Expecting the unexpected in DL??

[pjlla]

(Inspired by a thread over at the Theme Parks board).

We are leaving for our trip out west in 22 days and I am so excited!!! But anyhow, this is our first trip to DL (as you can tell by my sig.). I have read all the books (Frommers, Unofficial Guide, Birnbaum's, etc), studied the Disboards, read the DL website, watched tv specials, etc. But are there still things that you think might "surprise" me (good or bad) about DL??

We are prepared (I think) for the heat and crowds (we usually do WDW in January, so there will be quite a difference). We know that even with 3 full days we won't see/do it all. I have been working on our schedule/itinerary and "must do" lists. I have warned DH, DD, and DS OVER AND OVER that it will be hot and crowded and we won't see it all. I know it will be significantly different from WDW and I'm SURE that I won't be disappointed. Just to walk where Walt walked will be thrilling for me. I'm sure I will tear up when I see the light in the window over the Fire Station.

I have read and re-read every tip, suggestion, etc here on the boards. Many thanks to you all for sharing your tremendous knowledge. SPECIAL thanks to Mary Jo!

In summary, is there anything that you think I might be unprepared for?? Anything that really surprised you during your first trip to DL? Thanks in advance for your time!..........P

 

[daannzzz]

Even though you have looked at the pictures and read up be prepared, when you begin walking down Main St to see that the castle looks pretty small compared to walking down the street at WDW. It is still a charming and pretty castle just a bit small from farther away.

 

[Judy from Boise]

The only way i can see you being suprised is if the weather turns cold and rainy!
Heres hoping all surprises will be pleasant ones!

 

[LucyKate]

- Just how wonderfull the whole place was - we went for the kids, and ended up having our best holiday ever. Magical is the only way to describe it.

- How small the castle is.

- How compact Disneyland itself is

- How good Small World is (expected that to be annoying, but it was great)

- How good some of the Fantasyland rides are - expected this to be for small kids but for rides like Peter Pan, they were superb for adults as well.

- How nice and helpful everyone is.

- How initially disappointing Disney California is after Disneyland, but then, surprised again, by how wonderful Screamin, Grizzly River Run and Tower of Terror are (best 3 rides in both parks IMHO).

- How good Blue Bayou was (after being disappointed with the food in the rest of the park).

 

[karylrocks]

Keep in mind that Disneyland is in the middle of a city, surrounded by motels and the last time I was there the neighborhood was somewhat run down, but I guess they have improved it somewhat. Expect a completely different experience than WDW, and then enjoy the similarities.

 

[quiltymom]

I'll say is how intimate Disneyland is compared to WDW. WDW is just so utterly huge! What I missed most of all when I was there was DL's Main Street and Fantasyland. Just take some time to be still and take it in, and explore all the little nooks and crannies. I'll take DL over the MK any day!

 

[peachgirl]

I have warned DH, DD, and DS OVER AND OVER that it will be hot ...

Ok, maybe it's just us, but we nearly froze to death on our 2003 DL trip and we were there at the end of July! This trip is for late June/early July and from what I can tell, it's still not going to be all that warm...highs in the mid 70's, lows in the lower 60's.

Maybe we're just used to hot Oklahoma summers, but we all ended up buying jackets while we were there and we only attempted swimming once!
I'd much prefer cooler weather, we just should have been a little smarter and not assumed that it would be in the 90's and muggy like it is here! This time we know to bring warmer clothes.

So am I crazy or does anyone else think that summers in Anaheim aren't all that warm????