Quote:
|
Originally Posted by hiner
We are pretty much set on DLR for our major vacation next year and DH bought me the Unofficial Guide to DLR. While a lot of it seems to be the same as the Guide to WDW, it seems DLR is going to be more tricky to plan. I love planning our trips to WDW but I am getting nervous about DLR! I haven't even finished the first chapter and my head is spinning and I am shaking. I keep thinking, "well WDW does it this way, why does DLR do it that way". I am going to have to completely block WDW out of my brain in order to get all the mumbo jumbo down for DLR. Here are a few of my questions and/or concerns.....
DLR has three resorts, BUT, there are the Good Neighbor Resorts. Ok I understand there is no room for DLR to build more resorts, but what makes them a GNR and do you get the same perks as DLR resorts? AND....then there are the passes. If you purchase a 3 day hopper pass or more, you get Early Morning Access. This is not just for DLR Resort guests is it? Does that mean it is really, really crowded on the Early Morning Access days?? Is it worth going??
Crowded and non-crowded days oh my!!!!! It appears the only good day would be Wed. or Thurs., forget the weekends because of the locals, and the summer months make Mon. and Fri. crowded too. Then they suggest you contact reservations to find out the park hours and happenings a day before you arrive, WHAT, A DAY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE???? ARE THEY NUTS!!!!!!
We normally rent a car for WDW and are planning on doing the same for DLR (we are also planning on seeing other things around the area). The guide in so many words basically tells you to walk everywhere or use shuttles/trams/taxis/monorails due to the congestion and overcrowding. If we stay at a DLR resort, is parking free at the parks, ie, like WDW?? Is it even worth driving or should we be at the mercy of a shuttle and rent for the days we are planning on doing non DLR activities.
Ok all, thank you for letting me vent, I have calmed down a little. The book is closed for another day. I am probably over reacting for nothing!!!!! It is almost exactly a year until we go, which I will need to research everything, and I am panicing. Please give me some words of encouragement!!! DH and I were there 20 years ago and it seemed so much easier back then than now.
Thanks,
Kim
|
Actually, most of the locals in the OC usually hit DLR at night on the weekends. We went on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and it was not too bad crowd wise. The intense crowds are usually during the summer between mid-late June and Labor Day weekend. It has been my experience that most of the OC and LA locals try to get out of town during those holiday weekends.
As far as renting a car, I would strongly suggest it since you can't get around So Cal without one. Besides we have so much more to offer than just DLR. May I suggest a trip to Surf City USA (aka Huntington Beach), Laguna, or Newport? Maybe some shopping at the Irvine Spectrum (I'm biased here since I live in Irvine). Or if your really want to try something different, a nighttime grunion run at one of the local beaches. Check out
Grunion.Org for more information. You will need a fishing license for that one.
The Good Neighbor Resorts are pretty decent hotels that Disney gives their stamp of approval on. I can attest that the Candy Cane Inn (a GNR) is one of the best places to stay near DLR. However, if you can get in a DLH or Paradise Pier go for it. Most of the hotels with the GNR stamp are pretty well kept.
If I could make a suggestion about food, try to eat at one of the off site restaurants to lessen the blow on your pocketbook. Jerry's Wood Fired Dogs in Tustin or Santa Ana isn't too bad for fast food. Neither is Tommy's Burgers in Fountain Valley or Westminster (go to the one in FV 'cause the other one is in a bad neighborhood). Get the double chili burger which will fill you up in a pinch. I would suggest The Hat if you like pastrami sandwiches. If you are looking for more sit down places, I could write you up a list of places I would suggest that are reasonably priced by cuisine. I am partial to Mario's International in Stanton (family friend for years) or any of the hole in the wall taquerias in Santa Ana if you like Mexican food. Around the DLR, you can't beat Mimi's or Tilly's for good comfort food.
Other than that, you can do DL in a day unlike WDW and the MK. Save DCa for another day and enjoy the rest of what So Cal has to offer. If you need any more suggestions about the area, feel free to PM me. I grew up here in the OC and know my way around fairly well.