I’m flying into LAX on 8/22 and planning a full day at DLR on 8/23 (nothing feasible for John Wayne or Long Beach. We have a funeral in Westminster on 8/24, and life has a funny way of making things work out - my Aunt was one of the biggest supporters of my love for Disney, and I’ve never been to DLR!
Travel group is my sister and I (millenials) and my parents (mid 70s).
Here’s what I’ve cooked up in the very short time I’ve had to figure something out:
-Renting a car
-Staying at Homewood Suites on Harbor Blvd (2 rooms, my parents strongly prefer a suite setup whenever possible)
-Walk or rideshare to DLR on Saturday (seems like it would make no sense to drive, but my Mom may not have the energy for the walk/should save her energy for the park itself)
-1 day, 1 park tickets with LL: emphasis on things unique to DLR (I’m a frequent WDWer and 2/3 of the other adults have been twice in the last 3 years). We can skip Galaxy’s Edge.
I would love any and all input as this is a panic (but in a good way) plan.
My group will not do rope drop we will arrive very close to park open. Then, my parents will probably not last the whole day, but my sister and I will stay and/or take a short afternoon break and head back to close out the night. I’m reading about “stacking” and need to look into the possibility of stacking the bigger LLs for later in the day (things my parents won’t ride (likely IJ, Space, Matterhorn, BTMRR).
It’s a pretty long walk from your hotel. I would plan on doing an Uber. I use them to get around Anaheim when I want to go “off campus” for something. There are plenty in the area, so no long waits.
I just started visiting the last two years after nearly 40 years at WDW. The biggest input I can tell you is that DLR is so much smaller that WDW. I’m sure you’ve heard it all your life, but when you get there and see it for yourself you’ll be amazed.
I’ve quickly become a DLR convert because of this. I can stay at a hotel on Harbor that is 10 minutes or less to walk to. I can park hop by walking in the same amount of time.
Plus, IMHO, there area a lot more food options at DLR! If you like coconut the Matterhorn Macaroon is a must have. Also, churro toffee is devine!
With LL you’ll be able to do most things, but you’ll have to stay on top of it. Set alarms for every 2 hours so you can grab your next one.
All of Jeff’s LL tips are spot on! Keep an eye on Soarin’ LL. These go pertty quickly as well
Personally, I’d start in DCA for GotG and RSR. Then go to DL before your parents get too tired. When they go for a break, you can go do all the attractions they might not enjoy. Your parents can rejoin for dinner and end your night at either park. Both parks are beautiful at night and may have shows to see.
DCA is going to have a lot of the “Disneyland Only” attractions you’ll be interesed in.
At DL you’ll want to go to Fantasyland for those unique attractions.
Personally, I like the HM look and design better at DL and enjoy the entering the house through the front door.
We are going to do DL only (not DCA) to keep things simple and minimize walking. My Mom can’t ride a lot of the stuff at DCA. We’ll be moving slow with her and she’ll probably be done for the day after lunch. I’ll be back, so I’m not worried about hitting everything, just having a nice day with some snacks, etc.
Will plan rideshare from hotel to DL.
Looking at possibility of doing Fantasyland attractions in the morning, lunch, and using LL for the bigger attractions in the afternoon/evening with my sister. Parents might join us for dinner if my Mom is up to it, we’ll see. Thinking we’ll catch the night parade and the late Fantasmic?
I was also able to score flights using SNA instead of LAX -yay!!! My parents are paying and were advised to avoid LAX by someone other than me, and that convinced them
I think this is the perfect reason to get the park hopper for you and sister. Let parents to go rest and you go enjoy DCA. In my opinion, having that option to hop on a long day is SO worth it. Unless you stop and smell every flower at Disneyland, you’ll welcome the other park.
I agree! You can’t go to DL and not stop into DCA! RSR alone makes the ticket worth it! I really enjoy that park way more than I ever expected beause it’s so unique.
I really enjoyed these. My only critque was not enough of the lobster queso! Next time, I’ll gladly order two portions and ask they just put it all on one plate! (Or just bring out “queso only” for the second portion! )
If you have just one day and are not going to be gung ho, I would focus time at DL. It will feel a little busier at night when DCA folks are forced to clear out for the party. But I think it might be a bit much to do DCA in the morning or afternoon and then go back to DL. You won’t have enough time.
Now if you were coming back another day, that might change my opinion!
I would also pick DCA over DL if I wasn’t travelling with my parents. They don’t really know the newer IPs and have fond memories of visiting DL in the early 80s, so this is special for them.
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