Going to DL for the first time

[glo]

I have read every postie above, and many post on this forum. Is there any must knows? What rides should we do early? What are places we should not miss seeing? Place we should eatat? We are a family of 5 ages old, old, 15, 10 and 10. We have a 4 day pass, but in the area 10 days. Please any suggestions, hints and ideas are appreciated.

 

[Disney Fool]

Well, hello, Glo!!!! Never thought I'd see you on this board! I fondly remember your posts from the begiinning of those Swan/Dolphin debates! How are you? I just did the Disneyland trip for the first time last March. I loved it sooo much, I'm heading back in August. I would love you see your trip report from Disneyland after your trip. I, for one, thought Disneyland beats Magic Kingdom hands down. I actually liked DCA too. I've been reading these boards too, and soaking up the information. So, I will defer to the experts on this board to answer your questions, but have fun planning your trip. --Disney Fool

 

[glo]

Yeah, its me! I have been lurking here trying to get DL info. I come here every once in a while, there is good info here. We have been to WDW so many times, that we decided to do something different. My oldest is now 15, and we are doing the whole Hollywood thing.

We arevery excited. We have a 4 day hopper pass to DL/DCA and a universal annual (same price as a 1 day ticket)

What was your favorite things to do while there?

 

[DLR29]

Rides you should hit early:

DL-Space Mountain!, Peter pan, Jungle Cruise/Indy

DCA-Soarin, ToT, Screamin

Use FP to your advantage. Always have one in hand. I assume since you've been to WDW many times you know how to use FP.

Places to eat:

DL-Blue Bayou, Redd Rocket's

DCA-Taste Pilot's

DD-Rainforest Cafe, Any other restaurants

 

[Disney Fool]

I loved Main Street (all the little touches) and realized how much we've been missing at WDW. Far more attractions in Fantasyland than WDW; your little ones will love it. And, I noticed that the characters are not as "guarded" as at WDW. More interaction. I loved the Indiana Jones ride (they really need to add this to WDW); loved New Orleans Square, the Original Enchanted Tiki Hut. Oh, yes,! Tinkerbelle!!!! she flies around the castle several times. I was awestruck. Don't miss the fireworks/ Plant your family in the hub in front of the castle and stay there to get a great view.

 

[travelgirl06]

DL: Don't miss the Indiana Jones Ride, it is amazing! I love DL Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Matterhorn is a DL exclusive worth trying. New Orleans Square is also really neat to wander around.

DCA: The Aladdin show is spectacular, get there early for good seats. Don't miss Soarin' (go early, and maybe even get a FP for later in the day), TOT is great, but different from WDW. California Screamin' is also really fun.

Downtown Disney is right outside the parks and full of shopping and great food. When I go to DL I usually leave the parks and go have lunch at DTD, just because I love the variety and the quality of the food there (food in the parks is great too, but DTD has been less crowded the times I have visited).

If you have more freetime in the L.A. area you may want to visit Santa Monica, there is a pier with a carnival style "amusement park", a nice shopping district (3rd Street Promenade), live entertainment, lots of restaurants and a beach (although, if you are looking for a beach day there are nicer beaches around). I always find Santa Monica to be a lot of fun, and its a nice break from the hustle and bustle fo L.A.

 

[glo]

I am so excited about this trip. Please keep the hints and idea coming. I would greatly appreciate it Thank you!

 

[glo]

anyone else have advice?

 

[SparklePower]

If in L.A. try The Grove, it's located just near the historical Farmer's Market. Great places to eat and shop and best of all.... people watch!

 

[spazzyjazzy]

I am not sure if it has opened back up yet but, the planetarium is a real interesting place to go to.