First visit Disneyland and GCV

[Conniesaurus]

We are leaving for our first trip to Disneyland in 10 days and staying at GCV!!!! We will be there for 5 days. I have reservations for Napa Rose and WOC dining package. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We love and know so much about Disneyworld, but don't really know anything about Disneyland.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[lisah0711]

Sounds like you have two of the biggies down -- WOC dining and Napa Rose.

Check out Indiana Jones and Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln and any of the other attrations that they don't have at WDW. If you are a Star Tours fan, better take a last trip to Endor before it closes for rehab.

I think that you will enjoy DL where everything is closer together and much easier to get back and forth to. I like to use the CA entrance to get back and forth from the villas -- be sure you have your room key or they won't let you use it. It can be a great time and step saver.

Enjoy your trip and have a great time!

 

[Conniesaurus]

Thanks for your help. We are landing in Orange County airport, what is the best way to get to GCV?? I was thinking about using Disneyland Resort Express. Has anyone used them before.

Thanks

 

[bjakmom]

I just stayed at VCG last month for a few nights - beautiful resort and soooo convenient to the parks Be sure you check out the Disneyland forum here on the DIS for a ton of info on touring DL.

 

[jelwallace]

We were at Disneyland last month as well and stayed at GCV. It was a great vacation. We used the grayline disneyland resort express. It isn't the same as magic express at disneyworld but it got us to the resort without any problems. They only come every 30 minutes so you could end up waiting a while for the bus. I would advise that you target the rides and attractions that are different from disney world. It is a lot smaller so you will be able to see and do a lot in a day. Have a great trip.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for your help. We are landing in Orange County airport, what is the best way to get to GCV?? I was thinking about using Disneyland Resort Express. Has anyone used them before.

Thanks

The Disneyland Resort Express service is fine. Shuttles such as super shuttle are also an option. Check out the DL boards - I think there's a sticky at the top that will have a link to transportation info. From there you can get a coupon for a few dollars off the the DL bus.

Actually, I went and found the thread - here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Have fun!!

 

[Conniesaurus]

Thanks so much for all of your help. Do you have to book ahead to used the Disneyland Resort shuttle?

 

[LovinmyDisneylife]

Thanks so much for all of your help. Do you have to book ahead to used the Disneyland Resort shuttle?

You don't have book ahead to use the bus service. There is a ticket booth next to where you're picked up. You due save a few dollars by going ahead and pre-purchasing tickets online. Might as well go head and get it. One less thing to worry about once you get there.

 

[DebbieB]

I've used the Disneyland Express and Super Shuttle and felt Super Shuttle was quicker, although Disneyland Express is more comfortable. It's a short ride from SNA.

 

[La2kw]

Don't miss Fantasmic! It's so much better at Disneyland. There's a dessert package available if you want reserved space.

We also enjoy Storyteller's Cafe (GCH), Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (DTD), and Naples (same company building the new restaurant in Epcot's Italy). I also recommend Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland, Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square, and Pacific Wharf Cafe at DCA for good theme park meals.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Even some of the rides that are supposedly the same at WDW are actually much better at Disneyland. Pirates, for example. I haven't been on Space Mountain at WDW recently...it may have been upgraded to Disneyland-level, but it's definitely worth a spin. Don't miss Indiana Jones. The Dinosaur ride in Animal Kingdom is a pale imitation. For younger kids, Small World and Toontown are definitely better at DL. Plus, DL has the gentle Casey's Railroad and the Storybook boats. The Autopia is also better - much longer and better landscaped. The Matterhorn is still fun, even though its herky-jerky ride reminds you of its age. They've re-opened the submarines with a different Little Mermaid theme, and that's worth it too.

California Adventure has the Grizzly. Much better than Kali River Rides and can't be beat on a hot day. Soarin' just belongs in California - the entrance area reminds you of why flying is so associated with CA. The Paradise Pier roller coaster is great! It's 1/2 as scary and twice as much fun as it looks. I'm anxious to see the World of Color. If you don't want to spring for the sit-down meal, you can pre-order picnic boxes so that you can be admitted to the viewing area.

We live on the East Coast now so WDW is home away from home for me, and I'm thrilled to be able to go, but CA is where I grew up, and Disneyland still pulls me in when I visit. Just don't go expecting the size, scope and setting of Disneyworld and you'll definitely fall in love with the "Original."

 

[stopher1]

OOOH - your first time. That's so very cool. I remember my first time to WDW (I grew up in So Cal and practically lived at DL). It really is a fun and special time to be able to enjoy something so familiar - yet so different - from what you are accustomed to.

There are just so many things about DL to soak up and enjoy. Don't be surprised by what you will find inside the park - that at WDW you would find in multiple different parks. The sidewalks are narrower (think 1950's America), and the park is much more intimate in both scale and acreage.

Be sure to take a ride on the various Main Street vehicles. They truly are a fun part of the experience (and the run a lot longer during the day than the MK ones do).

Be sure to stop in to the Main Street Cinema and check out some classic Mickey moments - you can't get those in the MK anymore since they converted the cinema to a shop there. And check out the daily fresh candy being made in the Candy Parlor.

Definitely go through the Sleeping Beauty walk-thru of the castle. The entrance is just inside the castle courtyard to your left (as you go through the breezeway).

Pinocchio & Alice both have unique to DL adventures to enjoy. As does Mr. Toad, Casey Jr. and Roger Rabbit (up in Toontown).

Be sure to take a ride around Tom Sawyer Island in the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. Also be sure to ride the Sailing Ship Columbia, and while you do, explore below decks. It's a treat you definitely don't get in Florida.

While in New Orleans Square, stopy by the Mint Julep Bar at the back side of the French Market (near the train station) Mint Julep and some fritters. Or if you eat at the French Market, you can get a Mint Julep there too (non-alcoholic, of course).

In Adventureland you can enjoy Tarzan's Treehouse (similar but different than those Swiss castaways) and Indiana Jones Adventure (the imagineers used the exact same track layout when they later added Dinosaur to AK - but this theming is so much cooler), and you'll be able to enjoy the Enchanted Tiki Room as Walt intended it (there's no annoying Iago overlay here) - plus you can get a Dole Whip right there, and take it into the show with you , if you are a DW kind of person. (Can you tell I am?)

If you want some ice cream later in the day, avoid the Gibson Girl parlor on the west side of Main Street, and instead enjoy a much shorter line at the Cone Shop at the end of Center Street on the east side of the street.

Both POTC and IASW are both longer and better at DL. Be sure to check them out for their individual differences. And the Mansion - wow - the facade is phenomenal, and you enter from the front, not underneath the side as at WDW. (Did you know that the HM was the 1st attraction completed at WDW back in 1970, because when they were building the HM for DL in 69, they built a 2nd set of the sets and props at the same time - for the MK?) Plus both POTC and the HM move you underground and beyond the berm (whereas the MK's versions don't) - so that stretching room is actually moving down at DL (unlike the MK's where the floor stays put but the ceiling goes up). You'll notice here the original portrait corridor too, that the recent upgrades at the MK added in after the Doom Buggy load area.

And be sure to enjoy Magical (the fireworks) and see Dumbo fly!

CA Adventure has a lot of cool stuff too, but a lot of it is very similar to what you'll find in different places in FL. WOC of course is the newest addition. Toy Story Midway Mania does NOT have a FP line - so prepare to stand in line if you really must go on it. While the queue is different of course, the attraction is the same as in FL. Mulholland Madness, the Silly Symphony Swings, Mickey's Fun Wheel, California Screamin', the Maliboomer and the Goldyn Zephyr are all unique to CA. Definitely be sure to use the GCV private entrance in the morning into DCA to get your WOC FP's. They let resort guests in earlier than non-resort guests - so be sure to ask about that at check-in.

The villas are fabulous - and you will LOVE the proximity to everything at the DLR. Can't wait to get back there this fall and Christmas.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[adminjedi]

You will love Napa Rose - if possible request a table near the windows, as the open kitchen can be noisy.

RE WOC, we ate at Trattoria - food and service was terrible!!!! Get the dinner package at Ariel's. WOC is awesome and you will love the premier area you get to stand. We were on the top two steps center and had wonderful view without getting wet, just a little mist!

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

OOOH - your first time. That's so very cool. I remember my first time to WDW (I grew up in So Cal and practically lived at DL). It really is a fun and special time to be able to enjoy something so familiar - yet so different - from what you are accustomed to.

There are just so many things about DL to soak up and enjoy. Don't be surprised by what you will find inside the park - that at WDW you would find in multiple different parks. The sidewalks are narrower (think 1950's America), and the park is much more intimate in both scale and acreage.

Be sure to take a ride on the various Main Street vehicles. They truly are a fun part of the experience (and the run a lot longer during the day than the MK ones do).

Be sure to stop in to the Main Street Cinema and check out some classic Mickey moments - you can't get those in the MK anymore since they converted the cinema to a shop there. And check out the daily fresh candy being made in the Candy Parlor.

Definitely go through the Sleeping Beauty walk-thru of the castle. The entrance is just inside the castle courtyard to your left (as you go through the breezeway).

Pinocchio & Alice both have unique to DL adventures to enjoy. As does Mr. Toad, Casey Jr. and Roger Rabbit (up in Toontown).

Be sure to take a ride around Tom Sawyer Island in the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. Also be sure to ride the Sailing Ship Columbia, and while you do, explore below decks. It's a treat you definitely don't get in Florida.

While in New Orleans Square, stopy by the Mint Julep Bar at the back side of the French Market (near the train station) Mint Julep and some fritters. Or if you eat at the French Market, you can get a Mint Julep there too (non-alcoholic, of course).

In Adventureland you can enjoy Tarzan's Treehouse (similar but different than those Swiss castaways) and Indiana Jones Adventure (the imagineers used the exact same track layout when they later added Dinosaur to AK - but this theming is so much cooler), and you'll be able to enjoy the Enchanted Tiki Room as Walt intended it (there's no annoying Iago overlay here) - plus you can get a Dole Whip right there, and take it into the show with you , if you are a DW kind of person. (Can you tell I am?)

If you want some ice cream later in the day, avoid the Gibson Girl parlor on the west side of Main Street, and instead enjoy a much shorter line at the Cone Shop at the end of Center Street on the east side of the street.

Both POTC and IASW are both longer and better at DL. Be sure to check them out for their individual differences. And the Mansion - wow - the facade is phenomenal, and you enter from the front, not underneath the side as at WDW. (Did you know that the HM was the 1st attraction completed at WDW back in 1970, because when they were building the HM for DL in 69, they built a 2nd set of the sets and props at the same time - for the MK?) Plus both POTC and the HM move you underground and beyond the berm (whereas the MK's versions don't) - so that stretching room is actually moving down at DL (unlike the MK's where the floor stays put but the ceiling goes up). You'll notice here the original portrait corridor too, that the recent upgrades at the MK added in after the Doom Buggy load area.

And be sure to enjoy Magical (the fireworks) and see Dumbo fly!

CA Adventure has a lot of cool stuff too, but a lot of it is very similar to what you'll find in different places in FL. WOC of course is the newest addition. Toy Story Midway Mania does NOT have a FP line - so prepare to stand in line if you really must go on it. While the queue is different of course, the attraction is the same as in FL. Mulholland Madness, the Silly Symphony Swings, Mickey's Fun Wheel, California Screamin', the Maliboomer and the Goldyn Zephyr are all unique to CA. Definitely be sure to use the GCV private entrance in the morning into DCA to get your WOC FP's. They let resort guests in earlier than non-resort guests - so be sure to ask about that at check-in.

The villas are fabulous - and you will LOVE the proximity to everything at the DLR. Can't wait to get back there this fall and Christmas.

Have a wonderful time!

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this informative and detailed post. We are staying at VGC in Jan, and your post makes me know we made the right decision to give it a try!

 

[Conniesaurus]

Thank you all so much for your tips. We are very excited about our first time visiting there and staying at the VGC!!!!! This is the first time since 1995 that we haven't gone to Disneyworld.

Our WOC dining is at Ariels so we are looking forward to that. We want to experience all of the different things that Disneyland has to offer along with the same things too. Can't wait to see Fantasmic too!!!!! So many new things to experience!!!!

 

[DebbieB]

I had been to WDW many times before my first trip to DL a couple of years ago. I don't like to "compare" which is better, but to look at each on its on merit. At first it's a little weird, like to see Star Tours or HISTA near Space Mountain. The California atmosphere is different, I really enjoy going out there for a chance of pace. I'm hoping to get a reservation for GCV for early May next year, I'll call at 7 months. I stayed at GC last September, loved it!

 

[La2kw]

I had been to WDW many times before my first trip to DL a couple of years ago. I don't like to "compare" which is better, but to look at each on its on merit. At first it's a little weird, like to see Star Tours or HISTA near Space Mountain. The California atmosphere is different, I really enjoy going out there for a chance of pace. I'm hoping to get a reservation for GCV for early May next year, I'll call at 7 months. I stayed at GC last September, loved it!

No contest, Disneyland is way better.

WDW is bigger, but has less character. I do enjoy WDW though.

Okay, I'm probably a little biased, but I have been going to Disneyland for 47 years now and I've been to WDW more than 30 times.

 

[nunzia]

..just a little PS..The submarines are Nemo themed, not Mermaid (athough there is a Mermaid ride going up at DCA), and they are now calling Tom Sawyers Island Pirate's Lair, but really..it's still Tom Saywer's Island with some gold and Pirate stuff thrown in They redid the Mark Twain story recently..it is pretty cool..you explore different water ways. My favorite part is the old burning settler cabin is now Mike Fink's house and when the Twain passes by you hear Fess Parker and the Mink Fink voice conversing. Nice touch.

 

[DenLo]

Toy Story Midway Mania does NOT have a FP line - so prepare to stand in line if you really must go on it.

Any chance the lines are shorter?

 

[rsschneck]

Thank you all so much for your tips. We are very excited about our first time visiting there and staying at the VGC!!!!! This is the first time since 1995 that we haven't gone to Disneyworld.

Our WOC dining is at Ariels so we are looking forward to that. We want to experience all of the different things that Disneyland has to offer along with the same things too. Can't wait to see Fantasmic too!!!!! So many new things to experience!!!!

I just made a reservation for a studio end of January. We are doing the Mexican Riviera cruise for DD's 14th Birthday and will spend 2 nights pre-cruise @ the VGC before the cruise. Please post about the WOC's dining experience when you return. I would like to do something special and want to know if you thought it was worth the money spent and if you had a good viewing area.

Have fun and post your thoughts when you return!