Best Most Important Tips for Disneyland Parks/Resort Areas...

[oobidoo]

We have been to WDW many times, but this is our first and a rather sporatic trip to Disneyland California. People call me all the time and ask about "park tips," and I am more than willing to give a list of our favorites, dislikes, best food/value, etc., but I am at a total loss for DL. It will be myself, 12-yo daughter, and MIL going, and we don't want to waste our time not knowing about all of the good stuff. I have purchased books, but it is always better, in my experience, to talk to those who have actually been there. We are staying at Paradise Pier strictly based on price, as I refuse to pay a rediculous amount of $$ for a room that we will not be spending any time at. I would like to know good places to see fireworks from, secret little quirky things, and most importantly if and where we can get a Dole Whip!!! Any information would be helpful.

Thanks!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Relax, Dole Whips are available at the Tiki Room.

The Remember Dreams Come True fireworks will blow you away, but especially so if you can see it from the hub area. There are a lot of trees in the DL hub, and you need to be able to clearly see the castle. On busy nights it is a good idea to stake out a spot one hour early.

See Fantasmic at DL. Most people like myself who have seen it at both DLR and WDW think the one at DL is quite a bit better, with the downside that there is no stadium at DL to watch it and it can get quite crowded. However, the lack of a stadium - or rather the intimate setting on the Rivers of America - is what helps make Fantasmic at DL so special.

Do not miss the Indiana Jones ride - it is a special treat at DL - although it is a bit rough and not for everyone.

You will have a better time if you can grasp ahead of time how DLR differs from WDW. This is not only in terms of size (it is smaller of course) but in terms of philosophy. One example I like to mention is the smaller castle at DL which disappoints WDW/MK visitors so often. What the WDW/MK vet should understand is that it is the Matterhorn at DL, not the castle, which is the park visual center. If you know that ahead of time, you can adjust your thinking and hopefully avoid some disappointment.

I have compiled a ton of philosophical and practical tips in this topic here: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599