WDW expert, know NOTHING about DL!

[luna99]

Hey everyone!

I know WDW like the back of my hand but I have never been to DL before! I might be going sometime in October to southern cali to visit a friend and if I do I definitely want to go to Disneyland while there. A few questions:

1. Can I do the park in one day? and does that include Disneyland and California Adventure?

2. Are Disneyland and California Adventure two completely separate things with two different tickets? (do I have to pay twice to get in to both?)

3. Does Disneyland have some sort of halloween party like the not so scary party in Florida? Are the dates released and would I need to buy my ticket in advance to go to this? If I do buy a ticket, will that ticket get me in for the whole day? or just in the evening?

4. If you could only pick two sit down restaurants in Disneyland to eat at where would they be? I love good food and want to eat somewhere delicious and memorable while I"m there.

5. and just any other tips on a first time to Disneyland would be great! any secret things to see?

thanks so much! I know this is a very broad question/questions but I want to make sure I get the most of my time there. Like I said.. if I do go we will do disney for one day at least.. maybe I can talk my friend into going for two days but I'm not sure yet!

thanks again!!!

 

[glendalais]

1. The Disneyland Resort recommends a period of at least 4-5 Days to fully experience the magic of the The Happiest Place on Earth.

It is recommended that Guests allocate at least two days each to experience both Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park to their fullest, as well as one or two nights exploring the Downtown Disney District, our Shopping and Entertainment District just steps from the Theme Parks.

2. Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park are completely separate Theme Parks. ParkHopper Tickets which allow you to experience both parks are available for purchase from Disneyland.com or from any Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth.

3. As part of our annual Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort special event, held each year in the Fall, we host Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, a special after-hours party at Disney's California Adventure Park.

2009 Dates and Tickets should be released later this summer. This is a separate hard-ticket event, and Party Tickets do not include admission to Disney's California Adventure Park or Disneyland Park during regular operating hours.

4. The Disneyland Resort offers our Guests a wide variety of tasty Table Service offerings at both Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park, as well as at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Park

• Carnation Café - Main Street USA
  • American Cuisine
• Blue Bayou Restaurant - New Orleans Square
  • Cajun/Franco-American Cuisine
• Café Orléans - New Orleans Square
  • Cajun/Franco-American Cuisine
• Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch - Frontierland
  • BBQ/Western Fare (BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Cole Slaw, etc.)

Disney's California Adventure Park

• Wine Country Trattoria - Golden State
  • Californian Wine Country Cuisine
• "Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration" at Ariel's Grotto - Paradise Pier
  • Character Meal (Disney Princesses)

Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

• Goofy's Kitchen - Disneyland Hotel
  • Character Buffet
• Steakhouse 55 - Disneyland Hotel
  • Steakhouse Cuisine
• Hook's Pointe - Disneyland Hotel
  • Surf and Turf Cuisine
• Napa Rose Restaurant - Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
  • Californian Wine Country Cuisine
• Storytellers Café - Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
  • American Cuisine

In addition, the restaurants of the Downtown Disney District offer a wide variety of dining options.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to consult the Disneyland Resort website at http://www.disneyland.com/. Disneyland Resort Travel Packages may be booked through the website or by contacting the Walt Disney Travel Company on (714) 520-5060.

 

[raftislander]

It is hard to answer whether you can do both parks in a single day. Generally I would say No, but it depends on what you expect to do at each park. Disney does not sell a single day parkhopper, so that ought to tell you something. You would have to buy two separate single day admissions. If the calendar worked right for you it would be possible to buy a one day ticket to DL then the special ticket for the Halloween party at DCA. What would this day be like? Super commando. What is your goal? Do you want to ride lots of attractions, including old favorites? Only the attractions that are different or not at WDW? Only the attractions that are not at WDW? Do you not care about attractions but just want to see what the parks look like and have a meal inside? Maybe you can accomplish this last one in a single day. But if rides are a goal know that there aren't as many FP opportunities at DL/DCA, including many rides that acquire long lines. Can you be there at rope drop for DL? This makes a huge difference in what can be accomplished. Will you be there on a day that has EMH when you will not be eligible for early entry? Again this will affect your touring. I cannot recommend that you try to do both parks in a single day. If you only have one day, go to DL and see Walt's original park.

As for food, there aren't that many table service restaurants inside the parks. The Blue Bayou can be hit or miss on food but the setting is wonderful. These aren't table service but try the bakery goodies at La Brea Bakery in DTD, the trattoria in DCA, Bengal BBQ in DL. I like Tortilla Joes in DTD- either inside table service or walk-up window. I hear wonderful things about Steakhouse 55 at DLH, but I havent eaten there yet. It might help to know what your WDW favorites are.

If you do end up at DCA do not miss the Aladdin show at the Hyperion Theater- it is 45 minutes of Broadway quality theater.

Have fun plannig this trip!

 

[glendalais]

Disney does not sell a single day parkhopper, so that ought to tell you something. You would have to buy two separate single day admissions.

This is incorrect.

The Disneyland Resort does indeed a 1-Day ParkHopper Ticket.

It may be purchased for $94.00 ($84.00 Guests 3-9 Years) at any Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth, or on Disneyland.com.

 

[luna99]

thanks for your help so far everyone!

What is your goal? Do you want to ride lots of attractions, including old favorites? Only the attractions that are different or not at WDW? Only the attractions that are not at WDW? Do you not care about attractions but just want to see what the parks look like and have a meal inside?

I would mostly like to see the parks... ride a few favorites like PoTC and the rides that aren't at Disneyworld (not sure what those are really at this time) and I definitely want to spend sometime in Toon Town. There is a possibility (crossing fingers) that I could be pregnant at the time anyway so I'm not really thinking that I'll be able to ride everything and all the big rides.. and even if I'm not pregnant.. I'd be ok with missing some rides like the teacups and dumbo etc.....etc.

Can you be there at rope drop for DL?

yep, I could be there at rope drop for sure!

As for food, there aren't that many table service restaurants inside the parks. The Blue Bayou can be hit or miss on food but the setting is wonderful. These aren't table service but try the bakery goodies at La Brea Bakery in DTD, the trattoria in DCA, Bengal BBQ in DL. I like Tortilla Joes in DTD- either inside table service or walk-up window. I hear wonderful things about Steakhouse 55 at DLH, but I havent eaten there yet. It might help to know what your WDW favorites are.

I didn't realize there weren't many table service places in DL! Hmm.. some of my WDW favorites are Boma, Ohana, and the burgers at Sci Fi! Really though I tend to like either ethnic food (asian type stuff) or fish/pasta/and anyplace with good bread! I guess it doesn't have to be table service.. I just wanted to go somewhere where I could try something different and that you can't get anywhere else! thanks for the suggetions so far!

If you do end up at DCA do not miss the Aladdin show at the Hyperion Theater- it is 45 minutes of Broadway quality theater.

sounds great, I love aladdin! thanks!

any other suggestions?

if it helps, my favorite park in WDW is epcot followed by animal kingdom. I love the muppets and my favorite character is donald!

What attractions are at DL that are not at Disneyworld? And what are the big favorites ? Of course space mountain but what else? thanks everyone!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

1. Can I do the park in one day? and does that include Disneyland and California Adventure?

Like everyone else said, it's difficult to do the park in a day, but just hitting the things you want to do is helpful. DCA can more or less be done in a day since things like Muppets, ToT, and Soarin' is in WDW.

2. Are Disneyland and California Adventure two completely separate things with two different tickets? (do I have to pay twice to get in to both?)

Yes, they're 2 seperate parks, but purchace the 2fer tix while you can! I don't know when you're visiting, so the offer might or might not be around.

3. Does Disneyland have some sort of halloween party like the not so scary party in Florida? Are the dates released and would I need to buy my ticket in advance to go to this? If I do buy a ticket, will that ticket get me in for the whole day? or just in the evening?

DCA has Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party during October. Even though I've never been to the one in WDW, I believe that WDW's is more lavish than ours, especially since DCA's has a rinky-dink parade and I've seen clips of WDW's and it looks so cool! You would need to buy tix in advance since some days are sold out and the event is only in the evening since the park is open earlier in the day.

4. If you could only pick two sit down restaurants in Disneyland to eat at where would they be? I love good food and want to eat somewhere delicious and memorable while I"m there.

1. Blue Bayou
2. Cafe Orleans

There isn't really any ethnic restaurants in the parks, but the Paradise Pier Hotel has a Japanese restaurant called Yamabuki. If you're into fine dining and don't care about how expensive your meal is, you can try Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel. GCH's Storyteller's Cafe is really good too. Whenever I'm at DCA and start to get hungry, instead of staying in the park, I just take the exit to the hotel and just around the corner is Storyteller's.

5. and just any other tips on a first time to Disneyland would be great! any secret things to see?

The Billyhill & the Hillbillies show in DL is really good. If you're not pregnant, Matterhorn & Indy are 2 popular thrill rides & you can get a FP for Indy. Rodger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin can usually have long lines, so you might want to get a FP. But the queue is fun to look at, so if you don't care about the wait or if it's reasonable, I'd suggest checking out the queue. Buy a corndog @ the Little Red Wagon in DL or Corndog Castle in DCA for a snack, they're super yummy! Or for a smaller snack, DCA has free tortillas & sourdough bread in their Pacific Warf area.

 

[glendalais]

Yes, they're 2 seperate parks, but purchace the 2fer tix while you can! I don't know when you're visiting, so the offer might or might not be around.

The 2fer Ticket is a Southern California Resident Special Offer, and is only available to Guests residing within US ZIP Codes 90000 to 93599, as well as Guests residing within the Mexican Códigos Postales 21000 to 22999.

Valid proof of residency is required to purchase and/or use this ticket.

There isn't really any ethnic restaurants in the parks, but the Paradise Pier Hotel has a Japanese restaurant called Yamabuki.

Yamabuki, formerly located at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, has closed permanently as of 11 April 2009.

Guests are invited to enjoy one of the many other fine offerings available throughout the Disneyland Resort.

 

[basketballmom]

If you get to the park about 30 minutes before opening, you will be able to do a lot more in the first hour than you would at MK the first hour. There are several rides in fantasyland that MK does not have. Disneyland's FL is very quaint and charming.....I love it! Also, others have mentioned Indy and the Matterhorn....great rides! Pirates is longer at DL....make sure to wander through New Orleans Square. Cafe Orleans is a great place to sit outside and watch the world go by. I have eaten breakfast there. Toon town is great! There are lots of gags around the town. It's great to explore.

In DCA, ride California Screamin if you are a coaster fan. Also, the Monsters Inc ride is cute. If you are a fan of Kali at AK, Grizzly River Rapids is a lot like it, but longer with 2 drops. Wonderful theming too.

I have never been to DL in October. We usually go in the summer. I did go 2 years ago the week after Labor Day and the lines were very short!

Have fun!!!!

 

[luna99]

There isn't really any ethnic restaurants in the parks, but the Paradise Pier Hotel has a Japanese restaurant called Yamabuki. If you're into fine dining and don't care about how expensive your meal is, you can try Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel. GCH's Storyteller's Cafe is really good too. Whenever I'm at DCA and start to get hungry, instead of staying in the park, I just take the exit to the hotel and just around the corner is Storyteller's.



The Billyhill & the Hillbillies show in DL is really good. If you're not pregnant, Matterhorn & Indy are 2 popular thrill rides & you can get a FP for Indy. Rodger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin can usually have long lines, so you might want to get a FP. But the queue is fun to look at, so if you don't care about the wait or if it's reasonable, I'd suggest checking out the queue. Buy a corndog @ the Little Red Wagon in DL or Corndog Castle in DCA for a snack, they're super yummy! Or for a smaller snack, DCA has free tortillas & sourdough bread in their Pacific Warf area.

thanks for the suggestions.. sounds like the fine dining is more in the resorts and DTD... I'll research those online!

The 2fer Ticket is a Southern California Resident Special Offer, and is only available to Guests residing within US ZIP Codes 90000 to 93599, as well as Guests residing within the Mexican Códigos Postales 21000 to 22999.

Valid proof of residency is required to purchase and/or use this ticket.

well, my friend that I will be going with is a southern cali resident so maybe she could get the tickets for us!

.make sure to wander through New Orleans Square. Cafe Orleans is a great place to sit outside and watch the world go by. I have eaten breakfast there. Toon town is great! There are lots of gags around the town. It's great to explore.

In DCA, ride California Screamin if you are a coaster fan. Also, the Monsters Inc ride is cute. If you are a fan of Kali at AK, Grizzly River Rapids is a lot like it, but longer with 2 drops. Wonderful theming too.

New Orleans Square sounds so cool, I'm really excited about experiencing that and Toon Town... maybe I can get my friend to go to CA on another day and do the bigger coasters, cause I happen to be a coaster fan.... it will just depend on if we have the money and if I'm pregnant or not!

thanks again everyone!

anyone else have more suggestions?

 

[mariezp]

Check out this link! A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
It is an excellent article and will give you all the details about what is at DL that is NOT at WDW, as well as just about any other information you could possibly need!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Personally, I think the bare minimum to enjoy both parks would be 2 days. You could pick the highlights from CA and still possibly have some extra time to spend at Disneyland on the second day if you can get the park hopper.



Here's a link with the DL dining options. It's got a cool feature so you can search for the type of food you like.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus.cfm
With out a doubt our favorite place to eat in DL is Blue Bayou. It tends to get mixed reviews, however, we have always had a pleasant experience. Atmosphere is the best! The seating is actually inside the Pirates ride. I love the Monte Cristo and their Creme Brulee!


I am in the opposite position that you are. We have been to Disneyland 8 times. I am currently planning our first trip to WDW. I think you have a much easier task! (if you have any great trips to share about WDW pop over to my question and answer thread and feel free to share with me... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2129940) I assure you a Disneyland trip is so much simplier to plan!

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[luna99]

Check out this link! A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
It is an excellent article and will give you all the details about what is at DL that is NOT at WDW, as well as just about any other information you could possibly need!

thanks Mariezp for all your help!!! you gave me some really great links to check out! How exciting that you are going to WDW, you are going to love it! I will check out your thread but in the meantime if you have ANY specific questions about WDW and you want to ask me feel free! I love talking about WDW... I used to live in kissimmee and was a cast member for a year so maybe I could help you out....

good luck with planning as well!

 

[daisy2jae]

I wish you could call disney operators via ext's.
When I booked weeks ago the lady was so rude and not helpful. Today the lady I talked to was amazing. Full of advice and I talked to her for 75 minutes about tricks, etc.. I know WDW like the back of my hand but we're going to Disneyland for the first time since a 2 day trip we took in 2001 on our honeymoon. I feel so lost but after talking to her today I feel so much better. I just wish she had an ext to call when I think of more questions. !!!! Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Hound 109]

Luna, welcome to the DLR board.

Here's a recent thread with alot of info for the first time visitor. Also look at the links provided in some of the posts for additional info.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158037

Additional comments below:

thanks for your help so far everyone!

I would mostly like to see the parks... ride a few favorites like PoTC and the rides that aren't at Disneyworld (not sure what those are really at this time) and I definitely want to spend sometime in Toon Town. There is a possibility (crossing fingers) that I could be pregnant at the time anyway so I'm not really thinking that I'll be able to ride everything and all the big rides.. and even if I'm not pregnant.. I'd be ok with missing some rides like the teacups and dumbo etc.....etc.

AS OTHERS HAVE SAID 2 DAYS WOULD BE MUCH BETTER THAN ONE. (& THE 2 DAY HOPPER IS A BETTER VALUE THAN THE ONE DAY). & "HOP" EACH DAY.

yep, I could be there at rope drop for sure!

BE AT THE SECURITY LINE 35 MIN. BEFORE ROPE DROP......45 MIN. ON A SAT OR SUN.



I didn't realize there weren't many table service places in DL! Hmm.. some of my WDW favorites are Boma, Ohana, and the burgers at Sci Fi! Really though I tend to like either ethnic food (asian type stuff) or fish/pasta/and anyplace with good bread! I guess it doesn't have to be table service.. I just wanted to go somewhere where I could try something different and that you can't get anywhere else! thanks for the suggetions so far!

THE HOTELS & DTD ARE STEPS AWAY FROM DL & DCA.....LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR DINING. AS OTHERS MENTIONED, NAPA ROSE IS A FOODIES CHOICE, & BLUE BAYOU IS THE DL SIGNATURE CHOICE. BUT GIVEN YOUR COMMENTS ON ETHINIC/PASTA/BREAD ETC.....YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY THE TRATTORIA IN DCA. GOOD FOOD, GREAT ALFRESCO AMBIANCE (IF A NICE DAY) AT A GOOD VALUE.



sounds great, I love aladdin! thanks!

ALADDIN IS A MUST DO.

any other suggestions?

if it helps, my favorite park in WDW is epcot followed by animal kingdom. I love the muppets and my favorite character is donald!

What attractions are at DL that are not at Disneyworld? And what are the big favorites ? Of course space mountain but what else? thanks everyone!

Check out the links in the posts above mine & in the links i posted. Lots & Lots of info on DLR attractions.

Have a great time visiting Walt's Park.

 

[mariezp]

thanks Mariezp for all your help!!! you gave me some really great links to check out! How exciting that you are going to WDW, you are going to love it! I will check out your thread but in the meantime if you have ANY specific questions about WDW and you want to ask me feel free! I love talking about WDW... I used to live in kissimmee and was a cast member for a year so maybe I could help you out....

good luck with planning as well!

You are very welcome. I am actually glad to help respond to your questions just so I can make a visit over to the DL area of the board since I am more at home here. Most of my time lately has been spent on the WDW section planning for our trip. The Disboard has so much info to garner no matter which park you are heading to!

I have ran into several other members here that have previously worked at WDW. I bet it was a lot of fun working in the park. And just think, now you get to come and share your knowledge here with us! I can't think of anything specific but if I do I will certainly look you back up so thanks for the offer!