East Coast to West Coast

[whenuwishuponastarr]

My boss and I will be in California in a couple weeks for conference!! We are both WDW lovers and have never been to Disneyland! We are planning a day or two. Any favorite not to miss spots we should see? Of course there are quite a few rehabs going on when we are there. WDW doesn't have Voyage of Nemo and that's closed any tips would be great! Can't wait!

 

[HydroGuy]

My boss and I will be in California in a couple weeks for conference!! We are both WDW lovers and have never been to Disneyland! We are planning a day or two. Any favorite not to miss spots we should see? Of course there are quite a few rehabs going on when we are there. WDW doesn't have Voyage of Nemo and that's closed any tips would be great! Can't wait!

This may help!

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

 

[samserena]

My boss and I will be in California in a couple weeks for conference!! We are both WDW lovers and have never been to Disneyland! We are planning a day or two. Any favorite not to miss spots we should see? Of course there are quite a few rehabs going on when we are there. WDW doesn't have Voyage of Nemo and that's closed any tips would be great! Can't wait!

so cool that your boss loves it too!!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I never post links to other people's stuff. I find it more personable to actually compose a reply. Of course Disneyland is Walt's park, so you just have to take it all in. I love the layout of Frontierland and New Orleans Square.

Haunted Mansion Holiday begins on September 12. I don't like Nightmare Before Christmas movie, but the holiday version of the ride is really fun.

The Nemo subs are scheduled to re-open on September 26. But the walls were still up around the lagoon yesterday. If they take the walls down, maybe they will re-open earlier.

You have to ride POTC, Big Thunder Mtn. RR, and Space Mtn. at DL. They are much better than the versions at MK. Lots of great attractions in Fantasyland as well.

The fireworks show will be Remember...Dreams Come True. It's held on weekends now. This is Disney's best fireworks show. It is a great tribute to Disneyland, with the music from Wishes.

Over at DCA, of course Carsland and RSR are not to be missed. But the entertainment at this park is REALLY good. The Aladdin show is an absolute MUST DO. Also, check-out Mad T Party at night (if you will be there on a weekend). I'm not a fan of World of Color, but others will no-doubt tell you to see it.

Have fun!!

 

[Sherry E]

My boss and I will be in California in a couple weeks for conference!! We are both WDW lovers and have never been to Disneyland! We are planning a day or two. Any favorite not to miss spots we should see? Of course there are quite a few rehabs going on when we are there. WDW doesn't have Voyage of Nemo and that's closed any tips would be great! Can't wait!

whenuwishuponastarr --

The thread that HydroGuy linked above is an excellent starting point for WDW Vets/DLR first-timers.

I will also mention that, assuming you will be at DLR on September 12th or after, you will experience the Halloween Time season at Disneyland (including Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy), which lasts through 10/31.

If you're not at DLR on September 26th or beyond, you will miss Mickey's Halloween Party (the DLR equivalent of MNSSHP at WDW), but there are still many things to enjoy during Halloween Time, such as the Halloween Carnival (which is a lot of fun), seasonal treats, the Dia de los Muertos display, the "Pumpkin Festival" on Main Street, the Ray Bradbury Halloween tree (special during the day, but gorgeous at night!), lots of fun, vintage Halloween window displays on Main Street, etc.

Scroll down the posts on the first page of the Halloween Time at DLR Superthread to see photos and get an idea of what to expect for Halloween Time as far as foods, attractions, dates of other events that could be taking place at the same time, etc. (You don't need to read the whole thread if you don't have time -- it's not necessary.) Skip over the Mickey's Halloween Party references because, again, if you're not there on 9/26 and beyond, that won't be relevant to you. Then, join us in the Superthread and feel free to ask any questions about Halloween Time-related festivities!

If you're at DLR prior to 9/12, then you will likely miss Haunted Mansion Holiday, the Halloween Carnival and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, but you will still see a lot of pumpkins and Halloween-ish décor going up around Disneyland. The decorations started to slowly go up in August!

I hope you have a great trip to DLR, and will love it!

 

[smallworldnh]

This may help!

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

LOVE LOVE LOVE this and printed it out for leisurely reading on the plane out from Boston in 2 weeks!! Thanks so much HydroGuy!

 

[HydroGuy]

This may help!

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

I never post links to other people's stuff. I find it more personable to actually compose a reply.

I am not sure if this was a casual comment or in response to the link I posted. Since mine was the only link in this thread before yours it sounded like you were responding to me. If so, no problem, I just want to clarify that the link I posted was a thread I wrote myself with lots of effort behind it.

 

[whenuwishuponastarr]

Thank you everyone for your tips. I will discuss them with my frined and go from there!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I am not sure if this was a casual comment or in response to the link I posted. Since mine was the only link in this thread before yours it sounded like you were responding to me. If so, no problem, I just want to clarify that the link I posted was a thread I wrote myself with lots of effort behind it.

Sorry. I was responding to the OP. My personal view is that too many people post links, rather than providing simple answers. Anybody can search the forums for these threads. Your thread provides some good information, and I'm sure it's a valuable tool for some people. My intention was to post a reply that was current, and specific to the OP's question. Both of us had good intentions.

 

[Iceman93]

The OP mentioned visiting the DLR for "a day or two". What I'm about to say may be considered blasphemy around here, but if you're only going to be here for a day then I strongly recommend going to DCA and not DL.

DL is Walt's original park and all that, and has some unique or superior attractions to all the magic kingdoms that came after it, but at the end of the day it's really just another magic kingdom. DCA is unique in the world--no other Disney park has the same theme, layout, or attraction mix. It has the nicest in-park dining (Carthay Circle), best nighttime show (I know this is subjective, but World of Color is amazing, moving, and one-of-a-kind), newest amazing Disney land (Cars Land), and on and on.

It all depends what you like and what you're looking for, but the advice I wrote here is what I give all first-timers and especially first-time WDW vets.

 

[GatorChris]

I'd agree that if you have one day, go to DCA. It has a lot of attraction you won't find at WDW. Cars Land specifically. If you DO have two days, then there's some must do's at DL.

First, don't be shocked when you see the Castle. Just know it was really big and cool when it was originally built. The rides that you need to do:
Pirates: longer, more drops, more fun
Space Mt: completely retro-fitted, easier on the neck, better turns and music
Thunder Mt: this one was better than WDW before the recent refurb
Splash Mt: the Laughing Place scene actually WORKS!!!
The Nemo Subs: do this just because it still exists
Small World: sooooo much better and detailed than the WDW version

Tower of Terror at DCA is NOT as good as the one at WDW. Not random, and no dream sequence. Toy Story Mania has a terrible queue compared to the Studios. HM is pretty much the same unless you get there for Holiday overlay - the overlay isn't so much better, but it's different.

As for eats, try the Big Thunder Mt Ranch BBQ. The food is really good and the entertainment really campy.

 

[LKMAMA]

You should ride some of the old dark rides in fantasyland while they are still around, since all WDW has left is Peter Pan.

Ride Indiana Jones, WDW doesn't have that one either.

For eats at DL, the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is amazing, or for a quick snack there is always Bengal BBQ (which is across from Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones). The Beignets from the Mint Julep Bar are pretty special too.

CA has SF style clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls too, which are fabulous.

One of the most special things in DL is to make sure and look up at the lamp in Walt's apartment. When Walt was in the park, he would light the lamp in the window of his apartment, above the fire station on main street. They keep it lit now in memory of him.

 

[KCmike]

You will love Disneyland for sure. I was a WDW vet who went for the first time back in 2007 and it is now my home park! We still love WDW but my whole family (wife and kids) prefer going to California.

If you had only one day I would NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, skip the crown jewel of all Disney parks in Disneyland. Just another Magic Kingdom? I think not.

Have a blast!

 

[figment_jii]

I concur that HydroGuy's guide is a very good place to start. As a WDW vet, it'll give you a good grounding on the major similarities and differences between the two resorts.

As you can probably tell, it matters a great when you are going (specific dates). DLR has switched into it's "off-season" mode for the time being, which means limited entertainment and shorter hours. Longer hours and more entertainment are offered on the weekends (Fri-Sun). If you want to see Fantasmic! or fireworks, you'll need to go on a weekend. It's worth checking out the calendar to see what the hours and entertainment offerings are for your date(s):
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/accessible-calendar/month/2014-09-03/

My biggest piece of advice for WDW vets to remember that DLR is much more compact (in a good way). DL and DCA are 110 yards apart from each other. Basically, think of DL as Epcot's FW, DCA as Epcot's WS, the Esplanade is the bridge that connects them, and DLR DTD is just outside of International Gateway. You can very easily park hop, so it's worth getting park hoppers even if you only have a limited amount of time.

 

[HydroGuy]

Sorry. I was responding to the OP. My personal view is that too many people post links, rather than providing simple answers. Anybody can search the forums for these threads. Your thread provides some good information, and I'm sure it's a valuable tool for some people. My intention was to post a reply that was current, and specific to the OP's question. Both of us had good intentions.