First Disneyland trip in 15 years! Help me, oh wise ones!!!!

[chigirl]

Ok....so I am a Disney fanatic, as is my family. Seriously, as I type this, I am sitting by a Disney-themed Christmas tree, with "Snow White" playing on my tv.

My daughter finds out in March if she has been accepted into the Character Animation program at Calarts in Valencia, which has been her dream since 6th grade, but it is super-tough to get into. Her idols all went there: John Lassetter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, etc...and she dreams of being an animator for either Disney or Pixar. She's spent the last 3 years taking figure drawing classes, attending the Art Institute of Chicago Early College program, etc, etc....so if she gets in (which I PRAY she will!!!), we want to take her to Disneyland for a few days before she's have to report on campus on Sept 5th.

To add a little fun to this story, it is also my 20th wedding anniversary that week! Yay! The last and only time we were at Disneyland was in 1995, when it was the 40th anniversary celebration....but we've been on 3 SUPER-MEMORABLE trips to WDW, in 2005, 2006, and 2009.

My question is...we were thinking of hitting LA on August 30th, then going to DL 9/1-9/4, the heading to Valencia 9/4-9/6, then my husband, my son and I would fly back to Chicago, leaving our girl at Calarts to become the next super animator! As this is Labor Day weekend, I can imagine the park will be MOBBED, right? What would 9/1 Thursday (our actual anniversary) be like?

I know how DL is way different than WDW...people warned me in 1995 that I would not like it, but I LOVED it! I wasn't that shocked at the small size of the castle, and I liked all of the extra stuff like Mister Toad, Materhorn, etc that is not at WDW...but I still am "hazy" at my memory of that 1995...it was sort-of stressful because I was with my husband's extended family, who are NOT fans of Disney and were NOT into the trip.

Can some of you wise DL experts give me some tips???
I've been to LA and have family and friends there, so I am cool on LA, but some insider tips to DL would be great...cannot tell you how excited I am!!!!

 

[skiingfast]

First I want to mention that this is better posted on the main DLR board not the community board. You would get more responses there.

Also since the DLR board has just single forum for standard information it's good to ask about a topic at a time. Or start one with one question and after you have been satisfied on one topic, post another question in the same thread about the next topic.

Also mention if you have been to WDW a lot. There are some distinct differences that you would want to plan for.

Thursday of your trip will surely be the quietest day the weekend busy. FYI for DLR I would recommend 3-5 days and since it's a busy weekend you might think about going longer if possible.

 

[Raindown]

I was there 9/3 (at night) and 9/4 this year. I tried to recall what it was like using my pictures and memory. 9/3 @ night wasn't bad, I watched F! and only able to get a good spot rolling up to the show about 15 mins before start. It was people in the park, but nothing uncomfortable. Saturday was also pleasant. It wasn't empty but nothing that I would call uncomfortable.

Lets just say it was a far cry from this week. Plus you'll have too weekdays in which it should be calm.

 

[SnowWhite09]

I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK to your daughter in getting into the school she has applied for!!!!!

 

[chigirl]

Thanks, everyone...we are actually going to go 8/31-9/4 at DL and then 9/4-9/7 in and around LA, including dropping DD off at Calarts, if she gets in. I haven't been to LA in ages, we live outside of Chicago...so I am excited about that, and going on stuff they do not have at WDW. I am hoping Thursday, our actual 20th anniversary, that DL is not toooooo crowded. I've been in WDW parks when they were mobbed (June) and empty (week after Hurrican Katrina), so somewhere in the middle is fine with me!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Ok....so I am a Disney fanatic, as is my family. Seriously, as I type this, I am sitting by a Disney-themed Christmas tree, with "Snow White" playing on my tv.

My daughter finds out in March if she has been accepted into the Character Animation program at Calarts in Valencia, which has been her dream since 6th grade, but it is super-tough to get into. Her idols all went there: John Lassetter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, etc...and she dreams of being an animator for either Disney or Pixar. She's spent the last 3 years taking figure drawing classes, attending the Art Institute of Chicago Early College program, etc, etc....so if she gets in (which I PRAY she will!!!), we want to take her to Disneyland for a few days before she's have to report on campus on Sept 5th.

To add a little fun to this story, it is also my 20th wedding anniversary that week! Yay! The last and only time we were at Disneyland was in 1995, when it was the 40th anniversary celebration....but we've been on 3 SUPER-MEMORABLE trips to WDW, in 2005, 2006, and 2009.

What a great opportunity for your daughter - best of luck to her, and what a great way to celebrate your anniversary.

My question is...we were thinking of hitting LA on August 30th, then going to DL 9/1-9/4, the heading to Valencia 9/4-9/6, then my husband, my son and I would fly back to Chicago, leaving our girl at Calarts to become the next super animator! As this is Labor Day weekend, I can imagine the park will be MOBBED, right? What would 9/1 Thursday (our actual anniversary) be like?

I know how DL is way different than WDW...people warned me in 1995 that I would not like it, but I LOVED it! I wasn't that shocked at the small size of the castle, and I liked all of the extra stuff like Mister Toad, Materhorn, etc that is not at WDW...but I still am "hazy" at my memory of that 1995...it was sort-of stressful because I was with my husband's extended family, who are NOT fans of Disney and were NOT into the trip.

Can some of you wise DL experts give me some tips???
I've been to LA and have family and friends there, so I am cool on LA, but some insider tips to DL would be great...cannot tell you how excited I am!!!!

I would say to expect Disneyland Resort to be pretty busy. By that time, a new attraction will be at California Adventure, and even with the construction going on that park has been pretty busy. Add to that that this is the last week for many to be on their summer vacation, I think it will be crowded, even on Thursday. It won't be mobbed like it is right now, but it will be crowded.

I'd recommend the typical tips... Get there when the park opens, have an idea on what the "must do" things are that you want to do, and get fastpasses early in the day for the attractions that take them and where they go quickly (to me, the fastest ones that go quickly during the summer are Splash & Space Mountains, and Indiana Jones). Keep in mind that the fastpass networks are different for DL & DCA so you could get Soaring or Grizzly River Run, if you'd like, without having to wait for the time on the bottom of the fastpasses.

Also, be sure to make at least one priority seating a day so you can enjoy a meal without having to wait in long lines. (It's two months in advance @ DL).

Even on crowded days I really enjoy DL. I think adjusting your plan if the crowds turn out to be incredibly high or low would help you enjoy the day more.

Keep us posted on your daughter.

 

[Sherry E]

I was trying to get in here to post earlier but it wasn't working (sometimes that happens, I think, if someone else is trying to post at the exact same time).

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello to chigirl and say that I moved your thread to the main Disneyland forum - which I am sure you've figured out by now!

You'll get lots of great help here on the board. We have a lot of wonderful members who love to share information.

Good luck to your daughter!

 

[My<3BelongsToMickey]

Welcome back to DL!!!

I have to start by saying that I grew up going to WDW and only went to DL for the first time 5 years ago when I went to CA for college. Needless to say I was a total WDW snob at first. I can definitely relate to your comment about the castle being so much smaller than Cinderella's (I actually laughed when I first saw it...)

That being said, My friends consider me DL's #1 cheerleader now

My favorite things at DL that differ from WDW are:

-Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular: At California Adventure. Amazing. I have a huge crush on Aladdin, but aside from that fact, I think this show is better than Beauty and the Beast at WDW

- Space Mountain: Granted, I haven't been to WDW since they remodeled Space, but I love the ride at DL

-Indiana Jones: Just quality/ a classic.

- California Screamin': SUCH a great coaster!

It sounds like all of California Adventure is going to be a new experience- it should be in better shape come August (less construction?) so be excited for that!

 

[disneyprin91]

Make sure to get a fastpass in the morning right when DCA opens for World of Color unless you plan on doing the dinning option, which I have heard is worth it. Sorrin' and Grizzly Rappids are the ones with the big lines in DCA. Toy Story Mania will be a fun one for the kids but doesn't have a fastpass and is usually a long line. I don't advise A Bug's Life for kids or those who are afraid of bugs as it gets a bit scary at one point. Snow White may be a kids movie, however the ride is not. It only has one image of her in it and durring the ride you go through her adventrues including the woods scene and a dungen (they added more to it).

I don't know what information you need but will answer any questions you would like me to. Feel free to pm me I go to Dland usually at least once a month (I have a pass and go to school close by).

 

[chigirl]

Thanks! My daughter is soooo excited...they only take about 50 students each year for the program, but she has had her portfolio reviewed by the school a few times and it went well, so I think she has a good chance!

 

[chigirl]

Thank you Sherry E for moving this thread...all my years on disboards, I never visited the DL section, so I appreciate the help!!! : )

 

[chigirl]

We did Toy Story Mania at HS last June, 2 times...boy, what a race that is in the morning! We've also done Soarin' multiple times at Epcot....we are huge fans of the ambience of Disney, stuff like the Dapper Dans and such, so just walking down another Main Street will be a thrill.

My daughter was 2 1/2 when we went to DL, yet she still recalls the Lion King Parade and how she was "too small" to get on Indiana Jones!
My son is a huge Indie fan, so that will be a treat for him. I can recall walking into DL with my father in law, who was about 78 at the time, and him saying to me, "Can you believe we are here?", happy as a kid. He passed away in 2000...so this trip will bring up fond memories!

We took a pic of my DD and husband posed as Mickey and Walt by the statue in 1995, then again at WDW in 2005,2006, and 2009, so we of course will recreate that. I also think it will be most weird too see California Adventure, which was a parking lot in 1995!

I appreciate everyone's help...I'll be back here in March to let you know if she was accepted!

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I don't really have anything to say for advice, but I did want to say hi to a fellow Chicagoan and good luck to your daughter! My brother is waiting to hear from UofI. He is defered so he will find out in February if he officially gets accepted or denied. He's been talking about going to UofI for as long as I can remember. He also applied for one of the hardest schools to get into. Yup. He's going into business. He's also been accepted to Kansas and Arizona so he has some back up plans.

Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad! I went in early August in 2007 and the crowds weren't too bad. The only big line was for Nemo and my mom, sister and I did that at the end of the day just before the park closed so we were able to get on.

 

[tink2dw]

GO TO TOWN HALL and get Anniversary Buttons for you and Dh!!!! We got them and it was fun, fun, fun!! We got Special treatment at Taste Pilot's Grill!!

We also went last week of Aug. and first few days of sept, I was shocked with awe at how truely quiet it was!! the loudest thing near bugs life was the theme music playing!!
This is looking thru to Grizzly River Run! Not the usual calm this pic shows.

NO#1. Hotels!!! The Hotels on Harbor Blvd are closer than than DLR hotels, expect GC. You will want a short walk at the end of the day!! Desert Inn and Suites is my Favorite, now it isn't themed but most all the hotels don't have any theming anyway, let alone Disney theming.
check out
Rooms and Suites with microwaves, and college size refrigerators.
http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/room_suites.htm

It is is worth the walk to McDonald's for breakfast to save money for the Plaza Inn Chicken Dinner!!! I don't care for chicken, But this chicken is Delicious!!!!!!!!!! and huge!!

AND The Golden Horseshoe take a seat down on the main floor and catch Billy Hill & The Hillbillies performing a must-see mix of bluegrass music and wacky comedy. Eat while you watch the show got in the food line 1st. it fills up fast if you are in line you will get your food before the show starts.

In Downtown Disney Wetzel Pretzel Dogs with hot cheddar cheese dip and a drink is about $5.00 each.

there is much more but I need to go right now! I'll be back later!!

 

[chigirl]

I don't really have anything to say for advice, but I did want to say hi to a fellow Chicagoan and good luck to your daughter! My brother is waiting to hear from UofI. He is defered so he will find out in February if he officially gets accepted or denied. He's been talking about going to UofI for as long as I can remember. He also applied for one of the hardest schools to get into. Yup. He's going into business. He's also been accepted to Kansas and Arizona so he has some back up plans.

Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad! I went in early August in 2007 and the crowds weren't too bad. The only big line was for Nemo and my mom, sister and I did that at the end of the day just before the park closed so we were able to get on.

Hey Chicagoan! Yay!
My daughter's friend was deferred for U of I business, too...my daughter scored high on her SAT and ACT and won all kinds of awards, so she has some good college options, but she really wants Calarts, which has like a 7% acceptance rate for character animation School of the Art Institute awarded her a nice scholarship and she likes them...still her dream is Calarts!

I hope your brother gets into U of I!!!!

I have fond memories of DL from 1995....I have a great pic of me with my daughter and Jasime and Jafar at a character breakfast that I cherish.

 

[chigirl]

GO TO TOWN HALL and get Anniversary Buttons for you and Dh!!!! We got them and it was fun, fun, fun!! We got Special treatment at Taste Pilot's Grill!!

We also went last week of Aug. and first few days of sept, I was shocked with awe at how truely quiet it was!! the loudest thing near bugs life was the theme music playing!!
This is looking thru to Grizzly River Run! Not the usual calm this pic shows.

NO#1. Hotels!!! The Hotels on Harbor Blvd are closer than than DLR hotels, expect GC. You will want a short walk at the end of the day!! Desert Inn and Suites is my Favorite, now it isn't themed but most all the hotels don't have any theming anyway, let alone Disney theming.
check out
Rooms and Suites with microwaves, and college size refrigerators.
http://www.anaheimdesertinn.com/room_suites.htm

It is is worth the walk to McDonald's for breakfast to save money for the Plaza Inn Chicken Dinner!!! I don't care for chicken, But this chicken is Delicious!!!!!!!!!! and huge!!

AND The Golden Horseshoe take a seat down on the main floor and catch Billy Hill & The Hillbillies performing a must-see mix of bluegrass music and wacky comedy. Eat while you watch the show got in the food line 1st. it fills up fast if you are in line you will get your food before the show starts.

In Downtown Disney Wetzel Pretzel Dogs with hot cheddar cheese dip and a drink is about $5.00 each.

there is much more but I need to go right now! I'll be back later!!

Great tips....my husband painted a custom t-shirt in 2005 for our sons 8th birthday when we were at Hollywood Studios that got us picked to open the park and LOTS of attention for him. Maybe 2 new t-shirts are in order???

Is that show at the Golden Horseshoe similar to Hoop Dee Do? I am IN!!!!

 

[skiingfast]

Is that show at the Golden Horseshoe similar to Hoop Dee Do? I am IN!!!!

Only slightly. Biggest difference is Golden Horseshoe is CS, and they do multiple shows per day, so it takes some timing and is much cheaper.

 

[chigirl]

Only slightly. Biggest difference is Golden Horseshoe is CS, and they do multiple shows per day, so it takes some timing and is much cheaper.

You kow, I think I went here in 1995...we had a party of 31 people travelling as part of relative's honeymoon, so it was kind of a blur, but I think we ate here one day. I remember seeing Fantasmic in 1995 an being disappointed 10 years later at WDW that it wasn't as epic as the one in DL.

I also know we went to a character breakfast, but I do not know where it was...close to Star Tours, I remember...there were a TON of characters, but I swear it was a counter service place because I remember waiting in line at a counter and not a buffet, but is this possible????

I really wish I could remember more of the 1995 trip, but like I said, we were travelling with a 2 1/2 year old and 31 family and extended family members, including my mother in law, who kept saying, "I'm all Disney-ed out!" That phrase became our catch phrase during later trips when we'd see a tired kid or crabby person at WDW..."They're all Disney-ed out!"

 

[chigirl]

Just looked at the pics from 1995...it was Tommorowland Terrace where we had the character meal; which seems odd now because there is no counter-service breakfasts, but I have pics w/Timon, Jafar, Jasmine, Mickey, Donald, Friar Tuck and more. I also have a pic of Mickey waffles.
ahhhh!

 

[tink2dw]

Chigirl - I have had Character breakfasts there too!! You got 2 choices of meal, and then it was served to you right at your table!!

I think that Breakfast was included on your DL Passes!!