Originally Posted By u k fan It's all been a bit last minute, but my sister has booked for us to go to DLP for her Birthday, leaving tomorrow and returning on Sunday. We're staying off site (Disney hotels were pretty much all booked up) just outside a village called Montevrain. According to a review on TripAdvisor DLP's Chateau is visible from the hotel at night, but we'll see! I just wondered if anyone had any tips for getting the most out of the day and a half we'll have. My priority will be the seasonal things like FantIllusion and Wishes, but I know the others will want to try out Crush and Cars. I'm not sure trying those early will work. Do you think we're better off trying to hit those as WDS closes and then heading back for the evening entertainment? Also, does anyone know how early morning extra magic hours works? I'm the only one eligible, but can the rest of my party enter the park, but not ride the attractions? As I'm guessing we won't actually ride much due to crowds, what recommendations do people have for shows etc. as I haven't seen many of this years new offerings. Are they worth making the effort to see? Obviously I know Tarzan and The Legend of The Lion King well enough although I doubt we will see both. Any tips would be appreciated. I'm not usually too bothered, but as it's a short trip and the crowds were huge in June, I'll need to hit the ground running!!!
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo <<Also, does anyone know how early morning extra magic hours works? I'm the only one eligible, but can the rest of my party enter the park, but not ride the attractions>> Just a guess but if it is the same as when they just did the Fantasyland open early to APers then no they will not be able to go in with you I do'nt know if you remember but we tried that when we had that charecter Breakfast all together on the meet a couple of years ago and we did not all have APs. They even questioned us about tickets for the under 3's we had to assure them of mikeys age and that he did not need a ticket.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Good answer Sarah (who forgot we did EMH on the Saturday morning). Kiz, the way it worked in June was that EMH participants went to the gates near the train station exit and were admitted upon production of room key or Dream pass. Others had to wait until main opening time. Its a case of staying together or flying solo and meeting up after park opening I'm afraid. Crush and Cars seem to be a case of catching 1st thing (and risking your life) or waiting for Crush to go 101 and come back up to walk on (seems to be happening occassionally). You could do last thing, but if it goes 101, you won't ride. If you are not going to hit many attractions, remember to check at City Hall where the entertainers are that are not listed (the cowboy bands, the marching band, Merlin etc.). Also, I am hearing that the Lion King ticket system has been suspended over the summer. Also the Keel Boats are back (and we do not know how long). The parade is now at 19:30 and Fanti is 22:25. Have a fantastic time!
Originally Posted By u k fan Hi guys, thanks for the tips. I didn't get a chance to reply before I left. We had a great time. I'll try and post a few details later, but we have family staying so it may have to wait!!!
Originally Posted By irishfan Good to hear you had a great trip ukfan. A good friend will be leaving for DLP tomorrow with her family. Any thoughts/obersvations/tips from the past few days I could pass on to her?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I look forward to hearing more Kiz. Irishfan, are they vets or is this a 1st time deal? Key for Toonstudios, go early. Tip for the main parks - book a table service meal rather than fight the crowds at counter service.
Originally Posted By irishfan They have been to DLP once before, back in 2001, and have visited Disneyland a number of times, but that was prior to the resort expansion. I've told them to dine at Walts one night, they also have plans to see Buffalo Bills, plus one evening in Paris, so that just leaves one other night at the resort for dinner.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Buffalo Bill's and Walt are two excellent calls. The third will depend on taste and budget. For those that like fairly prime dining, then the California Grill or Steakhouse factor very high up - CG beats anything in Fla IMHO. and the Steakhouse is consistantly excellent. The Yacht Club and Manhatten Grill are also excellent choices. The Silver Spur is actually my favorite in park restaurant based on food and service (but the ambience is not as good as Walt's). For those on more of a budget - Annette's is a good call, or for those who like characters, I recommend the Lucky Nugget (they even have a live band as well as the characters). Lot's of choice. I can't wait to get back!
Originally Posted By u k fan We had an early lunch at the Lucky Nugget yesterday and loved it, but the characters seemed to be ignoring adult only parties and sticking to those with kids. We went to the studios in the late afternoon, Leisl and Emerson waiting for 75 minutes for Crush and 20 minutes for Cars at around 4pm. However most everything else was a near walk on. 10 minutes for the Carpets 5 minutes for RnRC. The lines were considerably shorter than they were in June for the most part and the park seemed quieter. We rode everything we wanted to except BTM which was 101 on several occasions. One tip was that late on a significant number of the fast food places were closed. On saturday we ate at Colonel Hathi's for Lunch, but then struggled in the evening to find anything other than Pizza/Pasta to eat. We ended up eating Pasta at the Bella Notte. I'm guessing that the seasonal CM's were in force this weekend as many of them seemed poorly trained. I had to tell the person getting my food at the Bella Notte what was included on a Menu Pluto and the CM behind the till in Fontierland was checking his texts as he served. I witnessed several CM's chatting to each other while they served guests, but several of the CM's were excellent. There was a stark contrast between the Perm and Temp CM's. I'll try and post more later, but feel free to ask any questions!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Great for you guys that it was quieter. Bummer for us all in June though. I thought with the queues during the week in June, a weekend in July would be a no go!!! I guess people were trying to avoid the higher rates and crowds (lol). How were Wishes and Fanti this year? As for the cast members, that's a real shame, they seemed to be better in June than I have seen for a very long time. Glad you enjoyed the Lucky Nugget - we had a blast there, but then again, the kids were really into the character thing. I notice the characters can be really blase about adult groups all over DLP. A real shame. Can't wait to hear more.
Originally Posted By u k fan We watched Fanti from Town Square and it was running late so it flew by at an amazing speed. All of the characters (particularly the Princesses) looked like they holding on for all they were worth. Wishes was just as it always is with the exception that I told Emerson that the reason the Blue Fairy is named as such is because of how often she swears so everytime she spoke we inserted lots of bleeps! Naughty I know, but it was good fun! I also enjoyed Candlebration (or whatever it's called), the new song is much less grating here than in the parade. On the subject of the new parade, Dad loved it, Leisl was underwhelmed (she hated the new music) and Elenya was scared of the Pirates and Villains. She absolutely loved Alpha-Bet-You-Are. Emerson was singing that song all day!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Cool. I like "Just like we dreamed it". It's better than the "woowoo" of the character express. At first I was not sold, but after hearing it so many times, I really got into it. Alphabetyouare is VERY strange, and at the same time VERY appealing. And I don't know why! I love the "BLUE" fairy story. I always welcomed the idea of her talking dirty to me...
