Help! Our first DLR visit!!

[Boba Fett]

Hi everyone, this is actually my first post to the boards on WDWmagic. Just a real quick tidbit about myself that may help you guys give me the best answers: Living in NY and FL, I have been to WDW my whole life at least 20 times (same with the wife) but have both never been to California. I'm in the Navy deployed overseas and we figured "Wow, we have never been to DLR all this time, and we are huge Disney fans. Its time to book a trip when I return."

Since I am returning in either June or July, we figured those 2 months or August-September would be when we go. But the sooner the better of course! I am familiar with the value and busy seasons with WDW, which leads me to my questions:

1. June, July, August, Septemeber- which of those months are the best to experience ALL the attractions at DL and DCA with the lowest crowds? Of course lowest price would be nice, but we are willing to go almost all-out since we are stuck on the East coast.

2. DLR hotels - From what I understand from the official site, DGCH is the Cali version of the Grand Floridian, DH is the "original" and most Disney-fied/magical (what WDW hotel would it compare with?), and DPPH seems like a Cali version of Beach/Yacht Club/Boardwalk hotels. This is just what it seems like to me, but can anyone elaborate?

3. When choosing the hotel, we would like to feel like we're at Disney, not a beach or an overly fancy shmancy joint (this may be why we never stayed at DGFR plus the price). We want the magical experience as first timers, but we also would like a somewhat romantic atmosphere (maybe specific dinners you can reccomend?) Based on our situation and what we're looking for, what would you DLR experts suggest? (and money is not an issue)

4. This question is about the parks and DTD. As i mentioned, the plan is to do every attraction there is, as well as stroll around DTD for at least half a day. So based on those months, how many days should we set aside to complete each park (some rides more than once hopefully) and visit DTD?

5. Ok last question- Prices. Do service members get better deals on the resorts and tickets than the cheapest deals out right now? We always do the Salute to Troops deal at WDW and get the 4 day hopper for like $135, but usually for hotels the FL resident discount is better or equal to military.

Also, does the monorail only go to DLH? Thats another thing we would love to experience- riding the monorail around Tomorrowland to the hotel and wherever else. Is this a must-see at DLR, or is it better to stay elsewhere and miss this feature?

I know my questions are in depth; i hope it is not too much for a first timer and I dont sound to stupid. But any help you guys can offer I will definitely take into consideration. And I will have an avatar this evening! (I'm on a work computer right now)

 

[Nicole220]

1. June, July, August, Septemeber- which of those months are the best to experience ALL the attractions at DL and DCA with the lowest crowds? Of course lowest price would be nice, but we are willing to go almost all-out since we are stuck on the East coast.

Definitely September. It's less crowded because most everyone is back in school, and it's not quite as hot as July or August.

2. DLR hotels - From what I understand from the official site, DGCH is the Cali version of the Grand Floridian, DH is the "original" and most Disney-fied/magical (what WDW hotel would it compare with?), and DPPH seems like a Cali version of Beach/Yacht Club/Boardwalk hotels. This is just what it seems like to me, but can anyone elaborate?

Paradise Pier is just your average hotel, really. It's definitely not like Beach/Yacht or Boardwalk. DLH is okay, but is getting a nice makeover at the moment. The only hotel out here that is comparable to WDW's resorts is the Grand Cali, which is a lot like the Wilderness Lodge.

3. When choosing the hotel, we would like to feel like we're at Disney, not a beach or an overly fancy shmancy joint (this may be why we never stayed at DGFR plus the price). We want the magical experience as first timers, but we also would like a somewhat romantic atmosphere (maybe specific dinners you can reccomend?) Based on our situation and what we're looking for, what would you DLR experts suggest? (and money is not an issue)

I would suggest GCH. You'll feel like you're at WDW and you have access to DCA and DTD right at your feet. It's a gorgeous hotel. Definitely make reservations at Napa Rose, located in GCH. It's hands down the best Disney restaurant. Wonderful service, delicious food. I can't say enough good things about it.

4. This question is about the parks and DTD. As i mentioned, the plan is to do every attraction there is, as well as stroll around DTD for at least half a day. So based on those months, how many days should we set aside to complete each park (some rides more than once hopefully) and visit DTD?

DTD will only take you a few hours, at most. It's a lot smaller than the one in Florida. I'd suggest 4 or possibly 5 days to see and absorb everything the parks have to offer.

 

[Boba Fett]

Wow thanks so much for the info! Yea we figured 4-5 days would be enough to get it all done. As much as we would like to go sooner, we will probably wait til Sept. then. Good info about the hotels too, they make Paradise Pier look really fancy. I was leaning towards DLH or GC anyways and I might go with the latter. As far as restaurants, Napa Rose is on my radar already! Are there any other must-eat restaurants or anything else that most consider a must-see?