First Timer!!

[bexter12]

Just got the opportunity to drive (yes DRIVE) to LA from Ohio next week and agreed on the condition that I get to go to Disneyland. I have been to WDW hundreds of times, but never made it to CA.

I am taking my 12-year-old son (who luckily inherited my theme-park gene) and a friend who lives there and is as Disney crazy as we are.

I have downloaded Lines and created an "everything" touring plan.

Crazy to try and do it all in one day?

If so, what are the absolute, Disneyland-only things I need to make sure we see?

Becky (so stinking excited she can hardly sleep at night)

 

[jazzatola]

Road trip!!! Love it . Something that I think is a must is the train ride around the park I know others will chime in too!! Have a safe and fun trip!!

 

[skiingfast]

Crazy to try and do it all in one day?

It's not crazy to try, but is impossible to do. Imagine trying to do all of WDW in one day if you could get from gate to gate in under a minute. That is about what DLR is. Try to hit the DLR only and some of the rides that are different.

Read part 7 in this link. It's not part of this thread yet but make Radiator Springs Racers and Carsland a priority.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[QueenBeeMB]

I think you can do All the attractions (rides) in DL in one day. But that means no entertainment. Shows parades ect won't fit into one day. So I say hit the map and entertainment schedule online hard. Pick the must do's for your group and the things you can live without. Then plan your day and map out your attack on the park in a time line and itinerary.
Or just go Willy nilly Haha and have fun playing it by ear.
Enjoy !

 

[bexter12]

QueenbeeMB, yes, to everything! I have a plan but don't care to deviate if we feel the need to ride the haunted mansion 6 times in a row.

Skiingfast, no plans on California Adventure. I have gone over the attractions and there are only 6 or 7 things that they don't have in Disneyworld that I haven't already done. I'm so excited to go to the original Magic Kingdom, I can't imagine with only one day (two if I break down) going there.

I bawled my eyes out when I realized i will finally get to take my son on Mr. Toad which closed in Florida before he was born.

 

[skiingfast]

Skiingfast, no plans on California Adventure.

That's too bad. I'll tell you that I like it better than everything in WDW except Epcot.

 

[disneyismyheart247]

You definitely won't be able to do everything in one day but you can get a lot done in one day! The thing about Disneyland is everything is close together, so you don't have to walk far to get to another ride or attraction, making it more relaxing. Good luck!

 

[zavandor]

Since you are a WDW veteran, why don't you skip every attraction that is available also in WDW and try to do everything unique to DLR?
That include many of the DCA attractions, and above all World of Colors (don't miss it!).
The two parks are very close, to park hop it's only 5 minutes, really worth to do it, since you can maximize the use of fastpasses. Be sure to read all Hidroguy's threads, starting from this one:

http://www.www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Just got the opportunity to drive (yes DRIVE) to LA from Ohio next week and agreed on the condition that I get to go to Disneyland. I have been to WDW hundreds of times, but never made it to CA.

I am taking my 12-year-old son (who luckily inherited my theme-park gene) and a friend who lives there and is as Disney crazy as we are.

I have downloaded Lines and created an "everything" touring plan.

Crazy to try and do it all in one day?

If so, what are the absolute, Disneyland-only things I need to make sure we see?

Becky (so stinking excited she can hardly sleep at night)

Don't miss Pirates! It's really a much better experience in DL. I also preferred Space at DL. It's a smoother ride for sure. On Buzz you can actually take the guns out and move them around to shoot stuff.

In DCA don't miss California Screamin' it's a great coaster with a smooth ride and some fun thrills. ToT isn't random like at WDW but the doors open at the top so you can see the whole park. It's great!

I'm sure more people will be along to tell you what else you shouldn't miss but those are my top few.

Have a great trip!