A few random questions for recent visitors!

Christina

Christina

New Member
Original Poster
This Christmas I recieved a wonderful gift in my "stocking"- a trip to Disneyland from Jan 24-29th. I'm very exciteeed about this and have a couple of completely random questions involving Disneyland, and the Disneyland area.

1) Traffic in Los Angeles and Anaheim- is it really THAT bad? Can it be comparable at all to Orlando's traffic or is it much worse? Because I have been hearing plenty of horror stories revolving around LA traffic and I am playing designated driver this trip.

2) Monster's Ink- Mike and Scully to the rescue new dark ride is set to open JAN 23, according to laughing place. Can anybody confirm this? Has anybody BEEN on it already, as I heard some rumours about soft openings going on.

3) Food: House of Blues. Is it good food, good atmosphere, worth it for two girls and one guy? Any short recalls here would be fantastic.

4) Downtown Disney or Universal's Citywalk - Keep in mind our ages of 18, 18, 21 and 25.

5) SeaWorld- I've never been in Orlando or San Diego- is it worth it to spend a day there? Is there ENOUGH to warrant the price (similar to one day DL pass)

6) DCA Dining- any good resturants you've all tried? Anyone's tried Ariels Grotto or the Vineyard room?

Thanks for anyone who can provide any insight into my questions! :sohappy:
 
rainfully

rainfully

Well-Known Member
Well I can answer the first two.

If you're staying in LA.. traffic isn't too terrible as long as you leave early enough. Keep in mind it will take at LEAST 45 minutes from Downtown LA, but more than likely closer to an hour.

Secondly, Monsters Inc is already in soft openings and there are many people who have been on it already. I can't tell you the "official opening" day, though.
 
MerHearted

MerHearted

Well-Known Member
I was just there. I can't answer all of your questions but I can tell you that the Monsters, Inc ride is open. I rode it and it was awesome. Best dark ride ever! As for DCA dining, I've been to Ariel's Grotto. I wish I could tell you about the food... but uhh, I wasn't really there for the food. :lookaroun Now if you wanna have dinner with your favorite mermaid and her friends, then try it. Disneyland really isn't about dining anyway. It's about experiencing a pure magic without an excess of the other stuff. :wave:
 
hoppypooh

hoppypooh

Member
You lucky duck! What a great gift! Hubby and I went on our first DL trip in September so I will take a stab at some of your questions. Bear in mind these are just my humble opinions!

We found LA traffic to be worse than what we are accustomed to. Try to avoid driving at peak times (rush hour) and allow yourself enough time so you are not stressing about being late getting somewhere. Also maybe bring along something to occupy your thoughts during the car trip like a DL Trivia Book or Hidden Mickeys or some good music. (Note: I didn't mean to distract your driving but merley to enjoyably pass the time.)

We did not go to City Walk but enjoyed DTD... The Lego Centre, Sephora, Build a Bear, World of Disney, the candy store etc. And my hubby loved ESPN Zone (comfy chairs, big screens, "man" food and games upstairs.)

We did the Ariels character meal and it was the only character meal we thought was overpriced and overrated. The food wasn't very good and there was limited time spent with characters (princesses.) We preferred the Plaza Inn and Goofy's Kitchen. At DCA - it's quick service - but we really liked Taste Pilots Grill - big portions and good food.

We were very disappointed in Sea World. Maybe our expectations were too high, but it seemed kind of hokey. IMHO Totally not worth the price. We LOVED the San Diego zoo though. Totally Amazing! And we easily spent a full day there.

Enjoy your trip! :sohappy:
 
DCA Fan

DCA Fan

New Member
1) Traffic in Los Angeles and Anaheim- is it really THAT bad?
Yes at rush hour. Know when to get to the park (early) and when to leave and you shouldn't have much problem

2) Monster's Inc - It will be open

3) Food: House of Blues. Decent food, good atmosphere, though I prefer Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

4) Downtown Disney or Universal's Citywalk - Citywalk is cheaper and edgier, Disneyland is more "high class and expensive"

5) SeaWorld- Worth a day, you can get coupons usually for discounts.

6) DCA Dining- Ariel's Grotto has good reviews, they do a Princess Character dining. Usually I stick with the hotdogs and cheap stuff though.
 
Tigggrl

Tigggrl

Well-Known Member
Hi there!
to answer the traffic question...I live about 25 minutes away, the opposite direction from LA...It took me 2 hours to get home tonight, that was AFTER rush hour and freeway AND backroads! Just make sure you leave in plenty of time and be patient!
I LOVE the Storytellers restaurant in the Grand Californian...Ariels Grotto was a disappointment, but Taste Pilots Grill is one of my favs, as well as Trattoria.
Sea world was ok, But I LOVED the San Diego zoo! NO charge for parking, and GREAT exhibits!
Monsters Inc. Was open today, and should be when you come.
Mansion is going down on the 15th or 16th for removal of NBC.
DTD is cool, but so is Universal Citywalk! More to do for people your age.
House of Blues has an AWESOME Elwood Chicken Sandwich, But Ralph Brennans BY FAR blows it away for atmosphere and Quality of food!
Enjoy!
 
NemoRocks78

NemoRocks78

Seized
1. Worse than Orlando, but sometimes it can be ok.
2. That's the date.
3. Never did the one at DTDCA, but it's decent over here at DTDFL.
4. Definitely CityWalk.....good stuff there.
5. I'd say it's worth a try if you're into that kind of stuff (they've also got a few rides like Journey to Atlantis).
6. DCA isn't the best when it comes to dining (Taste Pilots' Grill is quite good for a counter service restaurant though) but Ariel's Grotto is ok.

Hope you have a great trip. :wave:
 
Christina

Christina

New Member
Original Poster
Ooooh, I thought of one more! Are the crowds Jan 24-29th going to be like Dinseyworld in Jan and Feb (ie: low crowds during the weekdays)? I realllllllly hope so as I dislike crowds and always try to go off-season...I've read that weekends should be avoidable during the whole year if you don't like crowds, but other than that on weekdays I should be okay...right? :dazzle: Eek.
 
Monty

Monty

Brilliant...and Canadian
In the Parks
No
Christina said:
Ooooh, I thought of one more! Are the crowds Jan 24-29th going to be like Dinseyworld in Jan and Feb (ie: low crowds during the weekdays)? I realllllllly hope so as I dislike crowds and always try to go off-season...I've read that weekends should be avoidable during the whole year if you don't like crowds, but other than that on weekdays I should be okay...right? :dazzle: Eek.
Click to expand...

The EE DVC/AP previews are scheduled for later in that date range. If you're not attending, I'd suggest hitting DAK earlier in your stay.
 
Tigggrl

Tigggrl

Well-Known Member
I was just there Friday, and it was PACKED. After talking to one of my old co-workers, He told me there has not been a lull in business like there usually is. I am planning on going back in 2 weeks, DURING the week, I hope it is a bit quieter!
 
NemoRocks78

NemoRocks78

Seized
Christina said:
Ooooh, I thought of one more! Are the crowds Jan 24-29th going to be like Dinseyworld in Jan and Feb (ie: low crowds during the weekdays)? I realllllllly hope so as I dislike crowds and always try to go off-season...I've read that weekends should be avoidable during the whole year if you don't like crowds, but other than that on weekdays I should be okay...right? :dazzle: Eek.
Click to expand...
Usually by the end of the month the crowds decrease a lot, but with all the stuff happening now that might change....
 

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