DW pro but a DL virgin-please help!

[DoodlesMom]

My dh and I are taking our family on a trip to Disneyland in July. None of us have ever been before and it is quite possible that this is our one & ONLY trip (or at the most years before another). We've been to DisneyWorld many times but I know DL is quite different so I need to know everything and I don't know where to start...the best place to buy tickets, the best place to stay, dining plan or no?, how long do we need to stay, what are the MUST do's, what will my 4yo DD love and my 9yo DS etc etc etc. ANY and ALL tips are most welcome!! I am lost and with less than 6 months before we go, I've got to get started.

 

[soaringirl]

You will have a lot of experts answering your post, but they will for certain direct you to the awesome Hidroguy's DLR guide for WDW vets, it's a must!

You don't need to plan for DLR like you've certainly done at WDW, after reading the guide you'll understand why!
DLR is fantastic, and you'll love it! Good luck!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Reading the stickys at the top of the board would sure help and reading Hydroguy's WDW tips will get you started..http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Jack

 

[june@imsarc.com]

Agree! Printed the pages, they are very helpful! Going June 29-July 8, 2012...can't wait!

 

[tiggerjay]

Read the guide others have already posted, but I would add two things:

1) Agree today that you will go back - it might be years, but you will return - it takes a lot of stress out of the picture! You can now skip things if it gets in the way of actually enjoying your tirp...

2) is something I'm going to steal from my own post on another thread:

One one thing that you should soak in the detail, it seems richer and the cast members friendlier. This is the park that Walt put together himself, it is a reflection of him, not a duplication. It is smaller and more intimate. This isn't to take anything away from WDW which is awesome, but DL is much more intimate, its more like coming home. Its something in the air, try to catch it while you're hear, soak up the atmosphere. Don't miss it!!!

Yes the rides are different, there are tons of comparisons between longer, shorter or just plain different rides, alternate entertainment, which are all incredible, like World of Color which I'm sure you're going to see. But I would say the biggest thing to catch on your first trip to DL is the subtle difference, not the obvious. Seek it out.

Enjoy!

 

[DoodlesMom]

Thanks so much for pointing me to that thread & for your individual suggestions! They are helpful & I hope you'll keep 'em coming

 

[KCmike]

My dh and I are taking our family on a trip to Disneyland in July. None of us have ever been before and it is quite possible that this is our one & ONLY trip (or at the most years before another). We've been to DisneyWorld many times but I know DL is quite different so I need to know everything and I don't know where to start...the best place to buy tickets, the best place to stay, dining plan or no?, how long do we need to stay, what are the MUST do's, what will my 4yo DD love and my 9yo DS etc etc etc. ANY and ALL tips are most welcome!! I am lost and with less than 6 months before we go, I've got to get started.

Buy tickets - online, at the gate or vacation package
Dining plan - not worth it and doesn't work like WDW.
How long to stay - In July I would do a full week (5 days) as its going to be crazy with Carsland opening
tips - take in a magic morning (usually on Tuesday/Thursday/Sat/Sun) where you get in an hour early and you can ride certain areas of the park early. Fantasyland is always one of the areas and you can literally ride every single ride (like 9 or more) within the first hour or hour and a half.
Best play to stay - Grand Californian Hotel if you can swing it. Expensive but the location is perfect especially with little ones.

Are you planning on doing anything other than Disney while in SoCal?
Good luck and keep those questions coming.

 

[DoodlesMom]

We are planning to spend at least one extra day and go to the zoo. Any other absolute must do's? Highest priorities?

 

[skiingfast]

We are planning to spend at least one extra day and go to the zoo. Any other absolute must do's? Highest priorities?

Go to a beach, see real surfers.

 

[Geemo]

To get a feel for the size and layout of the parks use google earth. It might give you a better idea of how close things are compared to WDW. You can also look at the other attractions in So.Cal.
Geemo

 

[KigerKat]

To get a feel for the size and layout of the parks use google earth. It might give you a better idea of how close things are compared to WDW. You can also look at the other attractions in So.Cal.
Geemo

I'm 5'4", and it took me 159 steps between gates of DL and DCA. Loved it!!

We stayed off site at Ramada Inn Maingate, and really liked it there! It took 12 minutes to walk from our room to the entrance gate of DL. Plus, they have free continental breakfast and internet access, which came in really handy while we were there. I wish I had thought ahead and brought a few small ziplock bags so we could have taken a couple of extra things from breakfast for snacks later.

If you have a smart phone, I highly suggest downloading the Mousewait app. It's free and includes everything you need to navigate your way around the parks.

And previous posters are right, DL doesn't take as much planning as WDW. We had absolutely no plan, except to have a good time, and that's exactly what we did.

 

[sophies*mom]

I wish I had thought ahead and brought a few small ziplock bags so we could have taken a couple of extra things from breakfast for snacks later.

That is a good idea! I'll have to stash that one away for our trip. My DD doesn't always want to eat when everyone else does and I can save some food for her for later.

You've gotten good advice and resources, and all I can say is go with expectations of a great experience but don't compare DLR with WDW. They both contain Disney magic, but for different reasons