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Howdy, folks.
I'm arriving at Long Beach airport at 6:40 and then off to the Candy Cane Inn. I leave on the 23rd so that day will have no touring. Right now I have a 6 day park hopper, a 1 day at Knott's Berry Farm and a 1 day VIP ticket for Universal Studios.
This is really a nostalgia trip. I've been to WDW the last 2 years (first time in decades) and haven't been to DLR since probably 1981. Knotts is a side trip just to relive some memories. Universal Studios I've only been to once and then it was only for the tram tour. So, I expect Knotts to probably be one morning, maybe a bit more.
US will probably be a full day with the VIP tour. edit to clarify: I'm not looking for more destinations. Those three are enough. I'm looking forward to not having to rush at Disney at all.
I'm going at December to experience the Christmas decor and pageantry. So, I'm expecting to be at DLR every night. I know it makes no monetary sense to buy a ticket for the night of arrival, but I know I will. I will not be able to be on the same block as DL and not go in on the first night. NOT negotiable. So, I expect to have to get another 2 day ticket. (DL is expected to close at midnight that night so I will have a few hours there).
I guess the question is, does anyone have any advice on what days to do KBF and US? The crowd levels (not to give specifics as they are confidential at this date) are high almost everyday with DCA being less crowded.
I have never really dined at DLR (DCA didn't exist back then) I loved the Blue Bayou as a kid for the ambiance. So that is a must do at least once. I also like the dinners that will give me better seating/placement for shows.
Any thoughts/advice? I'm sure your comments will jog my brain about things I've forgotten.
Thanks.
Last edited by Arnir; 10-08-2012 at 10:22 PM..
Reason: clarification
My only suggestion is to do Universal Studios on a Sunday if possible to minimize the freeway traffic. Saturday would also have less traffic, but would be more crowded at US.
With 6 days at Disneyland, you should have time to whatever you want, even with crowds, but I've never been there during the holidays so I have no suggestions.
My only suggestion is to do Universal Studios on a Sunday if possible to minimize the freeway traffic. Saturday would also have less traffic, but would be more crowded at US.
With 6 days at Disneyland, you should have time to whatever you want, even with crowds, but I've never been there during the holidays so I have no suggestions.
Happy planning!
Melissa
Melissa,
Thanks. I am looking forward to being able to just relax - especially considering the crowds. This is my first holiday trip. I'm looking forward to when I can do the same at WDW. I'm assuming I will be able to see more shows, etc. this time.
Darren
The last time I went during the holidays the crowds really weren't that bad on the weekdays. I'd do Knott's on a Saturday and be sure to eat at Mrs Knott's Chicken Restaurant. THAT ONE is a must for me. Then I'd do US on a Sunday. If you get a chance spend time at the CityWalk next door to it. My friends and I have more fun there than at US.
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I would agree about doing Universal on Sunday to avoid traffic. If you have the VIP tour, lines and crowds shouldn't be an issue. Weekends in general in December were crazy last year because of Grinchmas.
Knott's is going to be tough at that time. A weekday is probably better. They have great AP deals and locals flood the parks. You can usually get the last few weeks of December and an AP for the following year in one price. Be there at opening and you will have a better experience. I personally love Knott's at the holidays, Elf Mountain Log Ride and the shows in the Birdcage are the best!
With the VIP Universal tix you shouldn't have a problem with lines, etc. I think with as many days as you have for DL and DCA you won't feel like you are missing anything or can't accomplish everything you want to. It's so much smaller than WDW it really seems "do able" it's funny to "park hop" and you are literally just walking across the pavement to the other park.
The Fantasmic dessert party might be something you'd be interested in. It gives you a great seat for Fantasmic and it's a nice experience if you haven't done it before. Likewise the World of Color dinner package which gives you a viewing location for the show. We liked Wine Country Trattoria for that package, the food was better than what we had previously at Ariel's Grotto for the WoC package (in my opinion) and I like the ambience there.
You can also get a peek of the DL fireworks from the rooftop of Carthay Circle Restaurant. I had a sneak peek of the view on my last DL trip thanks to a knowledgable cast member. There is a tree hanging down and obviously it's not a close up view but it's a good little tid-bit to know
There is no amphitheater for Fantasmic so it turns into an "every man for himself" type of situation sometimes so if that's something you're interested in prepare to fight the crowds and camp out early or opt for the Fantasmic package.
Blue Bayou is good for the ambience and the food is good but it's not the type of place you'd HAVE to eat every single trip (in my opinion) we did it our first time and now we opt for the Gumbo at the cafe instead unless we're dying for surf and turf.
The quick service options are noticeably better at DL/DCA than at WDW. You won't feel like you have to eat a burger and fries every meal if you aren't doing a sit down meal.
The Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour is now including a peek into Walt's apartment, which of course they changed about a month after I took the tour but it's a great tour regardless.
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