What do I need to know about DL?

[Joan1]

I may have a business trip to LA coming up in May 08, will have confirmation by the end of this month. If it comes through I am going to go to DL for 3 nights.

I haven't been there since before California Adventure opened
I have beeen to WDW many, many, many times

What do I need to know for DLand that is different from WDW
Things like - not to be missed attractions
Things that are done differently like dining reservations
Anything else that anyone would like to add

I am going to start reading through the threads but sometimes work gets in the way and I don't have as much time to devote to it as I would like

Thanks

 

[Hound 109]

I may have a business trip to LA coming up in May 08, will have confirmation by the end of this month. If it comes through I am going to go to DL for 3 nights.

I haven't been there since before California Adventure opened
I have beeen to WDW many, many, many times

What do I need to know for DLand that is different from WDW
Things like - not to be missed attractions
Things that are done differently like dining reservations
Anything else that anyone would like to add

I am going to start reading through the threads but sometimes work gets in the way and I don't have as much time to devote to it as I would like

Thanks

Welcome to the DLR board, Joan.

Since you are a WDW vet, I would read all of HydroGuy's tips, but first his DLR for WDW Vet thread. His tips can be found here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Also, our moderator Mary Jo, put together some good info on the differences:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

A few of my opinions:

- May should be great (but avoid Fri - Mon of Memorial day).
- Avoid Saturdays.
- Take advantage of EE.
- Know how FP works at DLR (it's different) & use it.
- If you are a single....know about the single rides.
- Tour early at DLR....you'll get alot done.
- Either stay at one of the DLR hotels or across the street on Harbor Blvd.
- Park Hopping is easy & should be done each day (mid day to DCA when DL is busy).
- A rest & a swim mid day is easier at DLR as their are no busses to mess with & you can avoid the busy mid afternoons at DLR.
- 3 nights / 4 days is a perfect time allotment for DLR. Especially if you do Sun - Wed. or Mon - Thurs.

After reading opinions here, & reading HydroGuy's tips, you'll be back with alot of specific questions. Fire away.

Have fun planning a trip at Walt's Park.

 

[Evi]

always check your seat before you climb into a ride.

Nuff said good luck and if you've been to disney try your hardest not to compare or you'll be sad. But wait if you could get into club 33 you'd love it and ah one thing thats better I like there tiki room more dont' ask why I just do lol

 

[DLR29]

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 separating the two parks. It also makes walking the main transportation here, as opposed to buses.

•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 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

•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

•Have fun!


Also:
Rides unique to DLR:
Indiana Jones (ride vehicles like Dinosaur, much better themed with an amazing que line)
Pirate's Lair (Tom Sawyer Island with a pirate theme, lots of pirate caves to explore, a pirate show, CMs dressed up as pirates just wandering the island, plus a Captain Jack Sparrow meet & greet)
Pinocchio (Fantasyland dark ride *a little scary)
Alice in Wonderland (Fantasyland dark ride)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Fantasyland dark ride *a little scary)
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (Spinning Toontown dark ride)
Matterhorn (1st ever tubular steel coaster)
Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybookland Canal Boats (gentle rides through Storybookland. Good for kids)
Everything at DCA except Soarin, ToT, Muppets and Bug movies, and Turtle Talk

Rides that are significantly different:
Jungle Cruise (different jokes, some different scenes)
PotC (much longer and better)
Pooh (no long lines at DL because it's tucked away in the corner, different ride vehicle)
Splash (different seating, shorter ride, not as long lines as MK except during summer)
IASW (original version)
Tiki Room (no Iago or Zazu)
Autopia vs. TIS (actually has scenery and stuff to look at, you even go off roading)
Buzz (removable guns make for easier aiming)
Space (completely dark, and smoother with music)
ToT (different scenes, no 4th dimension room)

 

[Joan1]

Thank you

 

[fairycat]

My hints

First you have more time to decide what you want to eat since dining reservations aren't taken until much closer to your arrival.

DTD and DCA are within super close walking distance, none of this bus nonsense. You can eat and play anywhere in DLR within minutes. This opens up park time and eating options. T

he other thing is Harbor is also within walking distance which opens up even more eating options and hotels.

Some rides are the same, some are missing at WDW and some are just plain better at DLR. As you look around you will see what most people say, but I think you should take the time to ride everything and make up your own mind.


There is a lot to do in Southern California unlike Florida so some people take time out to visit, the beach, Hollywood, other parks, San Diego etc, you need to make your mind up if you want to take time for any of these activities. Or if you want to do a 100% disney trip (which is wonderful in itself!).

In case I didn't mention enough park hoppping is so easy at DLR so expect to play in both parks and remember that in two parks DLR only has 10% less rides then all 4 parks at WDW and no buses!!!