Disneyland Must-Sees (new random question!)

[andyman8]

My daughter (13), son (16), and I (wife staying back at hotel) are going to Disneyland for my birthday. We will only be there for a day, and we'll have Park Hopper.

Of course, we'll want to see Cars Land, BVS, and the refurbished Matterhorn, but what other attractions should we see? We all love thrill rides and want to see as many as possible.

Mind you, we live in FL and just went to WDW a week ago, so what rides should we see? I hear the mountains at Disneyland Park are worth seeing even if you've been on the WDW ones.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

Everything with a FastPass. Maybe not Autopia for your kids ages, but it's better than the Tomorrowland Speedway.

The Adventures of Mr. Toad.

Pirates of the Caribbean beause it's much better than in Florida.

See World of Color if you are up for a night show and not busy on rides.

 

[kddisney502]

Definately California Screaming, love it much more than rockin rollar costar. (husband went on it 4 times).

Agree with PP about Mr. Toad's & Pirates. Pirates at DL is also longer, so there is more to the story. The mountains were fun to see, and hopefully the mountain climbers will be out.

If the Golden Horseshoe resturant is having a show that day, stop by for lunch + show. Really enjoyable & funny. (husband wasn't sure, but loved it)

If you have time, take the disney RR from tomorrowland to mainstreet, they have some scenes you can see on the ride (not a must do, but different than wdw).

I've been to wdw many times (as kid & adult) but only went to DL/DCA for the first time last year.

 

[DisneytheKid]

I would definitely do mr. toads since its not at WDW and would do screamin, BTMR and SM to get your thrill need in

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

I'm not sure what is and isn't at WDW but if I would suggest
Tower of Terror (if not at WDW)
California Screamin'
World of Color
The 3 mountains at DL
Mr Toad since others suggested it and it's always a short wait if any.

I would skip Matterhorn. Personal opinion though - I'm just not a huge fan.

But yes, your best bet will be to max out your FP capabilities.

I'm curious what you want to do in Cars Land. If you plan to do all the rides, it may take a large chunk out of your day. If doing RSR I would not attempt to get a FP because if the return time is in the evening, you've really destroyed your capability to ride ToT with minimal wait. By the time RSR FP "expires" it may be too late to get a ToT FP. You won't be able to ride screamin' after 9 bc of WOC and ToT wait times seem to get longer in the evening w/o a FP - or is it just me?

 

[kddisney502]

last year, the tower of terror at DL was different than wdw. It only had one drop, not the random drops that wdw has. I've heard rumors that this may have changed, but not sure.

 

[figment_jii]

Disneyland is so much fun. As you noted, some of the rides are very similar while others are different (despite having the same name).

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin - the guns come off the car and you can send the in-ride to yourself (via email) for free!

Haunted Mansion - some elements are the same, some are different.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye - try Googling to see if you can find the language key so you can translate the writings on the wall.

Mr. Toad - another vote for this favorite!

Small World - pretty similar, but it's so iconic!

 

[skiingfast]

last year, the tower of terror at DL was different than wdw. It only had one drop, not the random drops that wdw has. I've heard rumors that this may have changed, but not sure.

The ToTs are different. Without spoiling it for people who haven't ridden as to the big differences I won't explain them. WDW is random and DLR is not. DHS's is better for another reason.

 

[kddisney502]

The ToTs are different. Without spoiling it for people who haven't ridden as to the big differences I won't explain them. WDW is random and DLR is not. DHS's is better for another reason.

Sorry didn't mean to spoil anything. Now i'm googling it, since I can't remember

 

[SilentFeline]

I've never been to WDW, but a lot of the things that I've read are different have already been mentioned. The one thing that hasn't is the Tiki Room! I've read many threads that say that it's better than WDW's version, and it's a great place to relax (and maybe have a Dole Whip/Float). Plus, it's the original, made in Walt's vision!

 

[skiingfast]

I've never been to WDW, but a lot of the things that I've read are different have already been mentioned. The one thing that hasn't is the Tiki Room! I've read many threads that say that it's better than WDW's version, and it's a great place to relax (and maybe have a Dole Whip/Float). Plus, it's the original, made in Walt's vision!

One thing, other than taking the Dole Whips in with you at DL, was the WDW Tiki Room show changed. However in the last year they changed it back. So now they are nearly the same again.

Another thing DLR has is the outdoor preshow, it's cool at night and you can watch in when everyone else goes into the Tiki Room just walk back out the entrance. MK's has a preshow as well, it's just presented in a very different way.

 

[andyman8]

This is a completely random question but does the DLR Monorail operate during Early Admission? Thanks!

 

[Disney Dreams]

The outside of it's a small world at DL is so special and very different than that at the MK. You have to go see it. It's just incredible. I suggest seeing it during the day and at night.

As others have said, Pirates is much better at DL than the MK.

If you like robots, there is a 15 minute live stage show inside Innoventions that is not at the one at WDW and it is a pretty cool show.

The entire New Orleans Square area is nice to meander through and does not exist at the MK.

If you like shows, Aladdin (at DCA) is an amazing show. Make time for it.

More than anything, just be sure to give yourself time to walk around and take in the ambiance. It has a different "feel" than the MK.

Sorry didn't mean to spoil anything. Now i'm googling it, since I can't remember

No need to apologize to anyone. You didn't ruin anything.

- Dreams