First trip to Disneyland!

[karebear06]

We just got back from our first trip to the Disneyland Resort. We arrived on Sunday and departed on Wednesday morning, so it was a short vacation. Our hotel was the Grand Californian villas.

So to start off, I absolutely loved the Grand Californian. I believe it is one of my favorite DVC resorts. I loved the robes they had in the room, the beds were super comfy, and they had the H2O bath products that are on the cruise ships. The room was very clean and tidy and did not have any wear and tear.
Our 2 bedroom villa had a wonderful view overlooking DCA.

We loved Disneyland. I think I like it better than the Magic Kingdom. On the other hand, I am not crazy about DCA. I assume that is why they are making all of the changes and expansions in the future. Disneyland to me seemed more detailed. Even the rides that were named the same seemed better. For example, Peter Pan, Pirates, Its a small world. The park seemed like they maximized their space better. Everything was closer together which gave it more of an intimate feel, but it did not feel overcrowded. I love the theming of New Orleans Square. So much detail!

You cannot beat the convenience. I loved being able to walk straight to the parks. Super easy if you have a family.

Really the only con I have is the food. We love the Blue Bayou, but was not really impressed with Steakhouse 55. The parks really did not have a huge selection of bakery items like I usually see at WDW. I love the little chocolate cakes that you can get as a snack or a dessert option.

Overall, we had a great vacation and cannot wait to go back. We will definitely stay at GC again, but this time longer.

 

[coaches24]

Glad you had a good trip. I agree with you about DCA. There are some good rides and attractions but overall its not nearly as good as DL. Half a day is about how long it takes me to get tired of DCA. And when I went a couple weeks ago my 2nd favorite DCA ride GRR was closed so there was even less for me to do.

 

[mt mommy]

Totally agree with you on liking Disneyland better than WDW.
And also, in agreement with the food choices. WDW wins out in the food category for sure!!
Glad you had a fun trip!

 

[kaoden39]

Hi I am thrilled to hear you had such a good time. I didn't really like DCA the first time I went, my expectations were so high I think. I expected that it would more like Disneyland. When I stepped back and decided to look at it as it's own park and I liked it so much better the next few times I visited. Now I look forward to seeing it when I go.

I look forward to hearing more about your trip.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Glad you had a good time can't wait to hear more!

 

[Estella]

I like Disneyland better than Magic Kingdom too. The first time I walked by It's a Small World in MK, I didn't even know what ride it was! And I love POTC better at DL. The last time we visited DL, we used DCA as a break from the crowds at DL, so we enjoyed it.

 

[BellaBaby]

Another WDW vet here.

Looking forward to your take on DLR as we are heading there in early June for the first time in 6 years. I am really excited, but feel like such a newbie!

Thank goodness for the DIS boards to get all the tips and tricks!!

Hope we hear an update from you soon!!

 

[Lorelai]

Oh goodie! I have so many questions as a soon-to-be first time DL visitor!

I really would love to know which rides/attractions seemed to have the longest wait.

When in WDW, we usually opt to ride TSM 1st in DS, Soarin' in EP, Dumbo in MK and EE in AK.

Will we likewise find massive lines for TSMM and Soarin' in DCA and Dumbo, Space Mtn., Splash Mtn. in DL? What are waits like for the rides we've never seen before like Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones, Finding Nemo Submarine, Alice In Wonderland and Storybookland Canal Boats?

Sorry so many Q's, but I am nervous that our 2 day venture will never be able to fit all of the rides we've longed to try.