DLR Newbie November 2023

[pixiegoose]

Hi, all! DH just surprised me with a trip to Disneyland for my 40th in November! I’ve been to Disneyland twice when I was little (last time I was 7) and DH has never been, so, while we’re Disney World veterans, this is all new to us.

We’re planning on going the week after Veterans Day, so that we can enjoy the full holiday experience (from my research, Small World holiday overlay usually opens on Veterans Day?) but hopefully not holiday crowds. As of now, we’re thinking of flying in Sunday and staying offsite (maybe at Candy Cane Inn) and then moving over to Disneyland Hotel Monday to Friday before flying out Friday afternoon/night, with 4 day park hoppers and G+. It will just be the 2 of us (kids are staying home with grandparents). Does this seem like a decent plan? Should crowds be fairly manageable during the week?

Disneyland is just so different from World, I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing!

 

[OlliePop27]

Hi, all! DH just surprised me with a trip to Disneyland for my 40th in November! I’ve been to Disneyland twice when I was little (last time I was 7) and DH has never been, so, while we’re Disney World veterans, this is all new to us.

We’re planning on going the week after Veterans Day, so that we can enjoy the full holiday experience (from my research, Small World holiday overlay usually opens on Veterans Day?) but hopefully not holiday crowds. As of now, we’re thinking of flying in Sunday and staying offsite (maybe at Candy Cane Inn) and then moving over to Disneyland Hotel Monday to Friday before flying out Friday afternoon/night, with 4 day park hoppers and G+. It will just be the 2 of us (kids are staying home with grandparents). Does this seem like a decent plan? Should crowds be fairly manageable during the week?

Disneyland is just so different from World, I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing!

It sounds like you have a solid plan and should have a great time. 4 day hoppers with Genie+ will give you ample time to do everything you want to do, with plenty of time for re-rides and viewing shows. Yes, you should be good to experience Small World Holiday by then. Take advantage of early entry given you'll be on site and coming from a different time zone.

DLR has been running fireworks nightly the last two holiday seasons, but they don't always run fireworks on weeknights all year. Plan to view fireworks on the Sunday or Friday just in case. Fireworks also get cancelled for wind with some regularity, so just know going in that the possibility exists. Try to view them on the first available night so that your have an alternative option if possible. World of Color is typically shown nightly, so will be a great weeknight show for you to see. Make sure to view Viva Navidad in DCA and the Christmas Parade at DL. I also personally love the Small World facade lighting moment, the DL tree lighting moment, and the Wintertime Enchantment castle lighting on Main Street!

 

[Kit Jackson]

4 day park hoppers with Genie+ sounds perfect. Disneyland is so much more compact, so park hopping is incredibly easy. CarsLand is amazing, especially at night. Galaxy's Edge is a carbon copy clone, so you can skip that if you want. Even though the ride may have the same name, there are often differences between the WDW version and its Disneyland counterpart, so it may be fun to see the west coast version of some of your favorites.

If you want a book to help you plan, this one is really helpful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628091339/ref=nosim?tag=touringpcom01-20

 

[Blue32]

Disneyland is just so different from World, I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing!

The fact that you have been to WDW before helps you a great deal. The good news is DL is easier to navigate (no transportation issues like WDW), is incredibly dense as far as attractions, and G+ works far better at DL than at WDW.
I think for the most part, it is much easier to get everything done that you want to do at DL.

 

[Pluto468]

Your plan sounds perfect to me! You'll have a great time