Contemplating a first trip to DL

[Iansmom]

We've been to WDW many times. Circumstances are working out that we can fly to California for free and stay for free this summer. SO, I'm still debating on making the reservations.

A few questions:
If we've already done WDW, how much time will we need for DL and DCA?

The rides that are named the same as their WDW counterparts... are they the same?

Is the Muppet 3-D show the same as WDW?

Is there a water park close by?

I've been reading on the WDW boards about all the magical wishes and dreams. Are they doing the same promotion at DL and DCA?

Since DS(16) and I have never been to California, can you recommend a beach as a side-trip (still keeping our room in Anaheim.)? What else should we "not-miss" while we're in California? DH says I cannot miss a trip to LA. I think I can. What do you think?

Thanks in advance, all!

 

[PattiPB]

to the DL side of the DIS!

We've been to WDW many times. Circumstances are working out that we can fly to California for free and stay for free this summer. SO, I'm still debating on making the reservations.

A few questions:
If we've already done WDW, how much time will we need for DL and DCA?

The rides that are named the same as their WDW counterparts... are they the same?

Is the Muppet 3-D show the same as WDW?

Is there a water park close by?

I've been reading on the WDW boards about all the magical wishes and dreams. Are they doing the same promotion at DL and DCA?

Since DS(16) and I have never been to California, can you recommend a beach as a side-trip (still keeping our room in Anaheim.)? What else should we "not-miss" while we're in California? DH says I cannot miss a trip to LA. I think I can. What do you think?

Thanks in advance, all!

1. Time: Summer---I'd say 4 days to really enjoy the 2 parks.

2. Rides the same? Some are, some are different. The staging for some of the rides is very different, too. Muppets is the same.

3. Knott's has a Soak City nearby. Haven't been---others will chime in, I'm sure.

4. Same Dreams program at DL as WDW.

5. Side trips: I'd absolutely suggest you hit a nice beach---it's summer and beaches here are different from the East Coast. I don't care for LA, but LOVE San Diego. Tons to do there if you decide to go there---but you couldn't commute from Anaheim.

HTH~!

 

[fabshelly]

Take the Amtrak from Fullerton station - not Anaheim - down to San Diego. Pay the extra 12 bucks for Pacific Class (or whatever they're calling it this week).

It's a lovely ride, you see the ocean from your comfy seat, go through orange groves, and don't have to worry about the traffic.

In San Diego, you can hoof it - downtown is VERY pedestrian-friendly - or take a trolley around. It's a really wonderful day trip. As night falls, have a fresh seafood dinner and then the train whisks you back up to Fullerton and the real world - but at least you had a view of the moonlight over the ocean and a nice glass of wine on the train!

If you want to wait til you get back North to eat, there's Old Spaghetti Factory at the Fullerton train station.

Oh, and on the way from Disneyland to the train, stop at Character Warehouse (unless they closed it without telling me, it's been a while since I've been there). It's right on the way!

You probably already read this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[tinkermell]

Go to Huntington Beach or Redondo Beach, or for a real eye opener try Venice. Huntington Beach is probably the closest and has lots of things to see. Surfers, major volleyball games, a great pier, cool cars on the Pacific Coast Highway. There is a huge boardwalk called the Strand, where people can walk, bike, skate, you name it for miles. If your son ever goes to the store called Holister, there is a live cam of Huntington. As for LA...unless you want to go to Hollywood, I'd skip and go to San Diego around Mission Bay area. It's just beautiful there. Probably one of my favorite towns in California is Santa Barbara. Beautiful and a very nice Old Spanish atmosphere. Great beach, pier, eats and shopping. Alot of fun and a beautful ride to get there if you follow the PCH. (Pacific Coast Highway) Maybe need to know how long you will be here? There is also the Sequoia National Forest, with the huge redwoods and of course there is Yosemite. Breathtaking scenery! Oh My, the list can go on. Do you want to see San Fransisco? Anyways, another big tip for you, is to see Hydro Guys thread on WDW vets coming to DL. A great thread with lots of info for folks like you. Have alot of fun!

 

[csolson2003]

I agree with your DH, you cannot pass up a trip to DL...and it will be mostly free as well. I have been to WDW and DL and my DH and I prefer DL but it is a personal preference thing, I think everyone needs to visit DL and WDW at least once in their life time. DL and area is great, I say don't miss a chance to go. Just my 2 cents!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

These links have lots of info on your specific questions including beach advice and other SoCal advice in general:

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

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[fabshelly]

Is it advertising if I tell them to get a Passporter Guide to DL?

 

[HydroGuy]

Is it advertising if I tell them to get a Passporter Guide to DL?

Not unless you are the one who is selling it. Both the Passporter and Unofficial Guide by Sehlinger are print resources that people use for DLR. Although I suspect that they sell a lot more of their WDW versions than their DLR versions.