First Visit Must Do's ????

[Bronte]

We are planning our first trip to Disneyland this fall (November 4-11)
What are the must do's and when do I need to make reservations ???
We are staying club level at the Grand California.
The only thing so far we "must do" is the Haunted Mansion (my youngest was a maid during her college work program at Disney World many years ago) We very much like fireworks, parades and entertainment as well as rides. We love Disney World and go often but can not wait to see Disneyland for the first time.

Thanks for any and all advice

 

[LKing]

Another member shared this link to "A First Timers Guide to Disneyland". It is very good.

https://disneylanddaily.com/a-first-timers-guide-to-disneyland/

 

[Bronte]

Perfect thanks

 

[Kit Jackson]

Pirates (not a carbon copy clone of its WDW counterpart) and CarsLand because it is one of the best themed lands Disney ever created and it is not in WDW.

Take a minute near the Partners Statue in Disneyland. See the paths eminating from the center towards the different lands. Realize this was Walt's vision, where he stood/walked and supervised almost every aspect of its creation, and that what he envisioned and where he walked still exists today.

 

[Wahlee]

The only thing so far we "must do" is the Haunted Mansion (my youngest was a maid during her college work program at Disney World many years ago)

Note that in November Haunted Mansion will have the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. I like it a lot but it's definitely not the same as the traditional version.

 

[SpaceMan5]

Pirates (not a carbon copy clone of its WDW counterpart) and CarsLand because it is one of the best themed lands Disney ever created and it is not in WDW.

Take a minute near the Partners Statue in Disneyland. See the paths eminating from the center towards the different lands. Realize this was Walt's vision, where he stood/walked and supervised almost every aspect of its creation, and that what he envisioned and where he walked still exists today.

Totally agree with Kit Jackson on all points. This is where it all began. Look on-line at the old construction pictures from the 50's and it will give you an idea of how massive this was during that era.

Carsland is amazing at night. It blew me away when I saw it for the first time

 

[Kit Jackson]

Carsland is amazing at night. It blew me away when I saw it for the first time

Yes! CarsLand at night is beyond amazing. I haven't been there for the "Sh-Boom" moment, but I'm hoping to time it right and make it happen on my next trip (whenever that ends up being).