First trip to Disneyland WDW vet thoughts

[TomServo27]

We were there November 2-9 had five days in the park.
Stayed at Best Western mini suites. Really loved the convenience of this hotel. Good breakfast and nice rooms. I will say not being on property even being as close as we were I did feel a little out of the bubble. When you cross the street and the music hits you it is awesome but when at the hotel you do feel like you are in a city. But we did have a view of Guardians and could see the monorail when we walked out the room.

As far as the parks they were great really loved how easy park hopping was. Also loved maxpass did miss the convenance magic bands.

Disappointments there really was only one Splash Mountain. I had heard it was not as good as Florida’s but it’s not even close plus I got absolutely soaked.

As far what we loved Cars land is great the reveal coming from the Pacific Warf is amazing. Space Mountain Worlds version can’t even compare. Also Indy is much better than dinosaur. Guardians I wouldn’t say is better than ToT but it’s great version of that ride. I never was a Small World fan but Disneyland’s version is so good the whole experience from the great facade to loading outside and the the ride itself. World of Color can’t even begin to say how much I loved this show didn’t think anything could surpass Happily Ever After but this did.

Overall loved Disneyland would definitely stay at Best Western again unless I could get a really good deal on property. Also enjoyed the very low crowds never waited longer than 30 minutes for anything. Making rope drop everyday except our last day helped also. Being so close to the parks makes rope drop so much easier also. Have to mention the weather absolutely beautiful everyday did get a little cooler than I anticipated at night but overall was fantastic. Sure there is a bunch of stuff I missed. I’m already trying to figure out when we can go back.

 

[Cindylieu]

I love hearing all of your observations. We are WDW vets as well but will be at DL in June. We have been once before, 7 years ago and pre-Maxpass, but it helps to hear fresh observations from someone with similar background. Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks! Glad you were able to appreciate some of DLR's jewels like WOC and Indy! I think your comparisons are very balanced and close to my own thoughts.

 

[TomServo27]

Also should mention really liked Alice and Roger Rabbit. It was also great to get to ride one of my favorite rides as a kid Mr Toads. Also there something about the esplanade with the music and parks on both sides and downtown Disney in front of you. I just love that area and all the choices you have.

 

[Aurora0427]

Loved hearing your observations! We are WDW vets as well, I’ve actually lost count in regards to trips, and we moved to Southern California in June. Every time we visit Disneyland, I appreciate it more and more. Your ride comparisons are spot on! We usually stay at the Park Vue Inn and have done one trip at the Disneyland Hotel, and staying on property definitely gives you that bubble feeling, even though the Park Vue is way more convenient!

 

[ckb_nc]

Heading back in Jan. - been almost 4 years pre MaxPass. Staying off property - Rope drop for us

 

[VandVsmama]

We stayed once next door at Park Vue Inn and holy cow, it was so nice to be so close to the main gate! I agree w/you that Splash Mtn at WDW is a bit better. We still love both versions of it though.

And I totally agree w/you re: Carsland, Space Mtn at DL vs WDW, Indy vs Dinosaur. After we went on Space Mtn at WDW, we all felt nauseous. At DL, I think it's a much better experience. I prefer the ride vehicles much more and the sound/music is better since there are speakers right near your head (so you can actually hear the music). Space Mtn at WDW felt sort of like Matterhorn in the dark. In Carsland, it feels like you've been transported right into the movie. Totally immersive experience. And the vibe of that land is really great. It's a lot of fun. We usually end up eating at Flo's V-8 Café twice on every DL trip just because my kids love Carsland so much.

I am right there w/you re: IASW DL vs WDW. The outside of the DL IASW building is so pretty, especially when it's lit up at night. The topiaries that your boat passes by as your boat approaches the entrance to the attraction building are so well done. I missed that part a lot at the WDW version. But you know what? Waiting in an indoor queue in Orlando in June was far preferable to waiting in that same queue outside!

 

[TikiRob]

Awesome! I appreciate you sharing. We will be doing our first DL trip this March. Kinda bummed that two rides you note (Alice and Indy) are looking at going down in 2020! Ah well. We currently have a reservation at Best Western Mini Suites and Disneyland Hotel. I feel like I waiver every day about the cost savings. Ironically, DLH is a longer walk! But I'm also dreaming about late nights at Trader Sam's after my family crashes. 🏝

 

[TomServo27]

Awesome! I appreciate you sharing. We will be doing our first DL trip this March. Kinda bummed that two rides you note (Alice and Indy) are looking at going down in 2020! Ah well. We currently have a reservation at Best Western Mini Suites and Disneyland Hotel. I feel like I waiver every day about the cost savings. Ironically, DLH is a longer walk! But I'm also dreaming about late nights at Trader Sam's after my family crashes. 🏝

The convenience of the Best Western mini suites can’t be overstated. We had a BTMRR fastpass that we had to get to by 4:00. We walked out of the room at 3:30 got held up by the parade and still made it by 3:50. Although that parade really doesn’t deserve to called a parade.