Last minute DL trip considerations?

[gregskellington]

Have a WDW trip scheduled this week that may get canceled. If that happens, we are going to try for DL since its a quick flight for us and we have decent flight and hotel options available (off site). I've been to DL quite a few times, but not in a few years, and never on such short notice. Anything to be concerned about? All I have right now is that this trip is partly a birthday celebration and there are very few reservations for dinner on my birthday (I'll live if we don't find anything, but suggestions welcome) and partly an engagement trip, so we will have to rethink our engagement plan/where that happens.

Otherwise, it seems like DL is still using park reservations, but they look wide open for day tickets. No advance LL bookings (thank Jebus) so no issue there. Anything I might be missing out on booming a trip on such short notice?

Seems like the parks are crowded relative to what's been going on at WDW but not ultra worried about that.

 

[Pluto468]

I bet you'll be able to find dinner reservations as your dates get closer since people cancel. You could also sign up for dining alerts if you know where you'd like to eat.

What sort of engagement scenario is happening? Looking for somewhere to propose, or to celebrate an engagement?

Club level at a resort hotel is always a treat.

 

[gregskellington]

We're not doing a traditional proposal, more like a gift exchange. So similar idea, but a little different. Nothing fancy or special needed, I'm just a little less familiar (off the top of my head) with some more out of the way places to do this in the parks at DL. My first thought is actually near Grizzly Peak or Soarin' as that area is fairly quiet and one we like quite a bit, as silly as getting engaged near Soarin' might seem to some!

Thanks for the suggestion on dining reminders, use them for WDW occasionally but hadn't thought about it for this. I'm also confident we'll find something as we get closer.

 

[Pluto468]

We're not doing a traditional proposal, more like a gift exchange. So similar idea, but a little different. Nothing fancy or special needed, I'm just a little less familiar (off the top of my head) with some more out of the way places to do this in the parks at DL. My first thought is actually near Grizzly Peak or Soarin' as that area is fairly quiet and one we like quite a bit, as silly as getting engaged near Soarin' might seem to some!

Thanks for the suggestion on dining reminders, use them for WDW occasionally but hadn't thought about it for this. I'm also confident we'll find something as we get closer.

What isn't romantic about getting engaged near Soarin! I love that idea, and Grizzly peak. Those would both be very nice, especially in the evening.

In Disneyland you can often find quiet spots near Small World, over by Fantasyland Theater, or the walkway between the castle and Frontierland.

I love Snow White's wishing well, too. It's a sweet little place and not usually too crowded.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

 

[gregskellington]

What isn't romantic about getting engaged near Soarin! I love that idea, and Grizzly peak. Those would both be very nice, especially in the evening.

In Disneyland you can often find quiet spots near Small World, over by Fantasyland Theater, or the walkway between the castle and Frontierland.

I love Snow White's wishing well, too. It's a sweet little place and not usually too crowded.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

Thank you so much! Oh the wishing well is another great idea, I love that.

Thanks for the advice, I'm so used to WDW that the idea of planning a Disney trip with like 5 days to spare is a little intimidating, even if I know I can do it.

 

[irlandaise]

We're not doing a traditional proposal, more like a gift exchange. So similar idea, but a little different. Nothing fancy or special needed, I'm just a little less familiar (off the top of my head) with some more out of the way places to do this in the parks at DL. My first thought is actually near Grizzly Peak or Soarin' as that area is fairly quiet and one we like quite a bit, as silly as getting engaged near Soarin' might seem to some!

Do you know about the trail below Grizzly Peak, behind the water ride? Beautiful views of trees and waterfalls. Here's the area on Google Street View:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GpGRg5s3pa4pD1Jm8

 

[cruisehopeful]

For dining, keep checking, especially the night before and the morning of. Also, many places will let you join the walk up list on the App. It only lets you join if you are somewhat near the restaurant.

 

[gregskellington]

Do you know about the trail below Grizzly Peak, behind the water ride? Beautiful views of trees and waterfalls. Here's the area on Google Street View:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GpGRg5s3pa4pD1Jm8

That's beautiful! Exactly the kind of spot I'm looking for! Thank you!

For dining, keep checking, especially the night before and the morning of. Also, many places will let you join the walk up list on the App. It only lets you join if you are somewhat near the restaurant.

That's a good idea - we like Carthay Circle and I notice in the app that has a waitlist, so we can always try for that!

DTD has changed a lot since I was here last, even though it's only been a few years. Any recommendations for a birthday dinner (all adults) at DTD, the resorts, or parks? Din Tai Fung is maybe off the table since we've all been to the Vegas one multiple times.

Also, anyone know if Donald meets anywhere? I was poking around the app today and didn't see him. He's my favorite character and was really hoping to grab a picture with him on my birthday.

 

[LKing]

It has been many years, but I got engaged at the wishing well!

Another quiet place is on the back side of Grizzly River Run. It is the red line I drew on the map below.



The path is really quiet and is really pretty.





Another option in DCA is by Ornament Valley

There is an area near the red circle that is often not crowded. It is near RSR so can be a little more noisy.



Edit to add that @irlandaise beat me to it.

 

[gregskellington]

It has been many years, but I got engaged at the wishing well!

Another quiet place is on the back side of Grizzly River Run. It is the red line I drew on the map below.

View attachment 901518

The path is really quiet and is really pretty.

View attachment 901519

View attachment 901520

Another option in DCA is by Ornament Valley

There is an area near the red circle that is often not crowded. It is near RSR so can be a little more noisy.

View attachment 901529

Edit to add that @irlandaise beat me to it.

Thanks for the map! I assumed that's where the Grizzly Peak picture was taken but wasn't positive, so that's very helpful.

 

[irlandaise]

Have a WDW trip scheduled this week that may get canceled.

Greg, I see that Disney has now officially announced park closures, at least for a day or two. Have you made a decision about your trip yet? I'm sorry you might have to cancel what was surely going to be a very special trip, but everyone here will pitch in to give you our very best Disneyland ideas if you end up going to California instead.

 

[gregskellington]

Greg, I see that Disney has now officially announced park closures, at least for a day or two. Have you made a decision about your trip yet? I'm sorry you might have to cancel what was surely going to be a very special trip, but everyone here will pitch in to give you our very best Disneyland ideas if you end up going to California instead.

We are officially deciding tomorrow morning! I've mentally prepared myself for the trip to head to DL at this point, though. I think it will still be magical, who can say no to a birthday and an engagement in one trip, let alone a Disney trip!

 

[LKing]

there are very few reservations for dinner on my birthday (I'll live if we don't find anything, but suggestions welcome)

What type of food do you like? You might check out Paseo or Din Tai Fung in Downtown Disney. Reservations are usually easier through the restaurants directly than the Disneyland app.

As was mentioned, keep your eye on the app. People frequently cancel reservations as their plans change closer to the date. As an example, a 2:40 lunch reservation just popped up for Lamplight Lounge tomorrow. Hearthstone Lounge in the GCH is nice and usually has reservations available.

 

[gregskellington]

What type of food do you like? You might check out Paseo or Din Tai Fung in Downtown Disney. Reservations are usually easier through the restaurants directly than the Disneyland app.

As was mentioned, keep your eye on the app. People frequently cancel reservations as their plans change closer to the date. As an example, a 2:40 lunch reservation just popped up for Lamplight Lounge tomorrow. Hearthstone Lounge in the GCH is nice and usually has reservations available.

We love DTF but have been in Vegas a number of times and may want something new. Similarly we like Trader Sam's and Carthay Circle but have been to both everytime we've been to DL. We will keep all three as options, though.

Paseo caught my eye, certainly, but haven't heard too much about it. Was also thinking about the new Jazz Kitchen since I always wanted to try the old version and never got to. My future fiance's biggest gripe with DL is actually the food options being limited compared to WDW, but I've found the food a bit more consistent at DL even if there are significantly less options, so I'm just hoping to land somewhere we have a good experience!

 

[LKing]

There is a thread about Paseo. I shared some pictures from a couple of our meals. We liked it a lot, but it really depends on your taste. It is more casual than Carthay Circle or Napa Rose.

There is also a Dining Reviews thread where people are sharing photos of food from different restaurants. It is an old thread that recently got revived.

 

[ParadiseSB]

Go for it! Fewer parks = less planning required. Disneyland is quite often a spur of the moment decision for us and many people we know!

 

[LKing]

We're not doing a traditional proposal, more like a gift exchange. So similar idea, but a little different. Nothing fancy or special needed, I'm just a little less familiar (off the top of my head) with some more out of the way places to do this in the parks at DL. My first thought is actually near Grizzly Peak or Soarin' as that area is fairly quiet and one we like quite a bit, as silly as getting engaged near Soarin' might seem to some!

Checking in to see how your trip was and if you found the perfect spot for your proposal/birthday celebration.