First Trip to Disneyland!

[WDWFWfan]

Hi all, I'm a regular to Disney World, but I've been presented with a last minute opportunity to go to Disneyland for 1 day and 1 day only. My trips to Disney Word are typically 2 weeks at a time, so the whole 1 day thing has me freaking out a little.

So what advice would you give? I think I'll pretty much just stick to Disneyland this trip and I'll be there before opening. Other than that, advice? Not to miss attractions, unique things about Disneyland, etc.? Where to eat (cheap)? Where to stay (again cheap...very limited budget)?

Thanks!

 

[jdb in AZ]

One of the differences between WDW and DLR is that people at DLR tend to park hop more. Probably because the parks are 100 yards apart. If you limit yourself to the main park you'll miss World of Color and Aladdin.

Since you're a WDW vet I would concentrate on the attractions that are unique to Disneyland. Which would include WOC and Aladdin. The Matterhorn if it's running. The Little Mermaid ride if you can get a fastpass. The facades on Small World and Pirates are different, but the rides are pretty similar.

Another difference between DLR and WDW is that you don't "have" to make ADR 180 daze in advance. If you have a late lunch before the dinner prices kick in, you'll get more bang for your buck. We like the Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans.

 

[disneydreamer74]

Welcome to our side of the Disney Experience!! I can tell you that you will leave quite satisfied. I would not miss the Indiana Jones ride and the new Little Mermaid ride. It will be fun to compare the WDW rides to the DLR ones. IMO Space Mountain is way better at DLR. Also, we still have the Mr Toad Wild Ride at DLR. Fantasmic is much better at DLR as well because we use the Rivers of America during the presentation. There are many cheapish accomodation across the street from the park on Harbour Blvd. Many ppl swear by hojo's and Park Vue Inn. Hope you enjoy your day!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

You may want to check ou the stickys at the top//you could read this tip by our beloved Hydroguy....http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Jack

 

[ddwlms]

Also right across the street is Desert Inn & Suites. Not as nice as HoJos, but cheaper, and closer.

Definitely be at the gates before they open.

And if you decide to stay with your choice of DL only, (cheaper then park hopping) then watch the second showing of Fantasmic. We always camp out for the first show, but you won't have time for relaxing like that.

 

[GrandBob]

The facades on Small World and Pirates are different, but the rides are pretty similar.

Umm, no. POC is way better at DL. The WDW version is missing half the ride!

 

[WDWFWfan]

I've found a motel called "Anaheim Plaza Hotel" for $70 a night. It looks like it's across the street from Disneyland. Does anybody know if it truly is in walking distance? Also, is it clean?

 

[ddwlms]

I've found a motel called "Anaheim Plaza Hotel" for $70 a night. It looks like it's across the street from Disneyland. Does anybody know if it truly is in walking distance? Also, is it clean?

It down a good block from the entrance of DLR. It is totally walkable for the average person. Being an older mom of little ones (I'm tired before I start pushing a stroller ), I don't like that walk after a long day in the parks. --so I always stay at either the DI&S or the GCH. (talk about your extremes)

 

[WDWFWfan]

Okay, I've booked the Doubletree which is a few miles away (3-4). Now, I'm going to be driving in from Phoenix, AZ and arriving around 5pm. What will traffic be like coming into town that day? Also, I'll be leaving Fri. AM to drive back to Phoenix for an early evening flight, will the traffic be bad leaving the Anaheim area in the morning?

One other thing, I like to see the Pacific ocean while I'm there. Where's a decent (safe) local beach and how long would it take to get there?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[cougarfan84]

Okay, I've booked the Doubletree which is a few miles away (3-4). Now, I'm going to be driving in from Phoenix, AZ and arriving around 5pm. What will traffic be like coming into town that day? Also, I'll be leaving Fri. AM to drive back to Phoenix for an early evening flight, will the traffic be bad leaving the Anaheim area in the morning?

One other thing, I like to see the Pacific ocean while I'm there. Where's a decent (safe) local beach and how long would it take to get there?

Thanks for all the help.

I'm not from SoCal, but I would imagine traffic at 5pm would be pretty bad. I'll leave it to somebody else to let you know just how bad, though.

As far as beaches are concerned, I've been to Newport Beach and Corona del Mar and they both seemed pretty good beaches. Balboa Island is right next to them as well which is a fun place to go and get "Balboa Bars" from. Huntington Beach is also in that area and is pretty popular. These beaches are all probably around a half-an-hour away from Disneyland.