I go to school down the street from
Disneyland so I'm in the park probably once a week. This is my first time posting in the Disneyland threads! The way my friends and I enjoy the parks is much different than how most visitors do, but I think I may still be able to help. I've even tried to categorize it!
Seasonal
October is a great time to visit because the weather is perfect. It is still warm so you can wear jeans and a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt for watching fireworks. The decorations are always fun that time of year and there is often seasonal activities for kids which you can find out about on disneyland.com
Halloween Party
I've never attended Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party, but I have been in the park (exiting after hours after riding Space Mountain) while it was going on and have talked to others who have been. Last year it was held in Disneyland, which is a change as in the past it was held in DCA. The first thing I noticed was that it was CROWDED. I always thought the point of an after hours party was smaller crowds (?) Anyways, there were a ton of people there. Everyone dresses up in costumes and it is really cute seeing all the kids. DJs play music and there is lots of dancing and cast members handing out candy to everyone.
Crowds
I mentioned that the park was crowded during the party. I've only been to WDW once, during off-season, but I think Disneyland can feel a lot more crowded than WDW. CMs put out a great effort with crowd control, but trying to move around during or after fireworks/Fantasmic is nearly impossible. Luckily, if you're looking to get away from crowds there are TONS of unexplored areas that are awesome to check out or just escape to for a breather. On Main Street on the right side there is an old fashioned movie theater with a ticket taker and turnstile. Most people seem to think its another facade, but if you go through the turnstile past the heavy curtain you'll find a heavily air conditioned circular room broadcasting classic cartoons that is almost always empty. Other hidden escapes include anywhere in Critter Country (nobody ever goes there), the walkway between Fantasyland and Frontierland (over toward Casey Jr and the Tangled meet+greet), and the far back right corner by Small World.
Hotel/Air port
Unless you absolutely have to, DON'T fly into LAX. I hate that airport and it is really far away. The Santa Ana airport (John Wayne) is the closest and very nice. My favorite airport, and the one I suggest if John Wayne isn't available, is Long Beach (LGB). This airport is tiny, but never crowded and so so so easy to get through. We don't have Magical Express out here, and taxis are disgustingly expensive (and sometimes dangerous). I really recommend getting a car. You probably won't want to be stuck on property and though we have a bus system in OC, it is not that nice.
As for where to stay, only the Grand Californian is worth the Disney inflated price. If you can afford it, stay there! That hotel is absolutely gorgeous and has its own private entrance to DCA and Downtown Disney. Even if you aren't staying there, stop by to check out the lobby. The carpet was custom made to match the tile perfectly. There is a corner with a big fireplace and comfy rocking chairs for adults and kids. Often a pianist will be playing loungy Disney music. A great place to nap or "ooh and aah". The other hotels aren't nearly as nice. They have the added convenience of being close by, extra magic hours, and should you buy something in park it can be delivered to your guest room. There are lots of hotels close by that can be options if you don't rent a car. If you do have a car, try staying a few miles from Disney. Prices drop dramatically and quality of hotel rises.
Food.
Disneyland doesn't have a dining plan (to the best of my knowledge). Restaurants on property really aren't that good. Unless its Napa Rose or Blue Bayou and somebody else's treat. If you want to buy Disney food these three things are out of this world delicious: the corn dogs, the bread bowls, and the ice cream.
The corn dogs are only available at the red cart at the end of main street across from the photo pass store. This is the best thing in the park and an AP secret. A great deal and (if paired with the available apple slices) a great meal.
The bread bowls you want to get from New Orleans Square. If you like Gumbo or chili those are available across from River Bell Terrace. DCA has bread bowls on Pacific Wharf, but the one time I had it there it was cold.
If you want ice cream, get it at Gibson Girl in Dis or Burrr-Bank in DCA. The chocolate chip cookie dough swirl is...dangerously good.
My favorite snack in the park are the apple crisps you can get at any of the fruit stands. It is 2.75 for 3 snack bags of freeze dried apple slices. They are addictive and really healthy.
Other than that, I always bring my own food or walk across the street to Denny's or Mimi's.
What Makes Disneyland Awesome
In Disneyland-its all about the atmosphere. I was shocked when I went to WDW by the wide open spaces. Disneyland is very close and intimate. You can notice details here. The resident ducks and cats, the famous names on Main St windows, Walt's apartment over the fire station...My favorite thing to do in the park is sit and people watch, enjoying the atmosphere.
Disneyland is much more local than WDW. What I mean is that WDW is a destination visited by thousands of international tourists every day. While Disneyland is also an attraction in its own right, I feel that most of the visitors are from Southern California. This gives it a much more laid back feel as we aren't all rushing to ride every attraction (even though we have a bunch of good ones).
Finally- our Fantasmic is amazing. I've seen it at WDW and while the amphitheater is convenient seating, there is NOTHING like seeing everything go down on the Rivers of America. Do not miss this show.
Enjoy your trip!