Guide to DLR for WDW Veterans!

[ForeverAnna]

They don't have MM+. The tickets have a bar code and fast pass works like it did at WDW before MM+

 

[SeaCastle]

I have never been to DLR but WDW several times. We were planning on going this year but with all of the construction going on / shut downs this year decided to postpone it till they complete SWL. I was looking at a map of DLR and was shocked of how many E-ticket rides the park has in it. Plus, DCA has some big E-ticket rides too. Am I overreacting or are the two parks that good?

We visited DLR again this past January (3rd week) when Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Riverboat/Columbia, Pirate's Lair, Autopia, Grizzly River Run, and Soarin' were all closed. We dropped our three-day park hopper to two but we still managed a very full two days. We didn't end up seeing any parades/live entertainment, either. Disneyland is deceptive (in a good way!) with just how much is there, and there is a ton to do in DCA as well. We're WDW folks to the end but always enjoy Disneyland. I dare say that a day in the parks in Disneyland goes a lot farther than a similar day in WDW, even the Magic Kingdom.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

I have never been to DLR but WDW several times. We were planning on going this year but with all of the construction going on / shut downs this year decided to postpone it till they complete SWL. I was looking at a map of DLR and was shocked of how many E-ticket rides the park has in it. Plus, DCA has some big E-ticket rides too. Am I overreacting or are the two parks that good?

I don't think delaying for SWL is necessary. You may want to wait for Fantasmic to come back next summer, but since SWL is going to WDW as well, I wouldn't wait. DLR is amazing and both parks have tons of rides.

 

[Curious Constance]

I want to go this winter, my family doesn't do well in the heat. Our last trip in Oct 2014, everyday was 100 or near. We all basically melted. We so want a cool trip this time around. On the flip side, I can't wait to see the new train/riverbank area and that won't arrive until summer. After this trip, we'll wait until Star Wars Land opens before returning most likely. In the meantime, I think our first trip to WDW is in order, and I'm thinking we need to fit Hawaii in too.

 

[BrianV]

They don't have MM+. The tickets have a bar code and fast pass works like it did at WDW before MM+

Thanks!!

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

Are the regular tix rfid like at wdw? Is that what you use at the fast pass kiosks? I didn't think they had any of the Mm+ stuff yet.

Im so sorry. I got confused between the WDW thread and this one.

 

[BrianV]

Just bought my tickets through DLR online. I knew I might get a discount through a broker (ARES is one that is listed), but the tickets online are good in April when we go next year and ARES expire this December. And having just returned from WDW I needed to plan something!

The tickets indicate that we just show up and don't even need to go to will-call. Will they swap them at the turnstiles for real tickets or are theses our tickets for the whole time?

I am so excited. And I feel guilty. (We aren't taking kids as it is nominally a work trip!) Maybe we'll go again and take the kids. The flights were surprisingly cheap. Well, except for my MINT seat home on jet blue…

 

[PacNWTigger]

They will exchange those tickets at the turnstiles for "real" tickets to use for the duration of your trip. Don't feel guilty about being without the kids because it will be a totally different experience when you bring them. Enjoy Trader Sam's, Hearthstone Lounge, and Uva without having to think about the kiddos. I'm sure others can clue you in to other ideas too.

 

[BrianV]

They will exchange those tickets at the turnstiles for "real" tickets to use for the duration of your trip. Don't feel guilty about being without the kids because it will be a totally different experience when you bring them. Enjoy Trader Sam's, Hearthstone Lounge, and Uva without having to think about the kiddos. I'm sure others can clue you in to other ideas too.

Cool. That will be easier than the big pieces of paper!!
We've done universal orlando several times without kids. But never WDW. And sleeping beauty was my DD's favorite movie when she was little and she wants to see her castle some day. But once we get on the plane we won't feel guilty for long I suppose. Trader Sam's is high on my list!

 

[NobodyElse]

The monorail doesn't goto the hotel like you are used to in wdw. That part of the hotel that was there is long gone... But the station never moved. Result... Station is 'near' the hotel in walking distance.

The dl hotel is the premium hotel on property sill regardless. You just walk through DTD to the main gates. The other monorail stop is in tommorrowland on top of nemo.

Yes, two differences from WDW. 1) The DL monorail doesn't literally stop inside a hotel (like the Contemporary). 2) The DL monorail does drop you off inside Tomorrowland. You'll need park entrance media to even board in the first place.

One more thing to keep in mind. There seems to be a little bit of a misconception about the monorail / DL Hotel. Some people are under the impression that when Downtown Disney went in, that it became a farther walk from the station to the hotel. (While the old bungalows were probably closer), the monorail station and the original DH tower never moved. It's the same walk, just past different retail locations.

 

[BrianV]

Finally have hotel reservations (off site) at Hilton Anaheim. Same location as the conference DW is attending. Google maps claims it is 0.8 miles to front gate. That means we have tickets, flights and hotel all set.

So how far in advance can we / should we make meal reservations? Is there any additional advanced planning needed?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Finally have hotel reservations (off site) at Hilton Anaheim. Same location as the conference DW is attending. Google maps claims it is 0.8 miles to front gate. That means we have tickets, flights and hotel all set.

So how far in advance can we / should we make meal reservations? Is there any additional advanced planning needed?

Reservations open up 60 days out, but are really only needed if you are going to Blue Bayou or want a Frozen or WOC dining package. DLR is not table service oriented like WDW, and the parks have fantastic counter service options like Plaza Inn, French Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Flo's, etc. There's no need to do a table service every day at DLR. Blue Bayou is a lovely environment with overpriced average food - you go for the ambiance if at all. Carthay Circle is also overpriced and service is spotty. The best fine dining on property by a long shot is the incomparable Napa Rose - if you've got the budget, spring for Chef's Table.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

When are the best times to go when all of the rides are running and the crowds aren't crazy?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

When are the best times to go when all of the rides are running and the crowds aren't crazy?

Such a time doesn't exist. Sorry.

 

[BrianV]

Reservations open up 60 days out, but are really only needed if you are going to Blue Bayou or want a Frozen or WOC dining package. DLR is not table service oriented like WDW, and the parks have fantastic counter service options like Plaza Inn, French Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Flo's, etc. There's no need to do a table service every day at DLR. Blue Bayou is a lovely environment with overpriced average food - you go for the ambiance if at all. Carthay Circle is also overpriced and service is spotty. The best fine dining on property by a long shot is the incomparable Napa Rose - if you've got the budget, spring for Chef's Table.

Thanks. I confess I want to try the Blue Bayou. I'm used to overpriced food at WDW. But I also want to try Napa Rose. Got it...nothing to think about until 60 days out! Appreciate the help for a newbie.

 

[Bairstow]

Such a time doesn't exist. Sorry.

Yep. Something in the park is always going to be in need of refurbishment, and Disney wisely chooses to do this when fewer people will be impacted.

The trick is to study the refurb schedule and choose which attractions you prioritize.

Disney tries not to have too many attractions down at once, so refurbs will often be scheduled to begin as soon as another one ends. Therefore, if you're lucky, you may be able to schedule your visit days so that it straddles the end of one refurb and the beginning of another.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Thanks. I confess I want to try the Blue Bayou. I'm used to overpriced food at WDW. But I also want to try Napa Rose. Got it...nothing to think about until 60 days out! Appreciate the help for a newbie.

Blue Bayou is worth doing (ask for a waterfront table), but your expectations should be in line for the food/pricing. The atmosphere is pretty amazing.

 

[surfsupdon]

Wanted to pop in and thank everybody for their excellent advice. My runDisney/ California trip was a success, and was probably one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken. Disney was great and so was all of the advice, but the real star was LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice. I loved exploring that state, and all the tips and advice here were incredible. I am actvely looking to get back asap. Thank you again.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

This isn't exactly the appropriate thread (for me), but I need some quick advice.

I have magic morning access for one day on my ticket, but am foregoing park hopping.

Next week I am doing a 1/2 or 3/4 day at DL and will start in the morning. However, I planned for DL on Mon and Wed when there is no early magic hour. Would I find better crowds with a full DCA day Monday and utilize the magic morning on Tuesday for DL? Or is Magic Morning an attractant to make people show up in the morning and I'd be better served going to DL on a non-extra magic hour morning?

TL;DR: is the extra magic morning hour something that I should take advantage of or avoid?

I think it depends on if the attractions available are of interest to you. The biggest get of going to DL MM is Hyperspace and Peter Pan, but the lines for both are usually awful right out of the gate.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

I guess I mean does a magic hour morning provide an hour of lighter than normal crowds followed by typical rope drop crowds an hour later? Or does it basically attract everyone to that park muting its supposed benefit and making it feel just like any other rope drop day?

I don't feel it's worth it myself - if you utilize it you still have to rope drop. Next week's weekdays should be slow in general, so I'm sure you'd be fine either way.