Where should we splurge?

[friedela]

We have a bit of extra cash in our budget and I want to do something to splurge a little bit. Not wild about character meals, nor BBB (we did both of those at WDW). I can't find much on the Disneyland website.. are there other makeovers or amazing tours or other experiences that are extra cash and worth it?

 

[twodogs]

Can you give a ballpark budget to work with? This could be fun!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

F! is supposed to be back by your trip dates. A dining package makes a big difference at DL for this show (which is, by almost unanimous vote, the better F! vs. WDW). If the budget would allow the HB dining package (which is the least expensive and most flexible), you would get good to great viewing for the lowest price. HB reserved viewing is just to the left of the BB reserved area (the most expensive package), so you could end up sitting (on the ground) just over the tape from the most expensive view for much less money! The HB dining package menu allows you to order off the regular menu if it would work better for your family. You'll still pay the dining package price, but at least have more menu choices. The reserved dining package viewing areas are right up front by the water, center section viewing.

 

[HydroGuy]

• World of Color Dessert package, assuming WOC is back. It is like $80 per person. Huge splurge, but a nice and more comfortable way to see WOC.
• F! Dining packages like the PP said - Hungry Bear is the economical way to go
• A meal at the Blue Bayou at a waterside table
• Go on a tour - Walk in Walt's Footsteps seems to be the best available now

 

[cruisehopeful]

If it is all adults, the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour might be nice. I thought it was okay but most people like it a lot. I think it would be boring for kids. I found it to be a little boring for myself, but I think I am in the minority with that opinion.

If World of Color is back on, the dessert party is great. It's $79/pp and it lets you sit down and watch the show. It comes with cheese, bread and various overly sweet desserts and drinks. It is pricey for what it is, but it is very nice to be able to sit down at the end of the day to watch the show.

If you are interested in being inside a video game check out The Void in downtown Disney.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree that younger kids might not enjoy the WIWF tour, especially the OP's daughter -- not sure how that would work for her needs. WOC Dessert Party is a lovely splurge. But, depending on how the OP's daughter does in tight crowds, she might qualify for the WOC HC seating -- so the money could be spent elsewhere. And The Void is super fun, but does have a minimum age limit -- make sure the kids qualify.

 

[friedela]

We have a bit of extra cash in our budget and I want to do something to splurge a little bit. Not wild about character meals, nor BBB (we did both of those at WDW). I can't find much on the Disneyland website.. are there other makeovers or amazing tours or other experiences that are extra cash and worth it?

Haha, we have about $300 extra to play with. We were thinking doing the Dolphin Interaction program at Seaworld, that's still an option too.

 

[friedela]

Agree that younger kids might not enjoy the WIWF tour, especially the OP's daughter -- not sure how that would work for her needs. WOC Dessert Party is a lovely splurge. But, depending on how the OP's daughter does in tight crowds, she might qualify for the WOC HC seating -- so the money could be spent elsewhere. And The Void is super fun, but does have a minimum age limit -- make sure the kids qualify.

Yes, you are right.. she wouldn't be a big fan of something like this. What is HC seating? And how would I know if she qualifies for it?

Love some of the other ideas! Thanks everyone!

 

[HydroGuy]

Yes, you are right.. she wouldn't be a big fan of something like this. What is HC seating? And how would I know if she qualifies for it?

Love some of the other ideas! Thanks everyone!

I think that is handicap seating. I have not been following your personal situation so I am ignorant of how that applies to you.

 

[friedela]

I think that is handicap seating. I have not been following your personal situation so I am ignorant of how that applies to you.

Oh gotcha. I don't think she would apply for this, my daughter has autism but probably not severe enough to need handicap seating (although not sure how they gauge that).

Is "F!" Fantasmic?

 

[HydroGuy]

Oh gotcha. I don't think she would apply for this, my daughter has autism but probably not severe enough to need handicap seating (although not sure how they gauge that).

Is "F!" Fantasmic?

Yes. See my signature for an abbreviations list.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Oh gotcha. I don't think she would apply for this, my daughter has autism but probably not severe enough to need handicap seating (although not sure how they gauge that)...

How does your daughter do in crowds? Waiting in crowds? Especially tight crowds? The general viewing area for WOC (i.e. the non-dining package viewing areas) are usually crowded to packed for every show. The dining package areas are less crowded, but can be more crowded during peak times, like holidays. The Dessert Party has the least crowded viewing because each guest has a chair. All other viewing is standing. For HC (handicap) viewing, there are a few benches on a higher level, next to one of the dining package areas (CCR, I think). If your daughter cannot tolerate being in the tight crowds, she might qualify for HC seating. She would sit on a bench with you, and your husband and son would stand next to you or behind you. If the HC area is not crowded during your show, they would be allowed to sit on the bench with you. If your daughter qualifies for DAS, then she might well qualify for the HC area. You would need to speak with CMs at the HC entrance before the show. (I think you all would need WOC FPs anyway for whichever show you choose to view, but those are free from the WOC machines.) If you decide to go with a WOC dining package instead, there is more information on those on the DLR website, under Dining Reservations.
Read the first post in this thread for a good overview on WOC: World of Color Superthread.
By the way, F! Dining Package reservations just opened back up: Fantasmic Reservations ON!!!!.