Disneyland first-timer

[Jazzabelle508]

Hi everyone

My name is Jenny and I am a frequent visitor to the Disney World Resort in Florida but i haven't been 2 disneyland since I was 4 and I really don't remember anything about the resort so really it will be like my first time going to disneyland. I will be 21 on May 8th so obviously it has been many years since my last disneyland trip. I am pretty new to this section of the DIS boards but I am hoping to be going to the disneyland resort sometime over the summer so I was just wondering what everyone could tell me about the following things...

- Disneyland Park and California Adventure Must-Do Attractions

- Best Counter Service Places in Disneyland Park and California Adventure

- Best Table Service in Disneyland Park and California Adventure

- Since I will be newly 21 when we go I would also like some info on the alcoholic beverages in California Adventure (I know that disneyland park doesn't serve any alcohol).

- Info on nighttime shows, hours, special activities, and which attractions are best at night (for both Disneyland Park and California Adventure)

- Any kind of info on Downtown Disney

- Any info on Anaheim Marriot, this is where we are staying.

- Any other useful info you could tell me about disneyland resort in general. as much info as possible would be great thanks

 

[skiingfast]

You should read the DLR guide for WDw vets.

It may get you rethinking your hotel choice but will answer most of your questions.

 

[crostorfer]

Hi! We're in the exact same boat. We've been to WDW 5 times, but never to DL.

I was going to book the Disneyland Hotel, but found a package at the Anaheim Marriott that gives you a $100 gift card per night for each night you stay, and it was still $100 less per night than the DLH rate.

 

[BMICKEY]

Hi everyone

My name is Jenny and I am a frequent visitor to the Disney World Resort in Florida but i haven't been 2 disneyland since I was 4 and I really don't remember anything about the resort so really it will be like my first time going to disneyland. I will be 21 on May 8th so obviously it has been many years since my last disneyland trip. I am pretty new to this section of the DIS boards but I am hoping to be going to the disneyland resort sometime over the summer so I was just wondering what everyone could tell me about the following things...

- Disneyland Park and California Adventure Must-Do Attractions This is such a hard question! I would say all Space Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones & the Matterhorn are must do's! But depending on how long you are there, if you time it right and use your Fast Passes, you should be able to hit everything! As CA, Soarin' over CA, Tower of Terror, Toy Story, California Screamin', Aladdin the Musical and of course, WORLD OF COLOR!!!!

- Best Counter Service Places in Disneyland Park and California Adventure Again, another hard one. Pizza Port, Rancho Del Zocalo, & French Market are some of our favorites at DL. Pacific Wharf & Taste Pilots Grill are our favs at CA but they have some new places that opened since our visit last year. Check the menus on the DIS

- Best Table Service in Disneyland Park and California AdventureIf you want a fantastic experience, have lunch at the Blue Bayou...never a dissappointment!

- Since I will be newly 21 when we go I would also like some info on the alcoholic beverages in California Adventure (I know that disneyland park doesn't serve any alcohol). Try the new Trader Sam's at the Disneyland hotel for some yummy tropical drinks...again, look on the DIS for menu's. CA does serve wine and has some yummy margaritas on the Wharf

- Info on nighttime shows, hours, special activities, and which attractions are best at night (for both Disneyland Park and California Adventure) For us, the Remember When...fireworks are a must see. If you've seen Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios, that is so much beter than ours since you have to stake out a spot forever! CA is hands down WORLD OF COLOR!!!

- Any kind of info on Downtown Disney Not much to say about this. Fun to shop in World of Disney and some yummy places to eat - Naple's and ESPN Zone are good.

- Any info on Anaheim Marriot, this is where we are staying. We've never stayed here...sorry

- Any other useful info you could tell me about disneyland resort in general. as much info as possible would be great thanks

Try not to plan too much but just keep in mind the must do's, Fast Pass times (did you know you can come back to the ride any time after the first time listed on the ticket - not just the hour?, and don't run back and forth all over the park. DL and CA are so much smaller that WDW so you should be able to do it in 2-3 days....Have fun!!!