Hey Tigger!
Wow, no one's answered you yet?!?
tigger248 said:
How are crowds generally in mid March? I checked and Easter is later next year than this (it's in April) and most public schools will not be on spring break yet.
1st couple of weeks of March are fine, but mid-March attendance starts creeping upward in anticipation of Spring Break/Easter. Last half of March and April are generally pretty busy for Disneyland, although mid-week is still good.
Keep in mind you will experience rehabs, of course. And you can bet Subs lagoon all through to Motor Boats will be walled up. Autopia might also be down given Monorail work. And Fantasmic! and/or river craft sometimes go down during this time of year. They've been doing massive rehabs of river craft and not too long ago on Fantasmic! though so it might be OK. Always best to check disneyland.com before you arrive.
tigger248 said:
Also, how far in advance can you/should you book a tour at the park? I'd really like to do A Walk in Walt's Footsteps. Is it worth it?
I worked at Disneyland for 9 years, grew up with Disneyland, and am generally a Disney nut, and yet there are still things I learned here and there about Disneyland on this tour! I liked it and felt my money was well spent. I'd say booking a month in advance is probably fine. I did the tour this past February (Valentine's weekend) and booked it day before with no problem. But I don't recommend that, it was just a last minute whim for me.
tigger248 said:
What are your opinions on the Bayou restaurant (sorry, don't know the real name of it) by POTC? I remember always wanting to eat there as a kid and we never did. Now, I really want to try to eat there. Is it good? Is DLR's priority seating policy the same as WDWs? Do you book 90 days in advance there too?
To be honest, I'm not sure how far in advance you can book Resort restaurants. Call 714-781-DINE and ask. You definitely need reservations at Blue Bayou, especially on weekends. Sometimes they can take walk-ins but it's very hit or miss so play it safe and make a PS.
As for quality, I personally love it but I have friends who don't care for it. The Monte Cristo is their "thing", and generally what I order, but there's also a great Chicken Florentine. I'm not into seafood so can't comment. Haven't ordered dessert in a while so can't comment. It's worth it to wait for a water front table, especially since you've never eaten there before. Also they have a non-alcoholic Mint Julep but it's a little too sugary for my taste. I recommend eating there before riding PotC, that way you can reflect as you ride by. Blue Bayou is all about ambience and experience. Enjoy it! They don't usually do this during the off-season, but sometimes a jazz quintet will come out onto the balcony of the mansion and play. It's a nice touch. Most often they're there if there are diners in Club 33 also.
tigger248 said:
Finally, which resort is better between Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier? I'm thinking Disneyland Hotel because it's more classic and what I remember from my childhood. What are some opinions from those who have been to both?
Well, tough question actually. Architecturally, neither hotel is particularly interesting (since Disney only recently acquired them) so it's mostly a question of rooms, grounds, views, and budget. For views, I probably recommend Paradise Pier because all front facing rooms have a great view of Paradise Pier in DCA, and even the Grand Californian pool area. And DCA is quite picturesque, especially at night with ToT in the distance. Some rooms can see the Matterhorn as well. Paraidse Pier also wins in cost since it's the "All-Star" of DLR (although not that cheap). Just to note, "view" rooms at Paradise Pier are considered 4th floor and above. The rooms are fine but unremarkable although I understand they just did a rehab of them so maybe they have more character now. The pool, although also just rehabbed, is totally boring. Paradise Pier guests can walk across the street to DCA and have a separate entrance to the Park (Disneyland Hotel guests can also use)
Disneyland Hotel has the Neverland pool which is very immaculately themed to Peter Pan. It's nowhere near the size of a Disney World pool, but fun nonetheless. Next to it, towards the hotel's convention center, is the "quiet" pool with the "beach" pool entrance. Disneyland Hotel is nearest to the Monorail and Downtown Disney, both right out your door. Sierra Tower has great views of Downtown Disney (on one side) or Neverland area (on other side). Disneyland Hotel rooms are really nice and, as you say, have a lot of history in each room. There is a ton of artwork throughout the hotel that is a lot of fun to look at. The registration tower (Marina Tower) has a great Disney gift shop.
I assume Grand Californian is not in your budget since you didn't ask?
tigger248 said:
Thanks in advance. I haven't been to Disneyland in years (it will have been 15 years when we go) and I want to try and do it right. After this next trip, I'm not sure when I'll make it out to CA again.
That's great to hear that you want to do it right! Given the last time you were here, I think you'll be very pleased with the Resort's transformation. It's amazing what they were able to do with the mess surrounding Disneyland. The Resort truly feels more unified and well organized. I strongly recommend you drive the block around Disneyland. Assuming you are coming from LAX, get on the I-5 freeway and follow the signs to Disneyland. You'll be directed to Disneyland Drive. Rather than following the signs to "Theme Parks", follow the signs to "Hotels/Downtown Disney" instead. Disneyland Dr is beautiful and you'll get to see Grand Calif, Downtown Disney/Monorail, and Paradise Pier along the way. BTW, the sidewalks next to Paradise Pier and on the other street of the street (DCA side), when viewed from above, are in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Turn left on Katella Ave. To the left is DCA. Turn right on Harbor and on the left you'll see the infamous Fujishige property that will eventually be a 3rd gate but is now overflow and Cast Member parking. Make a U-turn at some point, cross Katella and continue on Harbor Blvd going toward Disneyland. To the left used to be the one and only Main Entrance to Disneyland. You should see ToT, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, the Monorail, and Cast facilities. Go up over the bridge and you'll see the roundhouse, Toontown, and other backstage areas. Turn left on Ball Road. On the left you'll see Team Disney Anaheim and "Cast Place" which leads into primary backstage areas. Keep going straight and turn left at Disneyland Drive again to either go to your Disney hotel.
Have a great trip and any other questions just ask!!
