Help for relative newbies to DL in Sept.

[k.hunter30]

DH and I are thinking of a trip to southern California in mid-Sept. We are relatively new to DL. Though I've been there about 8 times, the last time I was there was just after DCA opened; and DH has never been there. We'll be staying with a relative. We were thinking two days would be good for Disney. What do you think, would that be sufficient?

We'll only have a week or a little less there, and we also are thinking about driving to San Diego for a day and going to an Angels game. DH is not big on amusement parks, though he did fall completely in love with WDW because of it's "magic." He's not big on rides with extreme drops or loops.

What will September in DL be like as far as weather, crowds, special events? (Our trip will be anytime between Sept. 8-30)

I think I'm rather familiar with the differences in rides when it comes to WDW's MK and DL. Other than the rides, what are some park highlights/aspects we should be sure to take advantage of in DL? Do they still have the Main Street Electrical Parade? *crosses fingers* As for DCA, I don't remember much of it other than Soarin' and the roller coaster, which I don't think DH would enjoy.

Any advice/suggestions/tips you have would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[Nicole220]

Hi Kat!! :kiss:

This is a great time to go because there aren’t any crowds. The middle of the week is empty. But weekends are horrific...very crowded. Avoid them! I'd suggest going Tues-Thurs.

I think you should be pretty good with 2 days, especially if you're going during the week. You'll probably end up spending 1 and a half days in DL, and a half day in DCA.

The weather is warm in September. mid 80s-90s is what you’d most likely see. No rain, but it can get windy (warm winds).

No special events in September...

Highlights:
DL (things besides rides):
~Parade of Dreams: a fantastic parade! Don't miss this. It's my favorite.
~Fantasmic and Remember...Dreams Come True: unfortunately these only happen on the weekends during the slow season. So you can see them, but you'd have to go on a busier day.
~Get there when it opens. DL is empty for the first 2-3 hours, no matter what time of the year you go. You can get a lot done in this time. If it's crowded, take advantage of the fastpass system!!
~The only place you can find Jack Sparrow is Pirates Lair (Tom Sawyer Island).

DCA:
~The Aladdin musical is great, I highly recommend this!
~California Screamin'
~ToT
~Soarin'- the same as Epcot's
~Monster's Inc.- cute darkride
~Grizzly River Rapids- fun, imho better than Kali.
~MSEP- I don't know if this runs during Sept...maybe someone else will know.
~Pixar Play Parade- the new parade that's tons of fun! I love it. And the fun part...you get wet!

The Haunted Mansion might be down....I forget when in Sept. it goes down for the Christmas overlay.

Ummm, that's all I can think of at the moment. I'll add more as it comes to me.

 

[Nicole220]

If you want to go to a nice restaurant during your stay, I highly recommend Napa Rose, one of the best Disney restaurants. It's delicious. Oh, location- the Grand Californian Hotel.

DtD has a nice selection of restaurants. The ESPN Zone has great food and lots of fun games to play. The Garden Walk (located across the street from the resort) is also opening up some nice restaurants and shops.

 

[k.hunter30]

I think you should be pretty good with 2 days, especially if you're going during the week. You'll probably end up spending 1 and a half days in DL, and a half day in DCA.

That's what I was thinking we might do.

~Fantasmic and Remember...Dreams Come True: unfortunately these only happen on the weekends during the slow season. So you can see them, but you'd have to go on a busier day.

Stink! I really wanted to see the fireworks.... hmmm... Would it be worth it to go on a weekend? What aboue a Friday, do they have it on Fridays?

~The only place you can find Jack Sparrow is Pirates Lair (Tom Sawyer Island).

Love you! You know me so well!! :kiss:

If you want to go to a nice restaurant during your stay, I highly recommend Napa Rose, one of the best Disney restaurants. It's delicious. Oh, location- the Grand Californian Hotel.

DtD has a nice selection of restaurants. The ESPN Zone has great food and lots of fun games to play. The Garden Walk (located across the street from the resort) is also opening up some nice restaurants and shops.

Those sound nice. We probably won't eat on property too much, since we'll be staying with my relative who lives in Villa Park. Though some friends told me I HAVE to go to In-and-Out burger! I can't believe of all my trips out there I've never been there!

Oh, and we always like to have a Monte Cristo sandwich at the place in PoTC. Is that place still there?

 

[Nicole220]

Stink! I really wanted to see the fireworks.... hmmm... Would it be worth it to go on a weekend? What aboue a Friday, do they have it on Fridays?

Yupper! I'd go Thurs and Friday. Spend Thursday at DL, Friday morning in DL, DCA in the afternoon, and go back to DL for the evening. It's definitely worth it.

Love you! You know me so well!! :kiss:

Those sound nice. We probably won't eat on property too much, since we'll be staying with my relative who lives in Villa Park. Though some friends told me I HAVE to go to In-and-Out burger! I can't believe of all my trips out there I've never been there!

The on property food isn't like WDW, so skipping that is totally fine. Oooo, In and Out is great!! It's a love/hate relationship...you either love it or hate it. I love it. :slurp:

Oh, and we always like to have a Monte Cristo sandwich at the place in PoTC. Is that place still there?

The Blue Bayou is still there. Definitely make reservations and try and get a table by the water. I've always wanted to go there. I've heard the food is okay...the Monte Cristo is the best. It's the atmosphere that totally makes it.