Help-First Time to Disneyland!

[NYPOOH]

Ok, so I have been to Disney World about 25 times, but I've never been to Disneyland! My boyfriend and I are going to LA for a few days to visit his sister before heading to Vegas. We will be taking a one day trip to Disneyland. I think we are going to get a one day hopper. So my question is...what can we not miss? Attractions? Meals? (We usually eat sit down). And what day would be best? We are going the end of next month, we were thinking of going on a Monday (July 24th)? TIA!!! I'm so excited!

 

[darph nader]

Personally,I'd skip DCA,if you only have one day. Don't get me wrong DCA has some cool stuff,But short of EP.... .All in all it's your decision.

 

[JayS]

If you have only one day, then you will need to pick and choose, that's for sure. As a frequent WDW visitor, there are attractions that are nearly exact duplicates in the two resorts and IMHO should be skipped so that you can enjoy the best of the unique attractions...

If you are going to spend any time at DCA, then California Screamin should be on your list. If you've not yet done Soarin, make sure it is on your to-do list either in FL or CA.

In DL, the new Space Mountain is worth the effort. And having seen both, I'm amazed at how much nicer It's a Small World is in California. POTC has some interesting differences, with both parks having their own strong points (but it is closed until July and I don't know how the changes will add to that...)

That's all I can think of right now...

 

[DisGirl819]

Hi!
My favorites in DL (been going all my life )
Splash Mtn.
Space Mt. (just redone, awesome...do NOT miss)
Buzz Lightyear Astroblaster (short lines and tons of fun)
Haunted Mansion (just redone on some parts, really good)
POTC (Soon to open)
Indiana Jones (get a fastpass, the line is forever long!)
Peter Pan (early or late or during a parade)
Matterhorn
Alice in Wonderland
Pinocchio
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

Definately go to DCA if you like thrill rides:
My favorites:
California Screamin' (fastpass this one)
TOT
Monster's Inc (watch for the smells )
The other rides on the Pier are good also, if you have time, they are more like classic amusement rides
Mullholland Madness (if you don't mind heights)
Soarin'

Places to eat:
DTD has the best choices for eats there
House of Blues is great but make a reservation.
Can't remember all the names of the others
La Brea Bakery is decent

We ate at Wine Country Trattoria and they have about 2-3 selections for entrees...so unless you like small choices...eat elsewhere.

Have fun and enjoy your trip to DL!!

 

[karylrocks]

I agree with skipping DCA. There is way too much to see in one day in Disneyland alone to bother with hopping to DCA. Monday should be a good day to visit, I think the only better day would be Wednesday.

Not to miss:
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
Fireworks
Fantasmic

The only really special restaurant in DL is Blue Bayou, which is inside the Pirates ride and re-opening next week with an upscale menu ($$$). Call right away for priority seating if you want to eat there. Otherwise, Rancho del Zocalo, Redd Rockett's, River Belle Terrace, and Plaza Inn are pretty good.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Just remember that DL alone has more rides and attractions that MK, and i think DCA is equivilent to the studios.....so it is a huge chunk to try to "do" in a day.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

We do one day trips all the time. We do both parks with no problem. We do skip the neverending lines at Dumbo and other rides like that.

 

[diznefreak]

I would make a priority seating at Carnation Cafe for lunch.It is outside seating only on main street.We always eat there.It is a nice break from the regular park food.

We have only been to Disney World once and I have to say when comparing the Magic Kingdom to Disneyland alone.Disneyland is so much better.

Must do all the rides the Magic Kingdom does not have plus some that are at both parks but i think they are better at Disneyland.

Pirates of the Carribean
It's a small world
The Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain

Have Fun!