1st time to Disneyland - need help!!!

[voodooboy]

Good afternoon everyone, My wife and I will be going to Disneyland California for our first time this coming April and I am looking for some advice and/or guidance on a few topics to make our trip as memorable as possible. We are both huge Disney fans,realizing that Disneyland is much smaller than WDW in Orlando (which we usually visit on an annual basis). This trip will be for our 11 year wedding anniversary and we will be staying at the Grand Californian Resort and Spa for 4 nights and we will be leaving the kids home. We are not looking to venture outside the two parks since we both travel to California for business reasons on a somewhat regular basis. My questions are these:

1. What is a reputable limo company for transportation to and from both the resort and airport in Orange County.

2. I noticed that the monorail travels through the courtyard of the Grand Californian Hotel, does it stop there as a means of transportation or is it just passing through for asthetics and effect.

3. What attractions are a "Must See" at Disneyland and are 4 days enough to see everything?

4. Is concierge worth the additional cost?

5. What is the weather like at the end of Aprl?

Thanks in advance for all of the feedback, I appreciate the help!

M.Carrillo

 

[JennyW]

I don't know about most of your questions, but I just went to Disneyland for the first time ever and we had 2 1/2 days. Two in their early 60s, me at 33, and my two kids at 5 and 2. We did both parks almost completely to my satisfaction. I'm sure four days will be plenty for you.

We went to Disney World last August, and here are some things I noted about the differences. Winnie the Pooh is better at WDW. Peter Pan is better at Disneyland. Buzz Lightyear also better at Disneyland because the guns come off of the cars so you can hold and aim them. Space Mountain is smoother at Disneyland. Much of the other things they have in common are pretty comparable.

Enjoy!

 

[HydroGuy]

Lots of tips, including Not To Be Missed, in this lenghty topic: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

The end of April is not high season, and I suspect some of the shows will only happen on weekends. Hopefully your four days will overlap a weekend. Fantasmic! at DL will be down during your stay. I think four days is plenty. Three is a minimum IMO.

Here is an excerpt of the Not To Be Missed:

21. Not To Be Missed at Disneyland Resort

Here I get to give my unabashed opinion on the major attractions and shows at DLR.


At Disneyland:

Pirates of the Caribbean – Almost 40 years old and still my favorite ride at DLR. Better and much longer than the MK version.

Indiana Jones Adventure – I did not like this ride at first because of its jerky motion but it grew into my second favorite at DLR. If you do not like it at first, give it a second chance. Has some similarities to Dinosaur at AK. Indy is a really cool ride that stacks up well against any ride at WDW.

Space Mountain – re-launched in 2005 after two-and-a-half years of refurbishment and a great ride. New version better than the MK version.

Matterhorn – the first Disney “mountain”, built in 1959 three years after DL opened, and still a fun roller coaster.

Haunted Mansion – similar to the MK version and very fun.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – fairly similar to the MK version and fun.

Splash Mountain – A fun ride but not as good as the one at WDW.

Remember Dreams Come True – fireworks/laser/special effects extravaganza created just for the DL 50th anniversary celebration and reportedly going away after Feb 2007 – but there is no official word yet. This show is better than anything at WDW. It is just incredible, but you should try to see it from the DL castle hub or Main Street where you have a good view of the castle. If you do this plan to arrive 1 hour early on busy nights.

Fantasmic! – performed on Tom Sawyer Island and makes use of the Rivers of America as part of the stage. The only downside compared to WDW is that there is no theater and thus no formal seats. Similar to a parade or fireworks, people either stand (in the rear areas) or sit on the ground (in the front areas). This show is similar to that at WDW but differs in several details. I and most others would say it is quite a bit better at DLR because of the setting and use of the ships. If there are two showings on a given night, the second one is much less crowded and a good viewing spot can be obtained 30 minutes in advance (or less). Reserved seating is available but limited. It costs about $60 per person and includes dessert (see the Dining section in this guide for more information).

Parade of Dreams – a wonderful Disney parade created for the DL 50th anniversary celebration that rivals or surpasses any of the parades at WDW.


At Disney’s California Adventure:

Soarin’ Over California – my third favorite ride at DLR. The attraction itself is the same as that currently at WDW. However, the queue inside the building, as well as the external theming and location at DCA’s Condor Flats makes for a better experience than the sterile entrance and queue at Epcot.

Grizzly River Run – a great river raft ride similar to Kali River Rapids at AK - but better. It is longer at DCA with more drops and surprises, and they have free lockers right there where you can stow your stuff and keep it dry.

California Screamin’ – a long looped roller coaster with theme music and a 0-60 mph start similar to WDW’s Rock ‘n Roller Coaster but outside. Lots of fun. When it was opened in 2001 it was the longest steel track coaster in the world at over a mile long. It may still be the longest.

Disney Animation Studio – If you have kids plan to be here at least 90 minutes. There are several areas here that revolve around animation which allow visitor interaction and creation. For the most part these are not available at WDW. Also Turtle Talk with Crush is here, and the larger theater than at Epcot means the lines are much more reasonable any time of day.

Tower of Terror – I have to mention this because it is a headliner, but if you have ridden the one at MGM you will probably be disappointed. The DCA version does not yet have the randomized drop sequence capability. After this is installed then it will be more worth your attention.

Aladdin – A 40+ minute Broadway quality stage show inside the plush Hyperion Theater. Excellent show with talented genie actors who are given latitude to ad lib their humor with reference to current events – so each show is a little different. Better show than anything comparable at WDW in my opinion.


DLR Rides not at WDW:

Matterhorn and Indiana Jones (already mentioned)
StorybookLand Canal Boats
Casey Jr Circus Railroad
Pinocchio
Alice in Wonderland
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Roger Rabbit CarToon Spin
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (coming in 2007 – replaces old submarine ride)
And most everything at DCA

 

[teacups]

Voodooboy... incase you go looking for the place that sells shrunken heads, they dont sell them anymore. <Gotta LOVE that name!> 4 days will be PLENTY for two adults IMO.

Dont miss:
Pirates
Soarin over California
buying lots of stuff for the kids you are leaving back home!

Have fun!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

The monorail does not stop at the Grand Californian, it just goes through for effect.

 

[voodooboy]

Thanks for all of the info, this is all great to know. I am really looking forward to the trip.

 

[disney-super-mom]

The end of April will be a wonderful time to go. Weather should be warm and sunny with temps in the 80s. Also, spring breaks shoud be mostly over by then, so you'll be able to tour the parks without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Great choice with the Grand Californian for your "special" trip. It's the perfect resort for a little romance and relaxation! Enjoy some wine.....listen to the piano player in the gorgeous lobby.....have a nice soak in the pool-side hot tub.....enjoy some chocolate covered strawberries and champagne on the balcony of your room.

How much of a difference in price is concierge? If it not something ridiculous, like $200 more per night, and if you can afford it, and because it's a special occasion, then I would consider it. It would be really nice to get a themepark view room as well. Oh, and if you can get a king bed room, that would be great for 2 adults.

4 days will be the PERFECT amount of time for you to tour the parks, as well as have some time for romance and relaxation. Ooooooohhhh, I'm envious! It sounds SO NICE! You are a VERY THOUGHTFUL HUBBY!

 

[disneyluvbug]

This is the limo company we use each visit..always early!!

www.best-trans.com
TollFree: info@best-trans.com
Phone:
800-827-7411
Fax: 714-848-2539
714-375-9128
Best Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation
7472 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, California 92647-5441

 

[epcotfan]

1. What is a reputable limo company for transportation to and from both the resort and airport in Orange County.

2. I noticed that the monorail travels through the courtyard of the Grand Californian Hotel, does it stop there as a means of transportation or is it just passing through for asthetics and effect.

3. What attractions are a "Must See" at Disneyland and are 4 days enough to see everything?

4. Is concierge worth the additional cost?

5. What is the weather like at the end of Aprl?

1. Can't answer that. Flew into LAX myself. Took the Disneyland Express from the airport.
2. No it does not stop there.
3. I was there from a Sunday afternoon to the following Friday night. I didn't see or do half of what I wanted to. And it wasn't busy. There are so many little things to see and experience, I would definitely go for longer next time. However, you can probably prioritize and see the major things in that duration.
4. I don't think so. For the same amount of money you could order room service and not have to go to the lounge everytime you want something.
5. Can't answer that.

Have a great trip. I'm a WDW veteran and absolutely fell in love with Disneyland and California Adventure.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Can get hot during the day and VERY cold at night as far as temps are concerned. . .always drive so don't know about limo service. The monorail stop is just outside the hotel at Downtown Disney between the AMC Theatre and Lego Store, next to Rain Forest Cafe - at this time it is only a one way trip due to construction inside disney park. A must for adults is the Wine Tasting event that happens daily at California Adventure (off the top of my head I cannot remember the name of the restaurant). Other must sees include anything going on as far as entertainment. Kids usually are not into anything but rides. Adults can take the time to see the whole shebang. . .

 

[kimerinc]

Good afternoon everyone, My wife and I will be going to Disneyland California for our first time this coming April and I am looking for some advice and/or guidance on a few topics to make our trip as memorable as possible. We are both huge Disney fans,realizing that Disneyland is much smaller than WDW in Orlando (which we usually visit on an annual basis). This trip will be for our 11 year wedding anniversary and we will be staying at the Grand Californian Resort and Spa for 4 nights and we will be leaving the kids home. We are not looking to venture outside the two parks since we both travel to California for business reasons on a somewhat regular basis. My questions are these:

1. What is a reputable limo company for transportation to and from both the resort and airport in Orange County.

2. I noticed that the monorail travels through the courtyard of the Grand Californian Hotel, does it stop there as a means of transportation or is it just passing through for asthetics and effect.

3. What attractions are a "Must See" at Disneyland and are 4 days enough to see everything?

4. Is concierge worth the additional cost?

5. What is the weather like at the end of Aprl?

Thanks in advance for all of the feedback, I appreciate the help!

M.Carrillo

Disneyland Vacation Planning can book a limo for you. Just call them.
We like concierge in the DLH, not as much at the GC, but we book it because I drink my wieght in Diet Coke each day.