A WDW vet's first trip

[KEMdisney]

Hello All!
I haven't visited the dis in quite some time.. I have been to WDW several times and have self-named myself a Disney expert... UNTIL NOW! I have never thought about going to Disneyland, but now I am heading to Cali in April and found out I will be staying about an hour from Disneyland. Of course I can't pass up the opportunity, but I feel lost and completely unknowledgable!! I know literally NOTHING about Disneyland, other than it is much smaller that WDW..
What are some tips you can give me?
I'll be happy to hear any type of responses!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hello All!
I haven't visited the dis in quite some time.. I have been to WDW several times and have self-named myself a Disney expert... UNTIL NOW! I have never thought about going to Disneyland, but now I am heading to Cali in April and found out I will be staying about an hour from Disneyland. Of course I can't pass up the opportunity, but I feel lost and completely unknowledgable!! I know literally NOTHING about Disneyland, other than it is much smaller that WDW..
What are some tips you can give me?
I'll be happy to hear any type of responses!!!

Start here:

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

and here:

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

You are in for a treat! And do not miss World of Color!

 

[oc_tony]

If you can spend two-three full days at DLR, you'll have a more enjoyable experience. Your WDW knowledge will serve you well, especially that of MK. April can be busy due to spring breaks, but the weather is usually great. Arrive at rope drop, use FP, and if your budget allows, get a park hopper ticket so you can walk over to California Adventure if DL gets too crowded. The two parks are literally across from each other, so no buses or monorails necessary when park hopping. There is quite a bit of construction going on over at DCA, but there are lots of unique sites, plus the awesome World of Color show, of course.

If you're looking for attractions unique to DLR, be sure to do the following:
Matterhorn
Indiana Jones Adventure
Alice in Wonderland
Storybookland Canal Boats
Casey Jr train
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (do early or very late, lines get long)
Tiki Room (DL still has the original, not Under New Management)
California Screamin' (roller coaster at DCA)
Monster Inc (dark ride at DCA)

Finally, most people agree that the following "duplicate" attractions are better at DL, so if time allows, they are worth checking out:
Pirates
Space Mountain
Fantasmic (no seats, guests must stand, but the show is so much better)

Have a great time. We are DL locals who also love WDW. We always enjoy experiencing both the differences and the similarities.

 

[BellaBaby]

Thanks KEMDisney for starting this thread!! I am in the process of planning our DLR vacation and have so many questions!! Everything I've read so far is getting me so excited for the trip!! I will be sure to read what Hydroguy has posted. We have been to DL, but it's been 6 yrs and the kids were so little then. Now we can ride everything!!

I'm excited to ride new rides and compare the others as well!!

No FP for TSM tho?? How long does that line get?

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Yes, don't forget DCA! It's hard to imagine, but DL and DCA are as close as Futureworld and World Showcase at Epcot!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Thanks KEMDisney for starting this thread!! I am in the process of planning our DLR vacation and have so many questions!! Everything I've read so far is getting me so excited for the trip!! I will be sure to read what Hydroguy has posted. We have been to DL, but it's been 6 yrs and the kids were so little then. Now we can ride everything!!

I'm excited to ride new rides and compare the others as well!!

No FP for TSM tho?? How long does that line get?

TSMM line can get quite long. It is the only ride I will wait longer than 30 min in because I'd never get on it otherwise. We always go during busy times because we have summers and holidays off. I have found that the best time to go on it is around 2pm or so. The line may go down to about 40 min. In the morning I have seen the line get ridiculously long. And I'm not willing to spend good "first thing in the morning park time" waiting to get in to DCA to get in to TSMM. As new attractions open in DCA that might change the dymanics of the line, but we'll have to wait and see. Also, the queue for the ride is one of the boringest in DLR. It moves slow and there is nothing to look at.