First Timer....Please help!

[stretch828]

Hello,
My husband and I just visited WDW last Feb. and we were thinking of taking the trip out to CA to visit DL. I am not at all familiar with DL, so I need some help.

What all is there to do at DL? WDW consisted of MK, Epcot, AK, downtown disney and disney Hollywood.
is there just the one park at DL?.. I'm trying to decide how long we will need there. At WDW, we went for a week and were able to do each park twice.. So i'm assuming i may only need 2 days at DL unless there are other things to do there. We're thinking of going in Sept. '09

Also, how far of a drive is it to L.A. and Los Vegas. We may decide to do a little sight seeing while we're out there.

i'll probaby have more questions later.

Thanks for your help

 

[abouley]

There are 2 parks at Disneyland plus downtown disney. 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend at the parks, in my opinion. You have to keep in mind that while there aren't as many parks to visit, many of the "best" rides at WDW are crammed into the 2 parks. Having multiple rope drop mornings helps to get all these rides crammed in without too long of lines. Anaheim is really close to all other Southern CA attractions. You can go to San Deigo where there is Lego Land, Wild animal park, zoo, sea world, etc in about an hour's drive. You can also see Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags, Universal Studios within an hour's drive (give or take with traffic). Of course there is Hollywood etc. Las Vegas is maybe 4 hours from Disneyland give or take.

One thing to remember with Disneyland is that you can walk from many off-site hotels you don't have to stay on-site to be able to walk to the parks. Also, if you want to see parades and fireworks during off-season you'll probably want to have at least 1 night on a Friday or Saturday.

Alison

 

[PinkBudgie]

I agree you need at least three days. DLR also has California Adventure, which I really like. It is currently undergoing major renovations and should be even better in the years to come. It only takes a minute to switch from one park to the next and I often go back and forth and get FPs for both parks at the same time.

There is another current thread on here about at WDW vet wondering if it was worth it to visit DLR. You should read through it because people who have been to both have good info. I've never been to WDW.

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

I had been a Disney pro before going last Jan but after diligently taking notes from this board...I was better than ever! We hit all the rides we wanted (some were down & some were too big for our little guy) & did both parks in 2 days. First, we went in a slow period & Second, I had a plan. So it IS possible. The 3rd day we went to the beach, 20 min away.

We stayed at an inexpensive place, Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites (DI&S) & the walk to the gates was shorter than the walk from Disneyland Hotel. We google mapped it & measured - we can be nerds that way. It was clean, inexpensive & fast. Watched the fireworks from our room bc our then 3yo had crashed.

I'm not an expert on the LA to LV drive but from Phx it takes 6 hrs to get to LA, & LV is 4 hrs from us. I could be wrong but I'd say 6-8 hrs you should be there. Try Mapquesting it.

Everyone is different but we do DTD our first day there, so we can start the parks fresh the next morning. Abouley added some great attractions but so far my favorite is going to Newport Beach, renting a bike & riding the boardwalk after eating at the Crab Cooker. It's a nice leisurely way to finish a busy weekend. HTH!!

 

[LucyDingo]

First and foremost, I would go to www.disneyland.com to see what DLR is like. And see what kinds of attractions are in each park.

 

[pixiewings71]

There are 2 parks, DL and DCA, there is also DTD which does not require admission. I like to have 4 or 5 days myself and we do make a lot of trips to DL. I don't like to rush but rather savor. I would suggest getting at least 3 days admission and park hopping. DCA is just across the esplanade from DL and it's very doable to hit them both in the same day. I love the closeness of the 2 parks myself. You can stay on Harbor, there are a lot of nice hotels on Harbor within walking distance, in fact we've only stayed on site 2 of our almost 20 trips to DL. We prefer staying offsite as it is closer and cheaper. DL is very different from WDW from what I've heard, I hope you have a great time!

 

[vettegirl]

DL is so amazing. There is lots to do. There is Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland Ride, Matterhorn, a better version of POTC, an awesome SM with music, Blue Bayou (an absolute must for a first time visit), the Storybook Canal Ride. The original Tiki Room! The details inside DL are much better than the MK.
DCA has California Screamin (my favorite ride), a different version of TT (the special effects are better than the one at DHS IMO), Mailboomer, Orange Stinger swings, Muholland Madness, Aladdin Show (Amazing!!), Taste Pilots Grill (very need counterservice meal). I think you will have a great time with all the different rides and things to do at both parks. I would allow 3-4 days like suggested on the board, take your time and enjoy!

 

[stretch828]

Thanks for all of your ideas.

One thing i forgot to ask... Is the transportation between the 2 parks? Are they close to each other?

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

It's w/in walking distance. DL...gates...DCA.

 

[BrerFox]

Thanks for all of your ideas.

One thing i forgot to ask... Is the transportation between the 2 parks? Are they close to each other?

They are literally right beside eachother. Like 40 yards.

 

[HydroGuy]

There is another current thread on here about at WDW vet wondering if it was worth it to visit DLR. You should read through it because people who have been to both have good info. I've never been to WDW.

Here is a link to the referenced thread:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[pixiewings71]

Thanks for all of your ideas.

One thing i forgot to ask... Is the transportation between the 2 parks? Are they close to each other?

No transpo needed, they are very close. You walk thru security and on one side of the esplanade is DL, the other is DCA. You can stand in between them and see them both.