Disneyland/D23

[tommychall6]

Hey guys, I don't post here often but I have some questions. Any answers would be awesome.

I've been to Disney World more times than I can count, so I've decided it's finally time for me to go to Disneyland. I want to go during the next D23 Expo so that I can spend the first part of the week in the parks, and wrap things up at the Expo. Being the broke 25 year old that I am, I need to start planning as soon as possible. When do they typically announce the dates, and does anyone have any tips on Disneyland or the Expo for a first timer like me?

Thanks!!

 

[Monty]

We've been to the last two Expos. First time we got three-day passes and although we enjoyed it overall, the amount of time spent waiting in lines, even with FastPass, was frustrating. The second trip we got Sorcerer Passes, which vastly improved the experience [being a broke 25 year old, that's likely not an option]. We arrived the weekend before and left the weekend after and spent all our non-Expo days in the parks.

Tickets will go on sale a year in advance, so August this year. I don't remember how far ahead of that they announced the dates. You can save a little by buying your tickets as early as you can. The Early Bird window lasts a fairly long time IIRC.

There are a number of hotels in walking distance that aren't expensive. Be prepared to line up very early every morning or in some cases starting at 10PM the night before They will publish the full schedule in advance, plan out strategies for getting to as many sessions that interest you as you can, but be prepared to not get everything you want. Despite doing Expos since 2009, Disney never seems to get the organization down pat, a lot seems very haphazard every time we've been.

One important thing to note: They have a different line in the mornings to get into Arena sessions as opposed to the main floor and other theatre sessions. We learned that lesson the hard way. After lining up to enter with everyone else, when we finally got in, we were told the arena show was already full.

For DL, you can probably skip getting a Hopper ticket, each park can easily fill your days if you plan. The dining ADRs work a lot different from WDW, so make sure you know where you want to eat and when. A lot of places will take walk-ups, but the waits may be long. Some, like Blue Bayou, will turn you away during busier times. Almost all can be booked just a few days in advance.

Good luck. Maybe we'll see you there!