HELP! I may be going to DL in Oct., and I don't have a clue!!

[poohs_hunny]

Well, the title pretty much says it all! I am a self-proclaimed WDW expert - I've been six times and know almost everything there is to know. I was considering a trip to DL next summer as a change of pace, but it turns out that my brother is receiving an award from some kind of medical company (don't know many details yet) in Anaheim in Oct. If I can take a couple days off of work and find reasonable airfare, I'll be going, too. We will only be there for a long weekend (Friday-Monday) and so we'll only have about 1 1/2-2 days in the parks. A lot of our time will be spent traveling since I'm from CT.
So, tell me anything you can about DL and CA. I've never been to either park. I have the Birnbaum's guide to Disneyland for 2007, so I have an overview of attractions and restaurants, etc. What I want to know is what things are not-to-be-missed since we'll be on a tight schedule? I am not into big thrill rides, and I'd like to focus on attractions that aren't at WDW. We'll probably have time for one table service restaurant - what would you recommend (nothing too pricey)? I think that reservations can be made only 60 days in advance, is this correct? Will they typically be easy to get at this time of year (10/19-10/22)?
I know that this may not be an ideal visit to DL since I won't have the luxury of time, but any amount of time at Disney is worth it IMO. Any help you can give would be appreciated!

 

[tearawayface]

Well first off I think you will find DL very easy to get around in two days, although you mentioned you did not want to go on attractions that exist in WDW, you really need to go on Pirates and the Haunted Mansion because for many they are better than their Orlando relatives. So for me here are my DLR do not miss list.

Pirates (longer and better than WDW)
Haunted Mansion (new upgraded effects in the séance room and attic)
Mr. Toads wild ride (ripped out by Pooh and company in WDW)
All of the Dark rides in fantasyland
Nemo Subs (go there first thing)
Buzz lightyear(better than WDW because guns are more flexible to aim)
Space Mountain (again you will realize that Floida is much more lame)
Indiana Jones
Tiki Room
DCA Monsters Inc
DCA Soarin
DCA Aladdin Show
Oh and splurge and have lunch at Blue Bayou it is worth it

 

[bumbershoot]

Haunted Mansion (new upgraded effects in the séance room and attic)

And HM will have the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay...I don't know if WDW does that?

 

[Mtnman44]

Here's my two cents:

Disneyland:

-Submarines
-Indiana Jones
-Matterhorn mountain
-Fantasmic river show (much better than the MGM version)
-Pirates
-Mansion
-Space mountain

California Adventures:

-Aladin show
-Grizzly River

Table Service
-Blue Bayou, inside the pirates ride

 

[dizneyfreakz]

Check out Hydroguy's write up on DLR for WDW vets.

 

[HydroGuy]

Check out Hydroguy's write up on DLR for WDW vets.

Here is a link:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Here are more links:

"HydroGuy Tips Compilation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[Hound 109]

Here's my two cents:

Disneyland:

-Submarines
-Indiana Jones
-Matterhorn mountain
-Fantasmic river show (much better than the MGM version)
-Pirates
-Mansion
-Space mountain

California Adventures:

-Aladin show
-Grizzly River

Table Service
-Blue Bayou, inside the pirates ride

In addition to the above:

Alice in Wonderland in FL
Pinocchio in FL
StorybookLand Canal Boat ride in FL
Tiki Room is better at DL
Jedi Academy in DL
Roger Rabbit in DL

& Soarin over Cal. for is better in DCA cause it's in....California


If you have little ones, in DCA:

The bugs live area.
Monster's Inc.
Crush.

ALSO, WITH ONLY 1.5 DAYS, 2 DAYS OR 2.5 DAYS FOR DLR (& IT BEING A WEEKEND). YOU SHOULD CONSIDER EITHER A 3 DAY PASS...OR A 2 DAY PASS WHILE STAYING AT ONE OF THE 3 DLR HOTELS. THIS WOULD GIVE YOU EE PRIVILIDGES.

Have a great time & read all of HydroGuy's links.

hound -

 

[poohs_hunny]

Thanks for the help so far - anyone else? HydroGuy - your DLR guide was awesome - thank you! I was thinking of Blue Bayou for the table service meal. What are some good quick service restaurants?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the help so far - anyone else? HydroGuy - your DLR guide was awesome - thank you! I was thinking of Blue Bayou for the table service meal. What are some good quick service restaurants?

At DL we like Redd Rocket's, Hungry Bear, Rancho Del Zocalo and Coke Corner. At DCA we like Taste Pilot's Grill.