Welcome to DL tour

[Emiems20]

So we are going to DL dec. 19-22. We will really only be able to go to the parks 20-22 due to the 19th flight. We had thought about doing the welcome to DL tour, assuming its operating during that time. It's supposed to be 2.5 hours, you get 2 rides during the tour, 2 fast passes for anything afterwards, a fastpass for World of Color and VIP seating for Aladdin, to me this seems awesome. We have never been to DL before thought this might help and I think everything that is included would be really useful to us.

My question is, does anyone think this is a waste of time? Is it more useful just to stand in line for Aladdin and the other rides and do a WoC dining package? I am trying to maximize our time and since it will be a crowded time I thought this might help us be able to do more things, but I could totally be wrong.

I also just realized I have reverted to my teenage typing since I am so excited, sorry

 

[Lights_Out]

2 fast passes for anything afterwards, a fastpass for World of Color and VIP seating for Aladdin

That actually seems pretty awesome!

I don't know how much it costs (nor do I know how much the WoC dining package costs off the top of my head), but if they're around the same price, totally go for it! Those dates are gonna be pretty hectic so I think it's smart that you're looking into stuff like this

 

[figment_jii]

2 fast passes for anything afterwards

I don't think this is correct. Based on the reviews I've read, you get open-ended FPs for two pre-selected rides (Soarin' and Star Tours seemed to be the most common).
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3132419
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3129433

 

[Emiems20]

I don't think this is correct. Based on the reviews I've read, you get FPs for pre-selected rides.

A recent blog stated they got 2 rides during the tour, 2 fastpasses for afterwards to use on what they wanted, VIP seating for Aladdin, and a fastpass for WoC. Now I guess this could be because it was at a slower time and all the description on the website says is

"In addition to many practical Guest Services, the Disneyland Resort offers several conveniences that help you make the most of your Disney days.

On this tour, learn how to:

Secure a spot in premium viewing areas for popular shows
Make dining reservations
Use the Disney FASTPASS Service
Put your new knowledge to use on a few attractions, get dining suggestions from your Tour Guide—and enjoy some additional perks and special surprises."

So I could be wrong, but if its right, this would be very useful.

 

[figment_jii]

Here is a link to a recent review:
http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/07/07/i-just-spent-20-on-fastpasses-would-you/

 

[Lights_Out]

You can always call them and check.

 

[lizabu]

This tour is going to be cheaper than a dinner package. I haven't done it personally but I would say go for it. Now I think the WOC FP is just a regular one and the dining FP may be slightly better but for the difference in price and the othe FPs I think it would be a good value.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We have never been to DL before thought this might help and I think everything that is included would be really useful to us.

This tour is geared toward first time visitors, try to book the tour for your first morning in the park

The tour goes to the WOC fastpass machines and each guest gets their own fastpass, basically teaching guests the process.

The Aladdin seating is a good benefit, particularly during the holiday season. You will select a performance, and your name is on the Preferred Seating list. There is not a special section in the theater, you enter before the "regular" lines and may select any seat.

The lanyard and pin are quite nice

Another excellent tour is "Holiday Time at Disneyland"
More expensive, but the excellent seating for the Christmas Parade makes it worthwhile.

 

[Lights_Out]

This tour is geared toward first time visitors, try to book the tour for your first morning in the park

The tour goes to the WOC fastpass machines and each guest gets their own fastpass, basically teaching guests the process.

The Aladdin seating is a good benefit, particularly during the holiday season. You will select a performance, and your name is on the Preferred Seating list. There is not a special section in the theater, you enter before the "regular" lines and may select any seat.

The lanyard and pin are quite nice

Another excellent tour is "Holiday Time at Disneyland"
More expensive, but the excellent seating for the Christmas Parade makes it worthwhile.

Oh! We might have to consider this... thanks for mentioning it!

 

[tinibee]

We did this tour and opted for the Mickey and the Magical Map seating instead of Aladdin. There is a seating area reserved vs just going in early. Plus, the reserved seating for Mickey were the only seats with padding. On our tour they demonstrated getting FPs by having everyone get Indy FPs. We got the general WOC FP, Soaring and Star Tours. They also made dining reservations for us for that day.

We aren't newbies to DL, but it was a tour I had never taken and only $20/person with DVC discount. It was nice and I enjoyed having the good chunk of my day planned including many of rides we wanted to go on. I'm glad we did it once but probably won't do it again.