Disneyland/ Vegas trip

[hockey mom]

We are heading to Vegas in Nov. for 4 nights then we are going to drive over to Disneyland for 2 more nights. Can't wait.

We got reservations with the new VGC (DVC villas)

Anyone been and have any tips for us. While I know DW like the back of my hand I am clueless about Disneyland.

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

I went to DL about 2 years ago for the first time. (I too am very familiar with the WDW but a newbie to Cali resort) One thing that really stands out is how CLOSE you will be to the parks!! Much different than at the world. You can be at an off property resort in Cali that is 10x closer than onsite resorts in Florida. I really liked Disneyland. Many of the classic attractions here also and some different ones. I liked how simple park hopping was. Because they are all within walking distance. My advice if you have time-- Drive to Newport Beach while you are there. It is not that far and an easy drive straight on Harbour Blvd. We did a boat tour that was very memorable. I am so excited for you. Enjoy!!! I have been California dreaming lately and cannot wait to go back. But, don't get me wrong I still love my WDW resort too.

 

[CanadianPaco]

We love love love DL... check out the boards here on the DIS! They helped us immensely! We were there again in April and had an absolute blast!! We hope to make out there again next summer!!! Aaah!

 

[hockey mom]

Oh I have been on those boards all day

Glad to hear you both enjoyed it as well. We are going to see all the Christmas decorations and I can't wait to see the Jack Skellington version of Haunted Mansion.

 

[shaycamp21]

We went last summer and I was amazed at how easy the park hopping experience was (the last time I went to before this DL there was no DCA). Go on the DL page and read Hydro Guy's tips, they were great. One tip that we really utilized was that the fast passes are not linked between parks so you can grab a FP for a ride at DL and hop over to DCA and get another set of FP's. Since park hopping was such a breeze we'd use up our FP at both parks with minimal wait times. I also used Ridemax to help me plan. Have fun!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

We did Disneyland / Vegas last November.

Disneyland is small compared to WDW.

The basics are the same though - get there early, hit the big rides first. As an FYI - Toy Story Mania does not have FP at DL - last November there was a huge line up for it. Make a list of those rides or attractions you can't see at WDW (or are different) and hit those first.

A tip for Vegas - if you have a rental car, make sure you hit Downtown Vegas - I like the Golden Nugget. It is very cosy down there, lots of bargains for souveniers, cheap food, dunkin donuts and the Fremont Experience (the lighted ceiling over the street).

 

[shaycamp21]

I thought I'd mention a couple more things. First off try all the rides that DL has exclusively (Mr. Toad, Roger Rabbit, Monster's Inc at DCA, Matterhorn these are all I can remember) as the previous poster mentioned but some old fav's at WDW such as Space Mountain (hopefully the refurb will make it like DL) and POTC are much better at DL . Also I found it hard to believe the fireworks were better than Wishes (which I love!) until I experienced them last summer. All I can say is wow, don't miss the fireworks at DL. We also did the Electric Parade which was good though still prefer Spetro. Hope this gives you more food for thought.

 

[hockey mom]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Good one about the fast passes.

That's part of the allure for us is trying all the new rides. Looking forward to indiana jones.

 

[calgarygary]

This doesn't apply to the op as she is staying DVC, watch your emails as I just received a pin for a DL stay today. Disney is working at getting me back by sending me pins - wish we were getting them when we vacationed at Disney.

 

[iluvwesties]

I was at DL this past March/April for the first time and LOVED the ToT (I also love WDW's version) but DL's seemed a little better.
My daughter LOVED the updated Space Mountain

Must say, I was amazed how crowded it was when I went, but maybe it seemed that way because of the size of the parks there.

That being said, I still managed to do all the rides in DL and most in DCA (it was/is under re-construction, which meant that some areas were already shut down)

It gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing that this was Walt's baby and that he used to eat his Sunday breakfast every Sunday morning in the park on Main Street

Another thought, If you have time, you should try to get to Griffith Park and see the original old wooden carousel that inspired Walt to create a theme park for families.

Enjoy your trip