How to make DL trip unique from WDW trips...

[minmate]

Going back to DL over our 10 year anniversary and son's sixth bday. We got married at DL Hotel 10 yrs ago - LOTS has changed I'm told. Kids (dd8, dd7, ds6, dd4.5) have been with us to WDW three times - last trip was April 05 (2 yrs ago -- we're due for a Disney Fix!)

Having not been back to DL in 10 yrs (and never to DCA) I have some questions:
1) I want to be sure to do/highlight attractions/things different or NOT at WDW. Can anybody help me out with this?
2) Anybody know what actually stands in the location of the Rose Garden Gazebo that used to be in the old Disneyland Hotel/Disney Shopping area? That is the location we were married and I'd like to see how it's changed - I heard it may just be a part of the parking lot now as it is gone but I'm looking for confirmation.
3) The Electrical Light Parade is the epitome of the DL experience for me. It is the TOP MUST-DO for me. How is it viewing it in DCA and not traveling down Main Street? Where is a good location for this and how far ahead of time should we go to get these seats? I'll need to strike a balance of good viewing vs. wait times as 4 kids sitting/bored/tired run a risk of ruining a "magical moment" by picking on each other.

Finally:
4) We have one day free and I'm having trouble deciding what to do with that day. I'd like to do something "California-ey" and tho I've lived there before (3x) I'm having a hard time thinking of something to do that will appease the kids and still give them the experience of being in California vs. Florida or just "wherever" Disney happens to be.

Thanks for any responses!

 

[HydroGuy]

Having not been back to DL in 10 yrs (and never to DCA) I have some questions:
1) I want to be sure to do/highlight attractions/things different or NOT at WDW. Can anybody help me out with this?

Ooooh, good questions. With the ages of your kids, here are ideas:

At DL:

1. FantasyLand in general
2. Alice in Wonderland,
3. Mr Toad
4. StorybookLand Canal Boats
5. Matterhorn
6. Small World (the exterior you will remember is elaborate)
7. If after June 11, Finding Nemo sub voyage
8. POTC (better than MK)
9. Indiana Jones (for the older ones if they are adventurous)
10. Toontown (better than MK)
11. Fantasmic
12. Remember Dreams Come True fireworks/laser/special effects extravaganza
13. Parade of Dreams

At DCA:

1. Soarin Over California (is the same as at Epcot if they have been on it)
2. Grizzly River Run
3. Disney Animation Studios (kids - and adults - can easily spend 90 minutes here - also Turtle Talk with Crush is here if you have not yet seen it at Epcot)
4. Monsters Inc
5. Aladdin Show
6. Block Party Bash
7. Electrical Parade

2) Anybody know what actually stands in the location of the Rose Garden Gazebo that used to be in the old Disneyland Hotel/Disney Shopping area? That is the location we were married and I'd like to see how it's changed - I heard it may just be a part of the parking lot now as it is gone but I'm looking for confirmation.

Sorry, don't know that one.

3) The Electrical Light Parade is the epitome of the DL experience for me. It is the TOP MUST-DO for me. How is it viewing it in DCA and not traveling down Main Street? Where is a good location for this and how far ahead of time should we go to get these seats? I'll need to strike a balance of good viewing vs. wait times as 4 kids sitting/bored/tired run a risk of ruining a "magical moment" by picking on each other.

This runs seasonally and I have to admit that it is just not the same at DCA as at DL's Main Street. I have only seen it once at DCA, and it was from Sunshine Plaza which was fine. I think other people like to watch it further out towards Paradise Pier. Getting there thirty minutes early should be fine, but if you want your kids to get a really excellent view you may need to get there 45-60 minutes early. But I bet you will be one of the first ones there.

Finally:
4) We have one day free and I'm having trouble deciding what to do with that day. I'd like to do something "California-ey" and tho I've lived there before (3x) I'm having a hard time thinking of something to do that will appease the kids and still give them the experience of being in California vs. Florida or just "wherever" Disney happens to be.

Hollywood and Hollywood Blvd. La Brea Tar Pits. The beach. Sea World. SD Zoo.

 

[Baloo2003]

1-I agree with Hydroguy on this 100%. Also if you are a big fan of Disney you will notice differences on attactions found at WDW like POTC and Haunted Mansion. Indianna Jones Adventure is my favorite and Space Mountain is really different from WDW.

2-I remember a small gazebo in about 1998-99 to the left of the front building if you are facing the main building (Marina Tower). I don't recall it there in 2005-2006 so I wonder if that is the one you are referring to. But there is a much larger one in a rose garden in the outside corner of the Sierra Tower and Bonita Towers toward the back left of the property. Very nice.

3- I tend to view the electrical parade near Golden Dreams theater so after the parade passes I can hit Soarin or Grizzly River Run once more before it closes.

4-San Diego Zoo. I have never been but would like to.

 

[princessdaisy]

Hello! I also thing San Diego Zoo or Sea World would be a great California thing The cool breezes from the ocean, fresh clean air, and the beautiful location of the zoo or Sea World would give that Cali. scene - also the drive up on highway 5 is nice with the ocean views along the freeway - you can stop off the highway & feed seagulls/lookout of ocean.

I am orig. from LA area but been in San Diego for 13 years and it is such a nice place. Have a great trip!