I want to go to Disneyland!

[EpcotQueen]

we are frequent visitors to WDW but have never been to DL to view the Christmas decorations and festivities. I need help convincing my DH. I have a room reserved at DLH just in case I win. But he's concerned about the cost (we have annual passes for WDW) for the hotel and passess. He tries to use the argument that DL is much smaller than WDW. Yes, it is but there's a lot packed into that space. We were in DL a number of years ago shortly after CA opened. I told him CA is bigger now. Does anyone have some good reasons I can use on him?

 

[mom2rtk]

Tell him there are nearly as many attractions in those 2 parks as there are in all of WDW.

We find it much more efficient. Yes, WDW is larger. But to me that just means it's easier to get to the things you want to do.

Also, this year they will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of DL. It will be a great time to be in the parks, complete with a new nighttime parade.

Is he a fan of FP+? If he isn't, then remind him that legacy FP is alive and well at DLR (at least for now).

Tell him everyone needs to visit Walt's original park at least once.

 

[ludari]

I would definitely use the 60th anniversary at Disneyland as your justification. I've heard that there is suppose to be all sorts of great things happening to celebrate the diamond anniversary. I would also mention some of the things/rides that are not available at WDW such as Cars Land, Matterhorn and the holiday favorite Nightmare Before Christmas transformation at the Haunted Mansion just a name a few. Good luck.

 

[Canuck16]

CarsLand

60th Anniversary Celebration

FastPass Legacy is still in place

Good Luck.....hopefully you win and get to go to DLR

 

[Indiana Scott]

As I understand it, there are actually more attractions at DLR than WDW. What ever the case may be, DLR is every bit the destination park that WDW is without all the walking.
You can save close to $200 a day by staying at a nearby hotel Like Park view Inn, Park Place, etc, and enjoying their delicious free breakfasts. These hotels are very nice!

 

[figment_jii]

If he likes holiday attractions, it might be worth mentioning that Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World should have their holiday overlays in place. Neither of those overlays are installed at WDW, so it's another thing that unique to DLR.

 

[lizajane]

If cost is an issue, stay across the street on harbor. You can stay a full week there for the cost of 2-3 nights at the Disneyland Hotel if you make your reservations way ahead of time.

And if all else fails, go alone! It's worth it!

 

[Nicolette11785]

I also agree with not needing to be at the DL hotel if cost is an issue. That would be the first thing to cut out. I think the 60th Anniversary should be a huge motivator. Also, there is no annoying shuttles to take between parks at DL And DCA.

 

[tiffjoy]

You can see in my signature how many times I've been to each park, and I prefer DLR. To say there are "only" two parks isn't a true reflection of how much there is to do in each of the parks. There are basically an equal number of rides and shows in DLR as WDW with a small difference (can't recall the exact numbers in each right now). I second the wonderful holiday decorations and overlays that are not present at WDW- I prefer the holidays at DLR, and I went to WDW holidays first.

We always stay on site at WDW but never stay on site at DLR. The DLR hotels are very nice, and if money isn't an object, by all means, stay there! But there are many off site options that are nice and more affordable, as well as technically closer to the entrance. I love being able to walk to the parks rather than deal with the bus system.

It's an entirely different experience and totally worth it, IMO. But maybe try it from the angle of it being something you want to experience, and ask if he can support you in that.

 

[ashnjam]

We prefer DL because it is smaller..much less walking lol! Cars Land at night is really cool over at DCA, radiator springs is wonderful! DLH is our favorite, when we stayed there with DTD view we did feel fully immersed pretty much the entire time. You have Trader Sams which is fun even if you don’t have a drink really close. If nothing else works just do what I do and beg beg beg beg beg! HA good luck!

 

[Karyn B.]

Does anyone know if I will be able to take food from Tangaroa Terrace into Trader Sams? i'd love to have the Uh Oa while my kids are having lunch.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

To the OP: depending on how many days your visit will be, compare the cost of upgrading your WDW APs to Premier APs (which cover both DLR and WDW) to the cost of buying park hoppers. If you do the upgrade at DLR, there should be no tax since you would already have paid tax on your FL APs. (Double check this, just in case.) If you include the discounts on merchandise and food, upgrading might be a better deal overall than buying park hoppers.

To Karyn B.: I don't think so, but you can do it the other way around. When we eat at Tangaroa Terrace, our friends usually grab a drink at Trader Sam's and bring it over to the TT side.

 

[Serial]

Does anyone know if I will be able to take food from Tangaroa Terrace into Trader Sams? i'd love to have the Uh Oa while my kids are having lunch.

I don't mean to derail this thread but just want to chime in to this question.

You could bring your kids into Trader Sam's for lunch. Trader Sam's has a number of offerings from Tangaroa Terrace as well as their own on their menu (I believe they share the same kitchen), and minors are allowed inside Trader Sam's (but not the bar) before 7 p.m. We see kids in there all the time and they love the special effects that come when patrons order certain drinks. Just a warning, Trader Sam's is kind of small with maybe 7-8 tables and can fill up fast.

To the OP, definitely visit DLR during the holidays if you have a chance. It's my wife's and my favorite time to visit. In addition to what PPs have already mentioned, I'd add that DLR adds little festive touches throughout the parks and hotels, including the bell ringers on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure, Victorian Carolers in the lobby of the Grand Californian (and I believe, Downtown Disney), ice skating in Downtown Disney surrounded by a "winter village" of concession stands, activities and meet and greets with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Fab 5 in their Christmas outfits at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Disneyland, and handmade candy canes at Candy Palace and Trolley Treats in both parks.

I also agree that the 60th Anniversary is a big draw this year. Early word is the 60th offerings will run through the holiday season, replacing the usual parade and fireworks show. The Paint the Night parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks were announced recently and are supposed to be spectacular. You can probably find some of the previews online. There's going to be a new World of Color show at California Adventure too, to be hosted by Mickey and Neil Patrick Harris. The jury's still out on that one.

 

[asunutgirl]

WOC is still closed so I haven't seen the new one but it is by far my favorite night time Disney show ever. There isn't anything like it. And I agree with the others - the holiday decorations in It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion are amazing.

 

[Diznygrl]

Just so you know, if you want to go in order to experience all the DLR has to offer for Christmas, this year there will be no holiday fireworks due to the 60th anniversary (on the plus side, you'll see the 60th anniversary fireworks show which I'm sure will be amazing). A Christmas Fantasy Parade MIGHT still run during the day (since Paint the Night is a nighttime only parade), but I don't think anyone knows for sure yet. Also the castle probably won't have its snow and icicle lights since it will be wearing its 60th diamond decor.

Minor things I suppose, since there are so many other Christmas related goodies to experience at DL as already mentioned above, but it's worth noting.