DGC Tips

[tjls]

Have reservations for first time ever at DGC in August. I know things may be different right now, but what are the must see and do's? What is the best room location request for a Studio? Where should we eat? Shop? If able to get into the parks, which park should we do first? What rides should we head to first to avoid longest lines? We have been to Disney World more times than I can count and know all the ins and outs. This is a completely different experience for us at Disneyland. So strange feeling like an inexperienced first timer. Would appreciate any tips you can give! Thanks so much!!!

 

[NoTime42]

There’s a Disneyland forum that will have tons of great info
https://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-california.26/
I still think the most helpful place to start is Hydroguy’s guide to DL for WDW vets: (it’s a very helpful intro to the differences and why they are different:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/
From what I recall, upper floor, World of color view would be typically the best. (We had a lower floor DCA view and still really enjoyed it)
the villas mostly face DCA or the pool, and there’s so few villas that nothing is “far”. I left GCV and wondered why BCV and BWV were so crazy far from Epcot

I went before max pass (which became a must-do) when they only had paper FP-. At the time Cars (RSR), World of Color and Indy were the top priorities. There is now also the Guardians redo of ToT (that most DL fans actually love) and a mostly duplicate of SWGE.

post Covid, I don’t know what strategy’s will be best..

My priorities were the DL unique rides, DL improved rides, then classics then duplicates. I almost always start WDW trips at MK, and I started my DL trip at DL... but also enjoy the private DCA entrance from GC.

as the guide mentions, Table service isn’t a typical big part of the DL experience, and overall QS and snacks are better at DL.
Pre-Covid, (and with younger children) we loved the DL character dining, many, more varied and unique characters than the mostly basic lineups at WDW.
The restaurants at GC are very good and worth trying. Also look at the classics such as Blue Bayou, Plaza ...