Advice Needed....

[mtnprotracy]

We are heading West in July from NC. We are WDW junkies with multiple trips for our 12 yo autistic son and his brothers. It's our first time in CA and we have a jam-packed itinerary. On a whim today, I asked if we could visit Disneyland on the trip. Turns out we could pull it off, but we'd miss the traditional Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame and some other "must-see" sights. So, I am looking for advice from "local" folk....what would you do??? It's driving me nuts!!

Thanks so much,

Tracy

 

[sonnyjane]

Of course you're on a DL board so we will all say to go! My only concern is how long would you visit the parks? You will need more than one day for sure.

 

[skiingfast]

I would, but if that is all you are trading in to go to DL, that indicates you aren't giving enough time to see DL. 3-5 days in the parks.

 

[sonnyjane]

I would, but if that is all you are trading in to go to DL, that indicates you aren't giving enough time to see DL. 3-5 days in the parks.

Exactly the impression I got too

 

[smiles33]

Personally, as someone who graduated from UCLA and lived in LA for 4 years, I would much rather go to DLR than see the Hollywood sights. 15 years ago when I was there, Hollywood was pretty seedy and only tourists would go there. May be better now, but I think you and your family will have much nicer memories of DLR than of the Mann's Chinese Theater, Hollywood sign, or a random "celebrity homes' tour."

If you only have 1 day, you just have to make sure to hit the unique rides at DLR that you can't get at WDW. Go into the 1 day DLR visit with reasonable expectations and you'll have a great time. I think it's more about the fact that you are seeing the park that Walt built, enjoying a few rides, and just soaking in the warm (but dry!) heat of a beautiful California day. Have fun!

 

[Dobie]

Hollywood is dumpy and you dont need to be there to see the sign.

Disneyland all the way! Gotta ride Indy!!!!

 

[PirateFish989]

Don't do Hollywood. It is a dumpy tourist trap with not much to do, you could easily be done "doing" Hollywood in 2-3 hours. If you don't manage to swing Disneyland, I would highly recommend San Diego over Hollywood (if that isn't already on your itinerary). And if this is your first time at Disneyland, one day isn't enough, in my opinion.

 

[mtnprotracy]

Thanks so much for the speedy responses! I realize one day isn't nearly enough....but it could absolutely "make" the vacation for my autistic 12 year old. Disney has been so wonderful in dealing with his issues in the parks--at least at WDW--and I wouldn't expect anything less in Disneyland . I think we may have figured out a way to pull it off! I am SO excited to have the opportunity to see the Walt Disney "original!"

Thanks again,

Tracy

 

[Dizneydaz]

Definitely do Disneyland vs. Hollywood. Born and raised in So. Cal and I finally saw the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame, for the first time, last year with DD's Girl Scout troop. We tied it into seeing Alice at the El Capitan theater. The girls all had a good time but some of the characters made me a little nervous. Also, if you think parking at DLR is expensive, wait til you park in Hollywood!

With only 1 day I would do as PP said-concentrate on those rides that are different (read better!) at DLR vs. WDW.

A few of these are:
Disneyland
Indy Jones
Space Mountain
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Small World
Mr. Toad (still here!)
Tarzan's Treehouse
Toon Town-if your boys are young enough

DCA-almost everything here is unique!
Screaming
Silly Symphony Swings
Tower of Terror-different than DHS
Animation Academy-draw a character and keep it.
All of Flik's Fun Fair.
Goofy's Flying School (if opened when you are there)
Jumping Jellies
Golden Zephyr

Fireworks and Fantasmic.

Take advantage of FP as much as you can. Also Single Rider lines.

Most likely you won't be able to do all of the above since you are going in July. Just hit the ones you really want to see.

Have a trip.

 

[mtnprotracy]

With only 1 day I would do as PP said-concentrate on those rides that are different (read better!) at DLR vs. WDW.

A few of these are:
Disneyland
Indy Jones
Space Mountain
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Small World
Mr. Toad (still here!)
Tarzan's Treehouse
Toon Town-if your boys are young enough

DCA-almost everything here is unique!
Screaming
Silly Symphony Swings
Tower of Terror-different than DHS
Animation Academy-draw a character and keep it.
All of Flik's Fun Fair.
Goofy's Flying School (if opened when you are there)
Jumping Jellies
Golden Zephyr

Fireworks and Fantasmic.

Take advantage of FP as much as you can. Also Single Rider lines.

Most likely you won't be able to do all of the above since you are going in July. Just hit the ones you really want to see.

Have a trip.[/QUOTE]

Thanks so very much for the comparisons! That is most beneficial! We are so excited . Do you happen to know if the Guest Assistance Pass works the same way at Disneyland. We have received a GAP for our autistic "runner" at WDW each time that allows us to keep him in a wheelchair/stroller while in line.

Thanks again!!

 

[Hound 109]

Here's the first stop for all WDW vets:

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

Read it twice & post again.

DisneyDaz;41417397]With only 1 day I would do as PP said-concentrate on those rides that are different (read better!) at DLR vs. WDW.

A few of these are:
Disneyland
Indy Jones
Space Mountain
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Small World
Mr. Toad (still here!)
Tarzan's Treehouse
Toon Town-if your boys are young enough

DCA-almost everything here is unique!
Screaming
Silly Symphony Swings
Tower of Terror-different than DHS
Animation Academy-draw a character and keep it.
All of Flik's Fun Fair.
Goofy's Flying School (if opened when you are there)
Jumping Jellies
Golden Zephyr

Fireworks and Fantasmic.

Take advantage of FP as much as you can. Also Single Rider lines.

Most likely you won't be able to do all of the above since you are going in July. Just hit the ones you really want to see.

Have a trip

I agree with DisneyDaz's list.

But would also add Alice, Pinocchio & Storybookland to the list. All three are great Fantasyland rides not found at WDW.

MTN PRO TRACY's Response:

Thanks so very much for the comparisons! That is most beneficial! We are so excited .

Do you happen to know if the Guest Assistance Pass works the same way at Disneyland. We have received a GAP for our autistic "runner" at WDW each time that allows us to keep him in a wheelchair/stroller while in line.

I'm bolding your question above regarding a GAP pass & touring with an autistic child, so hopefully others will respond. (I want to think there's a thread or even a section on this).

Pardon my ignorance...what type of attractions would he/she not enjoy? or would enjoy more?

(Nemo? Storybookland? IASW?......BTMRR or Pirates?)



Oh.....& do TWO days minimum at DLR.....THREE days would be better.


Have a great time contemplating a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[mtnprotracy]

here's the first stop for all wdw vets:

A dlr guide for wdw vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

read it twice & post again.

thanks so much! I will be reading asap!











I'm bolding your question above regarding a gap pass & touring with an autistic child, so hopefully others will respond. (i want to think there's a thread or even a section on this).

Pardon my ignorance...what type of attractions would he/she not enjoy? Or would enjoy more?

(nemo? Storybookland? Iasw?......btmrr or pirates?)

he pretty much enjoys all attractions--only the larger coasters are an issue. He absolutely loves soarin' at epcot. The issue is the line without a gap. He can tolerate "being" in line.....but he bolts and has no fear. He's just the right height to dip under the ropes...little bitty fellow. His favorite playing surface is asphalt, so he is constantly trying to sit on it to play--getting under feet and stroller wheels in less than a second. He also enjoys any shows---like nemo and the lion king, parades, and fireworks or laser shows .

 

[Hound 109]

Tracy,

I would post a new thread (with GAP or austism in the title) & ask specifically about:

- The GAP pass at DLR & how to use it.

- Rides for your kiddo given his likes & dislikes.

I bet you'll get ALOT of responses. Many who might have answers (& would be GLAD to share opinions)......might not click on this thread because the title is too general ("Advice needed").

You're going to LOVE Walt's park. Have fun.