Return to Disneyland (questions from a WDW regular)

[Orsino]

I'm headed to Disneyland Resort in February, and as always, Disney stuff changes from my last visit (2017 ish).

(1) Tickets. I'm going to get a 5 day park hopper, but I'm stuck on the LLMP situation. I'd like to get it included with the ticket, but our first day we won't get to the parks until 1PM. Is LLMP worth having if I have a late arrival? Can I buy the 5 day park hopper without LLMP and then add it each day? Is doing so a pain in the neck and I'll be wishing I just paid more money in the first place? We will arrive on a Thursday.

(2) We are staying at Grand Californian so I think we get Early Entry. What is the disboard opinion on EE priorities? I see that Radiator Springs Racers is not on EE, so I'm a bit lost. One of the DCA EE days we will rope drop Disneyland instead, what is the Disneyland non-EE priority? Overall, we should have plenty of time to see everything, I just like to have an efficient morning which makes the rest of the day seem more carefree.

(3) We will be there over a Saturday, which I understand is the busiest day. Since we have many other days, what things should we avoid or prioritize on Saturday? I'm thinking about having a long-ish dinner at Downtown Disney on Saturday, but for I know that's walking into a trap.

(4) Are dining reservations hard to get? Is there something I need to be concerned about getting right when reservations open?

Thank you

 

[disneychrista]

5 days of LL is a lot IMO. I would add it day of on concentrate on the LL attractions that day.

Saturdays are NOT the busiest day of the week. That title belongs to Mondays.

Trader Sam's, Blue Bayou, Lamplight and Carthay are probably the hardest to get. As well as the Premium seating for Fantasmic at Riverbelle Terrace.

 

[Marmota]

I agree with above, five days of LL is a fair bit! I typically try to do one day with LL in each park then without on the other days.

Unfortunately I can't say about EE because I'm not as familiar with that. My husband is an early riser but I always struggle with that.

Blue Bayou can be very difficult to get - definitely one to aim for right when it opens. It's a beautiful ambience. Carthay Circle is also great - my favorite restaurant in both parks. Trader Sam's is also wonderful but if you have some time one early evening, try the walk-up line. I've done that every time and we always seem to be lucky getting a spot inside.

 

[krismom345]

Jumping on to ask a few questions as well:

•are DL Dining reservations done in the app 60 days out like WDW?

•which days are early entry for resort guests at which park?

(Sorry to hijack!) °o° °o° °o°

 

[disneychrista]

Jumping on to ask a few questions as well:

•are DL Dining reservations done in the app 60 days out like WDW?

Yes 60 days out from the date you want to dine. Not 60 days out for your entire trip.

 

[LKing]

•which days are early entry for resort guests at which park?

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/early-admission-options/

• Disneyland Park: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Disney California Adventure Park: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

 

[twodogs]

I think 5 days of LLMP may NOT be too much, if your family is very into rides and/or doesn’t want to do RD every day or stay until closing every day. Lines are LONG outside of very early and late, and if you are not into rides, you can definitely concentrate rides on a few days and buy LLMP only on those days. We usually go for 3 days, and my kids are ride warriors, so I would never do the parks without LLMP. As for getting on the arrival partial day, I always do that because it makes that day less stressful and we can get onto our favorite rides quickly (lines will be long by 1pm). But if you are budgeting, you could skip that partial day of LLMP and do shows, see the other things in the parks etc. You can add it day by day, but there is the small risk that it sells out (as happens around October dates and sometimes the holidays).

Agree that Mondays are the worst crowd days.

 

[twodogs]

I will also add that LLMP is much more useful at DLR than WDW, since may guests at DLR are MKs and aren’t buying LLMP every day.

 

[LKing]

I will also add that LLMP is much more useful at DLR than WDW, since may guests at DLR are MKs and aren’t buying LLMP every day.

True, although there may be a bump Jan 6-31 2025 when they offer LLMP at 50% off for MK holders