Top 3 VDH/DL tips?!

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Hi all -

I’m planning our first trip to DL this summer. I use the term ‘planning’ loosely bc other than picking our dates/reserving our rooms/purchasing our tickets, I’ve done absolutely nothing.

We’re going on the backend of our 1st DCL/cruise to Alaska, and I’ve been so consumed with that, DL has regrettably become an afterthought.

So coming to my favorite collective brain trust for some help! What are your top 3 recommendations - tips for staying at VDH (we’re waitlisted at GC but doubtful that will come through), dining, attractions, LL strategies, what’s overrated? What can’t we miss? I’ll take anything and everything!

It’ll just be me and my young kiddo - we’ll be hitting the parks Wednesday-Friday. She’s young but pretty fearless when it comes to attractions (unlike me, who closes my eyes and alternates between praying and cursing when riding anything remotely crazy!)

Thanks everyone!!

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Is this your first trip to DLR? How many days/nights? Loved the Alaska cruise!

 

[supercarrie]

1) Focus on the attractions that are unique to DL or substantially different (many say better) than their MK counterparts (of which are many of them!)
Lots of lists online but off the top of my head for versions that are different (typically better) at DL: its a small world, Autopia, Pirates (much longer and more detailed), Tiana, DL Railroad, Big Thunder, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad (queue, ride is the same), Space Mountain.

2) Enjoy the DL 70th anniversary entertainment - fireworks, parades, World of Color. There is a new "key to Disneyland" scavenger hunt they just announced that looks really fun. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/70th-anniversary/
I also just saw this MagicBand+ announcement which looks fun, too! https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/original-attractions-quest/

3) Soak up the history of DL - Walt Disney's apartment light, the petrified tree, DL Railroad with Primeval World, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the new Walt Disney animatronic show (if arriving after July 17), find the Little Man of Disneyland, original Griffith Park bench that Walt Disney sat on, Jingles the horse, etc. Again, lots of lists online, but this is a decent one: https://disneycicerone.com/disney-parks-hidden-history-secrets-scavenger-hunt-disneyland-edition/

These are all quick things you can see on your walk to/from attractions, but really help you appreciate that this was Walt's park and the rich history of DL.

4) VDH - try to get a reservation for Trader Sam's (kids are allowed before 8), enjoy the Palm Breeze Bar, Tangaroa Terrace quick service is good. Check out the Big Thunder model in the Frontierland tower. The DL hotels have activities just like WDW resorts, so check out the schedule before you go. It is more limited but they have movie nights, etc.

I know you said three so trying to keep this short, but I can add more thoughts on dining later!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Is this your first trip to DLR? How many days/nights? Loved the Alaska cruise!

Yep, first trip! We’ll be arriving late Monday night, use Tuesday to recuperate and head to parks on Wed-Friday.

Glad to hear you loved the cruise - I’ve never cruised before so figured why not set the bar high

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Here's what I sent a friend going to DLR for the first time:

DFB recently put out a video that lays out a lot of great things to keep in consideration. I'd start there - They are pretty spot on:

As much as I don’t like getting up early, I’m a proponent of being one of the first people at the gates for at least ONE day for each park. You can knock out so many rides in the first like hour or so and then coast the rest of the day. Especially since you get the extra half hour for staying on property - just make sure your reservation is for that park.

If you are there more than 3 days you might consider a side trip to Knott’s Berry Farm if you are coaster people - they have some great ones there that are much more extreme. We went for the first time this last trip and had a great time. We spent the extra money for their Fast Lane and were on like 10 rides in a few hours. It’s only like a 15 min Uber ride away.

For a special dinner on property I’d go with either Blue Bayou (so fun to see the Pirates boats float right by) or for less ambiance but the best food, go with Napa Rose. If you want to go super fancy do the Napa Rose Chef’s Counter - spendy but so delicious and a lovely and long dining experience. Getting reservations or the first two aren’t bad but Chef’s Counter is a very specific process - if you're not a foody or hate long meals / expensive food then skip it .

And of course two great themed bar experiences not to miss if you’ve not been before/recently: Oga’s Cantina (in Galaxy’s Edge)
and Trader Sam’s at Disneyland Hotel. Oga’s is pretty easy to get a reservation - Trader Sam’s is hard… but can usually do walk up
and sit outside (not as fun as inside though with the theatrics. For dining we usually are up at exactly when the window opens and still sometimes don’t get Trader Sam’s.

We also love Carthy Circle’s Al Fresco dining for lunch. Their lettuce wraps especially are delicious and it’s not as expensive. I don't drink but my friends love the pear martinis

The video will talk up the churro toffee - we get one of those and one of the chocolate peanut butter squares and split them every evening. Tee hee. The choco smash candy bar from Pym's is delicious and of course the chocolate/peanut butter squares from the candy shops (where you get churro toffee).

If you’re staying on property, you can get a mickey cake delivered to your room which are quite lovely. We got one as an oops sorry
from management when they lost part of our luggage for a while - haha.

If you like night time shows, you can just watch World of Color - or get in the queue for the viewing area when it goes live. When we
actually want to watch that we usually just make it easy and get the Dessert Party which gives a nice seating area and a little plate of desserts and a drink. There are packages in Disneyland for Fantasmic but we’ve not done that before. Some people love that show. The other parades and fireworks we don’t bother getting seats for - just when they start we peel off somewhere and can see it well enough to not be worth sitting staking out a place for eons.

Sometimes we do Lighting Lane Multi Pass (the new name for Genie Plus) but if you rope drop you probably don’t need it. Especially for DCA which has so few attractions. Depending on how you feel about not sitting with your party, take advantage of the Single Rider options especially when it’s in the middle of of the day. DCA: Goofy Sky School, Radiator Racers, Disneyland: Space Mountain, Matterhorn and have single rider. The Monster’s Inc ride in DCA if you go to the exit you can get a Buddy Pass from the cast member outside most times (just ask if they are doing it now) and you can go in pairs (the ride vehicle holds 3 rows of 2 and so often there’s a family of 3-4 and they throw 2 “buddies” in the back seat with them.

Just off campus at Puesto are delicious (but expensive) street tacos. 2 tacos each plus chips and salsa is probably plenty. But if you happen to to be there on a Tuesday… Taco Tuesday for half price - yaaass. That’s a Yelp reservation and of course if you’re doing Tuesday is books up fast so reserve the day before.

Have fun - look forward to hearing all about what you do/enjoyed!

 

[Canchaser143]

3 Underrated things: Toontown, the Marching Band and the Shaboom for Carsland
3 Overrated things: Blue Bayou (I know who am I), Trader Sam's (I know again who am I lol) Goofy's Sky School. I have 2 littles so that is probably why I have two table service restaurants on my overrated list. We are more of a quick service fam and DL really excels in the quick service department!

Be aware that Radiator Races is an amazing ride, but sadly not apart of early entry. It also tends to not open on time at park opening....which can be super annoying. This is one where I'd for sure pay for an individual lightening lane, just makes the day easier!

 

[VGCgroupie]

DVC wise. Stop by the sales center in DLH lobby to get some super cool DVC swag and the Vine House center in DCA. This is a must!
Do not skip the members lounge. It is amazing, its cool and quiet and really makes being DVC special imo.
VDH be prepared for a possible not amazing view. If you get a good one that just makes the trip even better.

RSR (radiator springs racers) is the best ride in all DL or even WDW if im being honest. It is a must do. We did early entry via the entrance at VGC (the one they call corn dog castle entrance) and ran and rode it with a 20 min wait.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

1) Focus on the attractions that are unique to DL or substantially different (many say better) than their MK counterparts (of which are many of them!)
Lots of lists online but off the top of my head for versions that are different (typically better) at DL: its a small world, Autopia, Pirates (much longer and more detailed), Tiana, DL Railroad, Big Thunder, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad (queue, ride is the same), Space Mountain.

2) Enjoy the DL 70th anniversary entertainment - fireworks, parades, World of Color. There is a new "key to Disneyland" scavenger hunt they just announced that looks really fun. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/70th-anniversary/
I also just saw this MagicBand+ announcement which looks fun, too! https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/original-attractions-quest/

3) Soak up the history of DL - Walt Disney's apartment light, the petrified tree, DL Railroad with Primeval World, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the new Walt Disney animatronic show (if arriving after July 17), find the Little Man of Disneyland, original Griffith Park bench that Walt Disney sat on, Jingles the horse, etc. Again, lots of lists online, but this is a decent one: https://disneycicerone.com/disney-parks-hidden-history-secrets-scavenger-hunt-disneyland-edition/

These are all quick things you can see on your walk to/from attractions, but really help you appreciate that this was Walt's park and the rich history of DL.

4) VDH - try to get a reservation for Trader Sam's (kids are allowed before 8), enjoy the Palm Breeze Bar, Tangaroa Terrace quick service is good. Check out the Big Thunder model in the Frontierland tower. The DL hotels have activities just like WDW resorts, so check out the schedule before you go. It is more limited but they have movie nights, etc.

I know you said three so trying to keep this short, but I can add more thoughts on dining later!

Love all these tips - I’m a history buff so I’m all about #3!! Thank you for such a detailed list!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Here's what I sent a friend going to DLR for the first time:

DFB recently put out a video that lays out a lot of great things to keep in consideration. I'd start there - They are pretty spot on:

As much as I don’t like getting up early, I’m a proponent of being one of the first people at the gates for at least ONE day for each park. You can knock out so many rides in the first like hour or so and then coast the rest of the day. Especially since you get the extra half hour for staying on property - just make sure your reservation is for that park.

If you are there more than 3 days you might consider a side trip to Knott’s Berry Farm if you are coaster people - they have some great ones there that are much more extreme. We went for the first time this last trip and had a great time. We spent the extra money for their Fast Lane and were on like 10 rides in a few hours. It’s only like a 15 min Uber ride away.

For a special dinner on property I’d go with either Blue Bayou (so fun to see the Pirates boats float right by) or for less ambiance but the best food, go with Napa Rose. If you want to go super fancy do the Napa Rose Chef’s Counter - spendy but so delicious and a lovely and long dining experience. Getting reservations or the first two aren’t bad but Chef’s Counter is a very specific process - if you're not a foody or hate long meals / expensive food then skip it .

And of course two great themed bar experiences not to miss if you’ve not been before/recently: Oga’s Cantina (in Galaxy’s Edge)
and Trader Sam’s at Disneyland Hotel. Oga’s is pretty easy to get a reservation - Trader Sam’s is hard… but can usually do walk up
and sit outside (not as fun as inside though with the theatrics. For dining we usually are up at exactly when the window opens and still sometimes don’t get Trader Sam’s.

We also love Carthy Circle’s Al Fresco dining for lunch. Their lettuce wraps especially are delicious and it’s not as expensive. I don't drink but my friends love the pear martinis

The video will talk up the churro toffee - we get one of those and one of the chocolate peanut butter squares and split them every evening. Tee hee. The choco smash candy bar from Pym's is delicious and of course the chocolate/peanut butter squares from the candy shops (where you get churro toffee).

If you’re staying on property, you can get a mickey cake delivered to your room which are quite lovely. We got one as an oops sorry
from management when they lost part of our luggage for a while - haha.

If you like night time shows, you can just watch World of Color - or get in the queue for the viewing area when it goes live. When we
actually want to watch that we usually just make it easy and get the Dessert Party which gives a nice seating area and a little plate of desserts and a drink. There are packages in Disneyland for Fantasmic but we’ve not done that before. Some people love that show. The other parades and fireworks we don’t bother getting seats for - just when they start we peel off somewhere and can see it well enough to not be worth sitting staking out a place for eons.

Sometimes we do Lighting Lane Multi Pass (the new name for Genie Plus) but if you rope drop you probably don’t need it. Especially for DCA which has so few attractions. Depending on how you feel about not sitting with your party, take advantage of the Single Rider options especially when it’s in the middle of of the day. DCA: Goofy Sky School, Radiator Racers, Disneyland: Space Mountain, Matterhorn and have single rider. The Monster’s Inc ride in DCA if you go to the exit you can get a Buddy Pass from the cast member outside most times (just ask if they are doing it now) and you can go in pairs (the ride vehicle holds 3 rows of 2 and so often there’s a family of 3-4 and they throw 2 “buddies” in the back seat with them.

Just off campus at Puesto are delicious (but expensive) street tacos. 2 tacos each plus chips and salsa is probably plenty. But if you happen to to be there on a Tuesday… Taco Tuesday for half price - yaaass. That’s a Yelp reservation and of course if you’re doing Tuesday is books up fast so reserve the day before.

Have fun - look forward to hearing all about what you do/enjoyed!

Thank you!! These are all so great! I’m thinking Blue Bayou is a definite (especially since Napa Rose is closed for reno …makes the decision easier!!) I also have the 60 month marked for Taco Tuesday!!

I bought a 3-day discounted park hopper through DVC and it actually comes with LLMP so I’ll have to nail down our strategy for that!!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

DVC wise. Stop by the sales center in DLH lobby to get some super cool DVC swag and the Vine House center in DCA. This is a must!
Do not skip the members lounge. It is amazing, its cool and quiet and really makes being DVC special imo.
VDH be prepared for a possible not amazing view. If you get a good one that just makes the trip even better.

RSR (radiator springs racers) is the best ride in all DL or even WDW if im being honest. It is a must do. We did early entry via the entrance at VGC (the one they call corn dog castle entrance) and ran and rode it with a 20 min wait.

Ok! RSR I’ll make that our first stop. And YES to DVC swag that isn’t contingent on more points!! PS Who am I kidding…what’s the over-under I come home with a VDH contract?!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Top 3

1) Get the LLMP and use it. Pay for the single pass rides.
2) Get a park hopper ticket.
3) Go back to the resort from 2-5 every day and close out open/close both parks every night. This includes early entry.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Ok! RSR I’ll make that our first stop. And YES to DVC swag that isn’t contingent on more points!! PS Who am I kidding…what’s the over-under I come home with a VDH contract?!

If you get a good view 50/50.

I did Blue Bayou back in 2015 and we enjoyed it, for sure a great memory for us every time we ride pirates now.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

We're all looking forward to your post-trip report! . Learned a few things reading this thread - love it!