How many here have been to Disneyland?

[Grog]

Been to DL four times over the years, the last two since it became DLR. I love WDW, but DL, IMO, has a much more intimate and "magical" feel to it. Besides better versions of some rides (although in MKs defense, Splash is better on the East Coast), Toontown was better and Fantasyland was better. MK has DL's Tomorrowland beat hands down, but hopefully that will change.

Also, DL has the best dark ride, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, and the best E-Ticket, Indiana Jones.

My next trip will be to WDW, but I am going to make it to DL again while the 50th anniversary celebrations are going on.

 

[diznee25]

1st trip to DL: 1985 6 years old
2nd trip: 1986 7 years old
3rd trip: 2001 21 years old

 

[Jockaroo]

Just wanted to add that we stayed in Paradise Pier Hotel and found it to be nice. Our room had a king bed, couch and refridgerator (mini). Bathroom reminded me of the Swan and was roomy. We paid extra and got a view room and looked into the Paradise Pier section of California Adventure. The hotel has a character breakfast--try the omlets. I don't know what it is about West Coasters and omlets, but man they are great.

We could walk from the hotel to both CA and DL. CA was across the street and through a gate near the Grand Californian. DL was a walk through Downtown Disney (WDW's is better) and to the monorail. They check tickets at the monorail station and you disembark into Tomorrowland. The monorail is tiny and has windows that you can open. It gives you a bird's eye view of some of the surrounding areas from the park. I would recommend staying on Disney property here or being very careful about hotel accomodations. It looked very mixed, although we didn't leave property very often.

One of our friends who went with us has MS and managed the park very well. We took frequent breaks. The weather in Anaheim is not nearly as oppressive as WDW and she said it was pleasant and did not make her feel bad. She said she tended to feel bad if she got really hot.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

Being a California native, I've been too many times to count.

And, I'm going back next week!!

 

[Micca]

Good experience. Go for it

 

[jimmiej]

DW & I went to DL in March of '03. Loved it! Looking forward to going back. It was nice to see where "Walt walked."

 

[CindyKansas]

First trip to Disneyland was 1963 when I was 3. My Grandmother and Great Grandmother lived in Costa Mesa, CA and we visited on a regular basis. I LOVE the Matterhorn. Last visit to WDW was June 2003. Last visit to Disneyland January 2004.

 

[AStarOnMars]

I have gone 2 to 4 times a year ever since I was 5.

 

[mrsheppo]

My 1st trip to DL was in 1965. I love DL. It is much more intimate and easier to catch all the attractions, but I definitely love WDW. I had a trip to WDW planned for September but my DD Amanda who was going to travel with me became pregnant and I don't want her to travel cross-country while pregnant. My DH knew I was disappointed so he is taking me to DL in December to make up for it. My oldest DD loves DL so much that she had her wedding at the Paradise Pier hotel in 2002.

Can't wait to go back. It's still the original!!!

:thewave:

 

[Dizneyholic]

Having been born and raised in So Cal, I've been to Disneyland just about every year of my life...I celebrated my 28th there last month. The fiancé & I are proud annual passholders and visit DL & DCA a few times a month. Although, we both adore WDW and have made it a yearly tradition, DL is our personal favorite. It helps that's it's just down the street. We couldn't live without our passes now!! In fact, we just went to DCA last night and had such a relaxing & fun night...we already can't wait to go back. OK, I admit it, I'm a DL junkie!

Our must see attractions are:
At DL -
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
It's A Small World (personally, not my favorite attraction but the DL version is much more elaborate).
and our favorite thing ever....Fantasmic (we think the DL version is just amazing, but you have to stake out a spot early!!!)

Also, everyone's right about Christmas time at DL, it's just so special and intimate. The first 2 weeks of December are not typically crowded and are very memorable. If I could only go once a year, it would hands down be in Dec...The Haunted Mansion Holiday & It's a Small World Xmas lighting are not to be missed!!!!

At DCA
Soarin' Over California
California Screamin'
Aladdin the musical

If there's anything you'd like further info about feel free to ask!!

Can't wait for our annual WDW trip....

 

[JimB.]

Once, in 1982 when I was in Flight Training in San Diego.

 

[Want2liveatWDW]

I have! We were there almost 2 years ago in October. We split the trip between Las Vegas and California. We did the firt part in Vegas, then drove into California. Driving through the desert was beautiful.
We were just talking about doing the same thing again in October 2005. I would really love to be there for the 50th anniversay celebration.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Yup- Was there less than a month ago

Been a PAP holder since 02- I tend to go 2-3 times a year and I LOVE it

-em

 

[Nutsy]

My first ever Disney trip was in September '02 to Disneyland & loved it.

Would love to go back, but just can't afford to

 

[DVC-Don]

Our first trip to DL was April 2004. It was nice, but one trip across country to see it was enough. 3 days was plenty to do both parks. Stayed at the GC.

 

[olena]

We honeymooned there....

 

[wdwpluto]

I was there in 1996 (pre California Adventure) and we always said we wanted to go back after it opened. So we're planning a fall 2005 trip for the 50th Celebration. I enjoyed DL, but the castle is so tiny!

 

[Barb]

My first trip was in 1997. Since then, I've been back a few more times. I like DL. I like that you can walk to the parks from any of the on-site hotels. I like that you can walk out of one park right into the other one. I think it's much more laid back than WDW. IMHO, a few of the classic rides are better in DL. If you ever get a chance to see them turn the HM into The Nightmare Before Christmas, don't miss it! It was incredible! There have been rumors they're going to do this in WDW, too!! I'll be heading back again in February for a Disneyland Fairytale wedding. I can't wait!!!!!

 

[*Fantasia*]

My first taste of Disney was in Disneyland. I believe that was year 1979. Then we went back there in year ?1993? Anyway, if it wasn't for my brother who lives 20 minutes away from DL, we would have not visited DL.