WDW Vet needs some Serious DL HELP.

[BrittyRo]

Hey guys so me and the Fiance decided for our 5 year anniversary and DL 60th anniversary we are heading to the west coast at the end of June 2015 (so close). Neither of us has been to DL before so this is our first trip and we have no idea what we are doing!!
We are going to be in LA for 7-8 days (depending on flight prices etc) and we have decided on a 4 day DL PH (It this enough days?)(How much in advance do we have to buy the tickets? Do they send them to us or do we have to pick them up at the park?)I'm so used to MB!!
We are staying at a hotel right off of Katella called Eden Roc Inn and Suites (It was very cheap) for 3 nights (so we don't have to drive all the way from Burbank) and at our friends the other nights. (Has anyone stayed there recently who can give their opinion/experience) (It is a far walk to DL [Corner of Katella and S. West Street]?)
How early should I arrive for a front row spot at WOC?
What rides should I ride first at RD @ DL and DCA?
What are the best QS and TS restaurants you recommend?
Also what are your recommended other things to do in the LA area (besides Hollywood sign, Star Walk, TCL Theatre, WB Tour)

I honestly feel completely lost. Coming from WDW and knowing it like the back of my hand and not needing a map and touring it with ease (MK in 1 day etc) and then going into a place I know nothing about is intimidating to say the least.

Any information/opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated. I really do feel lost and like I don't have enough time to plan everything.

 

[Geemo]

I haven't stayed at the Eden Roc Inn and Suites. Do you have a back up place booked, in case the reviews aren't good?
I did a search because I recalled bad reports from others here.
Check these out
http://www.disboards.com/search/1855350/?q=Eden+Roc&o=date&c[node]=26+129+172
You can click on the different threads brought up in the search. But reading the first part of the threads doesn't sound too positive.
Good luck
Geemo

 

[Whistlebee]

How much was Eden Roc? I think you could do better and still get a cheap room. You could look at getting a subscription to RideMax. Even if you don't want to plan out the order of all your rides I like all of the tips for first timers. It's $15. HydroGuy has a huge thread for WDW vets coming to DL if you haven't already read it, you should.

 

[Pucka1378]

Looking at the maps Eden Roc looks a little to far for me to walk back and forth(I am super spoiled though). We stayed on Sunday and Monday at the Marriott next to the convention center and in the morning it was a fine walk... we did not come back for any breaks as it was too far(for our spoiled butts) and I did not want to pay for a shuttle. We did end up taking a taxi back one night and with tip it was only $10.

 

[figment_jii]

As a WDW Vet, I highly recommend taking a look at HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It'll help give you a sense of the similarities and difference between the two resorts.

Hey guys so me and the Fiance decided for our 5 year anniversary and DL 60th anniversary we are heading to the west coast at the end of June 2015 (so close). Neither of us has been to DL before so this is our first trip and we have no idea what we are doing!!
We are going to be in LA for 7-8 days (depending on flight prices etc) and we have decided on a 4 day DL PH (It this enough days?)(How much in advance do we have to buy the tickets? Do they send them to us or do we have to pick them up at the park?) I'm so used to MB!!

Think of it this way...having paper/plastic tickets is just like how they used to do at WDW before they went to the MB system. Four days is a good start, especially with park hoppers. It's long enough that you should be able to get a fair amount done without having to rush around. I've always bought ticket through Disneyland.com and went with the print at home route so I had them in hand immediately. You can take the printed paper directly to the turnstiles and they'll exchange it for the credit card sized ticket. Other ticket sellers may have different policies and methods (e.g., for some ticket sellers, you need to take the voucher to a ticket window before going to the turnstiles).

How early should I arrive for a front row spot at WOC?

I recommend checking out the World of Color SuperThread for more information about WoC. In general, you'll probably need to get there at least 90 minutes before the show starts. You'll also need to get a FP for the show earlier in the day (they're distributed by Grizzly Rapids). I would also consider looking into one of the WoC dining packages.

What rides should I ride first at RD @ DL and DCA?

It really depends on what kind of rides you like best and whether you want to focus on things that are unique to DLR. In DCA, most folks would recommend everything in Carsland, especially RSR. After that, it really depends on what you like to do. In DL, there is more variety, but my favorites are Haunted Mansion, PotC, Space, Matterhorn, IaSW, Mr. Toad, Buzz Lightyear, and Indy. HydroGuy's guide can help you identify which rides are unique, similar, and identical to the versions in WDW.

What are the best QS and TS restaurants you recommend?

DLR has a nice assortment of dining locations. Unlike WDW, it's not necessary to make ADRs really far in advance (dining ADRs aren't available until about 60-days in advance anyway). I would still recommend making an ADR if you know you want to eat a specific place and/or at a specific time to be safe (especially if you're looking at Blue Bayou or a weekend). The Disneyland Dining Review thread has a lot of photos from guests who have dined at various locations (start from the newest thread to see the most recent photos!). Some of my favorite TS locations are Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, Cafe Orleans, Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, Carthay Circle, Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, and Crossroads at the House of Blues. My favorite CS locations are French Market, the Plaza Inn, Flo's, Earl of Sandwich, and Starbucks.

 

[tzeitel]

When I was planning our first DLR trip I found this map super useful - http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp For us Eden Roc would be too far. We stayed at the HoJo and that was great but our upcoming trip in Oct we will try Desert Inn which is right across the street from the DLR entrance (and cheaper than HoJo).

 

[GatorChris]

Check out the signature: big WDW vet who's recently started going to DL because it's way to expensive to fly 5 people to Orlando!!! Anyway, I feel your pain. I was there a few years ago trying to figure this all out. 4 days is just right for the trip. 2 days at each park.

Can't tell you anything about Eden Roc other than it's not a close walk. But if you don't mind getting bus transport, that's not a problem. Caution: it's not as magical as the WDW bus system.

For WOC, after you hit rope drop at California Adventure (which I recommend), head for Cars Land to hit Radiator Springs Racers first. After that, head over to Grizzly River Run where they have WOC FP. There should be plenty left. The FP will have a "meet" time on it. Be at the right spot (depending on which color you get) at that exact time. They will begin lining people right at that time. Then the race is on to get as close to the front as you can. For WDW vets, this is a real pain. It'll make you miss Epcot/Illuminations and the 1.2 miles of viewing sections around the lagoon.

As for eating, the big place that is the must for a lot of people is the Blue Bayou. And if it's just the two of you, then it will be affordable. It's a restaurant that sits inside the opening scene of Pirates OTC....a scene that doesn't exist at WDW. And I"m a big fan of Big Thunder Mountain Ranch BBQ - good food in a fun outdoor setting. Other than thes, QS places at DLR are really good. At DL: Hungry Bear has a nice overlook of Rivers of America; Village Haus has some interesting variations on hamburgers and dogs; and the French Market has all sorts of New Orleans style food. At DCA: Pacific Wharf has clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls that is pretty awesome; the Mexican and Chinese food they have there is good as well; and Flo's doesn't have the best in foods, but it's really cool being able to eat inside there and have a good view of Radiator Springs.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[jewelspirit]

It's walkable, West St turns into Disneyland drive north of Katella. You would be entering through downtown Disney, probably cutting through the Grand Californian.

 

[KellaCat]

I think 4 days is plenty, especially if it's just adults and you don't have to work around kids' schedules (naps, snacks, pushing strollers, resting, etc)
Get Park Hoppers since the 2 parks are so close together, it's not a big deal to hop back and forth a couple times during the day. And you can hold a FP for a ride at DCA and a ride at DL at the same time, so that can be helpful.
There is no FP for Peter Pan at DL, so if you want to ride it, go at rope drop. Otherwise the line gets long!

 

[BrittyRo]

How much was Eden Roc? I think you could do better and still get a cheap room. You could look at getting a subscription to RideMax. Even if you don't want to plan out the order of all your rides I like all of the tips for first timers. It's $15. HydroGuy has a huge thread for WDW vets coming to DL if you haven't already read it, you should.

72$ a night and it's brand new/ recently renovated in January.

Looking at the maps Eden Roc looks a little to far for me to walk back and forth(I am super spoiled though). We stayed on Sunday and Monday at the Marriott next to the convention center and in the morning it was a fine walk... we did not come back for any breaks as it was too far(for our spoiled butts) and I did not want to pay for a shuttle. We did end up taking a taxi back one night and with tip it was only $10.

It says it's a 10 minute walk. Coming from my point of view we've had rooms at Pop where the walk from bus stop to the room was 10 minutes (also were from Manhattan and walk everywhere. So that walk seems easily doable).

Thanks for all the info guys! I'm definitely going to check out all the threads you recommended!! Trying to figure this all out I can't even imagine going to WDW on a first visit (it's probably 100 times more intimidating).

 

[Pucka1378]

I just used map my run and it looks like it is .75 miles from hotel to the gates. I am from the land of no one walks anywhere LOL I do walk a lot for exercise but I just hate walking far when I am so excited to get in the gates!

We are doing a WDW trip on June and one of my least favorite things is the time it takes to get from onsite resort to the parks! I am not a patient person. The walking to and from the bus and the longest bus rides of my life seem to happen there

 

[figment_jii]

I've not stayed at the Eden Roc, but have I stayed at a rental home south of Katella. As others have said, it's walk-able (that or driving are probably the only realistic options). If you do stay there, I would also head north on West St/Disneyland Drive and then cut through the GCH to get to the Esplanade. There's a crosswalk at Katella and West, so you should be able to cross Katella safely (it's a pretty busy, fast moving street).

 

[BrittyRo]

I've not stayed at the Eden Roc, but have I stayed at a rental home south of Katella. As others have said, it's walk-able (that or driving are probably the only realistic options). If you do stay there, I would also head north on West St/Disneyland Drive and then cut through the GCH to get to the Esplanade. There's a crosswalk at Katella and West, so you should be able to cross Katella safely (it's a pretty busy, fast moving street).

Thanks! Is cutting through the GCH the only way to get to gates from Disneyland Drive ? I feel so useless in my planning!! I don't want to let my Fisnce (and myself) down and feel like I didn't plan it well

 

[goooof1]

I would check out other options. Have not heard very good things about that place, though I have never been there myself. Off site, I like the area along Harbor Blvd. that is right along DLR. So much easier to get around and lots of different options available.

 

[Nicolette11785]

I would also look at other hotels. I got the Marriott Suites for $74 a night on priceline and I loved it there. Much nicer.

4 days should be enough. If you want to add a 5th day that is even better.

I like to buy tickets from way.com. it is cheaper and you just print it out and bring to the turnstiles. It was really easy.

Don't worry to much about the planning. Just get there early in the mornings so you get that time in the morning before the park gets really busy.

 

[BrittyRo]

I would also look at other hotels. I got the Marriott Suites for $74 a night on priceline and I loved it there. Much nicer.

4 days should be enough. If you want to add a 5th day that is even better.

I like to buy tickets from way.com. it is cheaper and you just print it out and bring to the turnstiles. It was really easy.

Don't worry to much about the planning. Just get there early in the mornings so you get that time in the morning before the park gets really busy.

I wish I could find Marriott for that price!!! everything I looked is in the 140's range. We are gonna be in the park 8-12 so we will be in the room less than 8 hours every night which is why I went the cheapest route. If it's terrible I guess we'll suck it up and just commute from our friends (but I can't see it being THAT bad considering the recent renovation)

 

[zanzibar138]

I also checked out Eden Roc for our recent trip, but decided against it in the end. The reviews on TripAdvisor had been quite bad, but they seemed to be on the improve since the refurbishment in January. I'd definitely walk from there too. I consider anything less than about 20 minutes walkable. You can cut through GCH as the others have suggested, or just walk through DTD (you could even catch the monorail from DTD for something different, but only if you're going to Disneyland). Honestly, I think you'll be fine as long as you go in with realistic expectations. However, if you did want to get a better quality accommodation for a similar price, you could try bidding on Priceline. That's what we did and got the Red Lion Hotel for a bargain!

4 full days at the parks should give you time to do most things at a reasonably leisurely pace. We have been for 6 days (back in the day) and over a week, and there are still things that I haven't done. I like to take it easy though and just go in with a list of 'must dos', and have had no trouble achieving that. My favourite thing to do is just to sit with a cold drink or a yummy snack, watch/listen to some live entertainment, and people watch. Coke Corner is great for that - they've got drinks and snacks there, tables and chairs, and they often have a pianist and/or Mary Poppins and Bert doing meet and greets.

Make sure you do one day's rope drop at each park - time it so that you get a Magic Morning at DL, but not an EMH morning for DCA since you won't be able to get in early there. At DL, head straight for Peter Pan. It usually has a big line throughout the day - I can only imagine what it will be like once it's reopened! Then head to Alice. It's fairly popular and slow moving too, plus it's different to anything you can see at WDW. After that, I'd probably head to BTM, grab a FP for F!, and just use FP or hit rides with short lines for the rest of the day. If you've got certain things you want to see, do it early before the crowds build up (same as WDW I guess). At DCA, my tactic is to go to TSM first as that doesn't have FP. Then I'll do Screamin' and perhaps the Fun Wheel (stationary cars only for me!), then head over to Carsland to grab a FP for RSR. Then you could do Soarin' and GRR, and grab a FP for WOC while you're in the area. Honestly, it's pretty laid back in California - it's what I love about DLR!

Check out the WOC superthread. We usually do a dining package, so not sure what the tactics are if you're not doing that. For front row spots, I imagine you'd have to get there pretty darn early!

Honestly, in the 4 times I've been to Anaheim, I've never had any desire to visit LA/Hollywood, so can't really help you out there.

 

[zanzibar138]

I would also look at other hotels. I got the Marriott Suites for $74 a night on priceline and I loved it there. Much nicer.

I wish I could find Marriott for that price!!! everything I looked is in the 140's range. We are gonna be in the park 8-12 so we will be in the room less than 8 hours every night which is why I went the cheapest route. If it's terrible I guess we'll suck it up and just commute from our friends (but I can't see it being THAT bad considering the recent renovation)

I got a similar deal on the Marriott Suites through Priceline. I only gambled with it because it was just for my last night. It's a lovely hotel, but SOOOOOOO far away from DLR! Definitely not walking distance. For what you want, I would honestly stick with the Eden Roc. The convenience of being able to walk will totally be worth putting up with the 'motel' vibe (which really doesn't bother me to be honest). If you plan to open and close the parks each day, you might want to head back for a rest in the afternoon, or even grab a jacket or something for the evening without having to lug it around all day.

 

[BrittyRo]

I got a similar deal on the Marriott Suites through Priceline. I only gambled with it because it was just for my last night. It's a lovely hotel, but SOOOOOOO far away from DLR! Definitely not walking distance. For what you want, I would honestly stick with the Eden Roc. The convenience of being able to walk will totally be worth putting up with the 'motel' vibe (which really doesn't bother me to be honest). If you plan to open and close the parks each day, you might want to head back for a rest in the afternoon, or even grab a jacket or something for the evening without having to lug it around all day.

A jacket is necessary at night in June? :0 also are there lockers available in DLR and (stupid questions) backpack allowed on the rides?

 

[zanzibar138]

A jacket is necessary at night in June? :0 also are there lockers available in DLR and (stupid questions) backpack allowed on the rides?

I missed the part where you said you'd be there in June. And to be honest I have no idea whether a light jacket might be handy to have or not. But it doesn't really matter. Maybe you'll be like my DH and leave your ticket at the hotel... there are a lot of reasons why it could be convenient to be able to easily return to your hotel.

There have been lockers available, but they've been out of action for a while. I'm not sure what the current status is. Not sure what the fees are like for using them either.

You can take a backpack on any and all rides across both parks, including Screamin'.