(Basically) first timer...What's on your don't miss list?

[DISNEYFAN3260]

I haven't been to DL or DCA for at least 15 years, and I was only there for two days. I know it's dramatically different, so I'm going into our upcoming trip (in July) with a clean slate. We've already bought four-day park hoppers and will be staying at Disneyland Hotel. There will be 5 of us - two adults, 3 older teens. We love thrill rides and the Disney classics, and enjoy the night time shows but aren't big parade fans. No need for character meets. We love Disney dining but will probably be sticking to quick service to keep the budget down. We'll most likely get MaxPass once we arrive, at least for the first day or two to see how it goes. (I'm still trying to understand whether it's worth it so I didn't buy ahead.)

So all that said, I'd LOVE to hear what experienced DL/DCA folks would put on their "don't miss" lists for us? Attractions, shows, dining.....will appreciate any recommendations!

 

[GatorChris]

By July, Paint the Night parade will be running through DCA. I know you said you're not big parade fans, but you won't want to miss that show. It's amazing. World of Color is also new in the last 15 years. Definitely grab a spot for that show at DCA as well.

For good quick service, hit the Plaza Inn for the fried chicken at DL. Over at DCA, hit Pacific Wharf and grab some yummy clam chowder in a bread bowl. Even on hot days, it's good. If you do want a good sit down meal, head to Downtown Disney and do the Jazz Kitchen. They have great creole food and the best beignets. Worth every penny.

For rides, hit Cars Land. Lots of fun stuff that direction. And Guardians of the Galaxy (formerly Tower of Terror) is a ton of fun. You'll love it. Soarin' has been upgraded, and Screamin' may be the Incredicoaster by the time you're there. There's really nothing new over at DL in the last 15 years, so hit your favorites from days gone by.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

DL: Fantasmic, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Matterhorn, Disneyland Railroad, Bengal BBQ, Rancho del Zocalo, Dole Whip, Matterhorn macaroon at Jolly Holiday, S'mores Square from Candy Palace or Pooh Corner.

DCA: WOC, Paint the Night, everything in Carsland, Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy (if you like drop rides), Grizzly River Run, Toy Story Midway Mania, Award Wieners, chocolate-dipped soft serve cone in Carsland (or Pixar Pier if they keep this location), adult beverages.

 

[jammyjam25]

I second Paint the Night even if you're not normally a parade fan....it's so cool and worth the time.

My favorite show in Disneyland is Mickey and the Magical Map. It runs multiple times a day and is a great way to take a break in the shade with a treat.

My "Don't Misses" in DL - Dole Whips, POTC, Splash and Big Thunder Mountains, Mr. Toad, the Dapper Dans, the Jungle Cruise, and Churros.

My "Don't Misses" in DCA - Animation Building, World of Color, Radiator Springs Racers, Grizzly River, Soarin', Getting a beer and wandering around Paradise/Pixar Pier, sunset in Carsland, Heimlich's Chew Chew Train.

An additional "don't miss" for us outside the parks is a stop at Trader Sam's at the DL Hotel for a drink or two. If you go before 8pm your teenagers will be allowed in and they have fun non-alcoholic drinks too. You can sit inside and see the fun effects when people order certain drinks or you can sit outside on the patio with relaxing couches.

 

[Niltiac]

I'm not a parade person and I thought Paint the Night was just ok. I mean it was good for a parade, but it was, in fact, still a parade. I put in the time to get a good spot because I had an AP at the time, but for me it wouldn't have been worth the time on a regular trip. That said, it's moving to DCA which is more spacious than DL, so it might not take much time to get a decent view. If I were you I would wait and see reports about how easy it is to find good spots after it has been at DCA for a little while. If it's a hassle, I say skip it. I love World of Color though, and I'm willing to stake out a good spot for that. A good view is really important for this show, especially if you're short.

As for rides, you'll want to make the most of FP for your group since you like thrill rides. Most of the rides that offer FP are thrill rides (or as close as Disneyland gets to thrill). With four days you'll have time to hit all the big rides anyway, but if you make good use of FP you can ride them all multiple times. I like MaxPass because it means we don't have criss-cross all over the park (which takes more time than you'd think), and we don't have to split up (i.e. send a runner). If someone in your group likes to get away from the group frequently you could make them the runner, but otherwise I would just get MaxPass. It gives us a lot more time to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere since we aren't walking back and forth to the machines constantly. At Disneyland don't miss Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Star Tours, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If you're familiar with WDW I think they have versions of most of those, but I've heard they're different (Star Tours might be the same). In DCA check out the Incredicoaster which will be open by then, Guardians of the Galaxy, Radiator Springs Racers, and Grizzly River Run (but bring a change of clothes).

 

[felice]

World of Color is a great show to see over in DCA, along with traveling on Ariel's Undersea Adventure.

Within DLR you have It's A Small World, the Mickey's Magic Map show, also Great Moments with Mr Lincoln among others.

Take your pick, take it slowly but overall ENJOY !!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I’m not a parade person. I was not impressed by paint the night.

DL love: Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Bengal BBQ, French Market, Teacups, Dumbo

DL like:Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Disneyland Railroad

DCA love: WOC, everything in Carsland, Guardians of the Galaxy (if you like drop rides), Toy Story, Award Wieners, Ariel, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Soarin’, Silly Symphony Swings

DCA like: Grizzly River Run, Incredicoaster

 

[jollyball]

There are a lot of great ideas in here. I have to add the fried pickles at Carnation Cafe. I love those!

 

[LilyJC]

With 4-day park hoppers you’ll most likely be able to hit all the rides you want and form your own faves, so I’ll skip to food! But first if you are able I’d definitely recommend the WOC dessert party!

DL: Jolly Holiday has a super yummy goat cheese, chicken, and spinach salad (summer seasonal offering) which is refreshing on a hot day. Someone in my family typically always wants one of the frozen lemonade variations available (raspberry is my fave)

DCA: Pacific Wharf Cafe normally has a tomato bisque as their summer seasonal selection which is my favorite soup they have ever served. Cozy Cones chocolate dipped soft serve; Ghirardelli treats; Clarabelle’s for ice cream treats; and Flo’s is another decent QS option.

DTD: Earl’s of Sandwich (if it’s still open depending on new hotel construction); Jazz Kitchen Express for beignets/breakfast burritos; Sprinkles for yummy cupcakes and the best chocolate chip cookies; and the churro cart with tons of flavor options.

Tangaroa Terrace at the DLH is one of my favorite QS at DLR, and you can also enjoy it poolside! The Coffee House also at DLH serves dole whips and a dole whip with rum option. And of course Trader Sam’s is very popular.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you eat breakfast at Flo's, sit outside so that you can watch RSR from the patio. Super fun to watch the cars race by! If you have a FP timed for after breakfast, watching the ride can really put you in the mood for your race!
Neon Lighting: Google the time for sunset that day, be on Route 66 about 10 minutes beforehand, find a good viewing spot, then wait for the Sh'boom song and the magic to start! It's just like being in the movie!
Take time to catch all the live shows in DCA, e.g. Newsboys, Five & Dime, Ellis Island Boys, Mariachi Divas, etc. Wonderful music and great fun! Same for DL -- so much wonderful music!
Any Star Wars fans in your group? Go into Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. You'll find props from the movies and you might get to meet Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren. Rey is supposed to join the line up soon. (Also, Launch Bay has great a/c -- this can be a nice afternoon break in July!)

 

[VandVsmama]

Stuff on our "don't miss" list at DL:

1. Pirates of the Caribbean & HM - we ride both of these every day
2. Star Tours
3. Space Mtn - for me & YDD
4. Splash Mtn - every day for ODD & YDD. DH hates it.
5. BTMRR - my kids call it "Fast Choo Choo." We'd do this every single day if we had the time!
6. Tom Sawyer's Island - once during the trip
7. going to see the cool Star Wars stuff in Tomorrowland
8. If we can swing it, bumping into some stormtroopers in Tomorrowland. I got them to inspect my kids because I told them that the kids were rebel spies. It was hilarious and awesome, even if you're not into character meets.
9. Eating a meal or snack at the French Market or the Mint Julep bar, preferably when 1 of the jazz bands are playing.
10. Seeing the pirate band in New Orleans Square.
11. Going on the train 1 full ride around the park
12. riding the monorail
13. seeing fireworks once

Stuff on our "don't miss" list at DCA:

1. Radiator Springs Racers
2. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
3. Luigi's
4. Soarin'
5. Toy Story
6. the Little Mermaid ride
7. Animation Academy multiple times
8. eating lunch or dinner at Flo's where we can watch the cars race by. If it's too hot to eat outside, there's part of the dining room inside with a long row of tables that look out at the ride through this huge picture window. that's 1 of my favorite spots to eat when it's hot outside and you want air conditioning and relaxation.

other stuff we don't want to miss when we go next month:

1. the new virtual reality experience in DTD
2. maybe a cocktail at Trader Sam's. I'd love to bring home 1 of those souvenir drink mugs.
3. I want to go check out that new Disney Home store.

 

[EDS19]

You have some great recommendations here.... I'll give some of my favorites too...

With four days, Maxpass, and early mornings from the Disneyland hotel you will be able to hit your favorites multiple times.
I would recommend going in for early entry, hit up a bunch of stuff in the morning. Then go back to the hotel in the afternoon when the park is extra crowded and hot and have a nap for an hour or chill at the pool then come back at night for Dinner, some more rides, and shows. (That sounds like a plan for little kids but when I go on trips with my friends who are in their 20's and 30's they appreciate the rest. It helps so you have energy at night.)

Disneyland:
Fantasmic (you can still get seating area if you get a Fastpass early in the morning and arrive a little more then an hour before show time)
Fireworks
Splash Mt.
Big Thunder Mt.
Indy
Space Mt.
And all my friends really love Star Tours because it is a little different each time.

DCA:
World of Color
GotG: Mission Breakout
Soarin'
Radiator Springs Racers
Turtle talk with Crush
Toy Story Midway Mania

Also I know you want to be careful with money, but Plaza Inn at Disneyland has great food and large portions. I love the food and it has a special Disneyland feel to it. Here is my review of it...

And if that is too much maybe just grab one treat each day to split... Like the Churro funnel cake! Here is the video I give to people when they ask for recommendations on what treats to buy in the park.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

HUGE thanks to everyone for all these great suggestions, and apologies for my delayed thanks. I setup notifications for this thread, but just discovered I wasn't getting them and so many DISers had responded! Love all your input - so helpful!

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest taking a ride on the Mark Twain to get a good look at the redirected river and the new train tracks/bridges (with a beaver). Big Thunder Railroad, Star Tours, the train with once around the park (it does get rather full the later in the day it gets). After magic morning, have a late breakfast or early lunch at Carnation Cafe (make a ressie and check out the menu on the Disneyland website for prices). The food is good here, portions are hearty and you can be seated either indoors or outdoors. This is a must do at least once per visit for us.
Try to make magic morning/early entry daily. That hour in the morning will make a difference, especially at DCA. With it being summer when you are going, I would suggest getting a couple of gift cards to Jamba Juice, Starbucks, etc so you can grab something during your walk to and from the parks. Jamba Juice has great smoothies as well as breakfast burritos first thing in the morning. Tortilla Joe's is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. The portions are large. The chicken burrito is so yummy. The only negative thing I have to say about Tortilla Joe's is their salsa isn't hot at all. If you like spicy, it isn't.

Marcelines, is a nice place to stop into your last day to grab items you forgot to get in the parks to bring home (or eat on the drive home).

In DCA, we do hang out at Fidler's Fifel and Practical (Starbucks) and grab a bite to eat for breakfast, lunch or a snack and watch the people go by. Clarabelle's is next door, and we have been known to get a couple of Mickey's kitchen sinks and sit in Starbucks if it is warm outside.
Snacks from the Cozy Cones (dill popcorn, Pear-o-dice drink). In DCA, you can find many alcoholic beverages in this park!
If you eat at Flo's, get a fruit platter to share. It will help keep the family hydrated.

Whitewater snacks has nachos that are pretty good and the price is alright. They have a decent menu (everyone should be able to find something they want to eat), plus, you can get it to go if you are headed back to your room. Have lots of fun!

 

[sweethannah]

I looove riding both Jungle Cruise and Indy at night. Have a dole whip, some Bengal BBQ and a pickle while you are in the area.
Guardians(ToT) at night.
Drinks at Cove
Drinks at Trader Sam's
Pretending to fly on the Silly Symphony Swings