First trip to Disneyland

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Hi all, I am a WDW veteran, with 4 trips in the past 5.5 years plus 1 trip as a kid. I just bought airfare from a trip to Southern California in August (August 1-10) and of course, I am planning on going to Disneyland and California Adventure. What should I know about going to Disneyland? Where should we stay? How many days do I need. Is a 2 day park hopper enough? My middle daughter will turn 9 during our trip. Any suggestions for a special birthday dinner?

Is the Citypass a good idea? We also plan to go to Universal Hollywood and possibly Sea World. Not sure where to start!!!!

 

[AladdinRapunzelTink]

Consider Disneyland to be a greatest hits of your WDW favorites (often in their best version) and also host to several classic dark rides that have not been duplicated at WDW. Disneyland itself is much smaller than the Magic Kingdom, but has a lot more attractions. Two days is enough, three is optimal (Two days for DL, one for DCA). I recommend hitting Fantasyland/Toontown early because it's easy to get a lot done fast. Plaza Inn is a great table service inside DL known for their fried chicken. Mickey and the Magical Map is a stage show and not to be missed, especially since it's not at WDW. Staying in a Disney hotel isn't as essential as it is at WDW, but the Grand Californian has an entrance straight into California Adventure and staying at a Disney hotel will get you into the parks an hour early on select days which is nice, of course.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi all, I am a WDW veteran, with 4 trips in the past 5.5 years plus 1 trip as a kid. I just bought airfare from a trip to Southern California in August (August 1-10) and of course, I am planning on going to Disneyland and California Adventure. What should I know about going to Disneyland?

You have come to the right place!

What should you know? First, DLR is not WDW. That may seem obvious, but too often WDW vets go to DLR to "experience something different" then seem to get frustrated with the differences. Go with an open mind, embrace the differences, and you will have a great DLR trip.

Not sure where to start!!!!

The standard starting point around here for folks like you are the newbie sticky thread at the top of the forum:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/dl...iews-hydroguys-tips-newbie-info-here.1072276/

and this thread below. I have never disagreed with the author of this thread:

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

Where should we stay?

I am a firm believer in staying within walking distance. Either on property or off, you have 12-15 varied options.

See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

How many days do I need. Is a 2 day park hopper enough?

Anything less than four days and you will leave wishing you had more time. Two days at DLR is of course enough to have a lot of fun and will feel a bit like a four day trip to WDW. Is four days at WDW "enough"? Well, that depends - on how whether you want to skim the surface of WDW or have a "quick hit" visit.

If all you have is two days then just plan to not be able to experience some things.

My middle daughter will turn 9 during our trip. Any suggestions for a special birthday dinner?

The most unique dining experience is the Blue Bayou at DL. It is pricey but very cool.

Is the Citypass a good idea? We also plan to go to Universal Hollywood and possibly Sea World.

CityPass is a fine idea if you want to visit those other places. Realize that while it seems that Orlando is mostly about theme parks, SoCal as well as NoCal and nearby Nevada and Arizona, offers an incredible variety of things to do. Look into these.

 

[Canuck16]

Is the Citypass a good idea? We also plan to go to Universal Hollywood and possibly Sea World.

CityPass is a great idea if you want to go to DLR, Universal and Seaworld.

We used it on our first trip and it worked great.

This being your first trip to DLR as Hydro Guy has mentioned I would recommend 4 days. Also park hopping is a breeze at DLR compared to WDW being that the parks are side by side so you may want to consider getter hoppers as well.