What to do now?

[mkla2015]

I'll start by saying my family frequents WDW so I'm use to planning every little detail- DVC booked 11 months out, dining reservations 180 days, FP+ 60 days, etc.

We are going to DLR in January and I feel lost...

Room is booked, plane tickets and park tickets have been bought...

What should I be doing now? Can I plan anything?

This is our first family trip to DLR and we are really excited! The last time I went to DLR was 15yrs ago and I know things have changed drastically since then!

 

[GatorChris]

HA! Yes, I remember that feeling. WDW turns you into a planning freak. Only after 3 big trips and a year with an AP did I finally learn to slow down with DL. There's really not much more for you to do this month other than post over hear on the nicer side of the DIS boards.

You really don't even have to get dining reservation right at 60 days. First, there's no DDP so you don't have the masses rushing to get their money's worth. Second, other than Blue Bayou, there really isn't a place that stands out as an amazing TS meal. With good CS places at Plaza Inn, Village Haus (Kruat Dog!), French Market, Flo's V-8, and Pacific Wharf Cafe, you can do CS all trip without getting tired of burgers and nuggets. We usually do 1 or 2 TS per week-long trip. Way different than the 1 a day at WDW we used to do.

There's plenty that's changed since 15 years ago. For one, DCA (California Adventure) is an awesome park now. It wasn't back then. Definitely worth a few full days of touring. Cars Land is just amazing. And they have a nightly show called World of Color. You'll want to get FPs for that in the morning when you're there - located at the FP machines for Grizzly River Run.

Speaking of FP, it's the old style....THANK GOD!!! No uber planning each day. You show up, you head some place to ride, you grab a FP on the way, and just play it by ear...the way Disney should always be enjoyed. Sure, you have to do some criss-crossing, but DL is so small compared to MK that it won't be all that bad.

Be sure and enjoy the Nemo subs. It's like the old 20,000 Leagues subs but with a Finding Nemo theme. Also, Mr Toad still exists here so hit that for sure. I'm sure you hit these the last time you came, but there's some rides that either don't exist at WDW or are better at DL. They are Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mt, Nemo Subs, Indiana Jones (like Dinosaur), Big Thunder Mt, Alice in Wonderland dark ride, Matterhorn, Small World, and lots of Star Wars stuff if your into that.

I'll leave you with this advice, which I know you won't be able to do because you're a WDW goer. But....take it easy and take it slow. Don't sweat it. It's a more relaxed vibe here.

 

[tzeitel]

Planning our first trip to DLR was excruciating for me. After planning for WDW, DLR should be super easy, unless you actually like all the hoops you have to jump through - which I do So, if you have the flights, room and tickets you are pretty much done. Dining is nothing like WDW. Just for fun I have been checking for same day ADRs - you can find them even for Blue Bayou!

Now you can spend some time researching the rides, looking at menus. Are you renting a car or taking a shuttle? Do you have time set aside for other places other than Disney? We have gone to the San Diego Zoo, and Sea World. Last year we went to El Capitan and watched Nightmare Before Christmas - they play all the Disney movies, sometimes older ones, and the theater is beautiful.

 

[Isatricia]

I love that DLR is so relaxed! Don't worry, everything will go great.

I think that everyone is so stressed out with the planning at WDW that they don't have as much fun. Our first ever trip to WDW was last year and I planned it like I do a trip to DLR: Hotel, tickets, 1 ADR and I tried to schedule the FP for 8 days. Most of the FP were changed throughout the week because it just didn't work for us. It was great playing it by ear and not worrying about being any specific place at any specific time. The only thing that was set was the ADR for our 12 yr old's birthday dinner and it was so stressful worrying about getting there in time - then having to wait an additional hour after our reservation before getting seated.

Relax and have fun!!

 

[mseyre]

It was such a huge culture shock for me after doing so many DLR trips to plan a WDW one last year. My head was spinning and I was cursing about having to plan my FPs so far in advance! However, now I am back at a DLR trip for this year and I am chomping at the bit to plan something. So funny. Anyway I am going to be happy to just play parts of it all by ear.

 

[momsmail]

I have never been to WDW, so I have nothing to compare to, but I am a planner by nature. I absolutely love the planning and packing aspects of a Disney vacation. We have been to DLR enough times to where I have what works for us down pat. We are going in Mid-Late February, so we are 4 months out. This is what I have been working on:

Plane Tickets- purchased
Hotel has been booked for 2 years to get good rates LOL
Disney park tickets- purchased
Basic itinerary- Which parks on which days
We have groceries delivered to the Hotel by Vons, so I have been adding items to our shopping list online as I think of them.
Shuttles- Airport to hotel shuttle tickets-purchased
We are visiting 3 other parks, so I will purchase those tickets when they become available, as well as transportation
Budget- I go over this regularly on a spreadsheet
Packing list- For each person, what goes on carry on, checked, etc.
Photo pass - you can pre purchase if you want.
Purchase Disney gift cards from Target with RedCard to save 5%
Reading up on the DisBoards!

It's really not necessary to plan too hardcore, but like I said, I love to do it. Good luck and happy planning!

 

[Donalyn]

It is funny - for WDW vets coming to DLR, they are amazed by how much planning you don't have to do. And if you are a DLR vet, then you are shocked by the level of planning that WDW can require.

I think that you are in great shape.

 

[mkla2015]

Thanks for the replies! I feel better knowing I'm not missing anything!

It's very crazy to me how different the process has been planning this trip than our WDW trips (I'm already planning WDW 2018).

Have any of you stayed at the Fairfield Inn? Staying off property is also a first for us. I couldn't see spending so much more to stay on property when this hotel is just across the street.

 

[momsmail]

Have any of you stayed at the Fairfield Inn? Staying off property is also a first for us. I couldn't see spending so much more to stay on property when this hotel is just across the street.

We stayed there in 2013. It was very nice. At the time (not sure if they still do) they had a Pizza Hut and an arcade/game room, which my son loved. It is very close to the main entrance but is a tad too far for my liking but only because our current go-to is the Tropicana which is right at the main gate. Don't get me wrong, the Fairfield is VERY close though. My only problem with the Fairfield was when we checked in they acted like there was a problem, almost like they didn't have room for us (reservations had been confirmed twice prior) and the gentleman at the front desk had to go back and speak with a manager, etc. I am not sure what the problem was, he was very professional, but we ended up being put in an accessible room, in an odd location at the hotel. He did say we could call to switch rooms if we wanted, but I never did, as the room was fine. It actually quite a nice place (I am a fan of Marriotts in general), I would stay there again if my go-to was not available.

 

[rentayenta]

The Disneyland Resort area is so much smaller but I wouldn't discount staying on property if its in the budget. The Grand Californian is every bit as wonderful as the WDW DVCs properties; in fact it's out favorite right after AK. If it's not possible to snag a DVC reservation, look into the DLH and PPH.

 

[Geemo]

It actually quite a nice place (I am a fan of Marriotts in general), I would stay there again if my go-to was not available.

In your first post you mention "Hotel has been booked for 2 years to get good rates LOL "
I'm wondering which hotel is your "Go-To"? I like to book early for good rates but I've never booked out that far for Disneyland.
Care to share?
Geemo

 

[DLfan4]

WE went to DLR in mid January 2012. which is a slower time and not as crowded. We walked into Blue Bayou without a reservation, and didnt have to wait. WE did have a reservation at Ariels Gottos, since it was a must--do on our list. But we really didnt need to, there was lots of room available.
So my suggestion is, if a resturant is a must-do for you, then make a reservation just to be sure. but otherwise, its not really needed.


Besides the hotel, airfare, car rental, park tickets and dining reservation for Arials Grotto. We didnt have anything else planned prior to arriving.

 

[smartlabelprint]

WE went to DLR in mid January 2012. which is a slower time and not as crowded. We walked into Blue Bayou without a reservation, and didnt have to wait. WE did have a reservation at Ariels Gottos, since it was a must--do on our list. But we really didnt need to, there was lots of room available.
So my suggestion is, if a resturant is a must-do for you, then make a reservation just to be sure. but otherwise, its not really needed.


Besides the hotel, airfare, car rental, park tickets and dining reservation for Arials Grotto. We didnt have anything else planned prior to arriving.

It's a lot busier now. A day or two ahead reservations is fine but walk in is very rare.

 

[goooof1]

what to do now...? RELAX! and look forward to your visit. If you know there is a TS place that you want to eat, go ahead and make a reservation, but don't sweat it.....you shouldn't have any trouble getting them a week ahead of time (or less!).....NO getting up in the middle of the night 2 months ahead of time to reserve a dinner!! And many times they haven't opened up the schedule then, anyway.

 

[momsmail]

In your first post you mention "Hotel has been booked for 2 years to get good rates LOL "
I'm wondering which hotel is your "Go-To"? I like to book early for good rates but I've never booked out that far for Disneyland.
Care to share?
Geemo

Hi Geemo! My go to is the Tropicana. We like to go in February. In February 2015 I booked the hotel for February 2016, getting their special promotion at the time- about $99/night. I had a life threatening illness and had to cancel my trip, so I called the hotel and had them change the reservations for 2017. I got an email from the manager saying they are delighted we are returning and are happy to extend the low rate to me throughout my entire stay. So I guess I was wrong, it has currently been booked for 20 months, will have been booked for 2 years when we go in February- but has been rescheduled once. I hope that makes sense!! It makes me want to book for 2018 now, then if I need to push it out, just call and move it to lock in that rate.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Have you read through HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets? Some of the information could use some updating (his words), but it's one of the best resources I've found for those of us travelling to DLR for the first time.

 

[patty57]

Another WDW vet here. We have a quick 2 1/2 day trip at the end of Oct. after a wedding. I have the DL hotel booked. We are attending MHP on Halloween, and the WoC dessert party on Nov. 1. That's all the planning I've done. No ADRs, no tickets yet. I enjoy planning trips at WDW, but have to say the non-planning is pretty great. No FP+ 60 days ahead, no ADRs at 180 days ahead, and no concern about which park on which day...like it!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Second, other than Blue Bayou, there really isn't a place that stands out as an amazing TS meal.

I agree with most of your post but have to disagree with this...Napa Rose is an absolutely amazing meal. Far better than Blue Bayou, IMO..and more consistent. Carthay Circle was also excellent when we went last year.

 

[GatorChris]

I agree with most of your post but have to disagree with this...Napa Rose is an absolutely amazing meal. Far better than Blue Bayou, IMO..and more consistent. Carthay Circle was also excellent when we went last year.

I've never been to Napa Rose. I have kids...picky kids. Not spending that kind of cash when all they want is chicken nuggets and pizza. NR reminds me of Victoria & Albert's at WDW....a little too fancy for my tastes.

As for Carthay Circle, the inside was very elegant, my food was good (not great), and my wife had the worst food she's ever had (some funky scaloppini with horrible flavor). We're more traditional, though. I wish Big Thunder Mt BBQ was still around. That was a place we went to every time! Great for families. I'm just sad I started hitting DL right before they shut it down forever.

 

[Aladora]

I've never been to Napa Rose. I have kids...picky kids. Not spending that kind of cash when all they want is chicken nuggets and pizza. NR reminds me of Victoria & Albert's at WDW....a little too fancy for my tastes.

As for Carthay Circle, the inside was very elegant, my food was good (not great), and my wife had the worst food she's ever had (some funky scaloppini with horrible flavor). We're more traditional, though. I wish Big Thunder Mt BBQ was still around. That was a place we went to every time! Great for families. I'm just sad I started hitting DL right before they shut it down forever.

I love how people's experiences and preferences can vary so wildly!

Our family loves Napa Rose (actually taking our 11 year old son to the chef's counter in March), have enjoyed Carthay Circle (3 dinners and 1 lunch in the lounge), was seriously disappointed with BTMBBQ (went once, that was enough for us) and the worst meal I had over 10 Disney trips was at Cafe Orleans (which most people love but I will never go back to, yuck!).