What do I need to know?

[jenlynn0808]

So we have been to WDW once a year for the last few years. DH got a new job last year and we have relocated to WA from MI. We are considering going to DL in August. So what do I need to know? Is it better to stay on or off site (and where)? Do they have a Dining Plan? Is there somewhere we absolutely can't miss? Do I need to make ADRs like at WDW and if so, where do you recommend?

If it helps any, DH & DD12 are riders and are working on DS5 (then). My job is to watch the stroller and shop, maybe an occasional ride, but trust me I am not a rider.

TIA for all the advice!

 

[333laura]

My seven-year-old has told anyone who will listen that Soarin' Over CA is her very favorite attraction. I would have to concur with her opinion ~ it really is awesome, and I would recommend it even if you're not a big "ride person."

We only had a half day at California Adventure, but I so wish that we had had more time. There was so much that I had hoped to do that we didn't get to. Somehow, I had gotten the impression that California Adventure was the "lesser" of the two parks. IMHO, they're very different but equally wonderful. And you'd really be missing out if you didn't make time for California Adventure.

We were unable to stay on-site this trip because our hotel was provided in L.A., but if we were to go again, I would definitely stay on site. My DD is one of the most high-energy kids you'll ever meet, but she really would have benefited from the chance to go back to the hotel and rest mid-day. Staying on-site also would have made it MUCH easier to get to the park early or on-time. To me, fast passes are key to a successful visit, so getting an early start is essential.

These are just the initial impressions off the top of my head. We just returned home tonight, so I'll pop back in if/when more thoughts come to mind.

 

[HydroGuy]

So we have been to WDW once a year for the last few years. DH got a new job last year and we have relocated to WA from MI. We are considering going to DL in August. So what do I need to know?

See

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Pay attention to AP blackout issues. The blackouts lift in late August usually and that will affect crowds.

Is it better to stay on or off site (and where)?

Staying onsite is a bit of a misnomer. There are numerous good neighbor hotels closer to the parks than the DLR hotels. And staying at a DLR hotel does not offer the same advantages as staying at a WDW hotel. There are many folks like me who stay onsite at WDW but offsite at DLR.

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Do they have a Dining Plan? Is there somewhere we absolutely can't miss?

DLR has a dining plan which works differently than WDW's and the consensus of DLR vets is that it is not a good deal.

Is there somewhere we absolutely can't miss?

Do not miss:

1. Indiana Jones
2. Matterhorn
3. Alice
4. Fantasmic
5. Aladdin
6. POTC (way better than WDW)
7. Space Mtn (way better than WDW)
8. California Screamin
9. Monsters Inc

plus more

Do I need to make ADRs like at WDW and if so, where do you recommend?

They are called PS (Priority Seating) and it is much less in demand than WDW. You can make PSs 60 days in advance, but even for really nice dining options like Blue Bayou you can often get a PS the day before and get in on standby by walking in.

Bottom line is make PSs 60 days in advance if you can but realize you still have lots of options after that.