WDW Vet going to Disneyland - Help Please!

[BigRed98]

I think your plan for the most part should work. If Toontown is a must I recommend going to the Toontown gate 5 minutes before Toontown opens because the fab 5 comes out and welcomes you into Toontown which should be a really awesome moment for your son. Not sure if meeting characters is a priority but you can meet a lot of characters in Town square like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip Dale, Cruella etc. and usually you can go right up to them and interact with them and take a picture without waiting in a line like at WDW. If your looking at the castle characters come out at the right side gate of Town Square. As a WDW vet who’s also going to DLR for my first time, the way I’m attacking the park is by making dining reservations ahead of time like I did already and seeing what wait times are low and see what fast passes I’m able to get at the moment. It’s a nice change for once not having to make fast passes 60 days out. I’m mixing in Downtown Disney with our park days because Downtown Disney is tiny compared to Disney Springs, so I’m not so sure you could do Downtown a whole day like you can at Disney Springs. Hope this helps.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

I also have an ADHD/Autism child (well, young adult now). What works best for us is really no concrete plan, just a general idea. Because if a ride breaks down (and they do ALL the time at DL compared to WDW...our first trip was last Summer and I couldn't believe how much the rides break there), then he gets all flustered and annoyed. We also don't do Magic Mornings because I feel like the park is busier as the day goes on, because everyone has went to that park for the MM. If you have a hopper, that doesn't matter then, just move to CA.

I agree with getting a DAS. Helps us out a lot

 

[areno79]

DH and I went to DL last year after only having been to WDW. (Well, I went to DL when I was like 8 but it's so different now.) Anywho...we really loved DL and DCA. The whole area and vibe is just SO different from WDW. As someone who is an uber-planner like yourself, I actually enjoyed not having to plan everything 6 months in advance. Also, it felt more "magical", if that makes sense. More people were really into wearing ears and shirts and representing their Disney love.
Someone else mentioned it above...but the crowds will seem intense. This is because the walkways are smaller than WDW, but there are a lot more rides so it helps spread the crowds out. Oh, and also...get the park hopper if you can swing it financially. Our favorite day was on Tuesday when we used the MM and went to DL for opening, rode 4 rides (ST, Buzz, Snow White, and Alice), then walked across to DCA and got there in time for opening and road the Cars ride 3 times in a row.
I also spent a day there by myself because DH was there for work. Seriously, that was probably my favorite Disney day ever. I got to ride what I wanted, have a leisurely last minute breakfast at Carnation Cafe, and later sit on Main Street with a corn dog and people watch.
We also took advantage of staying at a hotel across the street and each day went back to the room for a nap, or pool time. I loved the convenience of that the most, I think.

 

[FoxC63]

Mondays have been awful. We were there a Monday morning in early March and I couldn't believe how busy it was. We just visited last week Sunday through Friday and Monday was by far the busiest day.

That being said your plans are not too aggressive and you should be ok.

Toon Town opens at 9 on Monday (assuming 8 AM opening). I would plan to arrive no later than 8 and get a few things done before. Peter Pan can be a difficult ride to get on. I generally don't recommend people rush there, but if you did Peter Pan at opening on Monday you could check it off your list as done before heading to Toon Town. Arrive at Toon Town about 5 min early. The characters will come to the gates around 9 and greet guests and welcome them into the area. The two rides will have no wait at this time. If you want to meet Mickey and Minnie they will be at their doors. BUT if you want a photo pass photo with Mickey in his movie barn you will have to wait a while because he doesn't move back there for about 30 mins, sometimes longer. You can still go in Minnie and Mickey's houses though. All the other houses are very minimal attractions and take only a min or two to see.

Hopefully on Monday we can cover Adventureland first then move into ToonTown followed by New Orleans Square. DS would like to do the M&G with Mickey & Minnie. I don't recall if they offered this much at WDW, DS was five years old at the time when grandpa took him there. He passed away a few years ago but they were tight. Going to Toontown will be bitter sweet and I'm hoping to avoid crowds. I'm just not sure how seeing it will effect him so thank you, we'll be there a bit early to give him space or what ever he needs.

 

[FoxC63]

The best crowd indicator for DL is not necessarily the day of week, but the type of one day ticket you can purchase

We usually meander around both parks and don’t ride too much, so we wanted to see how much we could get done before we were both done. I’m on the spectrum and this day was hard for me. I don’t recommend touring this intensely haha. I was very, very done after this.

I've read a lot of threads and went though all the posts, page after page prior to posting. DS is not into ride after ride he really likes to soak up every little detail and has excellent recall. I think the details help him slow things down either that or he's categorizing them. I know when we went to TDR he pointed out the differences between many rides, color variations of the buildings and where they were facing north or south. He's very observant and has a beautiful mind but woof!
Thanks for all the info and sharing a personal note about yourself too.

 

[FoxC63]

I also have an ADHD/Autism child (well, young adult now). What works best for us is really no concrete plan, just a general idea. Because if a ride breaks down (and they do ALL the time at DL compared to WDW...our first trip was last Summer and I couldn't believe how much the rides break there), then he gets all flustered and annoyed. We also don't do Magic Mornings because I feel like the park is busier as the day goes on, because everyone has went to that park for the MM. If you have a hopper, that doesn't matter then, just move to CA.

I agree with getting a DAS. Helps us out a lot

Thanks for your help and concern for our son. I think taking breaks and allowing him to move at his own pace will help significantly. If he feels the need to use DAS we won't hesitate to get it for him. I am worried about the crowd levels though, the bottle necking in certain areas. Is it like that during the evenings too?

 

[FoxC63]

I think your plan for the most part should work. If Toontown is a must I recommend going to the Toontown gate 5 minutes before Toontown opens because the fab 5 comes out and welcomes you into Toontown which should be a really awesome moment for your son. Not sure if meeting characters is a priority but you can meet a lot of characters in Town square like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip Dale, Cruella etc. and usually you can go right up to them and interact with them and take a picture without waiting in a line like at WDW. If your looking at the castle characters come out at the right side gate of Town Square. As a WDW vet who’s also going to DLR for my first time, the way I’m attacking the park is by making dining reservations ahead of time like I did already and seeing what wait times are low and see what fast passes I’m able to get at the moment. It’s a nice change for once not having to make fast passes 60 days out. I’m mixing in Downtown Disney with our park days because Downtown Disney is tiny compared to Disney Springs, so I’m not so sure you could do Downtown a whole day like you can at Disney Springs. Hope this helps.

Yes, your tips help out a lot. I'll add them to my notes. I'll be making dining reservations tomorrow. @gottalovepluto and @LadyD 's comment of my plans being generous has given me faith that I picked the best day to secure a late lunch at BB w/Fantasmic! on Monday. If there's any time left hopefully we can get a few things done in Fantasyland as well. That's a drag about Downtown Disney @gottalovepluto stated as much. Shame!

Thanks again for taking the time, muchas gracias my friend!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... I am worried about the crowd levels though, the bottle necking in certain areas. Is it like that during the evenings too?

Definitely avoid the NOS area during F! (unless you are seeing the show -- and in that case, a dining package would be your best bet -- maybe the RBT Premium Dining Package that includes dinner with seating on the RBT patio?) and viewing the fireworks from the castle/Hub area (leaving right after these shows is an experience in DL at its most CROWDED). For any show, we recommend not leaving immediately with the heaviest crowds, but taking your time and waiting for most of the people to disperse. Then head in the opposite direction for a shop, snack kiosk, restroom, ride, etc. By the time you are ready to head out, most of the crowds will have gone. This will be more difficult at the Hub after fireworks because traffic is forced to go one way (toward Adventureland), so you might want to view further back on Main Street (our favorite spot right now) or by IASW.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... that I picked the best day to secure a late lunch at BB w/Fantasmic! on Monday...

The BB viewing area for F! is our favorite, but be aware that it can get crowded there. If this will be a problem for your son, think about the RBT Premium Package (mentioned in my post above) which is seated viewing at tables on the RBT patio. While that view is further back, it is more spacious viewing, with the space boundary of having your own chair. If you do the first F! show w/BB, you'll be invited to stay in your viewing area to watch the fireworks. Projections will be shown on the water screens, and the music will be piped in. As I mentioned above, don't leave the viewing area immediately afterward with the crowds. Head for HM, Winnie the Pooh, Splash, etc. -- take your time leaving the area so that you won't get caught in the mad crush of traffic. Then head out at a leisurely pace. Much safer and less stressful for your son (and everyone else!).

 

[FoxC63]

DH and I went to DL last year after only having been to WDW. (Well, I went to DL when I was like 8 but it's so different now.) Anywho...we really loved DL and DCA. The whole area and vibe is just SO different from WDW. As someone who is an uber-planner like yourself, I actually enjoyed not having to plan everything 6 months in advance. Also, it felt more "magical", if that makes sense. More people were really into wearing ears and shirts and representing their Disney love.
Someone else mentioned it above...but the crowds will seem intense. This is because the walkways are smaller than WDW, but there are a lot more rides so it helps spread the crowds out. Oh, and also...get the park hopper if you can swing it financially. Our favorite day was on Tuesday when we used the MM and went to DL for opening, rode 4 rides (ST, Buzz, Snow White, and Alice), then walked across to DCA and got there in time for opening and road the Cars ride 3 times in a row.
I also spent a day there by myself because DH was there for work. Seriously, that was probably my favorite Disney day ever. I got to ride what I wanted, have a leisurely last minute breakfast at Carnation Cafe, and later sit on Main Street with a corn dog and people watch.
We also took advantage of staying at a hotel across the street and each day went back to the room for a nap, or pool time. I loved the convenience of that the most, I think.

I think @HydroGuy 's threads are amazingly well written, I've learned so much from them and I'm digging the lax posture of DLR compared to WDW so no minute by minute itinerary during this trip! I think my men folk will want to spend another day at DCA in Cars Land no doubt. We've been watching videos of all the rides and have to admit we're pretty excited. Thank for posting I really appreciate your time and energy!

 

[FoxC63]

The BB viewing area for F! is our favorite, but be aware that it can get crowded there. If this will be a problem for your son, think about the RBT Premium Package (mentioned in my post above) which is seated viewing at tables on the RBT patio. While that view is further back, it is more spacious viewing, with the space boundary of having your own chair. If you do the first F! show w/BB, you'll be invited to stay in your viewing area to watch the fireworks. Projections will be shown on the water screens, and the music will be piped in. As I mentioned above, don't leave the viewing area immediately afterward with the crowds. Head for HM, Winnie the Pooh, Splash, etc. -- take your time leaving the area so that you won't get caught in the mad crush of traffic. Then head out at a leisurely pace. Much safer and less stressful for your son (and everyone else!).

Thank you for this! RBT sounds amazing but way out of our budget so that leaves BB w/Fantasmic! on Monday. So you're recommending we head out towards HM and Critter Country, are the lines at those attractions long? It would be nice to get those done too. Hmm, you've given me something to think about!

 

[FoxC63]

HELPFUL TIPS & RESOURCES - For anyone else following along...

PIXAR FEST

• Pixar Fest will run from April 13th through September 3rd 2018.
• Paint the Night parade will be at Disney California Adventure.
• Pixar Play Parade will be at Disneyland Park featuring a few new floats.
  
• Together Forever fireworks spectacular, featuring the projection effects down Main Street USA only used in the Disneyland Forever fireworks show for the 60th Anniversary, will be at Disneyland Park.
  
• Disney California Adventure will debut the new Pixar Pier opening June 23rd 2018. Featuring the California Screamin’ reimaging to the Incredicoaster.

Park Hours/Schedule/Refurbishments – Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park

• Pinocchio's Daring Journey
• Matterhorn Bobsleds

Disney California Adventure Park

• Blue Sky Cellar
• King Triton's Carousel

Link: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/au/calendar/daily/?day=20180731#closedAttractions

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets: Post #1 Thanks @HydroGuy

Downtown Disney
Part of the new World of Disney in @DisneylandDTD opened today!
Link: https://twitter.com/mouseplanet/status/1009135293838946305?s=21

Birthday Bash Day (List of Ideas): Post #93

 

[Skyegirl1999]

PIXAR FEST

For anyone else following along...

• Pixar Fest will run from April 13th through September 3rd 2018.
• Paint the Night parade will be at Disney California Adventure.
• Pixar Play Parade will be at Disneyland Park featuring a few new floats.
  
• Together Forever fireworks spectacular, featuring the projection effects down Main Street USA only used in the Disneyland Forever fireworks show for the 60th Anniversary, will be at Disneyland Park.
  
• Disney California Adventure will debut the new Pixar Pier opening June 23rd 2018. Featuring the California Screamin’ reimaging to the Incredicoaster.

Glad we'll be there for this event! Should DS bring his Alien popcorn bucket he purchased at TDR?

View attachment 330934

No, the popcorn bucket can't be refilled after June 21.

 

[FoxC63]

No, the popcorn bucket can't be refilled after June 21.

Thanks! I've removed the question and photo to prevent confusion. Hopefully he can get a Sulley popcorn bucket.

 

[LadyD]

Thanks for your help and concern for our son. I think taking breaks and allowing him to move at his own pace will help significantly. If he feels the need to use DAS we won't hesitate to get it for him. I am worried about the crowd levels though, the bottle necking in certain areas. Is it like that during the evenings too?

The evening crowds are the worst, especially after the fireworks and fantasmic. They use something called circular flow where people are directed to move in a single direction through the Main Street/Frontierland/Adventureland area and you are packed in wall to wall with people if you don’t view either of the shows from the fringes or hang back until it clears out. Parade times can be really bad too because Main Street gets so clogged, but not quite as bad as the evening shows.

Evenings tend to get worse at the parks because the locals get off work and head over. It finally starts to clear out very late in the parks. The crowds at DL are pretty intense at times. When it gets particularly bad, I’ll cut through stores where I can because there are typically fewer people in the stores and I can spend a few minutes lurking in the store if I need a breather from the crowds.

The bottleneck areas I avoid are:

• Entering Adventureland directly. I’ll enter at Frontierland and go around that way instead.
• Entering Tomorrowland from Main Street. I’ll walk up Main Street and make a right between the Matterhorn and the backside of Tomorrowland since the walk way is wider there.
• Entering fantasyland from the front of the castle when the bridge is crowded. I’ll use one of the side entrances either through fantasy fare past the Bibbi bobbidi boutique or between the Matterhorn and Alice.
• If the New Orleans square area is getting intense, I’ll go hang out on the typically quiet bridge behind Harbour Galley and watch people come down Spalsh Mountain.

Also beware. The heat at DL is something else. It is so much worse than WDW because so many more queues are in the sun or not air conditioned, plus the high density of bodies can make it unbearable. If your son struggles with the heat at all, cooling towels, shade umbrellas, and lots of water are a massive help.

I hope you guys have a ton of fun! You’ve definitely set yourself up for a nice, leisurely trip to DLR!

 

[FoxC63]

The evening crowds are the worst, especially after the fireworks and fantasmic. They use something called circular flow where people are directed to move in a single direction through the Main Street/Frontierland/Adventureland area and you are packed in wall to wall with people if you don’t view either of the shows from the fringes or hang back until it clears out. Parade times can be really bad too because Main Street gets so clogged, but not quite as bad as the evening shows.

Evenings tend to get worse at the parks because the locals get off work and head over. It finally starts to clear out very late in the parks. The crowds at DL are pretty intense at times. When it gets particularly bad, I’ll cut through stores where I can because there are typically fewer people in the stores and I can spend a few minutes lurking in the store if I need a breather from the crowds.

The bottleneck areas I avoid are:

• Entering Adventureland directly. I’ll enter at Frontierland and go around that way instead.
• Entering Tomorrowland from Main Street. I’ll walk up Main Street and make a right between the Matterhorn and the backside of Tomorrowland since the walk way is wider there.
• Entering fantasyland from the front of the castle when the bridge is crowded. I’ll use one of the side entrances either through fantasy fare past the Bibbi bobbidi boutique or between the Matterhorn and Alice.
• If the New Orleans square area is getting intense, I’ll go hang out on the typically quiet bridge behind Harbour Galley and watch people come down Spalsh Mountain.

Also beware. The heat at DL is something else. It is so much worse than WDW because so many more queues are in the sun or not air conditioned, plus the high density of bodies can make it unbearable. If your son struggles with the heat at all, cooling towels, shade umbrellas, and lots of water are a massive help.

I hope you guys have a ton of fun! You’ve definitely set yourself up for a nice, leisurely trip to DLR!

Woof! Thanks for all the tips and taking the time to post, I'm really grateful. My husband is thinking this is a piece of cake but having read so much about DLR, the crowds and weather I'm definitely going to have him read this thread. What an eye opener it will be for him.

Hubby, I love you but THIS is reality!

 

[LadyD]

Thank you for this! RBT sounds amazing but way out of our budget so that leaves BB w/Fantasmic! on Monday. So you're recommending we head out towards HM and Critter Country, are the lines at those attractions long? It would be nice to get those done too. Hmm, you've given me something to think about!

The Hungry Bear package can also be a good option if you were only eating at B.B. for the package. I almost never see Fantasmic because I cannot handle the crowded seating, and I was sat on once so I have very bad associations with that show. However, the Hungry Bear package ends up working particularly well for me because it is toward the front and you stay seated. I’m able to typically find a spot near the rope and a trash can to give myself a buffer from people crowding in on my personal space. The new Fantasmic is super loud. I have to wear ear plugs and hold my hands over my ears to not have a total meltdown.

 

[FoxC63]

The Hungry Bear package can also be a good option if you were only eating at B.B. for the package. I almost never see Fantasmic because I cannot handle the crowded seating, and I was sat on once so I have very bad associations with that show. However, the Hungry Bear package ends up working particularly well for me because it is toward the front and you stay seated. I’m able to typically find a spot near the rope and a trash can to give myself a buffer from people crowding in on my personal space. The new Fantasmic is super loud. I have to wear ear plugs and hold my hands over my ears to not have a total meltdown.

The food options at Hungry Bear is what's preventing me from booking this package. As you know DS has ADHD/Autism but my husband has follicular lymphoma so eating very healthy or in DLR & WDW as healthy as possible is our focus. I'm glad to see Panera Bread is close to our hotel, we plan on dining there for late lunch. I haven't check out other options but will. It's too bad Earl of Sandwich is going or possible gone as that was another option. I can handle ADHD & Autism but cancer sucks! We're going to Disneyland because it's on my husbands bucket list.

I agree about the trash can, best for photos without arms blocking your view! DS will be toting his sound proof/noise cancelling head phones. We cannot go to the parks without them!

Tell me, does the smells of the parks bother you? You know the popcorn, food cooking and whatever else Disney puts out there, do you get sensory overload or is it mainly your space being invaded?
Thanks!

 

[FoxC63]

​

@smartlabelprint , @Winnowill , @gottalovepluto , @theluckyrabbit , @agamble , @LadyD , @BigRed98 , @Napoleon Dynamite , @areno79 , @HydroGuy and @Skyegirl1999

I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for helping me and my family. It really means so much to us to have this support. The DIS Board is a wonderful community gathering and you all have every reason to feel pride in being a part of it, I know I do. Helping someone takes minutes but adds a lifetime of memories for those receiving it. Your advice and concern is a breath of fresh air, thank you so very much!

On behalf of me and family, I hope you attend and participate in the Halloween Party Gift Card Giveaway we are hosting on my MNSSHP Itinerary thread, August 3, 2018 at 4pm EDT. Please save the date and I hope to see you there!

Invitation/Save the Date: Halloween Party Gift Card Giveaway Post #9

 

[LadyD]

The food options at Hungry Bear is what's preventing me from booking this package. As you know DS has ADHD/Autism but my husband has follicular lymphoma so eating very healthy or in DLR & WDW as healthy as possible is our focus. I'm glad to see Panera Bread is close to our hotel, we plan on dining there for late lunch. I haven't check out other options but will. It's too bad Earl of Sandwich is going or possible gone as that was another option. I can handle ADHD & Autism but cancer sucks! We're going to Disneyland because it's on my husbands bucket list.

I agree about the trash can, best for photos without arms blocking your view! DS will be toting his sound proof/noise cancelling head phones. We cannot go to the parks without them!

Tell me, does the smells of the parks bother you? You know the popcorn, food cooking and whatever else Disney puts out there, do you get sensory overload or is it mainly your space being invaded?
Thanks!

That really blows about the cancer. I’m sorry to hear that. You have an awesome trip planned though! Dining at DLR tends to have some better healthier options than WDW, so hopefully you have a wonderful dining experience on your trip too.

In general, the park smells themselves don’t bother me. Scent can contribute to sensory overload for me when they’re unfamiliar, but I love the churro smells, water smells, Main Street smells, etc at DL. I go often enough that they’re strongly associated with some amazing memories, so I think that helps me a lot. However, I must say, the other guest smells can get to me LOL. If I’m stuck in a crowded area with a lot of visual chaos, no where to move, loud sounds, and someone smells bad, it’s basically time to go home for me because I’ll be done and melting down at that point. Strange people touching me is what I am most sensitive too. I cannot tolerate it and a stranger bumping into my skin can cause me to instantly hit my sensory max. That is the greatest challenge in the parks for me, so most of the strategies I’ve developed are to avoid that.

At DL, the most prominent park smells tend to be the water smells (they’re more intense to me than WDW), food carts if you get near them (they don’t really carry too bad and are fairly easy to avoid if they’re a problem for your son), and Bengal BBQ in Adventureland (that one is hard to avoid in that area).

Edit: I should clarify for me a bad smell is anything that is too potent from body odor, to hair product, to perfume, or cologne.