Disneyland TR. A first timer who just got back.

[soma151]

Nice report where are the pic.?

 

[Davey Jones II]

Thanks for trip report~ as an East Coaster and yearly WDW visitor, we're heading to DL/DCA 1st time this August, so every bit of info helps. We're staying at GCH but I've been wondering if we really need to and instead choose a Good Neighbor. It's a savings, and with so many hotel options so close, you don't need on site....yet our 1st trip to DL I sort of want the whole shebang. Such problematic choices, I know. We are also geared toward Cars Land and RSR, specifically, so your plan is sort of our plan. My difference will involve an 11 yr old boy who will want all the coasters and I am designated coaster parent (husband is water ride parent).

So you did not have MM or did you (this is where I get confused). And if not, did that make any difference in your ability to maximize your park morning ? (this is such a WDW concern lol).

That Amazon Pantry thing sounds interesting...

Staying on-site at WDW makes a lot of sense, and the perks are worth it. At DLR, it's really unnecessary. There are so many nice and much more affordable hotels in walking distance from the resort. Since you will likely want to return to DLR for a second or third trip, the cost savings from choosing one of the other hotels could almost pay for your next trip!

 

[4Siamese]

Gosh, I'd hate to see you skip Carsland if this is truly a once in a lifetime trip-it is absolutely amazing and like nothing in WDW

Not entirely true about RSR not having a WDW equivalent...RSR is very similar to Test track just with a Awesome Cars theme. I do agree though that it is a not to be missed ride.

 

[limace]

Oh, I'll stand by my guns here . While the ride system might be similar, there is truly nothing like the entire Carsland experience in WDW

 

[lvdis]

Oh, I'll stand by my guns here . While the ride system might be similar, there is truly nothing like the entire Carsland experience in WDW

It's not just the ride, it's the atmosphere of that whole area. Very special!

 

[Davey Jones II]

another DL 1st timer here
We leave from the Vermont/NY border(up in the mountains!!) on our dream trip out west in 12 days!! Our trip is 23 days long and we have NEVER left the east coast! We are traveling by train to Grand Canyon,Yosemite and Sequoia...and then to DL for my birthday!! I am a huge planner and have been to WDW dozens of times! I consider myself a pro there but am totally clueless for DL. I have made a list of my attraction MUST DO's.We will only be going for 1 day, and only to DL and not CA.I have us booked 2 nights at Fairfield Inn.Plan to do Downtown area on 3 day.So...I walk to gate and enter at opening...then my #1 target is Indiana Jones! Let's talk about what I should do after I race there! We MUST see Haunted,Pirates,Small World,Auto...and kids will want Space Mtn and Matterhorn.We have done Splash and Big Thunder so many times at WDW we plan to skip them.Can NOT wait for that night time parade and firework show!!!! So-ideas for a plan of attack? We are 2 girls-age 10 and 23,me 44 and hubby 55.All HUGE Disney addicts! Not planning any meals because can't be sure where we will be at any given time.We plan to close the place at midnight like pros!HELP!!!!!!!!

My very best advice? If at all possible, spend more than one day at Disneyland Resort. Honestly, if you are Disney fanatics, you will regret all the stuff you miss by only spending one day there. Disneyland is PACKED with attractions, and it is impossible to do everything there in one day. Plus, missing all of DCA means passing up on Cars Land, World of Color, Aladdin, California Screamin', and other attractions not available at WDW.

Last time, we spent five days at DLR, plus the Halloween Party, and we still missed a few things.