Fun options for "kid at heart" 34 yr old Disneyland first timer

[lisalawless1979]

Hello! I've been to Disneyland/World countless time, and long time lurker of disboards

I've been dating my boyfriend for almost 3 years, during which he's seen me take a handful of trips to Disneyland. I had assumed he wasn't interested - but he was just waiting for an invitation!

This weekend is finally our chance! I've booked Premium View GCH Friday-Monday over a 3 day break from work. I usually get Concierge but this wasn't available I figured, being adults, we can get by without a break room! Still, I'll call every day to see about cancellations. I love the private check-in and personal attention!

My bf is 34, super active, snowboarder, programmer, general enthusiast for anything fun. He loves roller coasters - way beyond my tolerance which maxes out at California Screamin'. He grew up watching the classic 80s/90s disney movies, but not sure he's ever had a crazy desire to go to Disneyland. We had a blast at Dollywood!

Challenges of this weekend:
1) It's super crowded for Star Wars half Marathon
2) I'm doing Dry January so some of my favorites like Cove Bar and the bar at Carthay Circle become less enticing for me.

My general plan of attack is early mornings Disneyland (Fantasy Land, Matterhorn, SM fast pass), Mid-morning CA (California Screamin', Soarin, FP RCR), lunch/snack in CA, more rides in CA, break at hotel, back to CA or Disneyland depending on crowds, late night Disneyland.

Other than specific rides, are there things you've found particularly popular for first time adult visitors?

I'm planning on Dessert party for WOC, Dinner at Steakhouse one night, late night eating at the Bar at Napa Rose.

Now that I'm writing this I'm wondering if this should become a PTR

Thanks all!

 

[Aladora]

Are you guys foodies? If so, I would skip dinner at Steakhouse55 and do the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose instead.

 

[figment_jii]

I generally think of Screamin' as the most intense of the roller coasters at Disneyland, but the others are still a lot of fun. Things like BTMRR are not necessarily very intense, but they do have a fun "story" to the ride (i.e., it's not just a bunch of ups-and-downs, inversions, twists, etc. like Screamin' or the coasters at some other parks that focus on thrill rides). In terms of attractions, I think the classics, like PotC, IaSW (holiday version currently), etc. are fun (normally, I'd say Haunted Mansion, but that's down for the overlay removal).

When you say "early morning" do you mean rope drop or EMH/MM? I ask because they don't distribute FPs during EMH/MM, so you might want to try riding SM at rope drop or during EMH/MM if you can.

In terms of dining, I'd almost be inclined to say it would be more fun to eat in the park for a first time visitor. The Blue Bayou is one of the most iconic dining locations in DLR (I like the food, but it gets lukewarm reviews overall - although, that's true of most all places in DLR). Some of the CS locations are also pretty good, and you can do some people watching while eating (e.g., we like the French Market because the food is good, it has a great view of NOS, and there is (sometimes) live music).

 

[lisalawless1979]

I hadn't thought of going to a Disneyland dining option because I've done them all so much But you make a good point!

Re: FP - I tend to do an hour in Fantasy Land then head to SM for fastpass, then matterhorn single rider.

 

[WonkaKid]

Hope you guys have a great time. The strategy I always recommend is arrive early and hit Fantastyland first. Do Peter Pan, Mr. Toad and then Alice. Shortly after opening, getting on these rides are a huge time drain. My policy with these rides is do them early or not at all.

Also, it's good to get as many FPs as you can for Buzz Lightyear, since that system is disconnected from the rest. If nothing else, it's a nice way to breakup the day between the bigger, more popular rides. And, in effect, it costs you nothing.

 

[azdisneylover]

Since he likes thrills, take him on Mickey's Wheel of Death, make sure it is on one of the swinging gondolas. You will have nice views of the parks!

 

[danceanddisney2010]

That name! Haha. I've always liked it..but what I don't like is the long line and the fact that the ride only goes around like once or twice. You wait like a half an hour and then 80% of the time your on the ride it is waiting while they load ppl on and off. I still ride it and it's fun..but you know! Last time we rode it one of the people in our group had to get off as it completely terrified the heck out of her! Literally this was the ride that triggered an intense and unknown fear of heights. She can go on everything but this one!

 

[Tasscrapper]

I would suggest the drawing class in the Animation building. If he is into history do Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the flag ceremony is really cool too when they take the flag down.

 

[suzy021372]

The good news about Marathon weekend is that the runners go to bed early, so plan on going strong late night. I like Cafe Orleans for lunch on the patio. A guy that age should love Cars land!

 

[LizzyS]

I had to sort of drag my husband the first time, so I made sure that Indy was our first ride because he loves the IJ movies, haha.

HE just asked me the other day when we are going to DLR again and I almost fell in the floor.