First time at Disneyland. Must-do's?

1153rsmith

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
1,362
We have been to WDW many times, but we are planning our first trip to DL form June 2017. We are staying at a good neighbor hotel across the street for 3 nights and have park hoppers.

Can some of you tell us the things that can't be missed, or some hidden gems? We are on the east coast, so this could be our only trip to DL. We want to make the most of it.
Thanks!!!
 
focus on history
Pay homage in front of the apartment.

What do you know about the flag pole and Disneyland flag history?

Main street, is it one big shopping mall?

Tarzan tree house.

golden horse shoe revue and form an opinion about the experience.


Petrified wood stump

Which Direction is the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans Square.

Photograph the ride that is only open six months of the year, oh wait, you can't, its shuttered.

Photograph the back side of plywood in ROA.

History of the bobsled roller coaster.

ask folks around you where is the court of angels, count how many folks till you find the answer or who even care

Who did snow white make the pie for?

What painting did you see, supporting the fantasy, making Disneyland the only other place in the world that you paid admission to view?

Why are people taking photos on the Alice side of the Mad Hatter shop Wall?



Why is there a roof over the smoking area in Fantasyland, which by the way, is not on the list of official smoking areas on the Disneyland web site.

Of all the E attractions at Disneyland, which is easy to encounter and why is it there in the middle of the pathway

What exactly is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and why are those buildings so high above the crowd lines?
 
I would say to definitely hit the Fantasyland rides first thing in the morning. There is something nostalgic and endearing about that land that is unique to DLR. Also, if you go to DCA be sure to hit the Cove Bar for refreshments. It's a great place to take it all in.
 
Read the main threads for WDW vets. Very helpful (but a little out of date, particularly about FTs).

Don't skip a ride just because there is a similar ride at WDW. The rides are different and for a number of the rides, the DLR version is better (Pirates, Space for instance).
 

World of Color
paint the night if still there
Peter Pan
Indiana jones
Big thunder railroad
All of fantasyland really
Space mountain
Toy story midway mania
Radiator springs racers
Soaring
All the dark rides if you like those
Whatever the revamped tower of terror becomes
Monorail
Pirates of Caribbean
Haunted mansion

For food
Blue bayou
Character breakfast Minnie and friends
Carthay
 
My wife and I visited for the first time this summer. I would say definitely get there for rope drop and hit Matterhorn and the rest of Fantasyland. Pirates is definitely a must do, it offers a different and more immersive experience than WDW. Indiana Jones Adventure was another favorite of ours as well, it has great theming from the moment you enter the queue until you exit. Also, just take the time to enjoy the overall atmosphere of the park, it is an experience that is unique from WDW and there is something different to see at every corner.
 
World of Color
paint the night if still there
Peter Pan
Indiana jones
Big thunder railroad
All of fantasyland really
Space mountain
Toy story midway mania
Radiator springs racers
Soaring
All the dark rides if you like those
Whatever the revamped tower of terror becomes
Monorail
Pirates of Caribbean
Haunted mansion

For food
Blue bayou
Character breakfast Minnie and friends
Carthay

I will second Blue Bayou for food. I know it can get some negative reviews but we absolutely loved both the food and atmosphere
 
If you do want Peter Pan, you need to be in the front, during ropedrop when park opens. I did that a couple months ago, and I only had a wait of less than 5 min. Otherwise you are looking at a long wait time.

Honestly, even after its revamp, its not really worth more than a 15 min wait. Do dumbo ride right afterwards for a similar reason. You'll save yourself an hour in lines or more doing those two when park opens.

Just checked on the Disneyland app right now, and each of those rides has a 45 min wait.
 
My list of can't miss attractions would be:

Jungle Cruise
Indy
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mt.
Peter Pan
Small World
Matterhorn
Monorail
Space Mt.
Star Tours
Fantasmic (closed)
Paint the Night

Radiator Springs Racers
Soarin'
Grizzly River Rapids
Toy Story Midway Mania
World of Color
 
Track when the Fastpass return time is for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (use the app). When it is in the window of the scheduled firework show, pull it. Arrive at the fastpass line 5 minutes before the firework show. If you time it right, when you come out of the cavern on the first climb, it looks like you're dropping into a firework and the sky is exploding all around you. Simply the best way to see it. If you miss it, you're either watching the show from the platform or at the ride exit - both excellent places to see it.
 
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We love Indiana Jones...it's one of our favorite rides between all the Disney parks.

I don't think I've seen anyone write about the Monsters Inc. ride. It's not a fancy one, but easy to walk on and fun.
 
Get the Mickey shaped beignets at the Mint Julip Bar, then rest your tired feet and enjoy some people watching in New Orleans Square. It's my favorite way to take a break in the park.
 
A Dole whip before watching the Enchanted Tiki Room - you can bring it in with you and ear during the show.

Front car of the Monorail.

Disneyland RR from Main Street Station all the way around, if it's open by then.

Lunch at Cafe Orleans and dinner at Blue Bayou.
 












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