First Trip

[GeorgiaDawg7]

The first week in March my cousin and I will be taking our first trip to DL. This also will be the first time I've ever been to California. We're WDW veterans having been there 20+ times we know the park inside out. With this being our first trip to DL we are going in completely clueless. What are some "must do's" and good dining that DL/DCA have to offer? Preferably your favorite CS restaurants? I'm very excited to see Walt's original park and ride DL's version of SPace mountain, splash mountain, small world, etc.

 

[pepperandchips]

We are in the same boat, having been to WDW over 20 times and heading to Disneyland for the first time in June. You might not get a lot of answers here because there are about 95732 threads of people asking the exact same thing within the last few pages' worth of threads, so you might just want to scroll through and see if any of them strike your fancy. I liked this one: http://www.disboards.com/threads/first-time-trip.3575681/#post-57056680

There's also a very nice sticky at the top of the Disneyland board with links to tons of info and a whole thread for Disneyland information for WDW vets. Some of the fastpass threads that are linked in various places are slightly out of date but my basic understanding is that you can pull paper fastpasses in both Disneyland and California Adventure without them affecting the other parks' next available FP time, and the fastpass return times ARE enforced.

There's also a great "dining review" thread where people are posting their food pics so I would head over that way and see if anything looks tasty. It's linked in the sticky information too.

Hope that helps!

 

[GunnarCharles]

As a WDW vet (kind of) I have to say your making a great decision. My first and only drip to Disneyland was in March 2015. I didn't do a lot of restaurants but really really enjoyed Cafe Orleans in Disneyland Park. It was reasonable on prices and great portions of really good food. A couple of must dos for me in Disneyland Park is the Indiana Jones adventure attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and Space Mountain. I know two of those are also attractions in Magic Kingdom but they are very different out west. In DCA my number one must do is World of Color. Highly recommend getting the fast pass and taking time to get a good spot, its an amazing show. Also take some time to experience Cars Land and Buena Vista street. I know you'll have an amazing time!!!

 

[Khokhonutt]

If you haven't seen it yet, Hydroguy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets is a must read for WDW vets heading to DLR for the first time. We're headed to DLR in June for our first time and his experience at both parks was a great start to our planning.

 

[Tattylou]

I'm going to echo @GunnarCharles and @pepperandchips.... we were WDW vets, who ventured to DL in April 2015 and had an awesome, amazing time. My DH prefers DL over WDW due to the ease of park hopping, small size, easier to get dining, etc. Imo pirates and space mtn are muuuch better at DL. Indiana Jones and Radiators Springs Racers are 2 of my fav disney rides of all time and they are only in DL. We are planning to go back to DL for our next disney trip. Enjoy!

 

[sohryu]

- Favorite CS in DCA: Smokejumpers Grill (located next to Soarin'). The chili burger is the best burger you'll get in the parks. Upgrade to the onion rings instead of french fries - you won't be sorry! Another recommendation would be Cove Bar since everyone loves their lobster nachos although personally I haven't tried them (yet). If you go, check out their secret drink menu ahead of time for something fun.

- Favorite CS in DL: Rancho del Zocalo (located in Frontierland next to Big Thunder Mountain). Their breakfast is actually pretty freaking great, I recommend the chilaquiles as they are very tasty and it's a healthy portion. I also enjoy this place for lunch/dinner - can't go wrong with a taco salad or enchiladas/asada plate!

If you're also interested in TS, I recommend Blue Bayou restaurant (make sure to make a reservation in advance!) which is in New Orleans Square. The dining area is inside the POTC ride and the ambiance is wonderful, as is the food! For TS at DCA I recommend Carthay Circle and make sure to get the biscuits.

Typically everyone's must-do rides are the mountains (including Matterhorn) and Indiana Jones. Since you're a WDW vet you should definitely check out our Small World which (no offense) totally beats the WDW version.

In DCA, Cars Land is a must for sure. It's impressive on its own but even moreso if you've actually seen the movie beforehand so I recommend watching before your trip if you haven't already. Get your first FP for Radiator Springs Racers as those go pretty fast. Soarin' is the same as WDW so I wouldn't say it's a priority at all. Definitely ride a swinging gondola on Mickey's Fun Wheel and don't write off Goofy's Sky School - it's actually a *really* fun roller coaster even though it's aimed at children.

One fun little tip for you is to check out the bridge at Pacific Wharf. You won't feel anything just walking across the bridge but if you stop and stand on the bridge you'll feel it shaking because it simulates a 2.0 magnitude earthquake.

Have fun!