Best & Worst Attractions at DL & DCA

[grinningghost]

My first trip is in March, and I'd like to hear from some DL/DCA vets, as to what attractions are absolute must-do's and which ones are skippable.

Thanks in advance!

 

[missmulan]

wow, hard question because it really depends on what you personally like or don't like. i know for me, i can skip all the round & round rides (dumbo, teacup, ferris wheel) because it'll make me queasy. the one ride i cannot miss is Soarin' Over The California. of course if the map indicates an "FP" (fastpass), that means its a popular ride you should experience. have fun!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Is this your first ever? Have you been to wdw?

DL Must Do's:
* Pirates of the Caribbean
* Haunted Mansion
* Jungle Cruise
* Indiana Jones
* Splash Mountain
* It's a Small World (Yes, It's a Small World)
* Peter Pan
* Alice in Wonderland
* Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
* Moments with Mr. Lincoln
* Matterhorn
* Star Tours
* Autopia (if you have smaller kids)
* Thunder Mountain Railroad

DCA Must Do's:
* Soaring Over California
* Tower of Terror
* California Screamin'
* Golden Dreams (at least once to see the history of California)
* Grizzly River Run
* Animation Station

 

[grinningghost]

Is this your first ever? Have you been to wdw?

WDW several times, California parks - never. I'll be memorizing your list and doing all the good stuff (that's open and operating anyway).

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Mary Jo...Is Rog. Rabbit still there? I have this brand new map and there is no mention of it in toontown anymore...I thought maybe it was gone! I hope it IS there....would love to ride it!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Yup - it's in Toontown - Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. You'll like it.

 

[hellow]

Don't forget the shows! Aladdin is GREAT (in DCA) and the Snow White show in DL is pretty good too.

The Pooh ride is pretty fun too (at least once to compare it to WDW).

I was pleasantly surprised how good the Moments with Mr. Lincoln was--a great improvement from 20 years ago

 

[grinningghost]

I was pleasantly surprised how good the Moments with Mr. Lincoln was--a great improvement from 20 years ago

I really am looking forward to this one. I'm one of the geeks who always does Hall of Presidents at WDW.

 

[LucyKate]

DL
The best rides were
* Pirates of the Caribbean
* Haunted Mansion
* Indiana Jones
* Splash Mountain
* It's a Small World (But this was with the Christmas lights which were superb, outside Christmas I think this would be boring)
* Peter Pan (amazingly good - best of the kid rides)
* Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

In addition, our kids (6 and 9) loved autopia - boring for adults but kids love the idea they are driving.
* Winnie the Pooh was also well done, as was Matterhorn, Muppets 3D and Star Tours, but skip Alice, Dumbo and the whole of Toontown - nothing there was much good. The Jungle cruise is ok, but not worth any sort of wait.

DCA
Best rides
* Soaring Over California (my wife's all time favourite)
* Tower of Terror (my all time favourite - sensational)
* California Screamin' (good if you like coasters)
* Grizzly River Run (my kids favourite - they hated splash mountain but did this 3 times - go figure!)

Avoid the whole Bugs Life area apart from the 3D (which is well done). The rides here are so bad they are unbelievable). Zephyr and the Giant wheel are also boring.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

The best rides have been mentioned, I would definitely go with Mary Jo's list! I wouldn't miss Alice in Wonderland as other posters mentioned. It may not be the most exciting ride, but definitely a classic to be experienced at least once!

Another thing not to miss but is not a ride, is the Gallery above Pirates of the Caribbean. Since you'll probably be there for the 50th, I'm sure they'll have a really cool exhibit going. It is ever-changing and is always interesting. Since it was originally an apartment that was built under Walt's supervision as opposed to a real attraction, it just feels much more personal. Whenever I'm in there, I always imagine the lavish parties that he had intended to have up there. It really is neat to see. Actually, the Governor's home in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie really reminded me of the architecture of the apartment/gallery. I've always wondered if they based it on that.

 

[jxgriffi]

I really am looking forward to this one. I'm one of the geeks who always does Hall of Presidents at WDW.

Unfortunately, Lincoln will already be gone by the time you get there. :-(

They are pulling him out to install a Disneyland's 50th Anniversary exhibit. They say he'll return after the celebration...but they said the same thing about Walt's office returning from Florida....

 

[Amy&Dan]

The Electrical Parade! My all time favorite parade. I guess it used to be at WDW so you may have seen it already. Also you have to eat at Blue Bayou. Go at lunch and if you are into rich, fried, diet disasters and get the Monte Cristo (big enough for two). I also agree about the Alice in Wonderland ride. Forgot to tell DD8 when we went to WDW in October they didn't have it, boy was she peeved at me! Have a great time!

 

[grinningghost]

Unfortunately, Lincoln will already be gone by the time you get there. :-(

They are pulling him out to install a Disneyland's 50th Anniversary exhibit. They say he'll return after the celebration...but they said the same thing about Walt's office returning from Florida....

Figures. I've already prepped myself for the lack of Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and a covered up castle - the least they could have done was leave me one of the less popular attractions.

 

[poohj80]

A bit off topic, but why did they get rid of Millionaire? I was hoping to have a polo shirt from both WDW and DCA.

 

[ganggreen4jc]

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