WDW vets, first time DLR… help for August please :)

[Mrs~Incredible]

Hi everyone! I’ve been reading this board for months and picking up so many helpful tips. Thought I’d post here to see if the experts here can offer any additional advice.

It will be my me, husband and 14 yo daughter. We have been to WDW many times and know it like the backs of our hands- but this is our first trip to DLR!!

We will stay off site just west of walnut. We have 4 day park hoppers. Will likely arrive later (10-11?) and stay later in the parks (until close?). We used to rope drop but now that daughter is older we’ve learned we prefer evenings.

1. We have a reservation for blue bayou and brunch at lamplight lounge, plus a list of snacks to try. What is your “do not miss” favorite restaurant or snack?

2. We love all rides and shows. Hoping the 4 days and LLMP will give us plenty of time to see most of the things with time for re-rides (husband loves Pirates!). Any special off the beaten path experiences or attractions you would recommend?

3. Love hidden details, secrets etc… any favorites?

4. Little overwhelmed with all of the nighttime entertainment and how to navigate in the parks with crowds, at night, and in a new environment for us. Don’t have a game plan yet on how to try to see it all. We do have a fantastic dining package. I worry about bringing salmon swimming upstream. Any favorite tips/ tricks or his to get package things together? We want to see it all but not sure that’s possible!

Any other favorite tips?

Thanks everyone, love this board!!

 

[LKing]

I can help you with the entertainment. Will you have four nights for entertainment or three? What night is your Fantasmic package?

 

[irlandaise]

1. Churros, Dole Whips, Bengal BBQ skewers. Disneyland (both parks) also has a number of fruit stands for healthier snacks.

3. The Grizzly Pass Trail behind Grizzly River Run. Relaxing, nice views of the waterfalls, and you can watch people come down the big drop. Similarly, the walkway behind Harbour Galley, where you can see people laughing (and soaked wet) just after they've come down the big drop on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

 

[mdmost]

I have to be totally honest, if you don't rope drop at least once, you're doing yourselves a disservice, in my opinion. It's so much cooler as far as the weather, easier to just walk on rides, easier to not even touch a Lightning Lane until later in the morning. It's a push for some but it is very rewarding. We counter that with knocking off around 2pm to go back to the hotel to swim and recharge. Then we head back around 5 to tackle more rides, dinner, and watch the shows. Just my two cents.

1. Dole Whip while watching the Tiki Room. You have to mobile order for that or you can just get one at Tropical Hideaway. I don't know if they still have the spicy one but that's pretty good. Plus, it's right next to the Jungle Cruise so you can watch the boats and there's a special bird just for the area. Jolly Holiday is great. Matterhorn Macaroon is always a treat. Mickey Beignets in New Orleans Square.

2. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. I feel like that's one people miss. I would ride the Mark Twain Riverboat or the Columbia since those are no longer going to be an option at WDW. The trains at DLR are different because of the dioramas. Sadly, it seems Casey Jr and the Storyland Canal Boats are down in August. Hopefully they come back up during your visit.

Make sure to look at the window in Walt's apartment above the fire station.

If you do Peter Pan, use the Disneyland Play app to activate some fun things when you're walking through.


3. There's an awesome secret path when you walk just to the right of the Harbour Galley by the Haunted Mansion. Has a beautiful shot of the opening of Tiana's drop.

When walking from the back of the castle in Fantasyland, head to the right and there's a path that takes you by Royal Hall and the Royal Theater to Frontierland. Keeps you out of the Hub. You can either go left to the front of Frontierland or right before the Royal Theater and you'll walk out by Rancho del Zocalo.

or

One of my favorite places to sit for a breather is the area under the monorail in between the Matterhorn and It's a Small World. It's an area that used to house a tiny motor boats attraction in the 60s. It's just to the left behind Edelweiss Snacks.

4. I would stay in the area if you have a dinner package for Fantasmic. Which one did you get? You could stay close by riding Pirates or Big Thunder. Where you don't want to go is outside of Frontierland towards the Hub and then try to get back in. That's the real choke point. It's easier to go from Fantasyland toward New Orleans along the river.

Other tips: sunscreen in heavy doses. I live in a hot climate and Anaheim weather can be sneaky hot. The sun just feels warmer there. Bring a water bottle or make sure to stop in for a free cup of ice water when you can. We love the frozen lemonade slushies.

For Indiana Jones, if the wait time is under 40 minutes, walk to the start of the queue and look if the outer queue is full heading towards the temple. If it isn't, get in line. The lightning lane only gets you to the front of the outer queue line. Once you get past that, you're in line with everyone else. If the outer queue is full, then it's worth using the lightning lane.

If you book a lightning lane and the ride goes down, you can get a multi use pass. Some will try to actively book LLs for rides that frequently go down like Matterhorn. Then you can use the LL for other rides. There's a thread on here about it.

 

[pyratgrrl]

It's not in either park, but I highly recommend Din Tai Fung in Downtown Disney. Definitely make a reservation if you decide to try it. I was just there a couple of weeks ago, and this was some of the most delicious food I've had in awhile.

Pineapple Dole Whip, beignets, churros, pineapple spears, and Tigger Tails are always delicious!

We also did the 70th Celebration Tour which includes a reserved spot to watch Paint the Night. The reserved seating area is in Town Square. At the time we did this just a couple of weeks ago, the area is across from the Main Street Railroad Station. It was great! It's curb seating or standing, but it was great to be able to show up about 45 minutes before the parade. They also included a nice treat. The tour itself lasted about 2 hours. I've been on two other tours, and I find they are always enjoyable.

With 4 days, you should be able to thoroughly enjoy everything. Have a wonderful time and remember to keep an eye out for unexpected magic!

 

[smallsy]

I can help you with the entertainment. Will you have four nights for entertainment or three? What night is your Fantasmic package?

I'm not the OP, but I'd love to hear your suggestions. We're going early August and trying to fit in as much of the nighttime entertainment as possible (including GE shows).