Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 Enjoy your drive down 101...it doesn't get much better! I live on the ocean and still can't get enough...
Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker Once again, I want to thank you all for your suggestions and help regarding my upcoming vacation. Based on the most recent posts, I think I'm probably going to go with DCA over USH. I remember the hill from USH of 19 years ago, and I remember the backlot tour. I am saddened to hear it's been cut short, since I believe that's what really made it better than USF. Plus 2 of you have made a very good point about the traffic. I'm planning on staying in the Anaheim area, and being unfamilar with the short cuts, I'd prefer to relax and just do something closer. I have also been to Knotts Berry Farm (in 1988) and Six Flags Magic Mountain (in 1993). Both of these parks weren't even a consideration with only 2 days in the area. I'd much rather see a Disney park. I will be traveling down 101, and I remember it from when I was a child. Very beautiful, I'm looking forward to it.
Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker dl1956 - I plan on staying in DL as long as my feet can carry me. I'm not one to leave the park early, I'll probably stay until close if I can. I'd like to catch a parade/show, but if it's crowded I'd rather spend that time on some rides. I don't recal riding the Matterhorn when I was a kid (maybe it was closed), how is that? I'd love to hear any suggestions you have, thanks.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I would say hit the big rides without fastpasses as early in the day as you can - the later in the day the longer those lines will be. - Such as Matterhorn, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Alice, Indiana Jones(fastpasses not active due to refirbishment of que area). Use the fastpasses whenever you can. If you have a hopper go to DL in the am before DCA and you can still get FP in DCA. I don't know if you have FP'd in the past - but when you get the FP look at the bottom the the FP and it will say in smaller print next fastpass available at and it will give you a time. Also the only time that matters on the fastpass is the first time - you don't have to return between the 2 times you can go back any time after the first time so if it says return between 1:00 - 2:00 you can still use in at 9:00 the same day. We collect them throughtout the day and use them in the evening/night...
Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker I've used the fastpass system over at WDW, so I'm aware of how it works, but I appreciate the explanation. Could you tell me which FP's are most worth it to get? I know in the Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan ALWAYS seems to have the longest line for some reason. I'm not familiar with DL at all, and I only have one chance to get this right. I appreciate everyone's help here because I want to see as much and do as much as possible in the day. Thanks again!
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Same in DL for Peter Pan - get there as close to opening or watch the fireworks near the rope in Fantasyland and when the fire department releases the area you can buzz right on to PP. Best FP to get in the order we do it (Me40,DS18,DS16,DS11,DD8) 1. Space Mountain 2. Splash Mountain 3. Big Thunder Mountain 4. Buzz Lightyear 5. Autopia 6. Roger Rabbit (usually we skip toon town altogether) DCA 1. Soarin 2. Grizzly 3. Screamin 4. TOT IF you can get into DL park at opening one of the days we suggest this - Peter Pan Matterhorn FP - Space Alice Storybook Dumbo Casey Jr Mr Toad Advetureland Indiana Jones Head over to NOS FP Splash Haunted Mansion Pirates Jungle Cruise FP Buzz Go to DCA FP Soarin See Aladdin (worth the time) we usually go to Award Weiners and eat while we wait in Aladdin line. FP Grizzly Go down and ride pier rides FP Screamin - if family not into coaster - skip FP and go single rider Go back to bugs area (we usually skip) Ride monsters go see crush Use FP's See electrical parade go quickly back to DL for Fireworks Use FP's collected earlier... Just my input
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 Instead of typing it all up! I agree with villains! Do exactly as she says... haha
Originally Posted By dl1956 NYthrillseeker, Peter Pan at DL also is one ride that often has a line past closing time year round. btw, do you and your family want to spend any time on live entertainment or parades, the fireworks show Remember Dreams Come True, or Fantasmic? These will require waiting around to some extent or other. Also, other than maybe for the new Submarine ride, DL may not *necessarily* be all that crowded on weekdays late June, particularly later in the evening. The "June Gloom" cool temps may keep the crowds down a bit too.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Okay here are a couple of food places that are good - these are quick places since you don't have a long trip planned - if you are planning better restaurants (blue bayou, carnation, etc) call 714-781-Dine and book soon. 1. Redd Rocket - good pasta - lots of food 2. Tomorrowland Terrace - okay burgers good sandwiches - Awesome California fruit (at least the CM said it was local) - good egg breakfast 3. Corn Dog stand (on main street) 4. Royal Street Veranda - clam chowder - gumbo 5. Bengal BBQ - never tried but popular on the site 6. StageCoach Cafe - Fish n chips, chicken strips, mozzerella strips (lots for price) 7. Hungery Bear - burgers, salads, and sandwichs DCA 1. Award Wieners - very good hot dogs 2. Taste pilots grill (changed menu so unsure of this) 3. White Water Snacks (in Grand California) heard has good food 4. Cocina Cocumonga - mexican taste 5. Pacific Wharf - Broccoli/cheddar soup bowl (very good) clam chowder - sandwiches - also in this area is a beer stand and Margarita stand (if you like those) Wine stand is across the way by the Napa Rose. 6. Corn Dog Castle 7. Farmers Market (same as Stagedoor) Both parks have McDonalds also.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb If they have two showings of Fantasmic!, go to the second. You can usually get a decent place to view it without camping out for hours that way.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains If you go to the second showing you can usually get seating at the Cafe Orleans or the RIverbell terrace and have dessert and hot chocolate from the restaurants.
Originally Posted By Hista98 don't do uneversal instead of dca. Dca has a lot of fun rides aimed more for the older set. I Work at disneyland and can normally do all the good rides at dca in about 3-4 hours on a good day. But i would give yourself 2 days to do both parks. R u going after nemo opens? If so do that first thing when the park opens otherwise count on missing it.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 Copy that - if you're there in late June, Nemo will be open, and almost certainly you'll have to make that your first ride (THEN Peter Pan), if you want to ride.
Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker Davillains - thank you so much for your extensive list of rides and restaurants. I think I'm going to print them out and take them with me! You all have been a very big help so far. My vacation will be much greater thanks for my LP friends. Hista,Dabob - Yes, I think I'm probably going to do Nemo first since that seems like it would have the longest line.
Originally Posted By grammy954 If I remember correctly, you can get FP for Grizzly even though you are not eligible for a new FP yet. Not sure if that is still the case, but it used to be. I think there is also a ride in DL that you can do that with, but not sure which one. Also, just so you know - you don't actually have to ride your FP attraction in that hour. As long as the start time is past, they will let you ride. We have even used them the next day without trouble. Good choice for DCA over USH. I think USH is just boring...
