First Time DL

[debsays]

Hello to All !
We are WDW veterans for the past 20 years and decided to go to DL this year. After reading all the posts I'm kindof sorry we've booked our DL vacation. Making us think twice. We're going to be staying at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel....looking for input for anyone who has stayed there. It would help us feel more comfortable. I also read that the parks don't open until 10 A.M. Is that so for the summer months as well. We'll be staying at PPH for one week then heading to SanDiego for the second week to spend time with family. Has anyone been to Olvera Street or Venice Beach area? Would like to hear about these areas. Worth going to,etc.? PLEASE tell me that we won't be sorry traveling to DL and not WDW.

Love to hear from you.

 

[Grumpy_4_me]

After reading all the posts I'm kind of sorry we've booked our DL vacation. Making us think twice.

After reading what has made you sorry???

And checkhere for some of the opening times http://http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/calendar/monthly/monthly?name=CalendarMonthlyPage

 

[AFMom]

We've stayed at the PPH - it was a while back (before the pool was renovated). It was a nice hotel, not too themed, and relatively close to the parks. However.... what kind of WDW vacations are you used to? Do not set yourself up to be disappointed with DL please! PPH is somewhat like a moderate, less themeing, no grounds to speak of at all. If you are looking for a WDW resort experience you will need to book the GCH. If you want a compromise - go for the DLH.
If you are happy with the idea of PPH - then just go knowing that it was not a DL hotel to begin with, they bought the hotel, and themed it a bit. As long as you know what to expect - you should enjoy yourself. We really had a great time! There just isn't room for WDW type resorts there until Disney buys out more of the surrounding area! But DL has it's charms!
The whole resort is very compact - no need for buses, trams, etc. You can park hop back and forth by walking, walk to DTD for lunch and go right back to the parks! That sort of 'Togetherness' can be a real time saver! There is quite a lot to do, even with just 2 parks. Disney has really packed the parks full of some of the best shows and attractions they have! You'll be amazed how much they fit in those 2 parks.
Be prepared for a smaller castle, smaller walkways.... but NO Humidity! And cool, beautiful nights - also... no bugs! It seems like even when the parks are crowded - there is so much to do, that the lines are enver that bad - and fastpass takes care of the big rides.
You'll have a great time as long as your not looking for a WDW clone! Have fun!

 

[HaleyB]

Disneyland is not WDW, it is its own thing. Just as the post above said, if you are looking for a clone of WDW you will not be happy. Disneyland has a charm and magic all its own, and will always be my first love. There are actually more rides in DL/DCA than all of WDW! There is nothing like EPCOT or Animal Kingdom at DL. But I think that DL is much more fun than MK. It all depends on how you judge a park. Do shorter lines matter more than wide walk ways, or would you rather have lots of space and lots of long lines?

Now if what you are worried about is where you are staying, I will say PP is not really anything special. It is still in the middle of it all, but if DLH or GC are not that much more I would upgrade to them.

I have heard people say that DL does not compare to WDW and even have one friend who thought the DL park was less magical than the ones in WDW. Some people just have no taste. Disneyland is the park that Walt built. It has his vision, his special touches, and his insistance on every detail being perfect still shines in DL. Fanatsyland in DL is the most magical place I have ever been.

 

[eva]

You asked about the opening times. I would check the official website to find out the exact times. Here's a direct link to the calendar:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/calendar/monthly/monthly?name=CalendarMonthlyPage

We are going the middle of August. DLP is open 8am - Midnight and CA is open 10am - 9pm. I think that the hours will give us plenty of time to explore both parks.

Just to let you know, I am a bit nervous about our trip too. We have been going to WDW for years and are DVC members. We've been to WDW at least 15 times in the last 10 years. But have never been to DL. I am trying to keep my expectations down and hopefully I will have a very nice surprise when I arrive. I think that this board as been very helpful in keeping me excited about the upcoming trip.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, We also are WDW addicts!! WE are DVC Members and have been going to WDW (1,2 or 3!) times a year since 1987! But it all started with a trip to DL in August 1986 when my husband was going for a conference at the Aneheim Marriot. My DD(age 2) and I spent our days in DL and had a BLAST!! I am really looking forward to seeing DL again. We usually spend 2 weeks in WDW during the Summer,so we will do 1 week in CA. Although I am already missing WDW(we were there in April and got to see all the new attractions for the 50th)and I am trying to justify a LONG weekend in August! We are using points as DVC Members for 7 nites and cash for 1 nite at the DL Hotel. With everything closer together I figured 5 day park hoppers would be good for us and that leaves us 2 days for other trips. One will be a beach day, I want to see the Pacific Ocean (we live on the east coast near the Atlantic Ocean). I would also like to see a WINERY but need something not to far away! So altogether I am eager to see CA again! Joan

 

[tinknsnow]

We love WDW, too.

We're going to DL this October and staying at the DLH. Can't wait to see the original park!

I think you should try not to compare too much or have super-high expectations either way. Go with an open mind. Expect the Sleeping Beauty Castle to be small compared to Cinderella Castle. Get excited about seeing the differences-- The Matterhorn, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, etc. Relish the idea of riding Mr. Toad's Wild Ride again! (I can't wait-- I love Pooh but really miss Mr Toad).

When people have unrealistically high expectations they are likely to be disappointed anywhere. I've seen people get so upset because they read about towel animals at WDW hotels and never got one... my point is, expect a good time that isn't WDW. You'll probably be very pleasantly surprised.

Have fun!