You'll love DL, JT. If you have any questions, just ask. Since we were just there, things are still fresh on my mind.
With that in mind, here are a few things that struck me and might be of usefulness. . .
1) Despite others insisting otherwise, we managed to hit all the rides we wanted easily enough just using the regular FP system. We were going to use the upgraded version that costs an extra $10 per day per person, but didn't after trying the parks without it the first day. We made very good use of EMH and would ride a lot before the park opened to non-guest patrons. After that, we'd do FPs. Now, sometimes the next FP time would open up before we had actually gotten to our original FP. . .as quickly as 45 minutes later a couple of times. With fewer rides at the two parks, getting the $10 option meant re-riding the same major attractions more times than we needed. Others would feel differently, I know. Now, if you're only there a couple of days or so, then I think the extra cost could be worthwhile.
2) No need to sweat the dining as much as at WDW. Easier to get into places, and with Downtown Disney literally just outside the main gates of both parks, it's easy to dine there instead of in the parks.
3) To do WOC or Fantasmic dining packages or not? We did neither show this time, but based on my prior experience there, I'd not do a dining package. Yes, it gets you into a reserved viewing section, but those sections are far from the best seats in the house. Show up 90 minutes early and camp out at the entrance to the best viewing areas (you can find that on Hydroguy's DL thread), and you can get right down front. Trust me, that's a much better viewing area, especially for WOC.
4) Definitely catch the parades. An hour or so early should be plenty of time to grab a spot. Heck, my daughter and I went the first night, and we got there maybe 40 minutes ahead of time and got great spots.
5) Do all the classic rides that WDW no longer has (or never did have). Is Mr Toad's Wild Ride awesome? No. But, as a Disney enthusiast, it's a must see.
6) Do all the rides that match up with their cousins in WDW: POTC, HM, Space Mtn, Autopia, et.al., to see which ones you like better. You might be surprised!
7) I assume you're staying at VGC, but don't forget to visit the other two hotels just to check them out. Of particular note is the classic DLH and it's differently themed buildings. It will provide a bit of nostalgia for you.
8) Ride the monorail, but ask to get in the front car. You may have to wait awhile (we waited over half an hour), but it's worth it to ride the monorail loop (only two stops: DL park and DD) with the pilot/driver.
9) If you are staying at VGC, there's an entrance just for GCH guests to CA Adventure; however, first thing in the mornings at EMH, it can be a long line. It moves fairly well, though. You can always go to the DD entrance from the hotel (a one minute walk from the lobby) instead which is often less crowded, but then you'll have to walk all the way around to the entrance to CA Adventure. Still, it's a good option should you grab breakfast in DD first thing in the morning.
10) Bag checks are at the entrance to DD (should you go to the DLH, for instance) or when you exit the GCH either into DD or into CA Adventure. Either way, you will be bag checked (if you have one) and will have to go through a metal detector each time you leave the hotel. However, once through, you don't have to do it again entering the park. DD is considered part of the parks area, so once in there, you won't be scanned or checked unless you go back to your hotel and then leave again.
11) EMH is simple. They alternate days at the two parks.
Okay, that's about it. I've been meaning to post this for those who haven't been, anyway, so perhaps this will help you, too.
OK, this speaks to how observant (weird??) I am, but, has anyone noticed the new graphic on the DVC site when the page is loading? I am so happy they changed it from (what I interpreted as) Angry Woody telling you to hold your horses! Yes,, I know, I am odd......
I am bummed but with a buy out of the company my husband works for and things we need to fix around the house we are skipping our parents only trip this year. Crossing my fingers for a parents only cruise in 2019.
