Help Needed: First Timer!!

[BarbieGal457]

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting over here, I usually hang out on the WDW threads. However, it seems that my first trip to DLR is looming! While I've been to WDW 10 or 11 times now since I was about 5 (I'm now 20-going-on-21, and just came back in January) and can plan that trip in my sleep, I've realized I know almost nothing about seeing DLR!

The trip has come about this way: currently, I intern with the Philadelphia Flyers with a girl my age from Pomona, CA. Over the months we've grown extremely close, and she's invited me to come visit her over winter break from school. She's had an AP her entire life, and knowing my love of Disney, is taking me to Disneyland while I'm there!! This whole trip is part of my 21st birthday gift from my parents. I plan to go from probably about 12/27/09-1/3/10. We will probably only spend one dayeek at DLR, and a half-day/day at CA.

Here are a few of my questions:

- What are the true must-sees, especially ones that are not at/completely different than WDW? I've read some threads but they seem to be old (a few years or so) and so I'm not completely sure. I definitely do not have to see ones that are very similar/identical at WDW.

- Are they open later due to holiday season? I'm sure it will be much more crowded as well, just like in WDW. Do they have nightly parades/fireworks? I've heard that the Electrical Parade still runs there, is this true?

- Is CA worth a day or half of a day? I am not a thrill ride person at all, so I won't be doing California Screaming or the Maliboomer, no matter how hard she tries to make me! I would, however, like to see it at night as well, so if we did a half-day we'd go a bit after lunch.

- Why does Space Mt. seem absolutely horrifying here? Is it that much different from WDW? I can handle faster speeds and loops and such, (like Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at DHS) but drops terrify me (think Splash Mt., which is why I've never been..).

- What other advice would you give to a WDW Addict who is now a DLR Newbie? I could've gone to WDW for the week instead of heading to Cali, but I've been there twice sinec January 2008, and am planning to go again in May 2010 for my big college graduation trip. I've always wanted to go to DLR, and since I'll be staying at my friend's home, it will save me a lot, and I'll get to hang out with her (she goes to college in PA, but three hours away from me).

- Do they have First Time pins here? I always like to add to my collection!

Thanks in advance for all the help, and if this is in the wrong spot, please move it!

 

[avalon451]

Hi, BarbieGal, welcome!

It sounds like you are going to have a fun time! It's true that 1-2 days is not a lot to see DL and CA, but you can get a lot done in that time if you plan a little. Also, you aren't limited to just one park or the other, since they are separated only by a one-minute walk across the Esplanade! Lots of us love to park-hop and do so daily, to miss the crowds. You will probably really have to zig when the others zag, because the dates you will be there are traditionally a very busy time of year.

I'd recommend you check out Hydroguy's tip compilation, a sticky thread at the top of this forum: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483. He's got several threads for WDW vets doing DL for the first time, plus a lot of other great info.

Have fun planning!

 

[Boo Bear]

I wish I could answer just one of your questions? The closest I can get is that I'd definitely do one whole day at CA instead of 1/2. That just depends on the attractions you want to see though.

I'm a first time DL-er too! I might get an AP since I'll be living only 2 hours from DLR come July. So if you want to remember me, you can ask me anything after July (since I'll probably be making 2 trips my first month in Cali) and I'd be more than happy to give the best advice possible

Happy early 21st B-Day I hope you have a blast!

Bridgette

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

Is there anyway you stretch out your visit in DL ? I really don't think you'll be able to get a lot done/accomplished especially since you're going to be there during the holidays. Its going to be quite a trek throughout the day if you try to do as much as possible (which will definitely not be enough even if its without the holiday crowds).

I've put all my answers to your questions in bold:

- What are the true must-sees, especially ones that are not at/completely different than WDW? I've read some threads but they seem to be old (a few years or so) and so I'm not completely sure. I definitely do not have to see ones that are very similar/identical at WDW.

I've only been to WDW once, but I can tell you my must sees while I'm there:

DL:

Indiana Jones, Pirates, HM, Splash, Winnie the Pooh, BTMRR, Peter Pan's Flight, Tea Cups, Snow White, Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, eating at the Blue Bayou, Jedi Training Camp

DCA:

Monster's Inc, ToT, watching Aladdin, hanging out in the animation building, watching Its Tough to be a Bug, California Screamin, TSMM, Soarin', and Pixar Play Parade, and Electrical Parade (its smaller than the original though, but still enjoyable).

- Are they open later due to holiday season? I'm sure it will be much more crowded as well, just like in WDW. Do they have nightly parades/fireworks? I've heard that the Electrical Parade still runs there, is this true?

I believe they are open till midnight (Main Street stays open till 1) on the weekends and 10 during the weekends.

- Is CA worth a day or half of a day? I am not a thrill ride person at all, so I won't be doing California Screaming or the Maliboomer, no matter how hard she tries to make me! I would, however, like to see it at night as well, so if we did a half-day we'd go a bit after lunch.

Full day for SURE! Even though you won't be going on all the rides there is still a lot to see!

- Why does Space Mt. seem absolutely horrifying here? Is it that much different from WDW? I can handle faster speeds and loops and such, (like Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at DHS) but drops terrify me (think Splash Mt., which is why I've never been..).

IDK about it be faster, but it does have several dips, so I'm not sure if you'll like it.

- What other advice would you give to a WDW Addict who is now a DLR Newbie?

I think that reading up on the history behind Disneyland would be very beneficial because it will help you enjoy the jewels within the park. I just love looking at the little details that make it special. Ex: the dioramas in the Emporium on Main Street, the vegetation in Tomorrowland (rosemary, lemon trees, cabbage patches, etc), etc.

I hope this helps!

 

[TinkSassy]

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting over here, I usually hang out on the WDW threads. However, it seems that my first trip to DLR is looming! While I've been to WDW 10 or 11 times now since I was about 5 (I'm now 20-going-on-21, and just came back in January) and can plan that trip in my sleep, I've realized I know almost nothing about seeing DLR!

The trip has come about this way: currently, I intern with the Philadelphia Flyers with a girl my age from Pomona, CA. Over the months we've grown extremely close, and she's invited me to come visit her over winter break from school. She's had an AP her entire life, and knowing my love of Disney, is taking me to Disneyland while I'm there!! This whole trip is part of my 21st birthday gift from my parents. I plan to go from probably about 12/27/09-1/3/10. We will probably only spend one dayeek at DLR, and a half-day/day at CA.

Here are a few of my questions:

- What are the true must-sees, especially ones that are not at/completely different than WDW? I've read some threads but they seem to be old (a few years or so) and so I'm not completely sure. I definitely do not have to see ones that are very similar/identical at WDW.

At DL you should hit Nemo, Matterhorn, Pinnochio, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty walkthrough, Mr. Toad, Storybookland Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Train, Tarzan Treehouse, Indiana Jones - these are the completely not at WDW rides. There are a number that are VERY different - IASW, Peter Pan, Space Mtn, Pirates, Tiki Room - others have subtle differences. If you can see Fantasmic it is a lot better than DHS. They have afternoon parades at both parks and the evening parade at DCA.

- Are they open later due to holiday season? I'm sure it will be much more crowded as well, just like in WDW. Do they have nightly parades/fireworks? I've heard that the Electrical Parade still runs there, is this true?

It does run there and they have longer hours than WDW every day so just keep checking the site. There evening entertainment options change daily so hard to say what will be available that night.

- Is CA worth a day or half of a day? I am not a thrill ride person at all, so I won't be doing California Screaming or the Maliboomer, no matter how hard she tries to make me! I would, however, like to see it at night as well, so if we did a half-day we'd go a bit after lunch.

I'd say a half-day. Their animation studio is worth a walk through for the theming - only do sorcerer's workshop the other items are available at WDW, Monster's Inc. is really cute, walk through bug's land - Soarin is the same as WDW, GRR is there if you like water rides, most of their duplicate rides are almost identical to the WDW version and the theming is so-so at best.

- Why does Space Mt. seem absolutely horrifying here? Is it that much different from WDW? I can handle faster speeds and loops and such, (like Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at DHS) but drops terrify me (think Splash Mt., which is why I've never been..).

No drops here - but is is faster and darker. I think they got it closer the the RnR feel without the extreme turns or take off. I LOVE this one in comparison and I'm not a coaster's person. It's smooth and gives the illusion of flying through space that the ride was meant to do!! LOVE IT! Get FP early they will be gone by lunch.

- What other advice would you give to a WDW Addict who is now a DLR Newbie? I could've gone to WDW for the week instead of heading to Cali, but I've been there twice sinec January 2008, and am planning to go again in May 2010 for my big college graduation trip. I've always wanted to go to DLR, and since I'll be staying at my friend's home, it will save me a lot, and I'll get to hang out with her (she goes to college in PA, but three hours away from me).

Check your food options closely. The pricing is not uniform like at WDW - $7 cheeseburger is the same everywhere - at DL you can pay $12 for a burger in one place $5 in another and the cheaper option may be a TS. Food was the biggest challenge for me in the switch.

- Do they have First Time pins here? I always like to add to my collection!

They do! Also ask for the citizen of Disneyland button - it's my fav!

Thanks in advance for all the help, and if this is in the wrong spot, please move it!

I go all the time to WDW and I posted more in depth stuff on my trip report that is still underway. Hoping to get back to that this week!

Remember at DL everything is finer details - I'd skip DCA and spend the extra time at DL. I was not impressed - with the 2 exceptions above. I loved the more detailed BTMR, Pirates, HM. The PP ride and Pooh are very different inside. Also, DL takes a lot more time than MK - just be prepared!

 

[TinkSassy]

Almost forget Aladdin! This is a must see at DCA!

 

[disneydreamer74]

Hi, I am a WDW vet as well, but have moved out west (Arizona) so I am closer to DL. I went for the first time last AUgust and absolutely loved it. It is difficult to compare it to WDW b/c they both have their attributes but are quite different. The one thing you will notice at DL is that it definitely has more charm. It is in a more intimate setting so much so that when you stay at an on-site resort, you are literally in the park , just steps away from DOwntown Disney and the parks. DIfferent from WDW b/c although you stay on property there, you still spend precious time getting to and from resort to park. This one feature I absolutely love. I refuse to stay offsite at DL for our upcoming July trip, nope. Anyways, Although park hours will probably be longer when you go, DL is, as mentioned in a previous post, a much bigger park than MK. You will need more than a day for that one! ONe word of advice, take your time and notice all of the attention to detail that the Dis people have put into those parks! ALso, IMHO, DL has a lot more characters walking throughout both parks, many photo ops.
Okay, so my favorite rides are Indiana JOnes for sure!!!!! and POTC. The pirate ride here is a bit different and way more detailed. You cannot miss these two. You gotta try to fit in a meal at the Bayou as well, yummy! I think you will be pleasantly surprised on your trip! BTW, way to go on the graduation, good for you! I am a year and a half away, but cannot wait to finally get that degree!! have a great time! Tina

 

[disneydreamer74]

Almost forgot, yes they do have 1st timer pins! Last time we went my DD2 and I got one. We rec'd ours at the guest services desk at hotel checkin, but I am positive they give them out at the parks somewhere. Good luck!

 

[BarbieGal457]

Wow, thanks for all the replies and advice! Ideally, I'd like to spend at least two days at DLR and one at CA, but I don't want to force my friend Sam to go for three days if she doesn't feel like it. Although, when thinking about it, I'm not sure what else we'd do for the rest of the week - of course there's sight-seeing and shopping and the like, and of course New Year's Eve, but I'd really like to spend at least two days in DLR. I have lots of patience from riding the Line Ride at WDW so many times, but I don't want to miss anything in the details at DLR.

I was thinking of maybe going out to DLR with my parents/a friend for three days, then spending the next four or so days at Sam's in Pomona. I'm not really sure if my parents would want to go (my mom is terrified to fly but will do it with the help of medicine, and we have recently born twin grandsons/nephews too, to stay close to), and the friend/DBF (on-and-off) that I'd go with is also terrified to fly, and will be working since he graduates college in a few weeks. I'm not sure if he'd be able to get the few days off. If I stayed out there with Sam for the few days after, I'm not sure how well he'd handle the flight home without me.

Now I'm considering the possibility of trying to go sometime this summer, then pay for myself to visit Sam for a few days.

What would you do, try to go this summer, or still plan to go in the winter and try to fit it all in over the course of two days?

 

[disneydreamer74]

well, I like the summers at DLR b/c the parks stay open late and they really pull out all of the stops. You will get to see shows that may be down at other times of the year. HOpe you have a great time!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I've never been to WDW so I have no clue what's different. But at that time of year, it will be PACKED. I would say for 1 1/2 days for both parks, shows are NOT must sees. I'd use FP's to get on as many rides as possible.