DL v DWorld: What not to miss?

[mndisfam]

Hi all. We are taking one of the Mex Riviera cruises this summer, and are spending 1.5 days at DisneyLand. We own DVC and get to DisneyWorld a lot.
With limited time, we want to be sure to see rides/attractions that are special and unique to DisneyLand.

We are staying at the Californian hotel. We have a DD 9, and a DS 12. For our daughter, we are going to visit the Magic Kingdom and ride Pirates. We really want to see the place where it all started, and from what I remember (I grew up in SoCal) the Magic Kingdom at DisneyLand is better than the one in Dw.

We aren't bothering with eating too much -just counter service. We will be on a 2 week cruise when we leave and can stuff our faces then.

So, we were thinking MK until late one night (the 1/2 day) and then California Adventure the next Day.

DS wants to ride the Mickey Mouse RollerCoaster.

What else is special to DisneyLand that we shouldn't miss? I am eagerly awaiting any advice. DIS is the best!

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome to the DLR board.

A couple of questions:

- What time of day will you arrive?
- What time of day do you depart?
- What day of the week do you arrive & depart? (& what month)

& a few comments:

- Book another day.
- Read MaryJo's sticky & HydroGuy's sticky on the DL front page. Read (print) HydroGuy's abbreviation thread first. Read his DLR for WDW Vet thread next....then read it again.
- The GCH is great. DTD out one door....DCA out another....& DL a 5 min. walk (thru DTD) away.
- General touring advice is: DL at rope drop, tour effieciently & collect FPs for 2-3 hours, hop to DCA for 2-3 hours, rest at the lovely GCH for 2-3 hours, back to DL in the evening (with those 3-4 FPs in your pocket that you collected in the morning). Rinse & repeat the next day.
- Book another day.
- Read ALL of HG's tip threads (in his sticky)....you'll be back posting with alot of specific questions.
- Book another day.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[civileng68]

Welcome to the DLR board.

A couple of questions:

- What time of day will you arrive?
- What time of day do you depart?
- What day of the week do you arrive & depart? (& what month)

& a few comments:

- Book another day.
- Read MaryJo's sticky & HydroGuy's sticky on the DL front page. Read (print) HydroGuy's abbreviation thread first. Read his DLR for WDW Vet thread next....then read it again.
- The GCH is great. DTD out one door....DCA out another....& DL a 5 min. walk (thru DTD) away.
- General touring advice is: DL at rope drop, tour effieciently & collect FPs for 2-3 hours, hop to DCA for 2-3 hours, rest at the lovely GCH for 2-3 hours, back to DL in the evening (with those 3-4 FPs in your pocket that you collected in the morning). Rinse & repeat the next day.
- Book another day.
- Read ALL of HG's tip threads (in his sticky)....you'll be back posting with alot of specific questions.
- Book another day.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

Just curious, you say "college FPs for 2-3 hours". How do you do that? Can't I only get one and then have a closed window for like two hours or until ride time?

 

[mndisfam]

Thanks Hound109. Can't add another day tho. We are arriving Thursday around 2, and catching the boat for the 2 week Panama Canal repo on Saturday. Airfare already bought, and can't change ship leaving. !!

So, we are thinking MK for Thursday afternoon until very late evening, and then CA all day Friday.

 

[JohnZ46]

I'd recommend getting park hopper tickets.

DL and CA are across a plaza from each other so most visitors hop back and forth during the day.

 

[DLR29]

Just curious, you say "college FPs for 2-3 hours". How do you do that? Can't I only get one and then have a closed window for like two hours or until ride time?

Yes, but each ride's FP "closed window" starts at 45 minutes. So if you arrive early enough, and get the very first FP window (8:45-9:45 or 9:45-10:45) then you only have to wait 45 minutes. Then you can pick up another and that one might have a "closed window" of maybe an hour-hour 15 min maybe, maybe less. So if you pick another up at 9:45 (let's say for an 8AM opening) with a window of 10:45-11:45, then you already have two sets of FPs within the first 2 hours of touring and potentially three sets in the first 3 hours of touring if you pick another up at 10:45. Does that make sense?

So, we are thinking MK for Thursday afternoon until very late evening, and then CA all day Friday.

Just a little terminology for the WDW vets:
MK-Magic Kingdom at WDW
DCA-Disney's California Adventure
DL- Disneyland Park
DLR- Disneyland Resort (includes 3 hotesl, DL, DCA, and Downtown Disney (DTD))

Really, you will want to spend more time at DL than I think you think. DCA has a bunch of WDW repeats (Soarin, Bug and Muppets 3D movies, Turtle Talk, Disney Animation) plus Tower of Terror which is kinda similar (preshow is exactly the same). That leaves Monster's Inc, Grizzly River Run, California Screamin, the Aladdin show and Toy Story Mania (opening this summer) as the main highlights of the park. That will certainly not take up a whole day. I don't think I would waste my short time at DLR by riding some of the carnival style rides at DCA either (Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, Orange Stinger).

DL, I think, will be more different than you imagine. You will definitely not want to miss Indy (same ride system as Dinosaur at AK, better overall ride) or the Matterhorn (bobsled roller coaster through a giant mountain), two thrill rides WDW doesn't have. Plus check out Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, and Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (a dark ride mixed with teacups), 4 really good dark rides that WDW doesn't have either.

Some rides at DL might have the same name, but have totally different ride experiences. For example, I highly suggest riding Pirates, Space, and Buzz at DL because they are all better (IMO and in many others) at DLR. I wouldn't waste my time on Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, Splash, or Big Thunder if you are short on time, unless they are one of your family's favorites, because they are either extremely similar or inferior to WDW's version.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... you say "collect FPs for 2-3 hours". How do you do that? Can't I only get one and then have a closed window for like two hours or until ride time?

If you collect your 1st FP right at opening time, the Return Window should only be about 40 minutes -- so you can get your 2nd FP at that time. And so on. And so on. The Return Windows will start to get longer, but I would think that you could get three FPs in about 3 hours.

Back to the OP...

... we were thinking MK until late one night (the 1/2 day) and then California Adventure the next Day....

What else is special to DisneyLand that we shouldn't miss? I am eagerly awaiting any advice.

One thing to think about. In the summertime, DL opens at 8:00, while DCA opens at 10:00. In general, if I only had one full day in DLR, I would want to start my day at the DL gates at 7:30, focus on rides/attractions and try to keep dawdling down to a minimum for the first two hours.

In DL: Indiana Jones (Indy), Space Mtn (similar but different), Buzz Lightyear (similar but different, and always fun), Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train (it's unique!), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (the only "ride" in DL ), and Pinocchio (MK doesn't have it).

In DCA: Mouse Mouse RollerCoaster? (I think you mean California Screamin' ), the Aladdin show, Toy Story Mania (it's scheduled to open in June?), Grizzly River Rapids (most say it's better than Kali), and Monsters Inc. (say Hi to Roz).

HTH

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Some rides at DL might have the same name, but have totally different ride experiences. For example, I highly suggest riding Pirates, Space, and Buzz at DL because they are all better (IMO and in many others) at DLR. I wouldn't waste my time on Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, Splash, or Big Thunder if you are short on time, unless they are one of your family's favorites, because they are either extremely similar or inferior to WDW's version.

I must beg to differ! IMO, Splash at DL blows the pants off the WDW version. All I know is when we rode it @ WDW w/ a bunch of DL fanatics, we all looked at each other at the end and said that it?! Isn't there supposed to be another drop? The WDW version is nowhere near as exciting as the DL version! Big Thunder is the bomb and Jungle Cruise is the Original! Star tours, meh. Take it or leave it....

 

[mndisfam]

Wow - these are all great ideas, and I would welcome anymore. I tried to talk to my bro - who lives in San Diego - about this. They go to DL a lot, but have never been to DW. He just doesn't seem to get that there are rides at DW and DL that are the same. He kept telling us to go on Tower of Terror, Soarin', etc. He does not believe me they have all this at DisneyWorld, and that we are really interested in anything that is diff btwn the two paks.

That is interesting that people park hop btwn the parks on the same day. We almost never do that at DW - maybe this is something people do more at DL?

 

[goofy's friends]

It is easier to parkhop at DL than at DW. The parks and even all the attractions in the park are closer that DW.

I would agree with all the advise given, but I don't think anyone mentioned the Horseshoe with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies--they are very funny and a great place to eat lunch and watch the show.

My family wouldn't miss the Big Thunder, because it's our favorite!!!

Oh, and I would try to catch the film "The first 50 years" if you have time--it's by the entrance and takes very little time--if you are nostalgic at all it is really cool and my kids liked it too.

 

[jlmarr]

I must beg to differ! IMO, Splash at DL blows the pants off the WDW version. All I know is when we rode it @ WDW w/ a bunch of DL fanatics, we all looked at each other at the end and said that it?! Isn't there supposed to be another drop? The WDW version is nowhere near as exciting as the DL version!

Are you sure about that? I thought most people feel - me included - that WDW's version of Spash Mtn is better. But what you said would be true, word for word, about POTC.

 

[bumbershoot]

That is interesting that people park hop btwn the parks on the same day. We almost never do that at DW - maybe this is something people do more at DL?

It is easy beyond belief. Seriously. Just walk out of one park, across the esplanade, and through the gates of the other park. Ridiculously easy.

 

[HydroGuy]

That is interesting that people park hop btwn the parks on the same day. We almost never do that at DW - maybe this is something people do more at DL?

Parkhopping is a whole different philosophy at DLR for many reasons. Take some time to read this thread and it will elaborate:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Hound 109]

Wow - these are all great ideas, and I would welcome anymore. I tried to talk to my bro - who lives in San Diego - about this. They go to DL a lot, but have never been to DW. He just doesn't seem to get that there are rides at DW and DL that are the same. He kept telling us to go on Tower of Terror, Soarin', etc. He does not believe me they have all this at DisneyWorld, and that we are really interested in anything that is diff btwn the two paks.

Some rides are very similar (jungle cruise, dumbo & half a dozen others) & some are very different (buzz, pirates, SM & others). & some are unique to DL. Read MaryJo's sticky -

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

That is interesting that people park hop btwn the parks on the same day.

More than interesting . Intelligent use of time & much more efficeint touring. Lots of opinions & facts on this strategy here.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

imo your strategy to "do one park one day & one park another day" is a WDW strategy that doesn't make sense:

- in the summer.
- at DLR.
- when you're staying at the GCH.


Read ALL the tips in HG's Tip Thread (starting from top to bottom).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

It will be an epiphany for you if you know WDW well (like i did).


Have fun! (& what time do you leave the hotel for the boat on Sat?)

 

[HydroGuy]

Are you sure about that? I thought most people feel - me included - that WDW's version of Spash Mtn is better. But what you said would be true, word for word, about POTC.

I too thought that was a strange statement. Splash at MK is longer and more elaborate. While I like Splash at DL a lot, the one at MK seems obviously better. Most people agree but if the previous poster disagrees that is what makes the world go 'round.

 

[goofy's friends]

See, and we like WDW version on POTC better!!! I know, heresy!!

 

[Hound 109]

Just curious, you say "college FPs for 2-3 hours". How do you do that? Can't I only get one and then have a closed window for like two hours or until ride time?

I'll give an example of efficeint early touring & FP collecting.

Given the OP's schedule (a half day thursday & full day friday). & her desire to see many (most) of the DL special or unique rides..... I would do the following on Friday (for example)

- Assuming 8am opening (& Fri is NOT an MM/EE day).
- at gate at 7:30
- pick up SM FP at 8:03.
ride Fantasyland rides in order:

- Matterhorn (both sides)
- Alice
- Toadie
- Pinocchio
- (maybe Storybookland, TeaCups, Carousel)
- Buzz

(note - unless you do PP & Dumbo immediately Fri. morning better to skip)

- Over to Indy at 8:45-8:55 pickup FP
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates
- HM
- Pooh
- Cookies & Tiger Tails at Pooh Corner

- Pick up a FP at Splash at 9:40 - 9:50
- Ride BTMRR (because you can) or
- Pirates Lair (or Jedi Training) or Breakfast.

- Pick up a FP at Buzz or BTMRR at 10:40 - 10:50.

Hop to DCA (with FPs from SM, Indy, Splash & either Buzz or BTMRR in your pocket to use that evening).

- Pick up Soarin FP (because you can)
- Pick up Griz FP (disconnected)

Do DCA for an hour or two. or have Lunch at the Trat.

- RIDE GRIZZILY RAPIDS prior to your break because 1) you can. 2) you'll get wet. 3) you're 27 steps to the secret entrance to the GCH....for the change in clothes & nap/swim/break.

The above is merely an example. Many would add a ride or delete a ride for a variety of reasons. BUT the strategy of:

- early touring.
- most of Fantasyland rides early.
- Collecting FPs early & often
- Hopping to DCA when DL gets crowded.
- Riding Griz prior to a break (especially when staying at the GCH or PP).
- Taking a break (especially when staying onsite).
- Going back to DL in the evening with 3-5 FPs in your pocket on a busy summer Fri night.

....is solid strategy.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Are you sure about that? I thought most people feel - me included - that WDW's version of Spash Mtn is better. But what you said would be true, word for word, about POTC.

Yes, I am sure that when I went with my group of DL fanatics, we were shocked at how boring and tame Splash at WDW was compared to DL. Who is most people??? It's very subjective. The OP asked for opinions. This is my opinion and the opinion of the group of people that I went to WDW with. I do recall thinking Pirates was lame compared to DL version, but I didn't go on that ride w/ my friends we were all separated at that point. We joined up for Splash and I distinctly remember all of us in our group looking at each other asking, "That's it?!" Then one of the guys said, "I think this version is missing a drop or something, 'cause it seemed awfully short and not anywhere near as exciting as the one at DL." And we all agreed. There was about 20 of us who went, and we all noticed this. This was our experience; yours could have been different...

 

[HydroGuy]

See, and we like WDW version on POTC better!!! I know, heresy!!

I bet you like Donald Duck better than Mickey Mouse too! You are scum of the earth.

 

[goofy's friends]

I bet you like Donald Duck better than Mickey Mouse too! You are scum of the earth.

Actually, we do!!! Shhhh, don't tell!!!!