WDW Veteran needs help

[merlin307]

WDW Veteran needs some help

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Hi

I have visited WDW a few timesnow and pretty much know everything I need to know so far, but I am now going to DLR in California and was wondering if anyone has visited DLR and has any hints/tips for the parks, and dining inside the parks and out.............I leave on Tues 18th so hopefully will get any tips before then

Also if anyone has information about staying in the Castle Inn and Suites I would be grateful

Thanks

xx

 

[Danauk]

Check out Hydroguys sitckys at the top of this forum. There is a whole thread of advice dedicated to WDW vets at DL. It is very informative and extremily useful.

 

[bradk]

there's a sizeable thread on the castle inn right on the main page: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1657689

i've walked past it, i think it looks cute on the outside but i've personally heard that's where the cuteness stops. never stayed there, it's within walking distance of the pedestrian gate. it's too far for me though

i'm not big on dining at either DLR or WDW but you'll probably be advised to eat at the Blue Bayou which overlooks the POTC boats as they start out. it's probably one of the best themed restaurants at either resort. and it's known for its monte cristo (which you can also get variants of at the carnation cafe). make a PS for Blue Bayou.

for character dining, i loved minnie & friends at the plaza inn. wasn't thrilled personally with goofy's kitchen. heard good things about storytellers and lilo & stitch.

 

[DLR29]

The parks will be very crowded first of all so my #1 tip is crucial.

Here are my top #10 tips for WDW vets

•#1 tip. Get there EARLY! There are NO long lines in the first hour-hour and a half. Pick up a FP and enjoy some rides without lines

•Use FastPass! (same kind of system as WDW)

•Do not expect WDW size. DLR is so compact it is very easy to get around. Park hopping (or going to Downtown Disney) takes a grand total of 1 minute to cross the large plaza (park hop) separating the two parks. It also makes walking the main transportation here, as opposed to buses.

•This tip does not matter to you since you've already decided on a hotel. I do not recommend staying onsite for a combination of two reasons. Cost and closeness. There are many many many offsite hotels with much cheaper prices. Also there are a handful of hotels that are closer to the parks than the Disneyland or Paradise Pier Hotels. With cheaper prices and shorter/equal walk, I have always stayed offsite. While the quality may not be as good, it's just a place to sleep right? However if you intend to spend a lot of time at the pool or lobby or hanging around the hotel, you might be the kind of person who will want to shell out the dough, though I highly discourage it. More money for the parks!

•Buy admission in advance definitely. Nothing like standing in another long line just to get into the park.

•Eat breakfast at your hotel, or while waiting for the gates to open. Plus, breakfast in the park is mucho $.

•Don’t miss spectacular shows such as the Aladdin Musical at DCA and the nighttime shows Electrical Parade at DCA (both unique to DLR) and the nightly fireworks show and Fantasmic! at DL.

•Do not eat lunch and dinner at normal hours to avoid food lines and take advantage of shorter ride lines. During busy holiday season, some food lines can get to be 20+ minutes long. I highly recommend eating at the Blue Bayou. It's a sit down restaurant overlooking the Pirates ride. Though it does require reservations (particularly in busy season) and it's not cheap, it's very worth it. Some good counter service places include: Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, El Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland, and Redd Rocket's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland. Also check out the dining options in DTD, just a minute's walk away.

•An alternative to carrying around all your stuff all day is to rent a locker. They’re about $5 each and can hold a little more than a backpack size. Perfect for storing sweatshirts during the middle of the day. Lockers are located about half way down Main Street to the right in a little corner at DL. At DCA they are just to the right of the entrance. THis also helps a lot during the winter months when it gets a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings.

•Have fun!

 

[KCmike]

Check out my trip report "WDW VET VISITS DLAND" we went in october. I included pictures and comments about the rides and attractions. Don't really discuss the dining either. We did eat at the Plaza inn which was good in my opinion.

Go to tripadvisor for good information on your hotel and what others rate.

I will stress as well that on the weekends you need to get there and be the first at the gate. On the weekdays it was a little better...but still be there early.

I will caution you (but don't worry bout it) that it is so much smaller (dowtown disney especially) but it blows away the land in so many aspects.

Really should check out my trip report.

KCMIKE

 

[HydroGuy]

Check out Hydroguys sitckys at the top of this forum. There is a whole thread of advice dedicated to WDW vets at DL. It is very informative and extremily useful.

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

 

[KCmike]

It was a great read for my family.