First visit ever tomorrow? Please advise this newbie!

[aes74]

Hi friends! I find myself in California for a couple of weeks with my six year old son. We live in Florida and are WDW veterans and passholders. But I am a complete novice know-nothing when it comes to Disneyland! We are hoping to go tomorrow. I will utilize the fastpass system…but other than that ANY tips you can give me, anything can't miss I would appreciate. SO MUCH!!!!!

 

[figment_jii]

If you have a little bit of time, I would skim read HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets. For the most part, it'll help you get a sense of Disneyland and some of the similarities and differences with WDW.

First question: do you have park hoppers? The two parks are very close together (about 110 yards or less than half the distance from the flag pole to the Partners Statue on Main Street). Park hopping is very easy and quick, but some folks prefer to focus one park. Personally, if you have the funds, I would get the park hopper and experience both DL and DCA. Otherwise, I would probably focus on DL even though DCA has Carsland (which is my favorite part of DCA).

DCA will be having Extra Magic Hour (EMH) tomorrow, which means TSMM and RSR will already have a line by the time the park opens to the general public. I would get a FP for RSR and skip TSMM (because it's pretty much the same as at DHS). The parks are operating on Spring Break-season schedule, which means long operating hours (e.g., 8 to midnight for DL and 8 to 10 pm for DCA).

 

[sharona]

If RSR is up and running, don't skip it til later. We made that mistake, got a FP instead of getting right in line and then it went down and was down most of the rest of the day and we never got to ride.

 

[Butterfly123]

Get there early to get a good start on the day...don't stroll in an hour after the park opens. It makes a huge difference in what you can get done.

Enjoy your day!

 

[aes74]

If you have a little bit of time, I would skim read HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets. For the most part, it'll help you get a sense of Disneyland and some of the similarities and differences with WDW.

First question: do you have park hoppers? The two parks are very close together (about 110 yards or less than half the distance from the flag pole to the Partners Statue on Main Street). Park hopping is very easy and quick, but some folks prefer to focus one park. Personally, if you have the funds, I would get the park hopper and experience both DL and DCA. Otherwise, I would probably focus on DL even though DCA has Carsland (which is my favorite part of DCA).

DCA will be having Extra Magic Hour (EMH) tomorrow, which means TSMM and RSR will already have a line by the time the park opens to the general public. I would get a FP for RSR and skip TSMM (because it's pretty much the same as at DHS). The parks are operating on Spring Break-season schedule, which means long operating hours (e.g., 8 to midnight for DL and 8 to 10 pm for DCA).

Well I was going to focus on DLR since I only have one day. Maybe I am thinking too WDW, but I thought it would be too hard to do two parks in one day. Also, dumb question, but they do have parking at disneyland, right?

 

[amyg1975]

Lots of parking!

 

[Canuck16]

First and foremost have fun!!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Disneyland will be busy tomorrow. That's also a great reason to have a park hopper. When that park is at its peak (crowdwise), you can walk over to DCA and continue your fun filled day. Definitely hit DL at opening, and knock-out Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, making your way to the western side of the park before lunch. Then jump over to DCA for the afternoon, returning to DL at night. The only issue with this plan would be RSR. You'll want a FP for that. Maybe hit DCA first thing just for the RSR FP, then head over to DL.
Have Fun!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

The parks are not even 5 mins apart from each other. Park hop if you can for nothing else to see cars land.
Good luck and have lots of fun. Make a list tonight of some must do or want to do's so you have an idea. I you see chrs at wdw i'd skip them at dl only so you can see what else dl has to offer. Unless you do Plaza inn (an hour before the park opens) for breakfast.