HEP!!! REgualar WDWer is making 1st DL experience!!!

[takstarr]

I have been to Disney World 30+ times and LOVE IT!!! My family and I are taking a vacation to the Grand Canyon in 2 weeks and I have talked my DH into driving to DL!!!! So excited, but i need some serious help!!! What Must we DO. We will have 2 days in the parks... In WDW I consider staying on property a must... but is it at DL? Also how about the Disneyland Hotel? With refurbs going on, should we avoid it? HELP!!! So excited... this has been on my bucketlist!!!

 

[skiingfast]

The thing you must do is read this guide, made especially for you.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

More days will be good if you can get to Anaheim early for a part day.

 

[Lissame]

My family has been going to DLR at least yearly since I was 10 years old. We have never stayed on property. I love that I can stay longer for the same amount of money somewhere else, and it's pretty much a wash about how close each place is.
If money isn't a factor, I'd say go for it and stay on property. But if it is a factor, book a recommended good neighbor hotel.

 

[Dobie]

If you are just staying two days, then the benefits of staying onsite probably wouldn't be as great.

You definately need to park hop--the distance between DCA and DL is like walking from World Showcase to Future World.

You definately want to ride Indy. And Pirates, because it is way cooler than the one in WDW. And Alice and Toady in Fantasyland.

You want to take GRR in DCA...way, way better than Kali rapids in AK.

If I were there for two nights, I would spring for the Fantasmic Dessert Package...you can reserve one month out from Disney Dining...see WOC on your other night...

The Aladdin show in DTD is very very good as well.

Food is not a big deal at DL. Carnation Cafe is fun because it is right on Mainstreet, you eat outside, and it is not real expensive. You can make a reservation with Disney Dining. A lot of people like Cafe Orleans, and of course if you want to spend a wad on a quintessential DL only dining experience, there is Blue Bayou, which is inside Pirates.

Have a blast!!!!

 

[Boardwalkin]

Stay on site. Nothing beats being able to walk to the park and never leave Disney property. Disneyland Hotel is fine even with the construction. If you do stay here eat breakfast at Steakhouse 55. It is one f the best I have ever had.

Must ride Pirates as it is much better than Magic Kingdom version.

Eat at Blue Bayou and ask for a table by the water. The atmosphere is incredible.

 

[jdb in AZ]

If you are just staying two days, then the benefits of staying onsite probably wouldn't be as great.

The Aladdin show in DTD is very very good as well.

Have a blast!!!!

I think you meant the Aladdin show in DCA.

 

[nunzia]

Since you are there such a short time, and if you can afford it, I'd stay onsite for the ease, the extra fastpasses and the early enjtry into DCA. Yes..Fantasmic dessert would be good and also WOC dinner if you can swing it. Really focus on those things DLR has that WDW doesn't (or the DLR version is better) and please...do NOT laugh at the castle..

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed on property and off and would definitely recommend on property. I've stayed at GC and PP and both are very nice. PP park view is awesome.

As a WDW veteran since 1994, my first trip to DL was in 2006 and I didn't think I would like it as much but I have grown fond of it. Rather than compare, I like both on their own merits.

 

[kik050]

If there was one thing I would recommend to do. Go see the Alladin show. That show is literally worth the price of admission. I believe that The Lion King is WDW's #1 show. Although it's a really good show, it's not close to Alladin.

Other then that, California Screamin is another ride exclusive to DLR. Indiana Jones has to be next because it's the equivalent to Dinosaur, but with a way better theme and action sequences. Just my opinion, everyone is different.

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

I have mentioned this a ton on these boards, but you owe it to yourself to go to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland and see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. They play 5 days a week, and have like 5-6 shows a day. This is a show that reminds me of the entertainment DL had when I was a child, and the show has no equivalent at WDW. Get there a good 20 minutes early to grab a table. This is as "classic Disney" as you can get!