First Disneyland Trip, needs help.

[disneychickforever]

Hey guys!

So as a Floridian, I've been to Walt Disney World myriads of times. I've never been to Disneyland though. Well after 20 years, I'm going to Disneyland for the first time at the end of June.

So as a newbie to Disneyland I have a few questions:

Will my Pal Mickey work at Disneyland?

Is there a lot of people who wait to see Fantasmic? Is it only open select nights like here in Hollywood Studios?

Is the Candy Cane Inn a good hotel? (That's where we are staying apparently).

What can I expect to be different?

Where do I start to plan a trip? I usually know how to find stuff for Walt Disney World, to the point that I don't really know how to look stuff up, and now that I am out of practice AND going some place new, I don't know what to do first. It's all so overwhelming.

I'm really excited to check out the other coast of country, it should be fun!


TIA

 

[SoCal Belle]

I'm a new poster, but here goes with DIS post one!

Unfortunately, I can't answer all your questions. Firstly, I have never been to WDW and I have never stayed in a hotel to go to DL. Some people like DL better (the original!) but others prefer what they're used to.

I don't know what a Pal Mickey is, so I'm guessing it does not work at DL.

I've heard that Splash is better at MK and Space is better at DL. We've got the old Tiki room. Indy is in DL. There are now characters in IASW. No Hall of Presidents, Philharmagic, or TTA.

There are lots of people waiting to see Fanasmic but there is no general seating. It's crowded and starts early. Yes, it only shows certain nights.

The park layout is different. For example, the order is POTC, HM, Splash, WTP on the one side of the river. BTMR is over by the entrance to Frontierland from the hub. Then, there is no Liberty Square in DL. Also, Toontown is past Fantasyland, not next to Tomorrowland. I'd check out the official site from Disney for a park map. My favorite guide book is the Unofficial Guide.

Are you planning on visiting DCA too?

 

[Quilter007]

Hmmm -- you'll probably experience many of the things we did when we went to WDW the first time -- but in reverse. It's like being in an alternate universe -- almost as if there was a tear in the space-time continuium. Things that will be different:

- Main street will be backwards
- you won't believe how small the castle is
- restrooms will be exactly where you think they would never be
- things will be very close together
- maintenance will be better
- food not as good & not as many choices
- Churros are amazing @ DL -- warning -- you'll never be able to enjoy one of those dried out cinnamon/sugar covered cardboard sticks in WDW again!
- Space Mountain -- personally, I think they should rename the one in WDW to Space Hill -- I don't think you'll wait in line @ WDW for this ride again either
- Splash Mountain/Big Thunder -- thought those were better @ WDW -- can't put my finger on it -- they just seemed more fun there
- Tea-cups -- some crack-pot made DL put restrictors on them in DL -- they are really hard to spin -- ugh!!!
- Matterhorn -- love that ride!!!!! it's the one thing that we see from outside the park and go -- Heeeeey!!! We're there!!!
- Small World -- bigger & was better before they stuck a bunch of dopey characters on it. I was OK w/ the new characters until I saw Stitch were the surfer boy goes! Then we got to the rainforest now America room and were horrified!!!
- DCA -- has some really great ride that aren't at WDW -- also, it's more spread out & has better food. After going to WDW, we see how DCA was probably designed to be more like WDW parks. Now that they are adding more E-ticket stuff, I think it's going to be a fabulus park. My concern is that then everyone is going to go & clog it up!
- Fantasmic -- I would get the preferred seating. It's a little pricey, but I'm just not into sitting on concrete for 2 hours. If cost is an issue, I've give up Blue Bayou or the Celebration BBQ for Fantasmic seating
- Tours -- if you've got bigger kids, I'd do one of the tours -- lots of good info & you get onto a couple of rides w/ no waiting as part of the tour
- In general, we noticed that the MK in WDW had "original" stuff. In Florida, Disney owns enough property that if they want to add something, they just add it somewhere. We were shocked to see Autopia the way it was in the 80's. We were there before WDW updated the Haunted Mansion & we were again shocked to see it the way it was. We loved seeing the Country Bears @ WDW (kids thought we'd lost our minds). At DL if Disney wanted to add something, they had to either squeeze it in or take something out. They worked for years to acquire the property to build DCA.
- DL is right across from DCA. These 2 parks are closer than anything @ WDW.
- The exterior of some of the rides is very different -- pirates, HM, Small World, Space Mtn, Big Thunder, etc.
- Fantasyland -- I couldn't get the layout @ WDW to make any sense at all -- it's as if someone took the Fantasyland pieces and tossed them around and turned them inside out!

I also don't know what a Pal Mickey is -- curious.

 

[MAH4546]

H
- DCA -- has some really great ride that aren't at WDW -- also, it's more spread out & has better food. After going to WDW, we see how DCA was probably designed to be more like WDW parks. Now that they are adding more E-ticket stuff, I think it's going to be a fabulus park. My concern is that then everyone is going to go & clog it up!

California Screamin' and Monsters are the only major DCA attraction unique to DCA. Tower of Terror, Soarin', Muppets 3D, Bugs 3D, Rapids (re-themed), and Toy Story Mania are all at WDW.

As for the "differences" (and I grew up on WDW, but now frequent DL living on the West Coast):

Adventureland
*Jungle Cruise is shorter.
*Indiana Jones ride at DL.
*Tiki Room is the original.
*Swiss Family Treehouse is Tarzan.

New Orleans Square
*Instead of Liberty Square in MK.
*Haunted Mansion is nearly identical.
*Pirates of the Caribbean is a far superior attraction.

Frontierland
*The Canoes are still there.
*Tom Sawyer Island is Pirates-themed.
*Colombia sailing ship.
*Fantasmic! at night. Two shows daily during the summer. I always show up only 20-30 minutes in advance and get a great spot for the 10.30 show. You don't have to wait around for it to get a good view.
*Thunder Mountain is nearly identical.

Critter Country
*Splash Mountain at DL is less detailed and shorter than at MK.
*Winnie the Pooh ride follows similar story, but is very different.

Fantasyland
*Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland and Mr. Toad dark rides.
*The Matterhorn.
*Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Canal Boats.
*Peter Pan is less detailed.
*Snow White is very similar.
*Mad Tea Cups is outdoors; no tarp.
*Small World has Disney characters; recently re-done.

Toontown
*Gadget Coaster is similar to Goofy Coaster
*Roger Rabbit dark ride.

Tomorrowland
*Finding Nemo Subs
*Buzz Lightyear has similar story, but different ride.
*Space Mountain is far better.
*No people mover.
*Astro Orbitor is at ground level.
*Autopia is very different.


I put "differences" in quotes because there really is no reason to compare them. They are different and unique parks, and while I give the edge to DL, if you spend the whole day comparing them, it isn't as fun.

 

[DisnyMama]

Make sure you take the train for a complete loop around Disneyland (especially from Tomorrowland station to MainStreet Station so you can see Walt's Journey Through the Grand Canyon into the Primeval World.

Shannon

 

[Edel1975]

I am also busy planning our first trip to DL so will be watching this post with interest. It's great to hear of others first hand experiences.

Edel

 

[disneychickforever]

Thanks everyone for replying! I really appreciate it.

I'm a new poster, but here goes with DIS post one!

Unfortunately, I can't answer all your questions. Firstly, I have never been to WDW and I have never stayed in a hotel to go to DL. Some people like DL better (the original!) but others prefer what they're used to.

I don't know what a Pal Mickey is, so I'm guessing it does not work at DL.

I've heard that Splash is better at MK and Space is better at DL. We've got the old Tiki room. Indy is in DL. There are now characters in IASW. No Hall of Presidents, Philharmagic, or TTA.

There are lots of people waiting to see Fanasmic but there is no general seating. It's crowded and starts early. Yes, it only shows certain nights.

The park layout is different. For example, the order is POTC, HM, Splash, WTP on the one side of the river. BTMR is over by the entrance to Frontierland from the hub. Then, there is no Liberty Square in DL. Also, Toontown is past Fantasyland, not next to Tomorrowland. I'd check out the official site from Disney for a park map. My favorite guide book is the Unofficial Guide.

Are you planning on visiting DCA too?

It stinks that Pal Mickey wouldn't work over there, it's really cool!

Yeah, we are spending one day in DL and one in DCA. We are also going to DTD there the day we arrive.

Hmmm -- you'll probably experience many of the things we did when we went to WDW the first time -- but in reverse. It's like being in an alternate universe -- almost as if there was a tear in the space-time continuium. Things that will be different:

- Main street will be backwards
- you won't believe how small the castle is
- restrooms will be exactly where you think they would never be
- things will be very close together
- maintenance will be better
- food not as good & not as many choices
- Churros are amazing @ DL -- warning -- you'll never be able to enjoy one of those dried out cinnamon/sugar covered cardboard sticks in WDW again!
- Space Mountain -- personally, I think they should rename the one in WDW to Space Hill -- I don't think you'll wait in line @ WDW for this ride again either
- Splash Mountain/Big Thunder -- thought those were better @ WDW -- can't put my finger on it -- they just seemed more fun there
- Tea-cups -- some crack-pot made DL put restrictors on them in DL -- they are really hard to spin -- ugh!!!
- Matterhorn -- love that ride!!!!! it's the one thing that we see from outside the park and go -- Heeeeey!!! We're there!!!
- Small World -- bigger & was better before they stuck a bunch of dopey characters on it. I was OK w/ the new characters until I saw Stitch were the surfer boy goes! Then we got to the rainforest now America room and were horrified!!!
- DCA -- has some really great ride that aren't at WDW -- also, it's more spread out & has better food. After going to WDW, we see how DCA was probably designed to be more like WDW parks. Now that they are adding more E-ticket stuff, I think it's going to be a fabulus park. My concern is that then everyone is going to go & clog it up!
- Fantasmic -- I would get the preferred seating. It's a little pricey, but I'm just not into sitting on concrete for 2 hours. If cost is an issue, I've give up Blue Bayou or the Celebration BBQ for Fantasmic seating
- Tours -- if you've got bigger kids, I'd do one of the tours -- lots of good info & you get onto a couple of rides w/ no waiting as part of the tour
- In general, we noticed that the MK in WDW had "original" stuff. In Florida, Disney owns enough property that if they want to add something, they just add it somewhere. We were shocked to see Autopia the way it was in the 80's. We were there before WDW updated the Haunted Mansion & we were again shocked to see it the way it was. We loved seeing the Country Bears @ WDW (kids thought we'd lost our minds). At DL if Disney wanted to add something, they had to either squeeze it in or take something out. They worked for years to acquire the property to build DCA.
- DL is right across from DCA. These 2 parks are closer than anything @ WDW.
- The exterior of some of the rides is very different -- pirates, HM, Small World, Space Mtn, Big Thunder, etc.
- Fantasyland -- I couldn't get the layout @ WDW to make any sense at all -- it's as if someone took the Fantasyland pieces and tossed them around and turned them inside out!

I also don't know what a Pal Mickey is -- curious.

How do you get preferred seating for Fantasmic?

A Pal Mickey is this little stuffed Mickey Mouse that gives facts in the park. It will also tell you when lines are short for rides, so it's pretty nifty.

California Screamin' and Monsters are the only major DCA attraction unique to DCA. Tower of Terror, Soarin', Muppets 3D, Bugs 3D, Rapids (re-themed), and Toy Story Mania are all at WDW.

As for the "differences" (and I grew up on WDW, but now frequent DL living on the West Coast):

Adventureland
*Jungle Cruise is shorter.
*Indiana Jones ride at DL.
*Tiki Room is the original.
*Swiss Family Treehouse is Tarzan.

New Orleans Square
*Instead of Liberty Square in MK.
*Haunted Mansion is nearly identical.
*Pirates of the Caribbean is a far superior attraction.

Frontierland
*The Canoes are still there.
*Tom Sawyer Island is Pirates-themed.
*Colombia sailing ship.
*Fantasmic! at night. Two shows daily during the summer. I always show up only 20-30 minutes in advance and get a great spot for the 10.30 show. You don't have to wait around for it to get a good view.
*Thunder Mountain is nearly identical.

Critter Country
*Splash Mountain at DL is less detailed and shorter than at MK.
*Winnie the Pooh ride follows similar story, but is very different.

Fantasyland
*Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland and Mr. Toad dark rides.
*The Matterhorn.
*Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Canal Boats.
*Peter Pan is less detailed.
*Snow White is very similar.
*Mad Tea Cups is outdoors; no tarp.
*Small World has Disney characters; recently re-done.

Toontown
*Gadget Coaster is similar to Goofy Coaster
*Roger Rabbit dark ride.

Tomorrowland
*Finding Nemo Subs
*Buzz Lightyear has similar story, but different ride.
*Space Mountain is far better.
*No people mover.
*Astro Orbitor is at ground level.
*Autopia is very different.


I put "differences" in quotes because there really is no reason to compare them. They are different and unique parks, and while I give the edge to DL, if you spend the whole day comparing them, it isn't as fun.

I'll be sure to remember to not spend my time comparing rides. One of my friends are like "You'll LOVE DL better because the rides are cooler!". We'll see what happens . I don't think I could love one over the other though.

Make sure you take the train for a complete loop around Disneyland (especially from Tomorrowland station to MainStreet Station so you can see Walt's Journey Through the Grand Canyon into the Primeval World.

Shannon

I'll have to check this out!

I am also busy planning our first trip to DL so will be watching this post with interest. It's great to hear of others first hand experiences.

Edel

So when are you going?

 

[Quilter007]

For Fantasmic seating -- call the dining # -- I think it's around $60 a person.

 

[Hound 109]

You have alot of good info that has been provided above.

Also, as a primer...you should review HydroGuy's "DLR for WDW Vets" thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

& then the rest of his tip threads:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


Other comments found below:

Hey guys!

So as a Floridian, I've been to Walt Disney World myriads of times. I've never been to Disneyland though. Well after 20 years, I'm going to Disneyland for the first time at the end of June.

So as a newbie to Disneyland I have a few questions:

Will my Pal Mickey work at Disneyland?

Nope.

Is there a lot of people who wait to see Fantasmic? Is it only open select nights like here in Hollywood Studios?

Is the Candy Cane Inn a good hotel? (That's where we are staying apparently).

I like the Candy Cane because it has a DEDICATED shuttle (that takes less than 3 min. to get to the parks), has a free breakfast, & is significantly less $$ than the DLR hotels. But...i'd call it more of a spruced up, cute Motel, than a Hotel. It's a good choice though.

What can I expect to be different?

DLR is completely different. One should:

- Park Hop Each Day.
- Remember that DCA, DL, & DTD are just steps from each other.
- Enjoy not riding on the WDW busses.
- Get to the Park (DL) early each day, tour in uncrowded bliss & collect FPs for later....hop to DCA when it gets crowded....take a mid day break each day....return to DL in the evening with 3-5 FPs that were collected in the morning.

Where do I start to plan a trip? I usually know how to find stuff for Walt Disney World, to the point that I don't really know how to look stuff up, and now that I am out of practice AND going some place new, I don't know what to do first. It's all so overwhelming.

The posts above, HydroGuy's tip threads & scrolling around here on the DL disboards will give you lots of background & inside info.

I'm really excited to check out the other coast of country, it should be fun!

TIA

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks everyone for replying! I really appreciate it.....

Yeah, we are spending one day in DL and one in DCA. We are also going to DTD there the day we arrive.

....I'll be sure to remember to not spend my time comparing rides. One of my friends are like "You'll LOVE DL better because the rides are cooler!". We'll see what happens . I don't think I could love one over the other though.

......

I suggest you consider getting a 3 day Park Hopper....which would enable you to go into DL (which is NEXT DOOR to DTD) on the day you arrive. You would literally be walking by the DL front gate to get into DTD. There is NO way I could walk by Walt's Park (my first day)....with out going in.

Plus it would allow you to enjoy Magic Morning one day...by far the best time to enjoy the classic FantasyLand rides (many of them NOT in WDW...such as Toady, Alice, Pinocchio).

Also, you should NOT do one park one day & another park the next day. Do BOTH parks EACH day. Far more effecient touring given the:

- hours of operation.
- crowd patterns.
- FP collecting opportunities.
- proximity to each other.

Most Disers here (& especially those only visiting for 2-3 days) are big believers in the joys of Park Hopping:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


Also, DTD is neat....but doesn't require a full (or half day) of strolling. Stop in for an hour or two each day.

Have fun at Walt's Park.

 

[DisneyMom92]

Just my 2 cents....

We are die hard Disney fans and have done WDW too many times to count, the Disney cruise and two visits to DLR (our third this summer). The first time we went to DLR we spend a very little time in the parks, stayed out of Anaheim (I think we stayed in Hollywood if I remember correctly) and had 2 or maybe 3 day tickets. They were hoppers. We were so excited to visit as we had heard so much about DLR and were really psyched to visit the original Disney park.

We walked in and around and we mostly didn't talk about impressions. Lines were long, but that's usual at WDW so it was not a big deal. We spent a good amount of time in Disneyland and went to California Adventure later in the day. During the time we visited both parks and Downtown Disney.

I have to say that first year we dwelled too much on the comparisons and too little on the magic of just being there. We were sorely disappointed in DLR; in our minds at least it just didn't measure up to our beloved WDW.

Last year, we were in Anaheim for a dance convention and decided to go to Disneyland. I can't remember if we bought convention tickets or what. We talked about not doing it, but I really love Disney so I wanted to give it a second chance. I wanted to have an open mind and leave the comparisons out, since it really is such a different experience.

In short, we went again and we loved it. We tried very hard not to compare it to WDW. It's more neighborly at DLR than at WDW and we really liked that. Taking the time to just enjoy DLR for what it is, rather than trying to find out what it isn't, made us have a totally different experience the second time than the first. It's kind of like asking a mother to compare her kids, one may be better at math and one might be better at reading, but they are both terrific and fun to be around.

 

[aristocat65]

Is the Candy Cane Inn a good hotel? (That's where we are staying apparently).

Where do I start to plan a trip?


TIA

We've stayed at the Candy Cane Inn and it is nice. It's basically a motel, 2 level, but I think nicer than any others in the area. Its great for the fact that it is walking distance, and it also has it's own free shuttle. (most other hotels share the ART shuttle). The rooms are very pretty, but they are small. Try and get a premium room if you can. Lately we have stayed about a mile down the road at the Embassy suites because we just prefer the interior corridors of a hotel, but for a short trip and to be close by, I would stay at the CCI again. You'll find Disneyland very different than WDW in that everything is so compact, but actually there is so much packed into a small area that it's great.

I would maybe get a copy of unofficial guide to Disneyland. Even though you know WDW, there is a lot specific to DL that will be helpful. Also check out Mousesavers.com as she usually post DL specials, tickets etc as they come up.

You'll love New Orleans Square. It's so pretty. We always feel something's missing at Magic Kingdom in WDW because its not there.

As far as Downtown Disney goes, as others have said, there is really not much there and in fact I think a few shops have recently closed also. For a nice lunch or dinner you could try Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian Hotel. It's a lovely oasis from the craziness of the parks. You can get into the hotel directly from Cal. adventure too.

Have a great trip.

 

[lcasa]

We bought one at WDW and it definitely doesn't work in DLR ( we're DL AP'ers). Too bad - but Pal Mickey isn't available for sale anymore at WDW either! It appears he will still work, so we're bringing him with us in June.

He was a great idea!

As for Fantasmic - we just wait for the 2nd show of the night. Folks wait for hours ahead of time - they rope off sections around the Rivers of America. But when that ends it's usually pretty easy to jump in for the 2nd show. Just make sure they're having 1! Lots of cutbacks recently. One of the very best spots in the bridge in front of Pirates.

Have fun! It's Walt's park. You won't get nearly as tired walking around - I can never get over how long it takes to walk from one land to another in the MK. Read up on a little history first - don't forget to look up over the firehouse to see Walt's light upstairs in his apartment.

 

[PrincessYessenia]

Just my 2 cents....

We are die hard Disney fans and have done WDW too many times to count, the Disney cruise and two visits to DLR (our third this summer). The first time we went to DLR we spend a very little time in the parks, stayed out of Anaheim (I think we stayed in Hollywood if I remember correctly) and had 2 or maybe 3 day tickets. They were hoppers. We were so excited to visit as we had heard so much about DLR and were really psyched to visit the original Disney park.

We walked in and around and we mostly didn't talk about impressions. Lines were long, but that's usual at WDW so it was not a big deal. We spent a good amount of time in Disneyland and went to California Adventure later in the day. During the time we visited both parks and Downtown Disney.

I have to say that first year we dwelled too much on the comparisons and too little on the magic of just being there. We were sorely disappointed in DLR; in our minds at least it just didn't measure up to our beloved WDW.

This is what I'm afraid of! I am also a WDW & Cruise Vet and have never been to DLR. My first trip will be just me and my mom in Mid June. We are so used to the grandeur, if you will, of WDW, so I'm worried we will be disappointed in DL. I'm not necessarily anticipating being let down but I'm just worried it won't live up to what we thought it would be. I'm always hearing the rides aren't as great, it's significantly smaller (which I completely understand), there aren't even half as many dining choices as WDW, etc. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

I'm gonna walk in ready for fun, and I won't let anything I've heard or read hinder my opinion before I get a chance to even make one. I'll take it a step at a time.

 

[Edel1975]

We are going in July and staying in the HoJo for 4 nights. We are then heading for San Diego for another 12 nights. We were in WDW last year so I can't wait to visit DL. Am loving reading all the information on this thread and have taken all tips onboard. We have bought a City Pass so our tickets are sorted out, the only thing left for me to do is to book a caracter meal. Any recommendations, we are a family of 4 me, DH, DS7 and DD4.

Edel

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

character meal minnie and friends it is in disneyland