Day trip to DL - 1st timer

[lacy1101]

Having been to WDW multiple times, DH and I are looking at making our first visit to DL in April next year. We will be in San Diego for a few days for a convention, and want to take a day to visit DL since we're that close. I know all about touring the 4 parks at WDW, but nothing about touring DL. What are the attractions not to be missed and any suggestions on a one-day touring strategy? I've looked around a little on the DL boards and have found out that we're looking at about a 1.5-2 hour drive to get there from San Diego. Thanks so much!

 

[MommyLove]

Sounds like fun! We love San Diego.

What time in April do you plan to see DL? The first week of April will be VERY busy with Easter/Spring break. Like insane busy. The second week should be very busy too, though probably not quite as crazy as the first week. There are several threads that discuss the Spring break crowds better... just do a search in this forum.

If you can't take 4-5 days to see everything, and really only have one day, I would personally choose one park, Disneyland, and skip California Adventure. For me, there are way more "can't miss" attractions there and that's where I'd focus my attention. But what do you like? What are your favorite things at WDW? And do you really only have ONE day to spend?

 

[Girimama33]

I suggest starting here...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[lacy1101]

Sounds like fun! We love San Diego.

What time in April do you plan to see DL? The first week of April will be VERY busy with Easter/Spring break. Like insane busy. The second week should be very busy too, though probably not quite as crazy as the first week. There are several threads that discuss the Spring break crowds better... just do a search in this forum.

If you can't take 4-5 days to see everything, and really only have one day, I would personally choose one park, Disneyland, and skip California Adventure. For me, there are way more "can't miss" attractions there and that's where I'd focus my attention. But what do you like? What are your favorite things at WDW? And do you really only have ONE day to spend?

Unfortunately, yes, only one day. My husband will be tied up with meetings, lunches, etc. at the convention the rest of the time. Our dates are April 12-14. We will not know for sure which day we will use for DL until the convention schedule comes out, but are figuring on probably Sunday the 14th. Between the two parks, I definitely want to go to Disneyland.

I will do a search as you suggested on learning more about crowd levels during that time. I figure the best thing we can do is just get there at rope drop and tour the park pretty much as we would Magic Kingdom in WDW. As far as parades and fireworks go, is there something we should definitely see or is it pretty similar to what is offered at WDW?

Thanks for your reply!

 

[lacy1101]

I suggest starting here...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Will do - thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

With the entertainment like Fantasmic (better at DLR than WDW), Fireworks (will be different) and World of Color (WDW does not have yet), you may need to pick and choose what you want to see. May be difficult to do all three if you only have one day. Search DLR/Google for info to see what appeals to you most.

 

[Gymfan15]

It is possible to do WoC and Fantasmic on the same night and still catch a bit of of the fireworks, lol. I went with my friend back in September and we went to the first showing of WoC, then BOOKED it out of there as soon as it was over and made it over to the Fantasmic well before the second showing (and we got awesome spots right by the edge). You don't get to really see much of the fireworks that way, but you do get to see some. The route into Adventureland from Main Street actually takes you right in front of the castle (closer than the people sitting there watching) and while you have to keep shuffling along, you do get to see a really pretty view of the fireworks while you walk/shuffle/crawl. But it's not for the faint of heart; my friend and I are experts at weaving in between crowds and it took us a bit to get out of DCA, into Disneyland and all the way down to Fantasmic.

 

[MommyLove]

When they put out the calendar, see what shows are offered on the days you might go. I'd definitely see Fantastmic! and try to catch a fireworks show too. For me, other "can't miss" attractions:

Haunted Mansion - it's different from the one at WDW
Pirates - It's supposed to be longer and better at DLR
Space Mountain - I hear it's a much smoother ride than at WDW and the sound system (speakers in the headrests) is awesome too!
Mr Toad's Wild Ride (since they don't have it at WDW)

I'd also try and catch the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show. Great for all ages. I love it and try to see it at least once if not twice each time I go.

This is just off the top of my head... I'll probably think of more later.

 

[dtnrhi]

Surprised nobody has mentioned the Matterhorn yet.

 

[Terkina]

Is it possible to see WoC and the fireworks on the same night?

 

[HydroGuy]

Is it possible to see WoC and the fireworks on the same night?

It depends on the schedule and which WOC show. Which night?

 

[Terkina]

It depends on the schedule and which WOC show. Which night?

On a weekday in April.

 

[disneymayz]

We are also WDW vets and just came back from our 2nd trip ever to DL. WoC is cool but not worth the cost to get a park hoper to just see that. Carsland is definitely something that is awesome. It did take up a good part of the morning with it being so new and the majority of people go there. With that said I would do DL for the day. Hit Fantasyland at rope drop. There really are no fast passes for these rides. Hit Peter Pan first, followed by Toads, Mad Hatter, Snow White, Pinocchio, then go to the Matterhorn. (these are the rides that are different than WDW and were open when we were there). IASW seemed to be shorter and better than WDW. Maybe not shorter but we played a game to find the characters throughout the ride which could be the reason it seemed shorter. PoTC was a tad different. Toontown is worth a walk through just to check it out at the least.

 

[lacy1101]

Thanks so much for all the replies!

Can someone give me an idea of what the Matterhorn is comparable to? I can do pretty much all of the coasters at WDW; that said, I will ride RnRC and Expedition Everest, but they're not my favorites (I'm a little bit wimpy). I've ridden Tower of Terror once, and am not sure if I'll brave that one again. Love the coasters at Magic Kingdom!

 

[lacy1101]

When they put out the calendar, see what shows are offered on the days you might go. I'd definitely see Fantastmic! and try to catch a fireworks show too. For me, other "can't miss" attractions:

Haunted Mansion - it's different from the one at WDW
Pirates - It's supposed to be longer and better at DLR
Space Mountain - I hear it's a much smoother ride than at WDW and the sound system (speakers in the headrests) is awesome too!
Mr Toad's Wild Ride (since they don't have it at WDW)

I'd also try and catch the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show. Great for all ages. I love it and try to see it at least once if not twice each time I go.

This is just off the top of my head... I'll probably think of more later.

Thanks!

 

[disneymayz]

The Matterhorn - my daughter liked it and she hates/and scared of a lot of rides. BTMR is worst than Matterhorn. All the rides you listed are worst than the Matterhorn.