First time at Disneyland

[StalCA]

I’m a veteran WDW visitor and had planned to head back in September but we’ve decided to give DL a try instead. I have to admit it’s refreshing to try and figure a Disney park out again and am looking for any tips with respect to dining must dos, touring plans, really anything you think a WDW person should know about DL. Thanks!!

 

[1420Elexismc]

We are in the same boat and considering the Land next year…we’ve never been, but really want to check it out!

 

[alleighboo]

Be careful, you may turn into Disneylanders! I live on the east coast and only been to WDW in the past. We decided to try DL in October and already going back next week! I absolutely loved it and will be making the trek across the country every time before I do WDW again. Have the best time!!!

 

[LKing]

Someone in another thread suggested this website: First Timer's Guide to Disneyland. It is a great place to start.

You might also check out post #5 in this thread by @mdmost

 

[longboard55]

Get to the parks early, DL gets a later crowd than WDW, get genie +

 

[StalCA]

Someone in another thread suggested this website: First Timer's Guide to Disneyland. It is a great place to start.

You might also check out post #5 in this thread by @mdmost

Thanks for this! I’ll check it out

 

[StalCA]

Be careful, you may turn into Disneylanders! I live on the east coast and only been to WDW in the past. We decided to try DL in October and already going back next week! I absolutely loved it and will be making the trek across the country every time before I do WDW again. Have the best time!!!

That’s what I’m worried about haha

 

[StalCA]

Get to the parks early, DL gets a later crowd than WDW, get genie +

This is the best thing about going west. I’ll be up at the crack of dawn each morning and feel like I’ve slept in.

 

[mdmost]

Yeah, we're 3:1 on DL to WDW trips now. It's just all so much easier. Multiple airport options, affordable hotel options where you really get a lot more bang for your buck, an under 10 minute walk to the parks in pleasant weather, no huge undertaking with shuttles or boats (though that can be fun) to get you to your park or dining, park hopping literally 100 yards away, dining options all around. You do miss out on the Disney bubble a bit but you can stay at the expensive hotels if you choose.

 

[BrianL]

A few ride highlights:

Make sure to check out Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain as they are pretty different than the WDW versions. You might though notice that The Matterhorn is quite similar to Space Mountain at WDW.

Many rides have small differences and are still worth checking out, like Haunted Mansion or It's a Small World. Rides that are identical are Toy Story Mania, Little Mermaid, and all Star Wars rides.

There are many unique rides that you should check out, like the Fantasyland Dark Rides, Indiana Jones (though you might recognize the technology for it), Radiator Springs Racers (also similar to a WDW ride in some ways), and the Incredicoaster. Also, Guardians of the Galaxy is a rethemed Tower of Terror but it totally worth doing.

 

[Kit Jackson]

The parks are incredibly close together. Park hopping is really easy. Genie+ includes all PhotoPass pictures taken by PhotoPass photographers, which is a huge perk.

 

[chezcurrie]

Park hopping is fantastic, and only $60 regardless of your ticket length. I do not like park hopping at WDW as it gives me FOMO and I go too hard and do too much, but at DL it allows you more flexibility and options to do your fave things, especially evening entertainment. As a reference the area between the two parks is shorter than the walk to the buses at WDW. So yeah, park hop!

There are fewer TS restaurants at DL so if that is a prioritiy book in advance. I love Blue Bayou at DL for ambiance (and the food has been very good lately) and Lamplight Lounge (lobster nachos!!!) at DCA. CS is far superior and you can find many healthier options. There are lots of threads for CS faves if you search.

Touring plans are not as necessary, but do read up on G+ if you have not used it at WDW. It is very beneficial at DL because of the number of attractions.

Do the things unique to DL and then marvel at how superior Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Small World and others are.