My hubby and I are going to DL for the first time next month (no kiddos this trip) we have been to WDW many times. Wondering if anyone wants to share any of their tips, tricks or secrets with us?
We will only be there for 2 days, staying off-site. I love all things Disney, my hubby loves me so he is a good sport. I want to take it all in.
Do Guardians of the Galaxy during the day and at night - it’s different.
You probably know, but Pirates is a lot different at Disneyland - much longer. I love New Orleans Square, so spend some time walking around and seeing the details there - it’s a different land than in WDW.
I also love Toontown - the rides aren’t totally great, but I do like Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin, but the details there are fun and amazing too.
Focus first on the things that are different than WDW.
Grand Californian Hotel is a great place to rest and take a break, and it’s so close.
It’s super easy to park hop, so don’t worry about the time, you can go back and forth at will.
Thank you! I did buy Max Pass for both days. I am a bit nervous about figuring out fast pass/max pass. I want to maximize our time each day and get the most out of them.
I agree with bestsrina2. Enjoy the parts of DL that it are non-existent or much better than WDW. The Old World Bavarian Charm of Fantasyland, New Orleans, Sq., Adventureland, the Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, StoryTime Boats, Nemo Submarines, and a better Buss Lightyear. ENJOY!
Yes, it’s easy to use. Once you enter the park, you can make your first max pass, and then it will tell you the time you can make the next one. After your first one, you don’t even need to be in a park to make the next one (on the same day).
I LOVED the night time parade in DCA. I would prioritize that again. I have never been able to see World of Color because it’s always closed when I’m there, so I can’t compare the two.
I recommend watching a YouTube video on it beforehand. It can help you conceptualize what is happening vs us trying to “tell” you about it. I find it very intuitive. It maybe a little harder for you since you familiar with the FPP system at WDW. The systems are slightly similar, but some aspects that are very different. For example, you cannot select your time, it just gives the next available fp time.
When you get a Fastpass, set your phone alarm for the time when you can get the next one because that information goes away. That way you can stack as many as possible. My other tip would be to have cocktails at Trader Sam’s and the lounge at Carthay Circle.
If it is raining (which it rarely is depending on time of year), keep snagging fast passes for outdoor rides and they will convert to any time passes if the ride is shut down during your window
If you want to eat at Oga’s Cantina, Blue Bayou, Lamplight Lounge, or Carthay Circle, or get a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, get a reservation at 60 days
Reservations are often available right up to the date of your visit for most restaurants, and people often cancel. So keep checking if you don’t get what you want.
To avoid crowds at restaurants AND rides, don’t eat between 11:30am-1:30pm or between 5:30-7:30pm.
Get a FP for Radiator Springs as soon as possible in the morning because they go fast
You can hold a FP for a show (WOC, F!) separately from FP for rides
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!