Disneyland newbie...WDW veteran

[kkendle]

HELP.....I am reading stuff on this site I promise. There is a LOT to read and I am enjoying it. I have been to WDW several times but never Disneyland CA. My husband and I will be in CA from Sept. 27-Oct 9th. We are thinking of going to Disneyland for a couple of days. I know nothing about these parks or the area so wonder how crowded it will be maybe Oct. 1-4th? Only going maybe 2 days but not sure when. Also not sure which hotel to stay at...would be nice to have something near to parks where I can walk....and must have wi-fi.

Anyone know of any great hotel and ticket deals?

I KNOW I need to read all the posts and history in this section and I am working on it...just thought someone might have some advice to get me started.

Thanks so much.....I appreciate any help. I am a bit concerned that Disneyland will be a mini WDW...I know there are some differences but what are people's opinions concerning that?

Again...thanks..

Kelly

 

[Raenstoirm]

Another WDW vet/DL newbie here. You will be there around the same time as we are thinking about going. Gay Days is happening the first few days of October, so I assume it will be busier than usual, but I really have no idea.

Thought I would sub to your thread and steal whatever data they give you to help me in my planning. We are looking at the Disneyland Hotel by the way. Something about the rooms really appeal to me. (Our favorite resorts at WDW are WL and Beach Club so I guess the other two DLR hotels remind me of florida . This one looks unique to California- at least in the pics.)

 

[kkendle]

Do you know when gay days are exactly? I have been to WDW during that time and had no problems at all...maybe bigger crowds but who knows considering it was June!

I find the Disneyland site to be a bit hard to navigate....I have been trying to look at package prices using partner hotels and I can never get it to function properly...not sure if it is a glitch or something w my computer but I have rebooted several times and it still doesn't work for me.

Not sure I wanted to spend the extra $ for their official hotel...will just be a couple of days with my husband and I ...and I am the one who truly loves Disney...he will just tag along.

 

[interstate70s]

DLR is definately not a mini WDW, rest assurred. You won 't have time to do everything in 2 days but you should be able to see a lot, just make priorities and keep reading. Have fun planning!

 

[interstate70s]

Do you know when gay days are exactly? I have been to WDW during that time and had no problems at all...maybe bigger crowds but who knows considering it was June!

I find the Disneyland site to be a bit hard to navigate....I have been trying to look at package prices using partner hotels and I can never get it to function properly...not sure if it is a glitch or something w my computer but I have rebooted several times and it still doesn't work for me.

Not sure I wanted to spend the extra $ for their official hotel...will just be a couple of days with my husband and I ...and I am the one who truly loves Disney...he will just tag along.

Gay Days are the first weekend in Oct.

Opinions vary on whether the disney hotels are worth the cost. I like them for the pools, early entry, and proximity to the parks. The Grand is awesome! That said, Ive stayed at hotels on Harbor near tbe pedestrian crosswalk that are just as close. (5-10 min walk to the turnstiles) Packages generally aren't a good deal. Check tripadvisor for hotel photos/reviews. There are also some good threads on here regarding hotels.

 

[Mousequake]

We'll likely be there at exactly the same time you are-- we're planning a trip from September 29-October 5. One thing you might look into is the 'Gay Days' rate for the Disney hotels. The prices are really good. Google "gay days Anaheim" and you should be able to find the website with the special deals.

 

[kkendle]

Thanks for all the info....does anyone know what the crowds will be like the first part of Oct...like Monday Oct. 1-Thurs. Oct 4th? Thinking of a couple of days in that time frame. I am learning that the new Cars land is the crowded place so I guess going there first makes sense.

 

[KCmike]

Grand Californian is the best on site hotel and off site many prefer HOJO, Fairfield Inn, or Best Western Park Place Inn. The ultimate would be GCH though.

Like another said 2 days for both parks is definitely not enough. To really experience both parks and dtd you need probably 3-4 but we like to take 5. We were WDW vets who went to Disneyland back in 2007 and are hooked. There are so many special things to do in DL just like WDW that most people don't know about.

With all this said you have to experience the fireworks, World of Color, Fantasmic!, and the parades. They are all much better in California. Even though there are the same rides in DL as WDW you have to ride them in DL. They are usually much more elaborate. Fantasyland in DL is a hands down winner. I love dark rides.

Other things not to miss include:
Aladdin Stage show in DCA
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies
STorybook Canal Boats in Fantasyland at night
Try to ride the Lilly Belle train car (you have to ask at the station) This was a train car built for Walt's wife
IF you had time do the the "walk in Walt's footsteps Tour"
Ride IASM at night!
Tiki Room is the original!
So much more to tell you....

You might be hitting some refurbs at this time. Hopefully the Haunted Mansion Overlay will be complete. I love this overlay! Hopefully you like the Nightmare before Christmas. If you don't you will after riding this version.

DL is no mini WDW. There are as many rides and attractions in these two parks as WDW has in four of theirs. It's crazy. There are so many rides in Fantasyland alone. I think its something like 10+ rides just in that area.

The nostalgia and history of the park comes to life as you walk into Disneyland and under the tunnel. Walt actually walked these parks, lived above the firehouse (the light stays on in his remembrance), and if you get the chance head over to the Disneyland Hotel for old photographs of Walt and celebrities who have visited.

Keep asking questions! Everyone here on this side of the boards is very friendly!

Mike

 

[kkendle]

Thanks for the great info Mike....appreciate it. I know 4 or 5 days would be optimal but I just don't have that kind of time. 2-3 days is all I will have...I can be pretty aggressive as far as seeing and doing a lot at Disney....

Do you use a crowd calendar or find any particular one is more accurate? I know I will likely stay away from the end of the first week in Oct. as someone said it was gay days there and I imagine there will be crowds....I was hoping to go during a really slow time...but not sure which crowd calendars are the most accurate.

Thanks again...

Kelly

 

[interstate70s]

There is some debate on here about crowd calendar accuracy, but generally weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Days in the middle of the week will be less crowded than days closer to the weekend. One thing to consider though is that Tuesdays and Fridays in Oct will be Halloween parties so the Disneyland will close early on those days. I think 6 on Tuesday and 7 on Friday. Off season F! and fireworks only show on weekends.

 

[kkendle]

Fantasmic only shows on the weekend? Ugh...I was planning on going during the week as I would think it would be less crowded....didn't know about Halloween parties either so that stinks for a Tuesday.

This throws a wrench in my plans as it sounds like Tuesdays are bad and if I want to see Fantasmic I have to go on a weekend.

Does the Disney website offer this info or where do you find it?

 

[HydroGuy]

Fantasmic only shows on the weekend? Ugh...I was planning on going during the week as I would think it would be less crowded....didn't know about Halloween parties either so that stinks for a Tuesday.

This throws a wrench in my plans as it sounds like Tuesdays are bad and if I want to see Fantasmic I have to go on a weekend.

Does the Disney website offer this info or where do you find it?

This might help:

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

 

[kkendle]

Thanks HydroGuy....lots of great info. It stinks that the park hours are not posted but 6 weeks in advance. Looks like the time I will be there they have the Halloween part early closure several times which stinks.

I thought a couple of days there would be fun but sounds like to get the most out of those days there is a lot to avoid....don't want to go when the park closes at 6pm...

All of this is raining on my parade....lots to think about. Appreciate all the help!

 

[poohj80]

We're in same boat and planning to be at DL Oct 10-14 so hope you don't mind me adding some of my questions here as well.

I just saw that Jedi Training is held at DL. Is it a mad dash to sign kids up like at the Studios at WDW or do they still just pick kids from the audience?

 

[interstate70s]

We're in same boat and planning to be at DL Oct 10-14 so hope you don't mind me adding some of my questions here as well.

I just saw that Jedi Training is held at DL. Is it a mad dash to sign kids up like at the Studios at WDW or do they still just pick kids from the audience?

They just pick kids from the audience. Some people make signs to get attention and hoist their kids on their shoulders.

 

[interstate70s]

Thanks HydroGuy....lots of great info. It stinks that the park hours are not posted but 6 weeks in advance. Looks like the time I will be there they have the Halloween part early closure several times which stinks.

I thought a couple of days there would be fun but sounds like to get the most out of those days there is a lot to avoid....don't want to go when the park closes at 6pm...

All of this is raining on my parade....lots to think about. Appreciate all the help!

Don't let it rain on you parade, if your a planner I'm sure you'll be able to work it out. Maybe rethink to include a weekend day, it'll have much longer hours so you could maybe get even more done, or consider going to the MHP. Also, DCA doesn't close for the party so you could park hop over there on that day.

 

[poohj80]

Just realized even some of the day time shows will not be offered during the week as well as night time entertainment. This will effect our plans a bit and resulted in a couple more questions.

Does the DL Hallwoeen Party include fireworks? A parade?

Is the Fantasmic Dessert Package still offered? Last info I could find online was dated 2009.

 

[interstate70s]

Just realized even some of the day time shows will not be offered during the week as well as night time entertainment. This will effect our plans a bit and resulted in a couple more questions.

Does the DL Hallwoeen Party include fireworks? A parade?

Is the Fantasmic Dessert Package still offered? Last info I could find online was dated 2009.

Heres the Halloween Party info, it also has a link to Disneyland Halloween Party page
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2959331

Here is the link to Disneyland Fantasmic Viewing info and reservation #.
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/fantasmic/

 

[kkendle]

Don't let it rain on you parade, if your a planner I'm sure you'll be able to work it out. Maybe rethink to include a weekend day, it'll have much longer hours so you could maybe get even more done, or consider going to the MHP. Also, DCA doesn't close for the party so you could park hop over there on that day.

I am definitely a planner....so maybe I will go on a Sunday and Monday....then I could have weekend shows and Fantasmic hopefully and not close early on Tuesday.

What is MHP? Obvious newbie question!

Kelly

 

[interstate70s]

I am definitely a planner....so maybe I will go on a Sunday and Monday....then I could have weekend shows and Fantasmic hopefully and not close early on Tuesday.

What is MHP? Obvious newbie question!

Kelly

Mickey's Halloween Party