First Time to Disneyland -- Maybe. Any Suggestions?

[Illini_Jeff]

There is a possibility that business will take me to Southern California in the next few weeks. I've never (ever) been to California, but if this trip becomes a reality, it is fairly certain that I will be paying tribute to the Mouse.

Can anyone offer some tips for a first-timer to Disneyland? What are the must-do's?

I'll be planning on spending two or three days in the area and thinking about staying close to the parks - perhaps the Mariott Courtyard. Or can anyone suggest a better alternative?

I have been to Walt Disney World several times, so I am familiar with how Disney does things.

Can anyone offer any pointers or suggestions for me?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RedRosie]

There is a sticky at the top of the list of threads with info for newbies. Inside it there is a link for DL info for WDW vets. There are lots of hotels on Harbor that are very easy walk to DL. I have only stayed at Desert Inn and Suites. It is a clean, friendly, low budget hotel that is super easy walk to the gate. Welcome to CA! Hope your trip is great.

 

[Illini_Jeff]

Thanks Rosie.

 

[Hound 109]

Here is Hydroguy's tip thread collection:

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

Rosie recommends the "DLR for WDW veterans" thread within this tip thread collection & so do i. But all the tip threads are worth a read. Other comments below:

There is a possibility that business will take me to Southern California in the next few weeks. I've never (ever) been to California, but if this trip becomes a reality, it is fairly certain that I will be paying tribute to the Mouse.

Can anyone offer some tips for a first-timer to Disneyland? What are the must-do's?

I'll be planning on spending two or three days in the area and thinking about staying close to the parks - perhaps the Mariott Courtyard. Or can anyone suggest a better alternative?

I have been to Walt Disney World several times, so I am familiar with how Disney does things.

Can anyone offer any pointers or suggestions for me?

Thanks in advance!

How Many days in the parks?

What are the dates?
Are you visiting solo?

What do you enjoy doing at WDW?

Will you be visiting DLR all day or partial days?


Be aware how the time zone works in your favor for early touring the first couple of days.

Know FP. Park hop each day. Get there EARLY each day. Know FP.

Read the links within the above link, give us some more info & post again.


If you are thinking courtyard, then think Harbor Blvd hotel/motel that is walking distance (not courtyard). Look at HGs hotel link.

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

 

[Illini_Jeff]

Thanks for the good post, Hound. I'll be going solo, and my WDW experience has me prepared for general park strategies like park-hopping and Fast Pass.

I don't have the commitment from my customer yet, so my Disneyland plans will most likely be made "on the fly". I know this is not ideal, but I'll make the best of it. If I go, I would like to spend at least two days there but preferably three or even four.

I tend to take things slowly at WDW, but I know a shorter stay at DL won't afford me that luxury.

I suppose the only real suggestions I am looking for have to do with lodging and dining. I'd like to stay somewhere close, convenient and reasonably priced. I also enjoy a good meal. I just don't know what's out there.

 

[sofamiliaragleam]

Depending on your schedule, you may be able to have the luxury of taking things slow. Like you, I'm a WDW vet whose business brought her to Anaheim a few months ago (a conference). I spent two days in the parks: the first day at Disneyland, the second morning at DCA, and then the evening of the second day back at Disneyland. I had plenty of time to see everything I wanted to, and plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the scenery (for example, I was able to spend a fair amount of time wandering around in New Orleans Square, interacting with characters, and actually took my time in the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough / Tarzan's treehouse).

You may not be able to have the same luxury as I did (crowds due to the time of year, etc), but it has been done! Good luck!

 

[pittypat]

A "must do" for dining-Blue Bayou Restaurant that is inside (kinda) the Pirates ride. GREAT ambiance and excellent food. Nothing like it at WDW (think San Angel Inn, but waaaay better).

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

My trips as a child were only 2 days (this was before DCA) and we saw EVERYTHING multiple times. It's a different monster than WDW. 2 days would afford you a day in each park..3 days is pretty good..4 and you'd be able to be SUPER leisurely. We did 5 days a few years ago and I had no idea what to do with myself by the last day..it was GREAT

As for lodging (since I see you answered my questions)..if you want SUPER walkable and pretty cheap there's Desert Inn and Suites. Directly across the street from the entrance. It'd be perfect for a single traveler. If you want a little 'better' of a room, there's Desert Palms..about a 10 min walk MAYBE. (that was with two kids slowing us down). We liked it there..pretty good free breakfast. Rooms recently redone.

There's also HOJO which is a board favorite. Also a bit of a walk but has restaurants close

 

[slp1650]

I would say try and get the classics in, like Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and what not. They are slightly different from Disney World and they are the originals.

There's also Indiana Jones which has the same track or at least experience as Dinosaur! at WDW. I personally like Indy better, but it always seems to close at some point of the day for repairs so just keep an eye out.

Also remember: Star Tours just reopened so you could try that...

Finally, where WDW has Illuminations at Epcot, there's World of Color at DCA and if you're there late enough you might want to give it a chance as well.

 

[Illini_Jeff]

Thanks to all for offering some great tips here.

I'm more or less a pro at WDW, so I can suggest great restaurants, park tips, and must-see attractions. I'm sure Disneyland will confuse and irritate me at least for an hour or two!

So far, my list of must-sees at DL includes: World of Color (that's number 1), Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Tours. I will also do my best to see the nighttime parades and fireworks.

If it looks like I'll be able to stay for more than a day or two, my plan is to see attractions that are not available at WDW first, then do some exploring.

Some more questions:

Is Fantasmic any different at DL?

How about some favorite restaurant recommendations? (I'll try Blue Bayou, as recommended above)

Is there any must-see street entertainment or regularly appearing live music performances?


I realize there are all kinds of excellent threads for all of this. I'm kind of looking for opinions here.

Appreciating all the good suggestions!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

New Orleans Square is a GREAT place for leisure. You can watch random street performances (other people who go more often might be able to help you here..)..it's a GREAT people watching spot if you eat at French market. (We love the clam chowder bowl). http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/french-market-restaurant/

You can listen to a jazz band there too most of the time

Another place we like to hit up is the Bengal BBQ. We just grab our skewer of whatever (meat/veggies) and walk around..it's sorta like grabbing a corn dog Yummy

As for must see's...go on Indiana Jones too..It's original to DL.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Carnation Cafe is very nice. It is a sit down restaurant. We really like the River Belle Terrace for breakfast. It is counter service. Hungry Bear is a great counter service for lunch.

For WOC, you might want to consider getting a WOC dinner so you can get a premium pass to see the show. The Wine Tratorria is very good.

 

[Scribble Kitty]

I also love the Carnation Cafe. Ate there every day last trip and if you time it right you can watch the parade from your table.

 

[bubbamomma]

So excited for you!!! DL is a whole different critter than WDW. Both are special in their own way.

Some more questions:

Is Fantasmic any different at DL? Oh yes it is!!!! I personally think its better....something so special about the transformation that happens. The place you've been walking through turns into the theater....its AWESOME!!! Just bear in mind that seating is very very limited. That is the benefit of WDW's version.

How about some favorite restaurant recommendations? (I'll try Blue Bayou, as recommended above)
For a quiet/cheap meal and a reason to walk through the Grand Californian White Water Snacks is good, Taste Pilots in CA, And the Little Red Wagon Corndogs (AMAZING corndogs!!) looking forward to getting my hands on one in ummm...16 days!

 

[rentayenta]

Very cool!


Disneyland is very intimate and to me and offers a somewhat different experience than WDW. Enjoy the magic and don't miss: the Tiki Room, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Pirates (it's longer at Disneyland), the Matterhorn, Alice, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Storybook Boats, IASW (much better than WDW's), Nemo Subs, Autopia, and Haunted Mansion Holiday if you'll be there during the layover.

Blue Bayou may be booked so call as early as you can for PS (Priority Seating- Disneyland's version of an ADR).

Fantastic is very cool and does differ than WDWs. Beware the bottle neck in NOS and Adventureland after.

Carnation Cafe on Main St is a must do for breakfast, the earlier the better and you'll need to call for a PS.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is Fantasmic any different at DL?

See "Fantasmic! Superthread" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2671983

 

[ktlm]

Add the Indiana Jones ride to your to do list. Believe me it is NOT Dinosaur, or anything like it. I don't care for Dinosaur, and Indy is probably my absolute favorite Disney ride!!

Fantasmic is a ton better at DL. My DD HATES the WDW version, and loves the DL version. If you are a Peter Pan fan at all, you will want to catch the DL version. If you are in the mood to splurge, the Fantasmic dessert package is great. It is expensive, but you get an actual chair for Fantasmic, you get a box of cheese, fruit, desserts, and something to drink, and if you do the first Fantasmic showing you get to say in your seat to watch the fireworks. It's great!

 

[Illini_Jeff]

I forgot about Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! I saw the Magic Kingdom's version back in 1996, but it hasn't been there for several years.

The Matterhorn, Indiana Jones and Nemo Subs will also be added to the "must-see" list too, and I will certainly spend some time taking in the sights and sounds of New Orleans Square.

I'll need to read up on the restaurants and will take everyone's recommendations as a starting point. I realize it will be difficult or even impossible to get into some of the restaurants. Unfortunately I can't do anything about that right now. What's the worst that can happen? That I decide I need to make another trip? Yeah... I'd probably hate that.

Do any of the restaurants have walk-in dining at the bar? I was able to get into California Grill at WDW that way. Sure, my back was to the window, but the food was outstanding.

And I read here that I will be able to find corn dogs AND meat on a stick? Man, that place has EVERYTHING!

 

[Illini_Jeff]

Add the Indiana Jones ride to your to do list. Believe me it is NOT Dinosaur, or anything like it. I don't care for Dinosaur, and Indy is probably my absolute favorite Disney ride!!

Thanks! Dinosaur is a fascinating and beautiful attraction but I find the vehicle shakes me around a bit too much. Is Indiana Jones any smoother, or at least less stressful?

 

[Illini_Jeff]

See "Fantasmic! Superthread"

Thanks HydroGuy, and kudos on the superthreads!