First time at Disneyland? Please Read.

[Uuaww]

I think we get many topics every week about first timers at Disneyland who are WDW vets, or just first timers in general. I think we need a topic to show them the tricks and tips to make there stay better from us California vets. Feel free to add your own tidbits, I'll just add my largest tip so everyone can get theres in also.

-Please do not fly into LAX, Long Beach and Orange County/John Wayne are so much closer and easier to get to Disneyland from.

 

[GailT]

I had to fly into LAX, I am going Dec. 22, 2006 and I was using my miles. I know it is a little harder and takes longer but I have never been to CA at all so even driving the highways with trffic will be something different for me. I am not going to let that make my trip any less enjoyable.

 

[doombuggy]

While the advice of the OP is great, sometimes you can't avoid flying into LAX. The first time I went to DL, we flew from Newark to LAX, and I lived in Phila! It was the best airfare we could get (we got the tickets about 2 weeks out, long story). If you want a direct flight, LAX is usually the way to go (depending on where you are coming from - I live in the east).

For our trip in August, my dad was originally going to get me a free ticket using his US Air miles from Orlando to LAX, first class, but I had to go to Phila first! AND, the flight to come home was at 7:30am. When I asked him how I was going to get to LAX from Anaheim at the crack of dawn.....he changed it.
I am now flying on American, making a stop in Dallas at more reasonable times AND going to SNA. Rikersmom was able to get on the same flights using miles also.

My advice to WDWs who are going to DL is:

1) go to all the attractions that WDW does not have; also those that are different, such as Space Mtn and POTC.
2) spend some time at DCA. It really is a nice park - it reminds me of walking the boards down the Jersey shore.....
3) most important - HAVE FUN!

 

[amw]

Please do not fly into LAX, Long Beach and Orange County/John Wayne are so much closer and easier to get to Disneyland from.

I know you've written that before, but it comes across almost as a scare tactic.

International visitors (which includes Canadians) have to fly through LAX. There is no choice. I can't see LAX being any worse than other major cities. My home airport is Pearson (Toronto) and I've been through Heathrow in London. I can't see LAX being much worse than any other busy airport. Yes, traffic may be busier on the highways, but again, most metropolitans are used to that.

I don't like the fact that a newbie may be all excited about going to DLR for the first time (myself included) and than be disheartened that maybe they made the wrong choice and should have gone to WDW instead.

Maybe your tip should have read... For Americans, try booking your flights into Long Beach, Orange County/John Wayne. They are actually closer to DLR than LAX, and may have less congestion hassles than LAX.

 

[mickeysgal]

If LAX was the only way I could go to Disney, then LAX it is!

We had no realistic choice either for our last trip. We were using frequent flyer miles and with our rewards program, there was a monetary cap per ticket. LAX flights were cheaper than Orange County tickets and since we didn't want to pay anything further, we chose LAX.

LAX in all honesty, wasn't that awful. I didn't care for the rental car setup as every rental company is accessed via a shuttle, but the shuttles were frequent. Our flight home was so early in the morning, that we flew along the expressway with no traffic. It was a breeze. When flying into LA on a Sat. afternoon, we had no problems either with traffic to Anaheim.

Orange County or Long Beach are great, perhaps preferable, alternate airports, but sometimes you have no choice. Just make the best of it.

 

[SamIAm21]

I am flying into LAX as well. This seems to be a common theme with the OP. I could either fly into LAX non-stop for a great price or fly into OC/SNA with two stops and a heck of a lot more money. Guess what?...I flew into LAX. I would have rather flown closer, but heck, you do what you have to do. Please don't tell people not to fly into LAX, some of us have to!

 

[Barbday62]

I have flown into LAX many times including right after 9/11 and I never had a problem there. And I never every had to take my shoes off at LAX, lol.
Our destination every time was Disneyland. The traffic is bad but so is the traffic in Seattle rush hour. I personally would rather fly closer but would not say flying into LAX was bad. Just longer to get there but a heck of a lot cheaper and I agree with the others about non stop being the best reason to go there.

My recomendation would be to check out the other airports but if you have to go LAX then dont let it hinder your trip. Its not so bad.

 

[Rapunsel]

I don't know why everyone complains about LAX...

there are over 13 million people in Los Angeles county.. What do you expect..
You just have to keep your eyes open, your kids close and do the best..

I would gladly fly in there then be stuck here in Buffalo in the snow because my plane couldn't get out..

I just advise people be early for your flight. It is not just the airport itself, but the airlines..

I was once booked on a flight that was delayed, and they had me flying into chicago wehre I would not have even made the connecting flight.


Just be thankful that they double deckered it and most of the international flights are in one terminal.

Also you can get some great deals..


My one hint to people..

Use the carpool lane when going to DL. Stay in it as you are going to the 5 from the 91. It has a direct lane into DL parking structure..

Rush hour can also be at anytime of the day..
Don't complain about 25 mph. Wait untill you have stoppped and have to wait 20 to move. That is bas traffic.
Also people drive fast. Keep up!


Other than that.. LA is a great place. So wonderful that I moved to Buffalo, NY.

Why oh why did I ever do that.. I'd rather take traffic over shoveling snow.


Just have a fun time..

Rapunsel

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

We've flown in LAX twice already and we're flying there again in Sept. For us it's a lot cheaper than the other two airports. The major airports we use here are Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus or Akron/Canton. So flying into LAX isn't much different than flying into one of these. The first time is scary but it's really not that difficult. The hotels are little further away but for the price, I'll take the extra 15 minutes driving.

 

[doombuggy]

I think the OP was trying to say advise using the other airports b/c of the traffic, etc. I know the highway (is it I-5 ?) can get busy. I drive the highways here in FL and lucky for me, when I go to my office job, I go against traffic. I don't think the OP meant that LAX is not safe.

Back to the topic:
Anyone have any other great advice or tips for people who are about to make their 1st trip to DL?

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, we just returned last night from our 10 night stay at disneyland..we had an awesome trip, but before we left i was concerned about flying into lax after reading tips on this forum....we are from bc,canada and it was chepaer to fly into lax and we could get a direct flight, well, it was not a big deal at all, we landed on the 13th at 2:05 in the afternoon and by 2:30 we were outside waiting for our shuttle......the trip itself to disneyland was about an hour, and as we were on a private shuttle, we just sat back and enjoyed the ride....going home, going thru security took about 20 minutes in line, and yes we had to take off our shoes, but we have flown out of seatac before and also had to do that, not a big deal at all...the only thing that sucked was after landing in vancouver(the nicest airport i have been in by far), was the almost hour long line to get thru customs......anyways, i cant compare the other airports, but for others, our lax experience was very good......
sharon

 

[Yookeroo]

If there are two Fantasmic! performances, the second one will be less crowded.

The best way to get a good spot without camping out for hours is to position yourself behind the middle light tower. It stays parked on the ground so people don't stand there thinking it will block they're view. But about 10-15 minutes before show time, it raises uup into the sky so you're left with a real good view. Unless it's really crowded, you can get a spot there about a half hour before the show, maybe less.

 

[SimbaNoodle]

I am planning a trip next year, so please keep the tips coming.

 

[gometros]

I am going the weekend of the 9th as an extension of a business trip. It will be my first time there since 1984. The thing I need to know about the most is dining.

Questions:

1) Are reservations like WDW's PS? Is there a central number one can call prior to arrival? If not, how do reservations work?

2) I'm staying at the DL Hotel and I plan to spend one day in DCA and the other two in DL. Where are the good places to eat for a person trying to eat somewhat healthy? I've looked at some of the menus on Deb's site and I'm not sure where the best places to go are. I don't mind taking a break and going back to the hotel if that's the best choice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Uuaww]

For eating healthy, the Italian restuarant in downtown disney has some options, the salads there were pretty good.

 

[PattiPB]

Here's a couple of my faves for newbies:

1. I LOVE staying onsite. However, if the budget is an issue, some of the hotels on Harbor Boulevard and less than half the price for the same distance from the parks. If you just HAVE TO stay onsite, consider splitting your stay, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

2. Don't bother comparing---you'll waste valuable enjoyment time! Appreciate DL for exactly what it is.

3. Expect to cry. Every single visit, when I go under the train bridge, I hear Walt Disney's voice in my head and I tear up. Admit it, DL vets, you do too!!!!!

4. Have lunch at the Blue Bayou. Order a Monte Cristo and relax. If you're lucky, the sax player will be on the balcony. He is one of only a couple of remaining original cast members hired by Walt's people!

5. Don't miss Billy Hill and the Hillbillies! They are definitely an "E-ticket" attraction at the Golden Horseshoe. The food selection, however, is poor, so don't use this as a meal break.

I could go on and on all day. I'll leave room for some of the professionals!!!