I'm back from Disneyland!

[Carlen T]

Well I am back. Had a wonderful time! I LOVED California Screamin' at DCA. Think I will go back in 4 years. It is so addicting! I've been there before, and whenever I leave there I always want to come back!! I think they made the Haunted Mansion a little scarier though, because we took my daughter, son, and 3 nieces, and they were all crying (their ages are 9, 8, 7, 5 and 4). I didn't remember it being so "scary" but maybe it has always been that way.... OH- if you go to Disneyland (california)- do NOT miss Billy Hill and the Hillbillies- they were a kick in the pants!! I laughed so hard! Food wasn't too bad, except I didn't like the pizza at Pizza Port (?) in Tomorrowland. Very expensive and the pizza was terrible. Oh well. Live and learn!

 

[cinmell]

Welcome back! It sounds like you had a great vacation.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks for the review and welcome back. I love DL too.

 

[Pop Daddy]

hey

 

[Amy]

Hey Carlen - welcome back! sounds like you had a great time. We're heading to Disneyland in July - haven't been there for 11 years (both boys were in diapers and now they're 12 and 14!).

Any other "don't miss" things we should look for? Where did you stay? We're staying at the Anaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott, supposed to be "just across the street."

 

[Carlen T]

Let's see- don't miss California Screamin' (if you go for fast roller coasters) in DCA (if you have a park- hopper pass). They have a new thing down in Anaheim- it's called the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) and it is a bus and it takes you right to the entrance of Disneyland. It's very handy if you do not have a car, like we did. Also go on the Pirates of the Carribean. We went on like 4 times. The best time to get character autographs is when the park opens, if you're into that kind of thing like my kids were (except my son did NOT want his pic taken with Snow White or Sleeping Beauty- he's 4 years old and at the "no girl" phase LOL). They are usually around the entrance, or by the castle.

 

[mommytotwo]

Welcome back Carlen. Thank you for the information. We are headed to Disneyland in May and I can't wait. I do want to get some autographs before heading to the rides and such so thanks for the tip. Also I will avoid the pizza.
Are there alot of places to sit down and relax?
Also if we bring in a stroller with us, and if we all wanted to ride lets say on The Small World, is there a place to put our stroller? Do you know? Just thought I would ask since you just been there.

 

[GoofItUp]

Glad you had a nice trip!

I've never been to Disneyland. Would it be a let down after visiting WDW? Should it be just a part of a larger California vacation, or is it enough to justify a weeks vacation?

 

[Grog]

I do want to get some autographs before heading to the rides and such so thanks for the tip

Try to hit Toontown as soon as it opens. We were there first thing one morning and took pics with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Chip & Dale all in the space of about an hour before the crowds got there. Also, it's a great chance to do Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin before the crowds arrive, although you can always grab a FP for later.

 

[mommytotwo]

Thanks Grog, I'll remember that one.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by GoofItUp
Glad you had a nice trip!

I've never been to Disneyland. Would it be a let down after visiting WDW? Should it be just a part of a larger California vacation, or is it enough to justify a weeks vacation?

There is a LOT I like better about Disneyland. First of all, when we went two years ago, I thought that the cast members were a lot more "in character" and truly interested in being helpful, even if you weren't seeking any help! It was extremely clean and the facades of the attractions actually seemed to encompass most of the building unlike the obvious facades in the WDW Magic Kingdom. They still have Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Pirates of the Caribbean is a better attraction there (two hills) and DCA was a lot of fun. I would certainly be able to enjoy two full days there and then make it part of a larger California vacation. We started in Anaheim with Disneyland, spent a day at Universal Studios and then headed south to San Diego, Wild Animal Park in Escondido, Coronado Island, the San Diego Zoo and Sea World plus all of the "minor" areas that were a lot of fun. I would do the same vacation in a minute.

 

[Deb in IA]

We were there exactly one year ago, and LOVED it as well.

One of the best things about Disneyland is that it is so compact. EVERYTHING (both parks and Downtown Disney) is within walking distance. No waiting on buses, ferries, etc!!!!!


MUST SEE the Aladdin show. Broadway quality, amazing props (think: Lion King), wonderful effects.

Soarin' over California is super; don't miss this!!

California Screamin' is a great coaster; very smooth, coordinated with music, love the loop in the Mickey ears!

IASW is much prettier.

POTC is also better, loved the beginning as it goes past the Blue Bayou restaurant.

Carlen T, did you go on the new Tower of Terror at Disneyland?

 

[mommytotwo]

Carlen, how was the weather when you went to Disneyland?

 

[Tina]

I can't believe no one mentioned the Ultimate Must Do - Indiana Jones. Its my favorite ride at DL. Matterhorn is also a blast and another fave.

 

[GoofItUp]

Well, looks like I'll have to add this to my vacation list! Thanks for the info!

 

[daannzzz]

The Pizza at red Rocket's Pizza Port really isn't very good. It is bland and expensive. But the pasta's and salads are good.

 

[Carlen T]

MommyTwo:

The weather was just beautiful! It was a lot hotter during the day than I thought it would be, but it cooled off as quickly as the sun went down, so be sure to bring a sweatshirt. Also, there IS stroller parking (just try not to leave anything you would want to get stolen- my SIL had that happen on our trip last week).

 

[mommytotwo]

Thanks Carlen. We have decided to bring a stroller with us and hopefully I will be able to contain myself and do our shopping after we get on some rides .

 

[Grog]

I can't believe no one mentioned the Ultimate Must Do - Indiana Jones

IJ just finshed a three month rehab. I'd be interested in knowing what they fixed up while it was closed. I always thought it was an awesome ride to begin with.

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Hey Carlen...Welcome back!! I see you are a fellow Oregonian

I have been there several times, the most recent was last September. We drove (yuck) 18 hours.

Must Do's: Indiana Jones, POTC, Splash Mountain. Love eating at Geppeto's, good food. Over at DCA-Soarin' over CA, CA Screamin, Mailiboomer and Grizzley River Rapids!!!

I have been to WDW only once (going for trip 2 soon) but I still love DL!!!

We normally spend two days at DL, one at DCA, one at US. Mmmm, I think I need to go back!!!!