1st time at DL

[Mama Steph]

Dd (10) and I will be going to California in June for her gymnastics national meet. The meet will be in San Diego but we will be flying in and out of LAX since it is cheaper and we can spend a few days with my uncle. This needs to be a budget trip as we had already planned our summer trip, 10 nights at WDW, for August.

We will each get 2 day tix to Sea World through the meet. Plan on going there for Opening ceremonies and another day when she is not competing. The other thing I would like to do is the zoo as I have heard it is absolutely amazing.

I knew dh would laugh at me when I told him I thought dd and I should go to DL so we could compare it to WDW and I was right. Then I remembered that we have GAD tix that we could use. We will be using the dining plan when we go in August so have to order tix with our package. I am planning to surprise dd with our trip to DL. Hoping my uncle will join us for the day too.

Since we have never been before, what do I need to know? I always have a good plan when going to WDW, is that type of planning necessary at DL? What are the don't miss attractions? Favorite cheap places to eat, etc...
Since we will be using our GAD passes, what else do I have to budget for? How much is parking at DL?

TIA,
Steph

 

[S. S. Columbia]

For starters, here's a very good thread from the HydroGuy Tips Compilation:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

HTH

 

[jimreuter]

Don't miss Farley the Fiddler and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies in Frontierland. They are unique to Disneyland, and both have very large followings of regular fans.

 

[dismom73]

I second the motion for BillyHill and the Hill Billys, they are hilarious! Some of the rides that are good to compare between DL and WDW are Pirates, way better at DL, It's a Small world, pretty much the same ride, but different outside, way better at DL. Indiana Jones is a DL exclusive, but it depends on your 10yo, if she like Dinosaur at AK, it's similar to that with a better theme. Nemo submarine is also DL exclusive. Toon town is far better at DL than WDW.
On a side note the San Diego Zoo is amazing!