Disneyland????

[missy2217]

What I know about Disneyland couldn't fill Thumbelina's thimble. I just booked a trip to VGC for 5 nights in October for my 40th Birthday!

What do you know about Disneyland? VGC? The Area? Anything you can share?

 

[El&Asmom]

I know even less, but the Disneyland resort forum may help. I've picked up some good info over there for the trip I keep planning, but have yet to take. Have fun on your birthday!

 

[Gramps 25]

I grew up in California and my Disney experience has been all Disneyland (more trips than I can remember) except for four Disney World trips and one Tokyo Disneyland trip. D-Land is much, much smaller than the Magic Kingdom. California Adventure is quite nice but they are currently in the middle of a $1 billion expansion/renovation (was just there in February) that makes some areas tight. Both parks exit/enter adjacent to Downtown Disney.

There is no hotel more convenient to multiple parks than the Grand Californian. That location cannot be beat and the property is very nice.

For years, the area around Disneyland was very tacky. That is why Walt Disney bought so much land in Florida—so he could control the areas surrounding his park. In the past 15 years, the city of Anaheim and Walt Disney Co. have put a good deal of money and effort into making the areas surrounding the parks as nice as can be. As you are staying at VGC, what happens beyond the perimeter of the parks is not an issue. But there are many good restaurants. There are many crappy ones as well. It’s a typical tourist area with something for every taste and family size.

October will still be warm but not hot. Also not so crowded. But the smog will still be there as it is the LA Area and smog is what they do best.

Ken

 

[Deb & Bill]

DL is a fabulous place. It's like the MK improved with way more attractions. And most of the ones that are similar at WDW are so much better at DL. California Adventure is pretty neat, too.

I agree about heading over to the DL forum. Lots of well traveled folks over there.

 

[Chuck S]

I grew up in the Los Angeles area. If you like roller coasters, a good option for a day may be Knott's Berry Farm, in nearby Buena Park, CA. There are certainly some beautiful beaches within an easy drive of Disney, and for a relaxing day, you may enjoy the Queen Mary Oceanliner area in Long Beach.

AS Deb suggested, there is a lot of good info on the Disneyland boards, but I'll leave this thread open for suggestions from Members who have stayed at VGC, as their experiences may be somewhat different from normal Disneyland guests, as DVCers tend to spend more time at the resort, whereas cash guests typically only spend two or three nights at the DL hotels.

 

[silmarg]

I am a WDWer, but I did go to DL once (before the 08 repositioning cruise). DL is really fantastic. Most rides that are in DL and WDW are better in DL. The ability to walk from one park to the other makes hopping a breeze.

I think the cast and the characters at DL have a little less magic than those at WDW.

That said, I am looking forward to heading back to DL... maybe a VCG stay in Feb '11.

 

[nunzia]

While in the DL forum of the Dis be sure to look for the VGC superthread..lots of great info and photos

 

[lark]

We've been multiple times. There is really no equivalent to Animal Kingdom, except it's Tough to Be a Bug shows in Cal Adventure. There also is no equivalent to World Showcase or illuminations. But otherwise, most of the best rides from the other three WDW parks are tucked somewhere into the 2 parks of the disneyland resort. Major exceptions are Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Test Track and Mission Space. DL park is much more compact and quaint than the MK, but packs more in. The general orientation is similar, although you'll notice differences -- things aren't exactly where you think they should be.

There are a bunch of rides at California Adventure you won't find at WDW. Probably the most significant is California Screamin, which is a very intense typical thrill roller coaster -- probably the most intense at any disney park in the U.S. There is also a neat area with rides for the 2-5 year olds; I can't remember what it's called --bug's world or something. Very well done. Fantasyland is much bigger in California and has an extra 5 rides, perhaps the best of which are Mr. Toad's and the Storybook canal boats. The castle is much smaller, but you can walk up into it in California.

Grizzly Rapids is a major headliner at CA, and better than Kali at AK. Pirates is a much more elaborate experience in California. Toontown is bigger and set up much better, including 2 extra rides for the little ones. There is an Indiana Jones ride that works on the same principles as Dinosaur, but is a much different theme. Jungle Cruise isn't quite as good at DL. The water front area is similar, although it's a bit more expansive at DL. Fantasmic is harder to watch at DL because there is no theater; you have to line up around the water like Illuminations. Getting a good spot can be cut-throat. Parades are a bit easier to watch at the two CAL resorts -- Cal Adventure is particularly easy to get a good spot because of the way it's set up unless it's the height of busy season. Overall, the short distance between the two parks makes hopping very manageable.

 

[auntsue]

We're thinking of stopping there on our way to our Hawaiian trade since the flight is grueling from FL. About how far from LAX is DL? Is it a good idea if we're only staying two nights?

 

[Deb & Bill]

..... Fantasmic is harder to watch at DL because there is no theater; you have to line up around the water like Illuminations. Getting a good spot can be cut-throat. ....

That may be true, but DL Fantasmic is so much better than the one at WDW. Peter Pan, Pirates, the Sailing Ship Columbia. Much better than lame Pocohontas.

I did love the Aladdin show at CA, but I have heard that it is coming to an end. Nothing like seeing a full sized elephant walking through the theater. If they could bring that to WDW, it would be wonderful. That would make up for them stopping Spectromagic and bringing back Electric Light Parade.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We're thinking of stopping there on our way to our Hawaiian trade since the flight is grueling from FL. About how far from LAX is DL? Is it a good idea if we're only staying two nights?

The shuttle or bus ride from LAX takes approx 40 minutes - depending on the traffic. It's where I've been flying into lately for my DL trips. Two nights will give you a very decent amount of time to split between the two parks. It's a much more compact area so you don't waste a lot of time getting between the hotel and the parks, or in going from park to park. Or even from one side of the park to the other!

 

[stopher1]

DL is a fantastic park, resort and experience. As a resort it is definitely a whale of a lot smaller than WDW (27K acres vs. about 600), but it is every bit as fun. The MK was based on DL when they built WDW, so you will definitely get the feeling of a lot being the same, even though it is different. DL is much more intimate in size and scale, but definitely has more to offer in that single park than any one park at WDW.

As a resort, DL has 2 parks, 3 hotels and DTD. The Grand Californian is, as a pp said, the closest you will ever get. Many rooms directly overlook the California Adventure park, and there is a private entrance directly into DCA that will put you just steps away from the entrance to Soarin'. And only guests staying at one of the 3 DL hotels can use that entrance, so it's pretty exclusive.

VGC is a wonderful hotel/resort. It was designed by the same guy who designed the Wilderness Lodge, so if you've stayed there, then you will feel the similarities. It was the only DL hotel actually designed and built by Disney. The original DL Hotel was built in the '50s and added on to in the '60s but was built by a friend of Walt's, and only acquired by Disney in '88. While it "feels Disney", it is by far the least Disney-feeling of any Disney resort, save for the Paradise Pier Hotel, which was built by another corporation in the early '80s, and acquired by Disney in the '90's.

Both DL and DCA have many attractions/shows that you'll recognize from the various parks at WDW, most of which originated right there at DL or even DCA. Many are superior versions at DL. And there are a number of truly unique attractions at DL that you won't find anywhere else - including the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Alice in Wonderland, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, the Sailing Ship Columbia, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Storybook Land, Casey Jr. Circus Train (though they do have this one in Paris), Gadget's Go Coaster, etc.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop and say Definitely check out the DL boards. I grew up in Southern California myself, and worked at DL for a number of years in high school & college, have friends who still work there, and have been an AP holder for 19 years. It definitely is a great experience. It's the only Disney park in the world where Walt actually walked, let alone ate and slept, and you'll definitely feel the history there.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

What I know about Disneyland couldn't fill Thumbelina's thimble. I just booked a trip to VGC for 5 nights in October for my 40th Birthday!

What do you know about Disneyland? VGC? The Area? Anything you can share?

Excellent!!! I celebrated my 40th BD at DL and had a great time. We'll be back this year for my BD also.

At GCV there are essentially 3 room views you could get - and any of them are requests only. First, pool view. It's quiet and will overlook the new pool built with the DVC addition. On the upper floors you can apparently see some of the DL fireworks from your room. I had one of these rooms last Oct and liked it although I was always in the parks for the fireworks. Second is the theme park view looking over the Redwood Creek challenge area of DCA. You would have trees in your view, very likely views of Grizzly Peak in DCA and some have said you can see DL fireworks from here as well. Third will be the Paradise Pier theme park view which looks right out on that part of the DCA park. Most of these rooms should have pretty good views of the new World of Color night water show at DCA. And since it over looks the theme park it will be a more active and noisy view during the day.

If you've been to WDW a lot DL will probably disorient you since a lot is similar but yet it's different. GC/GCV has it's own entrance directly into DCA that places you right by the River Rapids. To get to DL you walk out into the Downtown Disney area and if you go left you can ride the monorail into the park and be dropped off in Tomorrowland or if you go right you can walk to the main plaza where the entrance to DL will be to the left and the main entrance to DCA will be to the right.

October is a great time to visit also. If they follow what was done last year there will be special Halloween fireworks every night. Space Mt. will get an overlay called Ghost Galaxy which places spooky effects and different music into the ride. Oh - and Space Mt. is also very different from the FL one anyway. And the HM will have it's Nightmare before Christmas overlay.

At DCA they hold Halloween parties on certain nights but I did not get a chance to attend one so I can't comment more than to say they do have them.

Have a great time!!

 

[missy2217]

Thanks everyone! I will be checking out the Disneyland boards. I was wondering too, do you need to make reservations for restaurants like in WDW so far in advance. Do they have DDP?

 

[stopher1]

Thanks everyone! I will be checking out the Disneyland boards. I was wondering too, do you need to make reservations for restaurants like in WDW so far in advance. Do they have DDP?

Like many aspects of the two different resorts - the demographics are very different. Sure many people do plan trips from other parts of the country, but there is a much larger population base in and around Disneyland than WDW - millions more - and many, many people are day trippers vs. week-long vacationers. Even the ones coming from other states tend to only stay on-site for 2, 3 or 4 days - or if they do stay a week, they are venturing around So. Cal to other attractions/venues. So the inordinant pre-planning that goes into a WDW vacation is largely absent in a DL vacation. The resort has nearly 1 million (or is it more now...) annual passholders alone. WDW has nothing even close to that amount. And AP holders are able to go in for only hours at a time if they want (DW and I used to do this a lot when we lived just 10 min from the park in the '90s and very early 2000's - just for dinner, a bit of shopping or a whirl on 1 or 2 attractions then home again).

There is no DDP at DL like WDW's. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance, and they are called Priority Seating, not ADR's at DL. Many of the table service restaurants do fill quickly, but not really even at 60 days. The most popular restaurant at DL that is the hardest one to get into without a Priority Seating is the Blue Bayou, which is in New Orleans Square overlooking the Pirates launch dock. (They have separate entrances, but are both inside the same building). And if you want a character meal, but even those are different at DL than at WDW. See what you can find on the DL board about dining - you'll see it's very different.

 

[Snurk71]

Thanks everyone! I will be checking out the Disneyland boards. I was wondering too, do you need to make reservations for restaurants like in WDW so far in advance. Do they have DDP?

For the most part it's not as cutthroat as WDW for dining reservations - because so much more of the visitors are local and staying just outside the park. I think it's still 60 days out for making reservations, and we're never had trouble making reservations. The hardest reservations (outside of Club 33) might by Blue Bayou - the restaurant that sits over the start of POC.

DL might have a dining plan, but from what I remember reading it's different than WDW's DDP.

 

[carlbarry]

I stayed at the Grand Californian in January. The convenience was incredible. A few minute walk and you are in either park.

 

[Brancaneve]

You will love DL...it will feel cozy compared to MK in WDW. To me, it is much more magical than WDW, with little quiet corners for you to discover, and facades that make you feel like you are truly in a Fantasyland.

You don't need a set plan like you do in WDW, so just relax and enjoy.

As for priority seating, there aren't as many restaurants in DL than in WDW. Since you are staying at GCV, I recommend Napa Rose. A little pricey but absolutely delicious and a great way to celebrate just about anything.

If you can, drive to Newport Beach to see the ocean.

Keep in mind that the Not so Scary Halloween Parties in October may mean early closures. On those days, the parks get very, very busy!! October has become one of the busiest times to attend due to the great weather, the Halloween parties, Gay Days(early October) and a Utah schools 4 day weekend, which brings almost all of Utah to the parks. I suggest heading over to the DL boards and reading Hydro's tips.

Ultimately, it seems like it is hard to pick a perfect time to go. No matter what gloom and doom you hear(crowds, heat, etc.), just enjoy yourself!

 

[franandaj]

While you'll find a lot is different a lot is the same. I'm reading a lot of TRs from WDW vets who have gone to DL recently, the biggest thing they all seem to suffer from is "castle envy" everyone seems to be astonished at how small our castle is. I never really noticed, I can see the castle at the end of Main Street at DL, I'm not sure why the WDW vets can't. But that's a major difference I've been hearing. The castle really glistens though becuase the trim is real gold.

Many of the same philosophies that you apply at WDW apply at DL, hit the parks early before the crowds show up. The only difference is that the evenings can become even busier because the locals may decide to come in after work for a bite to eat, hit a few rides, see the fireworks and go home. Also on the DL forums check out Hydroguys threads about the impact of the So Cal Annual Passholders. Since I am pretty much in the "go to the park for dinner and hit a ride or two" category, I never considered the increase in wait times for people who can come and spend their whole day waiting for a new ride. In fact I'm still hoping for my second ride on FNSV because the lines are still so long! But he has some good points, when the So Cal Passes are blacked out, you'll have a better chance of going on the newer rides.

I love the quaint feeling of the park compared to MK, and while it's a pain to stake out a good spot for Fantasmic, the way that the show springs out of almost nowhere is so much more magical than the arena they created at DHS for the show. The fact that they incorporate the existing attractions (Mark Twain, Columbia, Tom Saywer's Island) makes it really magical. If you don't want to wait on the ground see the second show if they offer it, less time to wait or spring for the Dessert Buffet and you have no wait!

Check out the TRs on the DL Forum and don't miss the "My Disneyland dining reviews, with pictures thread", you don't have to read all four years of it, but start around page 86 at least. DL Vets seem to agree that Cafe Orleans and the Monte Cristo Sandwich, Pomme Frites and Beignets are a not miss. I also love the French Onion Soup. That entire meal one of each will be plenty for two. Other favorites are the Baked Potato Soup from Carnation Cafe on Main Street, and the Tigger Tails from Pooh Corner though I can't speak from experience on the last two. I would recommend the Napa Rose for a wonderful elegant meal and in a few weeks I can tell you about Steakhouse 55.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1253888

One thing that I always do when I leave the park (DL usually late at night) is to look up at Walt's apartment above the Firehouse, they leave the light on because it was always on when Walt was in the park. The idea is that Walt is still somewhere in the park so they always leave the light on. I always give a silent "thank you" to him for everything that he left us on my way out of the park.

Ask as many question as you like while you plan your trip. I'm having my first stay at the VGC in less than three weeks But I live about 20 minutes away and have been going for over 25 years. I have pictures of documenting the building of DCA and attended one of the soft opening events, these parks are like my home and now I'm so excited that I actually get to stay there even though I live close enough that I can get home in the amount of time it takes to get from the park to your car.

And once you go post a TR!

 

[lark]

Two other small differences that people mention -- no fastpass for TSM at disneyland. That's actually a plus and minus. If you do rope drop on a reasonable day, you can ride multiple times before it gets crazy. Also, splash it a bit different -- you sit in the logs side by side and they hold more people.