Hello all,
I'm opening this thread on my brother's behalf. He's an old hand at WDW, but a novice when it comes to DL. He'll be making his first trip out west in October. He's got 2 days in DL and is planning to visit both DL and DCA. He's looking for any tips regarding:
1) What are the things a WDW fan should prioritize on a DL trip?
2) Where to stay? (He's leaning towards DL Resort at the moment)
3) Hopper or no?
4) Where to eat?
5) Anything not covered by 1-4
Thanks!
1- Anything thats not found at WDW or is vastly different, Since its October HalloweenTime will be in full swing, don't miss brand new this year Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Halloween Screams (the brand new firework show with a flying Zero), and returning as always Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Woody's Halloween Roundup.
add to that Pirates, Indy, Matterhorn, Small World, Toontown, Fantasyland, Fantasmic!, though not performing yet the WOC site just to see how massive it is.
2-It really depends on the person, if you want to be fully in the Disney magic stay on site, but if you dont care so much theres lots of off property hotels to choose from.
3-DLR ticketing is different than WDW, hoppers are standard in the tickets once you hit 2 days. Meaning if you buy a 2 day ticket its a hopper, might as well visit DCA to see it.
4- Blue Bayou is a popular place, its a sit down. Along with Napa Rose at the Grand Californian, IMO Goofy's Kitchen is a much better character dinning place than any of WDW's character choices, there is a vast amount of characters to walking around.
If table service isnt your choice, Plaza Inn, French Market, and Rancho Del Zocalo,are great choices that serve great food with out the whole table service wait and seating but with out the standard counter service food.
One thing to remember if fireworks are a big part of the day, DLR has to deal with the Santa Ana winds sometimes forceing the cancelation of the fireworks and if its strong enough Fantasmic!
You can also find great seating for the fireworks near small world though you can not see the flying Zero its a much calmer place to see them. The fireworks are loud back there and the sound system at DLR is fantasic! oh if your planning on watching Fantasmic! watch the 2nd show if there is one.
You get a free tortilla when you vistit the Mission Tortilla factory as goes for the bread tour.
Fastpass is turned back on for Haunted Mansion Holiday. TSMM! at DCA dose not offer fastpass but the line is hardly ever over 40 mins and has single rider.
If your at DL first thing in the morning I recommend getting a FP for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, since that is the newest attraction during the time.