First trip to the west coast

[dayvewc]

Hey,

I just reserved my rooms for Disneyland over our spring break this coming spring.

While I now have several visits to WDW under my belt, I've never been to the west coast, so I'm not quite sure what I need to ask.

I read Hydroguy's guide to DL for WDW vets, and really appreciate it, but it seems (to me) to basically just say "slow down and relax". I that really all I need to do?

Thanks

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Aside from continuing to read these boards, I like to suggest going to your local library and seeing what DLR books, if any, they have in their travel section. They may be a little bit out of date, but you can get a sense of whether you'd be interested in purchasing the latest version.

 

[GatorChris]

The reason you can slow down and relax is because there's only two parks and every attraction is squished up against each other. You don't have nearly the running around to get from one spot to another.

One thing that's way different is the table service restaurants - or I should say the lack thereof. DL has a lot more CS places to eat, and a lot more variety than the hamburger joint w/fixen's bar.

 

[sharonabe]

We are also in the midst of planning our first trip out west.

My tips:

1. Read through all the superthreads (at least the first few pages and the last few pages) to get an idea of how Fantasmic, World of Color, and Radiator Springs works.

2. Start looking at menus to determine how/where you want to eat.

3. Read some trip reports.

4. Go to disneyland.com and play around with the map to get an idea of where things are and how to get from point A to point B.

5. Look at last year's park hours to determine which parks/which days...keeping in mind your eligibility for early park entry.

That's some of the things I did in the beginning and kept looking through the threads to see what else I needed to know. Questions will probably come as you do more reading.

Have fun!!

 

[Pheran]

Aside from continuing to read these boards, I like to suggest going to your local library and seeing what DLR books, if any, they have in their travel section. They may be a little bit out of date, but you can get a sense of whether you'd be interested in purchasing the latest version.

If you want a totally up to date version, the brand new 2015 version of the Disneyland Unofficial Guide is just now coming out, around $14 at Amazon.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Another reason, because most guests are locals, everybody doesn't want to do/ride/see everything all at the same time, so it feels a lot less hectic.

 

[dayvewc]

Aside from continuing to read these boards, I like to suggest going to your local library and seeing what DLR books, if any, they have in their travel section. They may be a little bit out of date, but you can get a sense of whether you'd be interested in purchasing the latest version.

If you want a totally up to date version, the brand new 2015 version of the Disneyland Unofficial Guide is just now coming out, around $14 at Amazon.

I've been thinking about buying one of the unofficial guides, but this has always been my "go-to" place for WDW, so I'm hoping to not need to.

The reason you can slow down and relax is because there's only two parks and every attraction is squished up against each other. You don't have nearly the running around to get from one spot to another.

One thing that's way different is the table service restaurants - or I should say the lack thereof. DL has a lot more CS places to eat, and a lot more variety than the hamburger joint w/fixen's bar.

With everything squished up against everything else, does that make the park seem more crowded than it really is? Is it easy to get through from place to place?

And I don't do lots of dining at WDW, I usually bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks and just snack my way through the day that way. Supplementing occasionally with a Mickey bar or Dole-whip, of course. Is this allowed at DL? I haven't found the info (yet) that says either way.

We are also in the midst of planning our first trip out west.

My tips:

1. Read through all the superthreads (at least the first few pages and the last few pages) to get an idea of how Fantasmic, World of Color, and Radiator Springs works.

2. Start looking at menus to determine how/where you want to eat.

3. Read some trip reports.

4. Go to disneyland.com and play around with the map to get an idea of where things are and how to get from point A to point B.

5. Look at last year's park hours to determine which parks/which days...keeping in mind your eligibility for early park entry.

That's some of the things I did in the beginning and kept looking through the threads to see what else I needed to know. Questions will probably come as you do more reading.

Have fun!!

1) Thanks!! I have started reading some of the tips and stickies, but it just seems like there is a whole lot to read through. My first trip to WDW, I spent 15 months planning, and I only have a bit over 6 months to plan this trip. I'm hoping that the "more relaxed" means I won't need to obsess quite as much as I do planning for WDW.

2) I haven't started looking at menus yet, trying to determine if I can do my normal daily snacks or not.

3) Yep, gotta get on those as well.

4) Yeah, I found some great maps and interactive maps on here, been looking at them, but I'm not real good at spacial perception, so I know they are helpful, but I'm working at getting the mental feel of the distances and relationships.

5) I didn't even know that the last years hours were out there somewhere. I learn something every day.

Thanks again, and I hope you are having fun planning your trip. Also hope you have fun ON your trip!

Another reason, because most guests are locals, everybody doesn't want to do/ride/see everything all at the same time, so it feels a lot less hectic.

 

[SMD]

With everything squished up against everything else, does that make the park seem more crowded than it really is? Is it easy to get through from place to place?

And I don't do lots of dining at WDW, I usually bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks and just snack my way through the day that way. Supplementing occasionally with a Mickey bar or Dole-whip, of course. Is this allowed at DL? I haven't found the info (yet) that says either way.

It doesn't seem more crowded than it really is, it is that crowded. The walkways in DL are tight, because 60 years ago they were adequate. You really have to go with the flow and just work your way through bottlenecks.

They allow small soft sided coolers, usually about the 6 can size. Snacks have to be prepared, so you can bring in a sandwich, you can't bring in lunch meat and a loaf of bread.

 

[dayvewc]

It doesn't seem more crowded than it really is, it is that crowded. The walkways in DL are tight, because 60 years ago they were adequate. You really have to go with the flow and just work your way through bottlenecks.

They allow small soft sided coolers, usually about the 6 can size. Snacks have to be prepared, so you can bring in a sandwich, you can't bring in lunch meat and a loaf of bread.

Hmmm, I usually have to travel with an ECV. Is that going to be lots more difficult to maneuver around than WDW?

The cooler I usually bring would hold about 8 cans + an ice pack. Or maybe 10 cans by themselves. It fits 2 20oz carbonated bottles, 2 32oz refillable collapsable water canteens, a refreezable ice pack, 6-8 protein / granola bars, and 1 slightly squished sandwich. I have learned how to pack that little cooler to maximize all the space. lol

 

[GrandBob]

I read Hydroguy's guide to DL for WDW vets, and really appreciate it, but it seems (to me) to basically just say "slow down and relax". I that really all I need to do?

Basically, yes. I mean, it's helpful to read the threads here, especially the superthreads, to learn a few tricks. E.g. for seeing Fantasmic! (seating for 2nd performance much easier, and learn the light tower trick), WOC, wide right, etc. But pretty much, you can have a wonderful trip just by deciding on each morning where you want to start, and have a rough idea of what you'd like to see. Then just do it.

With everything squished up against everything else, does that make the park seem more crowded than it really is?

Basically, yes. Especially compared to WDW. As noted elsewhere, DLR is older and was built with much narrower walkways. The "Adventureland gauntlet" is notorious. But it's not at all a bad thing. The next ride you want to take is going to be much closer than it would be at WDW. With an ECV, you'll need to be a bit more careful of your surroundings. But with a little practice and situational awareness, you'll do just fine.

-Bob

 

[dsny1mom]

Hey,

I just reserved my rooms for Disneyland over our spring break this coming spring.

While I now have several visits to WDW under my belt, I've never been to the west coast, so I'm not quite sure what I need to ask.

I read Hydroguy's guide to DL for WDW vets, and really appreciate it, but it seems (to me) to basically just say "slow down and relax". I that really all I need to do?

Thanks

IMHO the number one thing a DW vet needs to do is do not compare DLR to DW.
Keep in mind the following:
DLR is smaller, older and the original.
Sleeping Beauty's castle isn't tiny it is the perfect size for DLR.
No big old bus to take you from the airport to DLR for free.
Old fashioned tickets are used for entry.
DLR does not sit miles into it's personal swamp but rather in the city of Anaheim.
Lots more locals and lots less tourists making Saturdays one of the least crowded days due to annual pass blackouts.
Walkways are narrower and many DW vets feel DLR is more crowded than DW
No free Wifi in the parks and no magic bands requiring ride reservations months before you have any idea where you will be on any given day
No FP+ just the old fashioned FP system
Park hoping is a daily occurance because DCA is actually just a hop skip and jump from DL. Not a bus, monrail or boat ride like it take to get to parks at DW
Less sit down restauants but better counter service restaurants than DW
No need to save spots for parades hours in advance but F! does require a long wait and there are no seats to sit in
Photopass+ is approx half the price of the DW version
And lastly no need to plan like you are going to war-take is easy- enjoy yourself- you'll be on vacation not attacking a third world country!

dsny1mom

 

[dayvewc]

Basically, yes. I mean, it's helpful to read the threads here, especially the superthreads, to learn a few tricks. E.g. for seeing Fantasmic! (seating for 2nd performance much easier, and learn the light tower trick), WOC, wide right, etc. But pretty much, you can have a wonderful trip just by deciding on each morning where you want to start, and have a rough idea of what you'd like to see. Then just do it.

These are some of the things I'm trying to figure out. I want to see and do EVERYTHING, but I'm only at the Grand Californian from Sunday afternoon til checkout Friday morning, and I'm not sure how many days I'll be at the parks. Probably not less than 3, but don't know if I'll add a couple of park days or visit other places (SeaWorld, Universal). Not sure how much planning it'll take to get it all done. And I'm still learning the disneyland.com website trying to figure out the schedule of when the different shows happen, and how many of them. (And what's the "light tower trick", wide right on WOC, etc.)

Basically, yes. Especially compared to WDW. As noted elsewhere, DLR is older and was built with much narrower walkways. The "Adventureland gauntlet" is notorious. But it's not at all a bad thing. The next ride you want to take is going to be much closer than it would be at WDW. With an ECV, you'll need to be a bit more careful of your surroundings. But with a little practice and situational awareness, you'll do just fine.

-Bob

"Adventureland gauntlet"? And yeah, I've learned that even on wide paths, other people don't see ECV's, so its "go slow and watch everyone". Thanks for some ideas of things to start figuring out.!!

IMHO the number one thing a DW vet needs to do is do not compare DLR to DW.
Keep in mind the following:
DLR is smaller, older and the original.
Sleeping Beauty's castle isn't tiny it is the perfect size for DLR.
No big old bus to take you from the airport to DLR for free.
Old fashioned tickets are used for entry.
DLR does not sit miles into it's personal swamp but rather in the city of Anaheim.
Lots more locals and lots less tourists making Saturdays one of the least crowded days due to annual pass blackouts.
Walkways are narrower and many DW vets feel DLR is more crowded than DW
No free Wifi in the parks and no magic bands requiring ride reservations months before you have any idea where you will be on any given day
No FP+ just the old fashioned FP system
Park hoping is a daily occurance because DCA is actually just a hop skip and jump from DL. Not a bus, monrail or boat ride like it take to get to parks at DW
Less sit down restauants but better counter service restaurants than DW
No need to save spots for parades hours in advance but F! does require a long wait and there are no seats to sit in
Photopass+ is approx half the price of the DW version
And lastly no need to plan like you are going to war-take is easy- enjoy yourself- you'll be on vacation not attacking a third world country!

dsny1mom

I think I can deal with everything you mentioned except not planning like I'll be attacking a third world country. Over-planning fits well with my CDO. (that's like obsessive-compulsive disorder, but the letters are in alphabetical order like they should be).

But thanks, I'll try to keep all that in mind.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I've been thinking about buying one of the unofficial guides, but this has always been my "go-to" place for WDW, so I'm hoping to not need to.



With everything squished up against everything else, does that make the park seem more crowded than it really is? Is it easy to get through from place to place?

And I don't do lots of dining at WDW, I usually bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks and just snack my way through the day that way. Supplementing occasionally with a Mickey bar or Dole-whip, of course. Is this allowed at DL? I haven't found the info (yet) that says either way.



1) Thanks!! I have started reading some of the tips and stickies, but it just seems like there is a whole lot to read through. My first trip to WDW, I spent 15 months planning, and I only have a bit over 6 months to plan this trip. I'm hoping that the "more relaxed" means I won't need to obsess quite as much as I do planning for WDW.

2) I haven't started looking at menus yet, trying to determine if I can do my normal daily snacks or not.

3) Yep, gotta get on those as well.

4) Yeah, I found some great maps and interactive maps on here, been looking at them, but I'm not real good at spacial perception, so I know they are helpful, but I'm working at getting the mental feel of the distances and relationships.

5) I didn't even know that the last years hours were out there somewhere. I learn something every day.

Thanks again, and I hope you are having fun planning your trip. Also hope you have fun ON your trip!

Yes, the walkways can feel more crowded than at WDW. Especially in the evenings and weekends when locals filter in more.

Personally, I wouldn't lug a cooler into the parks. I don't think they are allowed anyway. If I didn't have enough money to eat in the parks, I'd be more apt to go across the street to Denny's than bring in food (besides maybe granola bars or something.) What type of snacks are you bringing in that require a cooler?

 

[allsaintsatx]

Are you only going to be in CA from Sunday til Friday? Or is that just the time you'll be staying at the GCH?

I would suggest getting a 5 day park hopper, and maybe add a 1 day pass on Friday if the mood strikes you! You will not, I repeat, will not be able to see everything in 5 days especially if you're in an ECV.

We spent 5 days at the GCH in August with my mom in an ECV and everything takes just a little bit longer because of the business of the walkways. We've been multiple times on multiple trips with multiple ECVs and we still haven't done everything!

The park hopper will also help you take advantage of your proximity to DCA.

There were a couple of times we spent the day in DLR, we all went back to GCH to nap or swim and I took the time to go shopping at all the great stores in Cars Land and Buena Vista St.

Also, there is a side entrance into DCA from the back of GCH, which was a great help leaving or entering the parks during midday or nighttime hours.

Sometimes we would use that entrance (just cause it's so close!) walk through DCA to the main gate, exit, and walk across to DLR!!

 

[disnyrtl]

Just got back from DLR and we stayed at GCH, for the third time.

1st:you CAN bring a cooler, but there are some restrictions, the most important is that there is NO GLASS. Also, they MIGHT keep you from bringing in alcohol (I didn't even try). Furthermore, your cooler, like your bags, will be searched, so try not to pack it too much. I found if I told the searchers that there's was no glass or alcohol it made things go a boot a faster...but they will still look.

The entrance from the GCH is a god send because it can save you so much time. Nor you have a park hopper, and trying to get to DL instead of GC, I would still use this entrance and walk to the front then through to DL. It actually saves a good deal of time because the OTHER entrance requires you to go the same way eple taking the parking trams are coming in and it can be a long wait.

I also found that on Friday nights, DL is REALLY crowded. I was told it is because people from Southern CA are using their annual passes or day passes to come enjoy a night at the park. I didn't listen to this advice and at 6pm found myself in a 10 min wait just to get past the main booth. It was faster to walk down to the monorail and take that to tomorrow land.

Something else I forgot, if you are staying at the GCH, they have a sort of "fast dining" area by the pool. To get there walk towards the side entrance to GC park, but instead of turning left to goto the park, keep straight. The food area is at the end. It is open from about 7am-9pm (check to be sure) and you can pick up a number of food items to eat, even some milk to take up to your room.

The GCH has a number of specials for people staying at the hotel (as does the other DLR hotels) most notably is you can get into the park earlier and pickup a fast pass to WOrld of Color light show earlier than other park holders. These fast passes can disappear faster. You can also take part in a "power walk" around GC at like 7am. There are other events (like a pool party) so look over EVERTHING they give you when you check in, don't dismiss it like I did.

The rooms at GCH have a small fridge, but if you don't want things to freeze, put those things at the bottom. They have a DVD player, and RCA jacks available so you can plug in your own devices, like a video game console, your own DVD or whatever. There is a hair dryer in the room, coffee maker, internet ports and in room safe with an electronic 4 digit pin you set yourself. If you happen to get a view of the parks, there are two different channels that you can turn the tv to in order to listen to the fireworks show (in DL) or the world of color show (in GC) but the views are not as good as the parks. The ice machines can be a bit always away just so you know.

Big tip: the locker areas at both parks have areas you can charge your mobile phone...and maybe other items like need charger (like ECVs). I didn't learn this until the LAST night I was there, when it was too late and my ECV lost its charge. Guises how I found out? I read the inserts they give out when you check in.

I also understand they are giving out a $50 Disney gift card if you take the time to go see a DVC presentation, so if you have the time then go. I've been a DVC member since 2005 and am so happy I did. My trip last week was a VERY last minute thing but I called DVC and got a regular room at GCH less than 24 hours of showing up.

So I think I answered your questions, if you more, ask me.

 

[disnyrtl]

Actually, a better thing than a cooler would be to take a water proof bag in. Walmart sells these reusable cold bags for the purpose of taking your cold items home and that is what I just used. I actually prefer the use a "HOT/COLD" bag which looks like a big bag made out of aluminum with a snap top. The reason to use these is they are not as restrictive as a cooler, they can be pushed into the front basket of your ECV or when done rolled up and put into a backpack.

Also BRING SUNTAN LOCATION. I just got back on Sunday from a 3day trip and my arms have a nice sunburn on them from holding the handles of the ECV all day and there are A LOT of rides where the lines have you out in the sun.

 

[dayvewc]

Yes, the walkways can feel more crowded than at WDW. Especially in the evenings and weekends when locals filter in more.

Personally, I wouldn't lug a cooler into the parks. I don't think they are allowed anyway. If I didn't have enough money to eat in the parks, I'd be more apt to go across the street to Denny's than bring in food (besides maybe granola bars or something.) What type of snacks are you bringing in that require a cooler?

The cooler I normally bring in is a small soft-sided lunch cooler. Roughly 6"x8"x15". It fits well into the basket on the ECV, and mostly has drinks (non-alcoholic), a couple of granola bars, and sometimes a sandwich. The only "need" for the cooler is to keep the drinks cold, and if I bring a sandwich to prevent it from spoiling in the hot weather. And checking the maps, there are outside eateries much closer to and easier to acces than at WDW, so I may opt for those. And it's generally not the money issue about eating in the park, but the (in)convenience factor of maneuvering the ECV through a counter service line.

Are you only going to be in CA from Sunday til Friday? Or is that just the time you'll be staying at the GCH?

I would suggest getting a 5 day park hopper, and maybe add a 1 day pass on Friday if the mood strikes you! You will not, I repeat, will not be able to see everything in 5 days especially if you're in an ECV.

We spent 5 days at the GCH in August with my mom in an ECV and everything takes just a little bit longer because of the business of the walkways. We've been multiple times on multiple trips with multiple ECVs and we still haven't done everything!

The park hopper will also help you take advantage of your proximity to DCA.

There were a couple of times we spent the day in DLR, we all went back to GCH to nap or swim and I took the time to go shopping at all the great stores in Cars Land and Buena Vista St.

Also, there is a side entrance into DCA from the back of GCH, which was a great help leaving or entering the parks during midday or nighttime hours.

Sometimes we would use that entrance (just cause it's so close!) walk through DCA to the main gate, exit, and walk across to DLR!!

I will be in the GCH for 5 nights, Sun - Thurs. I may add another 2 nights but that is dependent on how my research falls out on how much I reasonably think I can accomplish.

I plan to have the parkhopper, that looks to be the best plan with DL and DCA in such close proximity, not to mention having the entrance into DCA from GCH.

Just got back from DLR and we stayed at GCH, for the third time.

1st:you CAN bring a cooler, but there are some restrictions, the most important is that there is NO GLASS. Also, they MIGHT keep you from bringing in alcohol (I didn't even try). Furthermore, your cooler, like your bags, will be searched, so try not to pack it too much. I found if I told the searchers that there's was no glass or alcohol it made things go a boot a faster...but they will still look.

The entrance from the GCH is a god send because it can save you so much time. Nor you have a park hopper, and trying to get to DL instead of GC, I would still use this entrance and walk to the front then through to DL. It actually saves a good deal of time because the OTHER entrance requires you to go the same way eple taking the parking trams are coming in and it can be a long wait.

I also found that on Friday nights, DL is REALLY crowded. I was told it is because people from Southern CA are using their annual passes or day passes to come enjoy a night at the park. I didn't listen to this advice and at 6pm found myself in a 10 min wait just to get past the main booth. It was faster to walk down to the monorail and take that to tomorrow land.

Something else I forgot, if you are staying at the GCH, they have a sort of "fast dining" area by the pool. To get there walk towards the side entrance to GC park, but instead of turning left to goto the park, keep straight. The food area is at the end. It is open from about 7am-9pm (check to be sure) and you can pick up a number of food items to eat, even some milk to take up to your room.

The GCH has a number of specials for people staying at the hotel (as does the other DLR hotels) most notably is you can get into the park earlier and pickup a fast pass to WOrld of Color light show earlier than other park holders. These fast passes can disappear faster. You can also take part in a "power walk" around GC at like 7am. There are other events (like a pool party) so look over EVERTHING they give you when you check in, don't dismiss it like I did.

The rooms at GCH have a small fridge, but if you don't want things to freeze, put those things at the bottom. They have a DVD player, and RCA jacks available so you can plug in your own devices, like a video game console, your own DVD or whatever. There is a hair dryer in the room, coffee maker, internet ports and in room safe with an electronic 4 digit pin you set yourself. If you happen to get a view of the parks, there are two different channels that you can turn the tv to in order to listen to the fireworks show (in DL) or the world of color show (in GC) but the views are not as good as the parks. The ice machines can be a bit always away just so you know.

Big tip: the locker areas at both parks have areas you can charge your mobile phone...and maybe other items like need charger (like ECVs). I didn't learn this until the LAST night I was there, when it was too late and my ECV lost its charge. Guises how I found out? I read the inserts they give out when you check in.

I also understand they are giving out a $50 Disney gift card if you take the time to go see a DVC presentation, so if you have the time then go. I've been a DVC member since 2005 and am so happy I did. My trip last week was a VERY last minute thing but I called DVC and got a regular room at GCH less than 24 hours of showing up.

So I think I answered your questions, if you more, ask me.

Thanks. This is excellent. So, basically the rules for bringing in a cooler and food is the same as at WDW. That is great, because I pretty well have that down to an art. I'm booked this trip using my DVC, so I'm somewhat familiar with that program, and you are right, I'm loving it. I'm also guilty of not reading everything at check-in, but I have learned what I need to look for to ease my specific circumstances.

Actually, a better thing than a cooler would be to take a water proof bag in. Walmart sells these reusable cold bags for the purpose of taking your cold items home and that is what I just used. I actually prefer the use a "HOT/COLD" bag which looks like a big bag made out of aluminum with a snap top. The reason to use these is they are not as restrictive as a cooler, they can be pushed into the front basket of your ECV or when done rolled up and put into a backpack.

Also BRING SUNTAN LOCATION. I just got back on Sunday from a 3day trip and my arms have a nice sunburn on them from holding the handles of the ECV all day and there are A LOT of rides where the lines have you out in the sun.

I had never thought of a reusable cold bag like that. It may work better than the cooler I have; I'll have to look at one and think it through.

And definitely thanks on the suntan lotion tip. I almost always travel with some, but I'm familiar enough with WDW that I don't worry as much as I used to. I know where to go to stay out of the sun. But I don't know that about DL yet.

I guess my next big questions are: what order do I need to plan my route through the parks? What/where are specific places that I'll have difficulty with the ECV (Adventureland gauntlet?) Is it worth trying to rent a car while I'm there and seeing other things besides just DLR, or should I just go LAX --> DLR --> LAX? Is the CityPass ticket worth getting if I do decide to explore? How does the CityPass ticket work with being a guest at GCH? If I don't rent a car, what are the best options for touring?

Thanks for all the help so far. And thanks in advance for any additional help.

 

[ClaraOswald]

That cooler sounds like it should be allowed. They just don't want people bringing in these monster coolers on wheels and whatnot.

 

[dayvewc]

That cooler sounds like it should be allowed. They just don't want people bringing in these monster coolers on wheels and whatnot.

I know, and understand, but there are days when I wish I could bring in this, it would make several things so much easier.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Haha! Awesome.