Newbie questions

[Soupermom]

Hello! I'm working a trip for my first visit to DL this fall, probably early-mid November for four nights. While I've planned many trips to WDW when my kids were younger, DL is a new entity for me. It will just be a friend on I on this trip. I like to start with a guidebook and have always used the "Unofficial Guide" for WDW with great results. Is the DL version just as helpful or would you recommend a different one? I'm working my way throught the threads too, but it's all a bit overhwhelming to get started. Is there a non-Disney property that is most recommended? Best place to purchase tickets? (3 days, maybe adding the hopper or ride-Genie??- feature)

Thank you in advance for sharing your expert advice; it's greatly appreciated!

 

[TinkAgainU]

Those books are always helpful, but I'd start by being sure you know what the different rules are for LL for example at that time (things could change again by then lol). Check ticket prices at www.undercovertourist.com if getting at least a 3 day. Benefit of that is you can cancel the tickets if something comes up (5% restock fee) which you cannot do with Disney - although Disney will hold that credit for you for a future ticket I think. If you do rope drop you'll rarely need LL, but I'd get it anyway for a November trip, it's a relatively low $ related to the rest of the expenses, for the stress reduction if you're okay fussing on the phone for bookings.

Candy Cane Inn, or one of the Best Westerns PLUS right across the street on Harbor Blvd are well located and have breakfast, but might already be pricey by now.

 

[Soupermom]

Those books are always helpful, but I'd start by being sure you know what the different rules are for LL for example at that time (things could change again by then lol). Check ticket prices at www.undercovertourist.com if getting at least a 3 day. Benefit of that is you can cancel the tickets if something comes up (5% restock fee) which you cannot do with Disney - although Disney will hold that credit for you for a future ticket I think. If you do rope drop you'll rarely need LL, but I'd get it anyway for a November trip, it's a relatively low $ related to the rest of the expenses, for the stress reduction if you're okay fussing on the phone for bookings.

Candy Cane Inn, or one of the Best Westerns PLUS right across the street on Harbor Blvd are well located and have breakfast, but might already be pricey by now.

Thank you for your help. What does LL stand for? For two adults, how many days do you recommend for each park? We have three full days, but maybe one should be spent elsewhere in the area?

 

[Louis63]

Check the hotel locations on a map, properties say they are x distance from the parks but that does not always mean from the gates. If you're looking at hotels with shuttles try to find one with their own shuttle. Getawaytoday sometimes has good room and ticket packages

 

[TinkAgainU]

Thank you for your help. What does LL stand for? For two adults, how many days do you recommend for each park? We have three full days, but maybe one should be spent elsewhere in the area?

LL=Lightening Lane - the new FastPass/Genie+ name. The LL-Multipass a good investment ONLY if you take time to learn how to use it. the LL-Singlepass for StarWars Resistance is easy to use and I'd do it the second day if you did not get on it the first day.

I would probably not bother with Park Hopper (unless you have lots of $ - then get it for sure).

I would probably do Disneyland Park two days, Disney California Adventure one day. Those two parks are about equal to all the rides in WDW combined lol. So while you can do other stuff in So. California - Disney will keep you busy for three days if you take it easy and stop to enjoy some meals and just people watch too.

Most locals will admit they start actually liking DCA as much as DLP, it has some great rides and you can buy wine/beer without getting a formal dining reservation - a couple of us (adults) freely admit an aspirin and a glass of wine make that last couple of hours a Lot easier lol. The water show (PM) in DCA is the equivalent of Fireworks in DLP, so each have something fun at night.

Be sure to RopeDrop Disneyland at least one day. Being on Main Street for the Welcome announcement is just fun, and you can get sooo much done in a couple hours so you can relax the rest of the day.

 

[irlandaise]

I agree with Tink about spending all three days at the Disneyland Resort.

I do, however, recommend park hoppers since it only takes a couple of minutes to switch parks, such as if you get a hankering for a specific ride or restaurant.

Speaking of restaurants, I assume that you're familiar with mobile ordering from your visits to WDW. I've had excellent success with it at DLR.

@Soupermom if you have MagicBands from WDW, you can use them if they're the MagicBand+. Earlier models won't work at DLR. And you can't use them to open your hotel room door or do room charges (If you're staying onsite). But they're very nice for entering rides if you use Lightning Lane.

I second the recommendation of the Candy Cane Inn. It isn't right across the street from the DLR entrance like some other motels, but it has its own shuttle that runs hourly. If you tell us a price range, we can give appropriate suggestions.

I haven't used the Unofficial Guide in years, but AFAIK it's still the most respected guidebook.

 

[Kit Jackson]

"Unofficial Guide" is the one I would reccomend. It's great for background and reference. Sometimes it's nice having the information in one place for quick reference as opposed to looking at a ton of websites and videos.

If you can afford it, I would consider the park hopper. The parks are so close together it is incredibly easy and does not take much time to walk from one park to the other.