First timer at Disneyland, Arriving next week for 3 nights.

[Fladis32]

We are frequent WDW visitors. We have never been to Disneyland and a chance just popped up for next week. I do not have the time to plan and research. Help! Please give me advise on can’t miss rides, food items, restaurants, etc. How would you gobble it all up in two days? Are there any ways to pay for fast passes? The Disney hotels are not available. Where would you stay?

 

[bcla]

We are frequent WDW visitors. We have never been to Disneyland and a chance just popped up for next week. I do not have the time to plan and research. Help! Please give me advise on can’t miss rides, food items, restaurants, etc. How would you gobble it all up in two days? Are there any ways to pay for fast passes? The Disney hotels are not available. Where would you stay?

Well - maybe not pay for Fast Passes, but maybe MaxPass to make it easier to reserve. I believe you can even reserve before arriving in the park? Of course the VIP tours allow skipping of lines or at least being in the FP/DAS lines.

The can't miss rides are Pirates of the Caribbean (this is a longer version than WDW) and Indiana Jones Adventure. Then there are the newer, unique rides like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! The latter is a revamp of the old Tower of Terror ride system, but they've made it a fun experience with multiple ride variations.

 

[Geemo]

We are frequent WDW visitors. We have never been to Disneyland and a chance just popped up for next week. I do not have the time to plan and research. Help! Please give me advise on can’t miss rides, food items, restaurants, etc. How would you gobble it all up in two days? Are there any ways to pay for fast passes? The Disney hotels are not available. Where would you stay?

Get MaxPass with a Hopper Ticket for your days in the parks.
Once a ticket is scanned through the gate you can begin reserving FP's using MaxPass but not until then.

Once your ticket is scanned in you can reserve FP's with the app even if you are not in the parks.

Sometimes online the hotels appear to be unavailable. Trying calling to book a room at one of the Disney Hotels. Otherwise if you can find a place on Harbor, you will be in walking distance.

Have fun

 

[James From Utah]

Disneyland churros are always a must. As far as rides go, I'd recommend Radiator Springs racers, the Matterhorn, Incredicoaster, Indiana Jones and Guardians of the Galaxy Mission breakout. they're all DL exclusive rides. World of Color is amazing too (fastpass that over by little mermaid, and it doesn't count toward your fastpass time limit). I'd also recommend the maxpass which gives you photo downloads and the ability to fastpass on your phone. It saves a ton of time and walking. Gibson Girl Ice Cream is amazing on DL main street. It's always a must do for me.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You will need to do at least a minimum bit of research before your trip begins. Please read the threads below because they have very helpful information for you!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
Maxpass/Fastpass Superthread: an overview and some strategy -- ask any and all MP/FP questions in this thread -- you'll get great help!
"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862
"Choosing the Right DLR Area Hotel for You" www.disboards.com/threads/choosing-the-right-hotel-for-you.3656512/ -- at DLR, it's not about being on site -- both on and off site have pros and cons -- it's all about being close walking distance to the gates -- and some of the off site hotels are closer to the gates than the on site hotels! Read through this thread and ask any questions, then choose the hotel that is closest, with the best rate. If you have any hotel points, now is the time to use them!

 

[nutshell]

We are frequent WDW visitors. We have never been to Disneyland and a chance just popped up for next week. I do not have the time to plan and research. Help! Please give me advise on can’t miss rides, food items, restaurants, etc. How would you gobble it all up in two days? Are there any ways to pay for fast passes? The Disney hotels are not available. Where would you stay?

Get Maxpass and park hoppers. Can’t miss rides include:

Matterhorn
Space Mountain
Pirates
Indy Jones
Incredicoaster
Radiator Springs Racers
Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout

Have fun!

 

[tasha99]

Stay off the Matterhorn if you're over 35. You're welcome.

 

[mickeymom22]

We just had our family's first Disneyland trip this summer.

I highly recommend getting park hoppers and the maxpass!

Some things we really enjoyed:

Rides: Indy Jones, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, Space Mountain (there was a Star Wars overlay when we were there...it was super!), and Guardians of the Galaxy. If you haven't experienced Galaxy Edge, you need to take a stroll through Batuu.

We did not like the Matterhorn. I know it is sentimental favorite, but for us it was just too jerky.

Food: We loved Cafe Orleans (TS) and French Market (QS). The Tropical Hideaway was a great place to get a Dole Whip (beautiful at night). We had a super yummy breakfast at Flo's V8 Cafe. Jack's Nom Nom Cookies were good too.

We did not enjoy Bengal BBQ. I had heard about how great the meat skewers were and they just didn't live up to my expectations.

Lodging: We really loved our stay at the Tropicana Inn and Suites. Literally across the street from DL entrance!

Shows: World of Color vs. Fantasmic! We watched both shows, but if we had to pick one, World of Color would get the vote but just by a little.

We fell in love with DL so watch out! You might find yourself...planning another trip!

Happy Planning!

 

[VandVsmama]

Download the Disneyland app now and start to browse it so you're familiar with how to use it when you get there.

 

[lalasmama]

For lodging, you might want to download the app Hotels Tonight. There are always many on there, and it's meant to be used on short notice like this.

 

[VandVsmama]

Also, go to Disneyland Daily's website. They have a lot of helpful info in a compact format, so it's easy to get a lot of useful info in a short amount of time.

 

[BrianL]

Here's a run-down that I have posted before about ride differences that may help you prioritize since you have been to WDW. Jsut keep in mind that some rides that seem the same aren't really, and some that are different are very comparable to one at WDW. All are worth experiencing though, sometimes just to see the subtle differences.

Disneyland:
The Enchanted Tiki Room: longer show at DL, people seem more into it
Jungle Cruise: no temple tunnel at DL, shorter ride but other than that the same
Indiana Jones: Silimar ride to DINOSAUR at AK, better theming
Tarzan's Treehouse: pretty similar to Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse but with more Tarzan stuff
Pirates of the Caribbean: DL has two drops and more show scenes - much better than WDW version
Haunted Mansion: different exterior, ride is actually slightly shorter, has the Hatbox Ghost who is awesome but still give the edge to WDW one, but not by a lot
Splash Mountain: single-file seating at DL, shorter, water tends to overtop the boats guaranteeing you will get soaked to your shoes!
Winnie the Pooh: pretty similar, different ride vehicles that look like beehives
Big Thunder Mountain: DL has outdoor loading and new special effects in the final scene, smoother since refurb but otherwise very similar
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run: identical as far as I know
Peter Pan's Flight: DL version is a little shorter and stops to load so it loads even slower if you can believe that, WDW is slightly more refined
Dumbo: only one spinner, basically the same
Mad T Party: no canopy at DL but otherwise the same
It's a Small World: much nicer exterior, loads outside, large gaps between water track and show scenes, some Disney characters sprinkled in
Autopia: much longer than Tomorrowland Speedway and nicer scenery
Space Mountain: a very different ride here, smaller footprint, seating is side-by-side, smoother, cool lift-hill effects - WDW Space is very similar to The Matterhorn - they use the same ride system
Buzz Lightyear Astro-Blasters: guns can be held in your hand at DL making for easier aiming
Star Tours: identical except for having only four simulators instead of six so the line can move slower
Astro Orbiter: situated on the ground at DL so the views aren't as good

California Adventure:
Soarin: identical but only two theaters, may still be running the old California version so if you like that better could be good
Grizzly River Run: longer than the comparable Kali River at AK - you will get soaked on either!
Little Mermaid: different exterior but ride is exactly the same
Toy Story Mania!: the ride is exactly the same, only two tracks instead of the expanded three at HS, queue is outdoors but covered
Radiator Springs Ravers: comparable to Test Track as it is the same ride system, much longer, more themed elements, side-by-side race but not as fast - beautiful scenery!
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree: standard whip ride that is very similar to Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land
Guardians of the Galaxy: converted form Tower of Terror, DL tower was always different in that there is no forward movement of the car, all scenes on video, random song choice, very nice pre-show
Disney Jr. Dance Party: I believe this is basically the same as the HS one

 

[luvthemouse71]

We are frequent WDW visitors. We have never been to Disneyland and a chance just popped up for next week. I do not have the time to plan and research. Help! Please give me advise on can’t miss rides, food items, restaurants, etc. How would you gobble it all up in two days? Are there any ways to pay for fast passes? The Disney hotels are not available. Where would you stay?

I’m a first timer too and will be there next week. I’m focusing more on Disneyland. Will probably do 2 days there and 1 at California Adventure.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Stay off the Matterhorn if you're over 35. You're welcome.

I know I’ll regret it but I have to ride it, the Disney Nerd in me wants to. Maybe I’ll premedicate with some Advil.

 

[bcla]

I know I’ll regret it but I have to ride it, the Disney Nerd in me wants to. Maybe I’ll premedicate with some Advil.

I've been on kiddie roller coasters that had a harsher ride. It is however iconic and something I could deal with for a couple of minutes.

 

[Pamela M]

Stay off the Matterhorn if you're over 35. You're welcome.

There is actually a trick to riding Matterhorn without getting thrashed too much. The trick is to ride it like you would a bobsled - leaning forward. I brace my legs and hold on the the handles in front(by the seat infront of you) and lean forward. Your back should not be touching the backrest - if it does you'll get thrashed.

I'm in my 40's and did that ride 6 times in a row using that technique at a Halloween party once. The motion got to me before the back thrashing did.

 

[goooof1]

There is actually a trick to riding Matterhorn without getting thrashed too much. The trick is to ride it like you would a bobsled - leaning forward. I brace my legs and hold on the the handles in front(by the seat infront of you) and lean forward. Your back should not be touching the backrest - if it does you'll get thrashed.

I'm in my 40's and did that ride 6 times in a row using that technique at a Halloween party once. The motion got to me before the back thrashing did.

YES, THIS ^ I am a bit older ( +++ hahaha) than the 40s..... and I love the Matterhorn !!