We're going to DL!!! Advice welcome :-)

[woodynjessiesmomma]

I've been to DL once before in December 2013 with my family. I read lots of great tips here and I've been trying to brush up on everything. One of my biggest disappointments on that previous trip was that I missed Aladdin on our last night because I mixed up times. I bawled (early pregnancy) and the CM was very sweet and gave us FPs for another ride and I had the comfort of knowing I could watch Aladdin at a future trip... So with the news of Aladdin closing I've had to rush my return trip. Family can't/isn't up to another Disney trip so soon so I'm taking 2 girlfriends with me and it will be awesome! We are going January 2-6th and staying at DL Hotel. We'll rent a car as we want to meet someone on our arrival night, so the 2nd won't be much Disney. Then we have 3 day park hoppers then sadly back to our real world. My main goal is Aladdin, otherwise I'm excited to show my WDW vet (ex cast member) friend all the unique DL things and share the experience with our Disney Parks novice friend.
I've read the Christmas stuff ends January 6th so will Jingle cruise, HHM, and IaSW Holiday still be going until then? Also is there anything specific with the 60th to squeeze in? I know it will be crowded but this is our only chance. I've read about weather variations, is there anything different predicted with El Niño?
Mostly I'm super excited and I want to make this amazing for the girls.
I'm thinking of eating at Blue Bayou and Carthy Circle. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

I've read the Christmas stuff ends January 6th so will Jingle cruise, HHM, and IaSW Holiday still be going until then? Also is there anything specific with the 60th to squeeze in?

The holiday overlays should remain in place through the January 6th at the minimum (the official end of the holiday season at DLR). It's hard to say if they'll remain open past the 6th. Last year, Jingle Cruise closed right after the holidays, but HMH remained open through the weekend and IaSWH remained open later in January. Still, I think you should be able to see all three overlays because you'll be there before the official end of the season.

I know it will be crowded but this is our only chance. I've read about weather variations, is there anything different predicted with El Niño?

Weather is always iffy and El Niño, while predicting more precipitation for Southern California, doesn't really mean it's any easier to predict the weather.

I'm thinking of eating at Blue Bayou and Carthy Circle. Any other suggestions?

For BB and Carthay Circle, I highly recommend making a reservation so you know you'll be able to dine there when you want. For the BB, I recommend making a reservation for the first lunch seating (usually 11:30 am) or first dinner seating so you stand the best chance of requesting a waterside table with the least added wait.

Another very popular dining location is the Big Thunder BBQ, which is closing on January 10 (last day) to make way for Star Wars land. It's very good and I highly recommend it. The only drawback is that it is entirely outdoor seating, so it is weather dependent (they close when it rains).

In DTD, I also really like Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and the House of Blues.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

The holiday overlays should remain in place through the January 6th at the minimum (the official end of the holiday season at DLR). It's hard to say if they'll remain open past the 6th. Last year, Jingle Cruise closed right after the holidays, but HMH remained open through the weekend and IaSWH remained open later in January. Still, I think you should be able to see all three overlays because you'll be there before the official end of the season.


Weather is always iffy and El Niño, while predicting more precipitation for Southern California, doesn't really mean it's any easier to predict the weather.


For BB and Carthay Circle, I highly recommend making a reservation so you know you'll be able to dine there when you want. For the BB, I recommend making a reservation for the first lunch seating (usually 11:30 am) or first dinner seating so you stand the best chance of requesting a waterside table with the least added wait.

Another very popular dining location is the Big Thunder BBQ, which is closing on January 10 (last day) to make way for Star Wars land. It's very good and I highly recommend it. The only drawback is that it is entirely outdoor seating, so it is weather dependent (they close when it rains).

In DTD, I also really like Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and the House of Blues.

Thank you so much! Great tip about getting water side seating at BB. I at there with my family but we were not near the water at all, but I loved the experience anyway. We'll talk about the other suggestions, there seems to be so much to try and just not enough time