Help Me Fall in Love

[rkwier]

Hello All,

I am a pro when it comes to WDW, and especially love the immersion in all things Disney on the resort properties. When it comes to DL, I am pretty clueless. We are spending some time there following our WBPC cruise. Help me embrace the pixie dust of DL and fall in love...

 

[avalon451]

What's special to me is that this is the park Walt himself envisioned, built, and walked in. It's always been magical to me to walk under those tunnels and down Main Street, smelling the wonderful scents and hearing the music. What makes it even better is the magic of my kids' eyes as they watch the parades and fireworks, and when we leave late at night, walking back down and looking over the fire station to see the lamp in Walt's office window, glowing softly and saying good night to us all. It's a much more personal feeling than WDW.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Gail put it very well, It was Walt's creation and that can be seen throughout the park in the original details. Personally, that means a lot to me.

I think you'll also be impressed with how much there is in Disneyland. It's, of course, like the Magic Kingdom in WDW but there's so much more to see and do and if that's not enough there's tons more in DCA and DTD and it takes practically no time to get to them.

 

[Nonsuch]

...especially love the immersion in all things Disney on the resort properties...

You might consider staying at GCH (or VGC) for the most immersive DLR experience.
Leave the outside world behind, no buses or even crossing streets. You could have an entire visit without seeing a car, other than those in Cars Land.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We have friends who've traveled to just about every Disney park (lucky!), and they always say that DL is the only park where you can really feel Walt's heart. All the little details, the music, the energy are uniquely different at this, Walt's original park. Even the swing dancing on Saturday nights was Walt's idea and continues to this day. The original dancers aren't around anymore (although there are plenty of current dancers who remember them), but the love and the spirit live on.

Also, this thread will give you lots of helpful info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

 

[westie55]

I am a WDW vet who just went to DL for the first time. I loved it! I stayed at the GC and felt 100% immersed in Disney Magic. The convenience of being able to walk everywhere was phenomenal. Disneyland park had most of the old favorites plus a bunch of different rides I'd never experienced. There really is a ton packed into that park! I loved CA Adventure! It was a beautiful park and had a great mix of attractions. WOC was nothing short of phenomenal. The weather was fantastic. Downtown disney and both parks were literally right outside my door. I can't wait to go back. I've told all my WDW loving friends and family that DL is an absolute must! It was 100% worth the trek across the country for me. For me, it beat out WDW in most categories besides quantity of restaurants and I actually like FP+ and magic bands better.

 

[rkwier]

We have friends who've traveled to just about every Disney park (lucky!), and they always say that DL is the only park where you can really feel Walt's heart. All the little details, the music, the energy are uniquely different at this, Walt's original park. Even the swing dancing on Saturday nights was Walt's idea and continues to this day. The original dancers aren't around anymore (although there are plenty of current dancers who remember them), but the love and the spirit live on.

Also, this thread will give you lots of helpful info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

Oh, I love this! It makes my heart happy!

 

[rkwier]

You might consider staying at GCH (or VGC) for the most immersive DLR experience.
Leave the outside world behind, no buses or even crossing streets. You could have an entire visit without seeing a car, other than those in Cars Land.

We are staying at the GCH. It sounds like I will be very glad for it.

 

[rkwier]

Thank you all for your replies. It sounds like there is almost a small-town, homey feeling to it. I live in a big city, but I grew up in a small-town rural area in another state. It makes my heart happy and I feel the stress just melt away when I go there. It sounds like I will feel the same way at DL. OK, now I am homesick and a little weepy...

 

[kathy884]

DS 20 and I are going to be going to Disneyland for the first time (OK -- I was actually there in 1964 when I was four, but don't really think that counts). I am a WDW vet who has been to that park on 39 different trips, and DS for only being 20 has been to WDW about 10 times. DH isn't coming on this trip, as he's really not into theme parks. Our main family vacation is usually a summer trip to the mountains or something like that, that we all like.

DS and I have always heard that there is just something special about the original Walt inspired park. Also, take a look at the theming of Carsland and that Radio Springs racers ride -- test track with a theme (There is nothing at all like that at WDW and it looks really cool). We are also spending a day and a 1/2 in LA / Hollywood -- doing a studio tour, checking out Hollywood attractions, going to the Griffith Observatory, and the Santa Monica pier. This will all be new and fun for us too. And after our LA time it's off to Disneyland and a day at each of their parks. We are going at a slow time also with DS's long Christmas break that extends into time when most are already back in school in January.

Yes -- we love WDW and would be happy to go again -- DS especially, but now me -- I'm a little bit in the been there, done that, bought the T-shirt mode -- a little burned out after so many trips, but the California one is something new and exciting. I'm very fired up for that.

WDW is much closer and cheaper for us, so this maybe our one and only one trip to Disneyland, but we are excited big time.

And something else too, I'm excited not to have to bother with FP+ and tons on dining reservations.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Oh, I love this! It makes my heart happy!

Make sure to go into the Opera House in Town Square to see the actual bench where Walt was sitting when he imagined Disneyland. It makes me teary every time I see it.