WDW Veterans at Disneyland

[vladimir]

We are WDW vets (once or twice each year in WDW since 2003). First time in Disneyland in June. We are staying July 1 and 2. With two nights, which nighttime events would you choose? We always see Fantasmic in WDW so can we skip that in Disneyland? Should we do Together Forever one night and Paint the Night parade the other? What about World of Color? I have every guide book known for Disneyland but value your opinions on this board the most!! Dining also seems a lot different in Disneyland. We love our restaurants in WDW (World Showcase, Resorts, Disney Springs). Any thoughts on the best table service restaurants in Disneyland would also be welcome.

It is myself, my husband (both in our 40s) and two daughters (one is 16 - a rising junior in high school and one is 10 - a rising fifth grader).

Many thanks!

 

[g-dad66]

We see Fantasmic every trip to WDW (10 trips in the past 10 years).

We went to Disneyland the past three summers, and saw Fantasmic once. Won't do it again. Had the dining package, sat on the ground, and it just wasn't worth it to us. We like the viewing situation at WDW so much better.

The viewing situation for World of Color is also problematic, but we have found the "fire hydrant" spot to be our favorite viewing location. Will see WOC every time we go, as there is nothing like it at WDW (except for a pale-by-comparison Rivers of Light), and we think it is well worth the wait.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you lots of helpful information: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Check the schedule for the fireworks on your nights. Some years, DL shows patriotic fireworks starting July 1st (going through the 4th). Other years, they show the patriotic fireworks only on the 4th. Also be aware that fireworks can get cancelled at DL due to weather conditions (usually due to unsafe wind speed and/or direction at higher elevations), so have a back up plan ready just in case the show doesn't go on as scheduled. For F! at DL, most posters here agree that DL has the edge over WDW with the better show, but WDW has the edge with better viewing. If sitting on the ground isn't a physical problem, the F! Dining Packages offer the best viewing options. Your daughters might enjoy the Blue Bayou package (which comes with a firm foam cushion). The BB viewing section is the centermost area, right up by the water. It is the most expensive dining package, but does give the chance to eat inside the POTC ride. The other dining packages are less expensive and also have good viewing from their areas. Depending on the entertainment schedule for your nights (which should be published about 6 weeks beforehand), you should be able to view fireworks and PTN on the same night. It has not been really difficult so far to get good viewing for either show (view fireworks from Main Street and PTN from anywhere along the LONG parade route). Also, if you do a F! dining package for the first show, you will be invited to stay in your viewing area to see the fireworks from that area. The digital projections will be shown on the water screens -- it is a nice way to see the fireworks without being in a crowded area. WOC is a great show. The most luxurious way to see the show is with the WOC Dessert Party -- guaranteed seats (chairs!) with table service (beverages and a generous dessert plate) with a good/great view of the show. The Dining Packages (WCT or CCR) also offer good viewing areas. Free FPs can work if you can invest the time to wait for a good viewing spot. Read the WOC Superthread on this forum for very helpful information (read the first post thoroughly). "Best" TS restaurants is subjective and the definition varies for each guest -- what sort of food do you like? Look over the DLR menus on allears.net to see what appeals most, then come on back here with any questions. Happy planning and have a great trip!

 

[skuttle]

We are WDW Vets going in June for the first time. After much research, We are splurging on the woc dessert party and the blue bayou fantasmic package. Can’t wait!!

 

[skuttle]

Also, if you do a F! dining package for the first show, you will be invited to stay in your viewing area to see the fireworks from that area. The digital projections will be shown on the water screens -- it is a nice way to see the fireworks without being in a crowded area. !

I didn’t know about this! Thanks!!

 

[HydroGuy]

IMO World of Color is the best Disney night time show anywhere. But it's viewing area is flawed and you have to dedicate a lot of time to it. Which is a bummer especially with it being a two day trip.

I would also encourage you to see the Paint the Night parade. Awesome.

I agree, skip Fantasmic. And MK has a cool new fireworks show in HEA so no need to do fireworks at DL. It is not that different.

 

[ktlm]

As WDW vets, I would say skip Fantasmic. WOC is fantastic and I would recommend the dessert package if you can swing it. If not, a dining package and a spot at the rail right in the wet zone is pretty great (bring a poncho and put on when the show starts because if the wind is blowing the right way, you will get soaked). We have not seen Paint the Night since it moved to DCA, but in our opinion it is hands down the best Disney parade ever. DH doesn't even like parades and he loved it.

 

[BrianL]

I didn’t know about this! Thanks!!

They also show the projections on the It's a Small World facade at Disneyland. It's neat that they have these alternate viewing areas, but I will say that the projections are designed for the castle and also Main Street, and there are effects in the current show that can only be seen from there. In fact, I recommend being right at the area where Main Street meets the hub if you want to see everything.

 

[Blue32]

My answer in your case would be WOC and PTN parade. I hate to omit F! because it is so much better at DL, but with only 2 days I would pick these being that they are much different than you have already experienced at WDW.

 

[HydroGuy]

OP, you have a consensus of opinion here towards WOC and PTN. Getting a consensus on anything Disney is darn near impossible so consider yourself well advised!

 

[bcinohio]

We are WDW vets also and just got back from DL. We spent 2 1/2 days there. We really enjoyed it. It is different than WDW (much smaller). We did the Blue Bayou Fantasmic dining package. The food was very good and we enjoyed the show. Yes you sit on the ground (BB package gives you a seat cushion with your package). I do like WDW version better because of the seating but we enjoyed it.

We also got the Max Pass and it was well worth it. It worked very well for us. On the day we went to DCA the opening time was 10am. They opened the gates at 9:15. So we could scan our ticket to get in and made a FP for Cars at that time and then went down the street where Guardians of the Galaxy is and they were forming two lines. One was for the FP and one was for standby. So we were able to get in the standby line and be one of the first people on Guardian without extra wait. The rides didn't start until 10 but much better to be able to make FP and get in a standby line rather that wait outside the gates. Go early. It is worth it.

Also, just a side note. If you have to have your Starbucks coffee like my husband everyday, there is one at downtown Disney and you can mobile order so you pick up order faster. The line gets really long.

Have fun.

 

[MacMama0930]

WOC dessert party is worth every single penny.

 

[vladimir]

Thank you! All of this information is so helpful. I start making dining reservations tomorrow. We are going to prioritize Paint the Night and World of Color. It makes me anxious planning this trip because I am always helping friends and family on their trips to WDW because of our knowledge. Your advice for DL and DCA is much appreciated!!