1st Trip to Disneyland!!!

[karebear06]

We just got a really good deal on a flight to California and will be staying for 3 nights at the Grand Californian! We know a lot about Disney World, but know nothing about Disneyland. It will be just my husband and I, so what do we need to know? We are going with another couple and their kids, but will be doing our own thing. We usually get the dining plan at Disney World, do we need that? What restaurants do you recommend? Do you think my husband and I can get everything done in 2 1/2 days? Anything else we need to know, please share.

Thanks!!!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Yay ~ I'm sure you'll have a great time! We love DLR! Read *this*
*Stay away from the Dining Plan - we enjoyed the DP *for free* at WDW last year but the DLR plan is nothing like the WDW plan and doesn't make much sense - to pre pay for meals at DLR I set aside $$ on Disney Gift Cards and Character Meal vouchers.

 

[jlmarr]

Yay ~ I'm sure you'll have a great time! We love DLR! Read *this*

In particular, read Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets. IMO 2 1/2 days is fine if you're familiar with WDW although there's a lot to do in the LA/OC area. Restaurants - Napa Rose, Blue Bayou, Mimi's Cafe (across Harbor Blvd from DL).

 

[skiingfast]

We just got a really good deal on a flight to California and will be staying for 3 nights at the Grand Californian! We know a lot about Disney World, but know nothing about Disneyland. It will be just my husband and I, so what do we need to know? We are going with another couple and their kids, but will be doing our own thing. We usually get the dining plan at Disney World, do we need that? What restaurants do you recommend? Do you think my husband and I can get everything done in 2 1/2 days? Anything else we need to know, please share.

Thanks!!!

I would first read the link that DisneyMomma81 provided.

Well you get everything done? Depends on a couple things weekends are really busy at DLR compared to weekdays, this isn't true at WDW in comparison. Also are you going during a busy time? Like a vacation week or summer.

For the two of you being adults it otherwise is possible particularily if you skip some of the basic rides. But don't assume that since it's in WDW it's ok to skip in DLR. Some rides are the same but most are different and many are better in DLR that their poor counterparts in Florida.

The night shows will take the most time so plan them accordingly. The fireworks is better at DL and so is F! but they take time to get good seats and planning. Also they don't play nightly so be ready for that.

WoC is a whole different ballgame. Different than anything WDW has. World of Color Superthread.

 

[karebear06]

We are going 1/30-2/2 (Sun-Wed). We were actually not planning this trip at all, but some friends of ours booked a 2 bedroom at GC and invited some of their relatives. Well the relatives backed out. The points have already been borrowed and its the end of their use year. So, its either they use it or lose it. We get to stay in a 2 bedroom with them, and we just help them pay for the rental car. We also found some really good flights for $125. Whats even more exciting is, we already have a vacation planned for Disney World less than 2 weeks later. So we get to go to both parks!!! I know Disneyland is a lot different, but I think we will really enjoy it. We love the history and are excited to see where it all began.

 

[skiingfast]

We are going 1/30-2/2 (Sun-Wed). We were actually not planning this trip at all, but some friends of ours booked a 2 bedroom at GC and invited some of their relatives. Well the relatives backed out. The points have already been borrowed and its the end of their use year. So, its either they use it or lose it. We get to stay in a 2 bedroom with them, and we just help them pay for the rental car. We also found some really good flights for $125. Whats even more exciting is, we already have a vacation planned for Disney World less than 2 weeks later. So we get to go to both parks!!! I know Disneyland is a lot different, but I think we will really enjoy it. We love the history and are excited to see where it all began.

If you haven't notice the calendar for DL is shorter which makes it hard to plan far out. I'd plan on F! only happening on Sunday Fireworks maybe too. I try to catch them the same night either way. See fireworks and right after go to F! which is on ROA. Your should be fine on attractions as Sunday night things will calm down and the weekdays should be simply calm.

Sounds like you are lucky to get this experience in, make the most of it!

 

[SplashMo]

On Sunday get a reservation in a restaurant for Lunch. If you want to mini-splurge go to BB.

Arrive at DL 40 minutes early. Sunday and Tuesday arrive for early admission. Very worth it. (Since you are Hotel guest you get Early admission on those days. typically Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun).

DCA opens one hour early for hotel guests. Grab FastPasses for WOC during this time. You will have a blast!!!

 

[Raindown]

I'd plan on F! only happening on Sunday Fireworks maybe too.

Yea, I'd plan on this happening too. I'd plan on seeing the Fireworks and F! Sunday. WoC will likely still run on the weekdays. You shouldn't have a problem getting Fastpasses (you need this to be in the viewing area for WoC) since your hotel access is so close. However, the picnics wouldn't be a bad idea if you just want to skip getting the FP. If the park closes early during the week, WoC usually ends up being the only night time spectacular.

Until the entertainment schedule is out you won't know. 2.5 days should be fine for two adults.

The Carnation Cafe on Main Street is one of my favs. There is sometimes a line but, with two people it is not uncommon to get picked out of line for a table. Its not that expensive and tasty. I also like the yogurt parfaits you can get at the Bakery, Pizza Port and Toon Town. They are great for an early breakfast or just something on the go between meals. The soft-serve ice cream over at Paradise Pier is also amazing. I often like to grab a cone, sit and watch people meet Mickey (Santa right now).