How should I spend my one day in Disneyland?

[Aimros]

DH & I have been to WDW a number of times and are very comfortable traveling the 'World' - we know what we like, where to eat, where to stay, etc. We have an upcoming trip to So. California and will have a day to spend in Disneyland. We've never been to Disneyland, and since we only have a day I want to make sure we make the most of it! So what are some tips/suggestions for just one day in Disneyland for people who know the ins and outs of WDW? Thanks!

 

[SeattleRedBear]

In general, focus on the outstanding attractions that are not available or are significantly different from WDW. Read Hydroguy's guide for WDW visiting DLR (available from sticky page). Are you planning on park hopping on your one day or just doing DL?

 

[Aimros]

Are you planning on park hopping on your one day or just doing DL?

I guess I should have asked that in my OP, since it is something I'm not sure is doable but I'd like to hear some thoughts on it. DH really wants to go to Cars Land, so we might just have to park hop to do so. I really know absolutely nothing about DL, so I don't even know what transportation looks like or how far apart the parks are from each other.

Also, any recommendations for best place to eat dinner would be great!

 

[sonnyjane]

. I really know absolutely nothing about DL, so I don't even know what transportation looks like or how far apart the parks are from each other.

Hehe. Transportation is your two feet, and takes about 90 seconds to walk from the gates of DL to the gates of DCA they are right across from each other.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Hydroguy's guide is a pretty detailed description of the differences between the two parks with a number of useful suggestions for those familiar with WDW. I'd suggest starting there and then asking questions.

 

[jeanigor]

If DH wants to see Cars Land, then getting to DCA and waiting for opening because it is sure to be super busy. And with two of the three attractions reported as having slow turn over rates (not a continual loading ride such as Nemo, Spaceship Earth or Pooh) the lines won't dissipate quickly either.

As a WDW regular, I would recommend Cars Land, Aladdin, and California Screamin' at DCA. Soarin', Muppet's 3-D and Toy Story Mania are identical to WDW versions. If you have time, Monsters' Inc, Tower of Terror and the Little Mermaid are fun.
For my first and one day at DL last year, I did Indiana Jones, the Tiki Room, it's a small world, Roger Rabbit, the Monorail, Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean, Alice in Wonderland, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Jungle Cruise, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty Castle walk thru story, Snow White, Storybook Land boat ride, saw the parade, fireworks and Fantasmic. (I was traveling solo and had a little extra magic from a CM friend to get all of it done.)

I can't wait to finally go on DL's version of Space Mountain and the Matterhorn later this year.

 

[Aimros]

Hydroguy's guide is a pretty detailed description of the differences between the two parks with a number of useful suggestions for those familiar with WDW. I'd suggest starting there and then asking questions.

Thanks - I know how annoying it can be to have a newbie come on and start asking really obvious questions (like how long it will take to get from park to park ), but I didn't know where to start so I'm very glad you sent me this link - it's great! Thanks again!

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks - I know how annoying it can be to have a newbie come on and start asking really obvious questions (like how long it will take to get from park to park ), but I didn't know where to start so I'm very glad you sent me this link - it's great! Thanks again!

After reading HGs link twice, read his FP threads, know them.

What day of week (or date) will you be doing this?

Where will you be staying the night before (or the night of)?

A couple of rules that will ALWAYS apply will be:

- get to the parks before opening.
- know how to use FP.

My one day report linked in my signature below might be helpful....but strategies will change with CarsLand opening. Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[GrandBob]

Hehe. Transportation is your two feet, and takes about 90 seconds to walk from the gates of DL to the gates of DCA they are right across from each other.

90 seconds? You must be strolling very slowly to take that long!

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8093328&lon=-117.9190922&z=17&l=0&m=b

See the area marked "Esplanade" in the center? That's the walk. If you mouse up just a tad, you'll find the Disneyland entrance. Mouse down a tad, and that's California Adventure entrance. It's that close. About 1/3 the distance of strolling down Main Street.

HTH,
Bob