1st time questions

[mrs705]

We are East coasters ... Disney World people. We are spending 1 whole day at the end of this month with hoppers and Genie purchased, starting at Disneyland. Not sure if this is the way to go being Disneyland is open later and has a great fire works show I heard. Can park reservations be switched? What park will we need more time in? traveling with 5. Two19 yo and 15 yo, Disney nerds. Wish we were going longer but it will be the last day of a National parks trip. Anyway, we are foodies, love the snacks and following some groups to find our favorites. What restaurants are great and should not be missed. We need to book a great one for dinner. Any tips are greatly appreciated being this was a last minute idea and did not have time to research this out. Thank you

 

[mrs705]

Wow! thanks for great advice ya'll!

 

[twodogs]

You will probably get some replies if you post this on the general DL board. This is for trip reports after people return from a trip.

 

[Jane VanTassel]

I would start at the park that doesn't have EE for hotel guests: it was alternating just check the calendar. Then get there at least 30-45 min prior to opening. DL I love the Fantasyland rides first: then start to book your LL's for Space/Matahorn etc. DL will be open latest, sometimes till MN. You could close both parks down. I'm not a firewood person: I love to hit the rides during this time!! I watch the shows on YouTube.

Mobile order around your plans: check out what places have. I love the Carmel/marshmallow wands at any candy shop, churro, Ronto wrap(not specific to DL though)

DCA: Cars land spend some time: just buy the Cars ride: makes it easier not to waste your precious 1 day in lines waiting: eat at Cozy Cone: pickle popcorn is a must for us!!! Use your LL to book those long line rides and keep refreshing; they do open up.

Have fun!

 

[BrianL]

Since you are WDW people, I will post this ride differences breakdown. That might help you decide which attractions you want to prioritize:

DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - even without the Nightmare overlay it is slightly different
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool - may be new to you and is worth it if so.
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smaller screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin' - though note sometimes they run it with the original Sorain' over California, in which case it is a must do!

 

[LKing]

We are spending 1 whole day at the end of this month

@mrs705 you posted in the trip report forum in July. Have you already returned or are you still looking for information?