, interested in the Fastpass deal you're talking about, as I hadn't come across it yet in my research. A miraculous discount plus extra MM's plus the Fastpass thing, depending on how it works, would definitely sway me over to, say, Paradise Pier.

I did the Walt Tour last year. Only advice is do the afternoon tour so you do not burn precious morning hours on a tour and instead use afternoon hours for touring when things are busy.

Great advice! I would have thought instead to do the morning tour so that we could save afternoon hours for breaks and rest, as we'll have enough time to fit things in. This makes perfect sense, though.

HyrdoGuy - Thanks for the heads-up about changes for next year. The more I read, the more I do realize that all old advice will be up in the air. Looking forward to hearing how things will change this summer as they change! Also...MANY, MANY thanks for the hours you have spent over the years developing all your great tips and threads! I've read pretty much everything you have out there and have found it immensely helpful.

As for RideMax, does anyone find it too limiting? I am not one to actually plan out my WDW days too much in detail. DH and I just pick a park, plan out our first two or three rides of the day, and that's it (e.g. mad dash to Soarin' at Epcot, then pick up FastPasses for Test Track, then...whatever we feel like!). I'm not sure exactly how many times I feel like riding everything, and exactly how best to spread it out over 4 days. Will playing around with RideMax in the month(s) before the trip help give me general guidelines to follow, rather than a minute-by-minute plan I'll feel obligated to follow to the letter?

Thanks as well for the dining recommends - Trader Sam's sounds right up our alley! If you had a choice between Blue Bayou and Napa Rose, which would you choose? I'm wondering if doing both will be Overpriced Disney Meal Overkill. I also love the idea of Blue Bayou for a late lunch as our main meal rather than an early dinner - which is how we've learned to do many of the restaurants in Epcot.

Please - keep the great advice coming!

 

[HydroGuy]

Oh, I forgot to mention a restaurant. The new signature restaurant for DCA will be the Carthay Circle Restaurant to open in June. Keep an eye out next year.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I just wanted to toss in that the FP deal may or may not be offered in 2013. It is too far ahead to know since deals come and go. If you want to see my review of Candy Cane Inn with pics you can click on the link in my sig. We've stayed there 3 times now and loved each time.

 

[tinkermell]

Hi again!

Disney, does not advertise this perk.
I'm not even sure that they advertise Early Entry as a bonus?

As of now, this is how the Fastpass deal works.
It is only available when staying on Disney property.
Each person in your party receives 2 instant Fastpasses. So say you decide you want to go on Star Tours, late in the afternoon. You insert your special pass, and the machine spits out a return time for immediate entry. No need to wait! Also, if all the Fastpasses have run out for that attraction, no problem. They leave one machine open for the hotel guests to use. It actually is a pretty sweet deal.

Fast passes at DL tend to run out for StarTours, Indy Jones, Space and Splash,(depending on the weather.) In DCA, it would be ToT, Soarin, and next year will be Radiator Springs Racers.

As for Ride Max? You will not be stuck with it's schedule. You just type in the attractions you would like to see, the time you need a break for meals and so on. It then will spit back an itinerary. I usually print it up, and then change something up, so then I get another schedule. I do it over and over. It's kind of fun, and for nothing else RideMax gives you little secrets about the parks, like where to grab seats for the shows, parades and so on. If you are interested, do not buy into it yet, until you are closer to your departure. Like the others have mentioned, a LOT is going to change over the next year!