First time visit for this Brit family used to WDW...

[PoppyAnna]

Hi everybody,

First time on this board

We're embarking on a three week California road trip part of which will include four nights in Anaheim to visit DLR for the first time

We have visited Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris on many occasions, we aren't too keen on an over planned trip but rather prefer to go with the flow with early starts and knowledge on our side.

Our two dates to visit are Monday 29th August and Tuesday 30th. I'm hoping the crowds will be lighter than earlier in August and due to being the week before Labor day - am I correct to assume this? We plan on doing one park per day (not hopping).

We are Mum and Dad in our *cough* forties, one daughter age 13 and one age 10. We are booked to stay off site but within easy walking distance. We'll have breakfast at our hotel and each day and two really long days in the parks with CS meals.

What would be your "must-do's"? We all like rides, shows and attractions but not so much character interaction.

Your help and tips are greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[nikkislaght]

since you have done WDW before , you want to do the rides that aren't there, or are different to whats there.


https://disneygeek.com/dland_vs_wdw/wdw_dland_attractions.htm
this web site gives a comparison.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This superthread will have lots of good info for you: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

 

[pa. dad]

I agree= there are many things in the ca. parks that are unique to ca so I would concentrate most of those and also mix in your favorites. Be sure to do the Nemo Subs, Mr Toad, Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn.

One thing I will say- We have been to disney world like 10 times, Ca. 2 times and not yet to Paris.
2 days at Disneyland CA for us was like 1.5 days in the DL park and about half a day in the DCA park. The DCA park was nice but we thought there were a lot more attractions in the DL park. So I would say to allow more time for the DL park.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would highly encourage you to consider spendng a minimum of 3 days at DLR.

My must do's are included in the link by a PP for WDW vets.

Also to that list include seeing the Paint the Night parade. I would skip World of Color on a two day trip (and see PtN instead) but if you had three days then add WOC.

No one knows yet about the new Frozen show at DCA that starts in May.

 

[goooof1]

Agree with HydroGuy that 3 days should be a minimum for DLR.....4-5 days would be better! 2 days doesn't really give you enough time to slow down and enjoy the little things and the details! And def. check out the link for wdw vets!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree with the other posters about adding more days. DL is Walt's original park and has so many details that should be enjoyed.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Three days is a bare minimum but I highly suggest 5 if you can swing it. It's not just a matter of "doing everything", it's a matter of being surrounded and engulfed with Disney magic and nostalgia. It takes a few days just to experience the core features and it takes more than that to get into the "stop and smell the roses" mode where you can truly take in all the tiny details and revel in the care that is taken to make visiting the park a magical experience.