WDW vet starting to plan DL trip and need help from the experts

[poohj80]

Hi all!

I'm from San Diego originally so grew up on DL, but my last time back was for the 50th and a LOT has changed since then (a lot has changed since just last year, I know! ). This will be my DD's (6) first trip to DL and CA so we are making a big trip out of it. We'll be there the second week on October which I hope won't be too crowded.

Here is our basic plan...

Fly into San Diego and stay a few days there to take her to the Zoo, Sea World (SO much better than the landlocked FL park imho), Balboa Park, etc.

Drive north and either go directly to VGC or go to the CA Science Center first if Space Shuttle Endeavor has arrived on schedule. Thought about Legoland but it will be closed on the possible days. Fly home out of John Wayne since it's more convenient and less crowded than LAX.

We are DVC members and staying at VGC so that part is taken care of.

So, my questions...

1. Do DL resorts really charge guests to park a car? $15/day?

2. Trying to figure out the best ticket option for us and thinking the SoCal City Pass would be good but we may want a 4 day DL pass and it only comes with 3. (Can this pass be upgraded to a 4 day and, if so, anyone know how much more it will be?) With Cars Land opening, thinking an extra day may not be a bad thing since we don't get to DL often, but do you think we would be fine with 3 days?

3. Have to do the Halloween party but our schedule will only work with the Friday party. How crowded do those parties get? We typically got to weeknight parties at WDW for less crowds.

4. Besides Blue Bayou, what are most difficult restaurant reservations to get? I know we'll need to do some character meals for DD but without having a good feel for where we'll be each day yet, it's hard to schedule those too far ahead of time.

5. Am surprised to find rental car agencies raking us on drop fees between airports (paid less in drop fees on a one way rental between Canada and US). Thought about renting in SD then taking Amtrak to Anaheim which would alleviate paying for parking at VGC but then we'd be paying for a shuttle to the airport so probably will cancel out. Any suggestions? Considering just flying round-trip into SNA then driving to SD to start the trip to lower rental car fees.

So, that's where I am right now. I am open to any and all suggestions/recommendations/tips. If you see something that looks more complicated than it needs to be, please don't hesitate to mention an alternative. My family doesn't live in CA any more so I will be a total tourist.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

PJ

 

[Jkpark]

I can only help with 1 or 2 of these. If you are staying through DVC, the DLR hotels waive the parking fee.

A friend in San Diego came to meet us for the day at DL once and decided to take Amtrak rather than dealing with traffic. She loved it and found it very convenient - with the caveat that she was traveling solo (so not as expensive as a family) and with no need for luggage/snacks. May not make a huge difference, but I always look at as many details as possible when making decisions.

Have fun planning your trip! We also prefer Sea World San Diego

 

[poohj80]

I can only help with 1 or 2 of these. If you are staying through DVC, the DLR hotels waive the parking fee.

A friend in San Diego came to meet us for the day at DL once and decided to take Amtrak rather than dealing with traffic. She loved it and found it very convenient - with the caveat that she was traveling solo (so not as expensive as a family) and with no need for luggage/snacks. May not make a huge difference, but I always look at as many details as possible when making decisions.

Have fun planning your trip! We also prefer Sea World San Diego

Thanks so much! That's good about parking.

 

[poohj80]

Are there any perks for Disney Visa or DVC members I should know about similar to the Character photo at Epcot?

 

[2boysmommy]

Are there any perks for Disney Visa or DVC members I should know about similar to the Character photo at Epcot?

Yes, there is (was in 2010 at least!) a Disney Visa photo experience at California Adventures. We had our picture taken with Pluto. And, unlike the 45 minute wait we had at Epcot last December, we were the only ones in line and Pluto spent about 10 minutes just playing with our boys. It was great!

At that time it was located just to the right of the Monsters Inc ride entrance.

 

[poohj80]

Yes, there is (was in 2010 at least!) a Disney Visa photo experience at California Adventures. We had our picture taken with Pluto. And, unlike the 45 minute wait we had at Epcot last December, we were the only ones in line and Pluto spent about 10 minutes just playing with our boys. It was great!

At that time it was located just to the right of the Monsters Inc ride entrance.

Thanks so much! If it's still offered I must have missed it on Chase's web site. I'll look again (now that I know what I am looking for).

 

[Argento]

The link below should prove invaluable for a WDW vet wanting to hit DLR.

HydroGuy's DLR guide for WDW vets

 

[ArchOwl]

Here is a recent thread on the Disney Visa Meet n Greet in DCA:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2949344

 

[poohj80]

Thanks again!

I have read dining reservations can be made either 30 or 60 days ahead of time. Can anyone confirm when the current booking window opens?

 

[ArchOwl]

Thanks again!

I have read dining reservations can be made either 30 or 60 days ahead of time. Can anyone confirm when the current booking window opens?

It is 60 days out.

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Do DL resorts really charge guests to park a car? $15/day?

Yes they do. Just had to pay that last week.

2. Trying to figure out the best ticket option for us and thinking the SoCal City Pass would be good but we may want a 4 day DL pass and it only comes with 3. (Can this pass be upgraded to a 4 day and, if so, anyone know how much more it will be?) With Cars Land opening, thinking an extra day may not be a bad thing since we don't get to DL often, but do you think we would be fine with 3 days?

In general DLR has become a resort which requires four days to have a solid visit. However, your DD is only 6 and there will not be able to do everything anyways. Three days will be a good amount. Will you have flexibility in your schedule to add a fourth day there if you decide you want it? I think you can add a day to the City Pass.

3. Have to do the Halloween party but our schedule will only work with the Friday party. How crowded do those parties get? We typically got to weeknight parties at WDW for less crowds.

You might want to start reading Sherry's Halloween thread:

HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #3- 9/14-10/31/12; Mickey's Halloween Party starts 9/28/12 ~ (started 7/16/12) Sherry E

4. Besides Blue Bayou, what are most difficult restaurant reservations to get? I know we'll need to do some character meals for DD but without having a good feel for where we'll be each day yet, it's hard to schedule those too far ahead of time.

In my experience BB is the only one. The new Carthay Circle Restaurant at DCA is also popular.

5. Am surprised to find rental car agencies raking us on drop fees between airports (paid less in drop fees on a one way rental between Canada and US). Thought about renting in SD then taking Amtrak to Anaheim which would alleviate paying for parking at VGC but then we'd be paying for a shuttle to the airport so probably will cancel out. Any suggestions? Considering just flying round-trip into SNA then driving to SD to start the trip to lower rental car fees.

Check around. There have been threads on this lately and some people see big drop fees and others see zero. It may depends on the rental company.

 

[poohj80]

Thanks for the responses!

Yes they do. Just had to pay that last week.

Someone posted earlier this is not the case for DVC members. Can you confirm?

In general DLR has become a resort which requires four days to have a solid visit. However, your DD is only 6 and there will not be able to do everything anyways. Three days will be a good amount. Will you have flexibility in your schedule to add a fourth day there if you decide you want it? I think you can add a day to the City Pass.

There're aren't many rides DD can't/won't ride so am leaning toward 4 days. Our departure day is set so it's our arrival time that can be adjusted.

In my experience BB is the only one. The new Carthay Circle Restaurant at DCA is also popular.

Would you recommend Carthay Circle with a 6 yr old? I was thinking it was more an adult place.

Check around. There have been threads on this lately and some people see big drop fees and others see zero. It may depends on the rental company.

Will do that. Haven't seen any yet. Thanks again!

 

[HydroGuy]

Someone posted earlier this is not the case for DVC members. Can you confirm?

Not a DVC member so I do not know but I do believe you are correct.

There're aren't many rides DD can't/won't ride so am leaning toward 4 days. Our departure day is set so it's our arrival time that can be adjusted.

Then four may be the best choice.

Would you recommend Carthay Circle with a 6 yr old? I was thinking it was more an adult place.

Sorry we were supposed to dine at the CCR last Monday but had to miss it so I do not know for sure. Hopefully someone else will contribute.

 

[hjgaus]

1. Do DL resorts really charge guests to park a car? $15/day?

If you are a DVC Member then your 1st two cars for SELF PARKING across the street from the Grand IS FREE.
If you CHOOSE to VALET park (REGARDLESS if you are DVC) it is $22.00 per day. This applies to all the DLR Hotels when staying on points.

 

[hjgaus]

Yes I am a DVC member and stay often on property. My last stay @ VGC I had asked the CM at the front gate about parking due to having so many guests with their own cars staying with us. She said the 1st two cars are FREE for SELF PARKING ONLY then car #3 would be charge $15 per day. ANYONE using VALET is charged $22.00 per day. This ALL gets charge to the credit card that holds the reservation (you - the DVC member).
The times I have stayed at the other 2 hotels on points (DLH & PPH) I have used valet but I believe the Self parking is still free for DVC members. My next VGC is in 2 weeks & still have guests joining us but I think I'm gonna try real hard to NOT do any valet parking for this stay.

 

[hjgaus]

Are there any perks for Disney Visa or DVC members

Being Premium Annual Pass holders & DVC members your % of discounts on food & merchandise is much better as a AP than a DVC member. Also from what I hear the Dining Plan is NOT the same as WDW so tiny discounts her or there for food really helps out. Sound like you are only staying a few days & getting hoppers or such but you CAN get $20.00 OFF per premium or deluxe AP as a DVC member. Just a little FYI!

 

[poohj80]

Yes I am a DVC member and stay often on property. My last stay @ VGC I had asked the CM at the front gate about parking due to having so many guests with their own cars staying with us. She said the 1st two cars are FREE for SELF PARKING ONLY then car #3 would be charge $15 per day. ANYONE using VALET is charged $22.00 per day. This ALL gets charge to the credit card that holds the reservation (you - the DVC member).

Thanks for confirming! One less thing to worry about!

Being Premium Annual Pass holders & DVC members your % of discounts on food & merchandise is much better as a AP than a DVC member. Also from what I hear the Dining Plan is NOT the same as WDW so tiny discounts her or there for food really helps out. Sound like you are only staying a few days & getting hoppers or such but you CAN get $20.00 OFF per premium or deluxe AP as a DVC member. Just a little FYI!

Since we only seem to make it to DL every 5 years or so, don't think it would be worth the added expense for APs even with the additional perks.

 

[CityPASS]

Hi all!

2. Trying to figure out the best ticket option for us and thinking the SoCal City Pass would be good but we may want a 4 day DL pass and it only comes with 3. (Can this pass be upgraded to a 4 day and, if so, anyone know how much more it will be?) With Cars Land opening, thinking an extra day may not be a bad thing since we don't get to DL often, but do you think we would be fine with 3 days?

PJ

Hi there,
Yes, you can update the 3-day Park Hopper that comes with CityPASS to any ticket of greater value. You get a credit of $214 for adults and $198 for ages 3-9 towards the upgrade cost.

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

Here was the biggest shocker... When we went to extend our tickets at DL/ DCA from 4 to 6 days, they extended all tickets for free!!! They seemed to think it strange that we needed more. She even offered 8 days, if we wanted.

 

[poohj80]

Hi there,
Yes, you can update the 3-day Park Hopper that comes with CityPASS to any ticket of greater value. You get a credit of $214 for adults and $198 for ages 3-9 towards the upgrade cost.

Thanks again!

Is the upgrade cost the difference between the $214 and the price of the regular 4 day hopper or the difference between the regular 3 day and 4 day?