Last Minute Help!

[dvalerieb]

In a crazy last minute decision, I have decided to go to DL one day next week. We are heading for WDW tomorrow for 8 days, I come back for 20 hours and then head out to CA for work for a few days in LA. I am planning to drive from LA to DL Thursday night, go to DL on Friday and take a red eye out that night. Sort of crazy but I thought it would be fun to do both in one week!
I have spent literally a year planning WDW (and have been there plenty of times) but not a minute on my disneyland trip! Working on a hotel now, but I am more interested if there is anything that is really helpful for me to know. I do realize how ridiculous this post is but any help would be appreciated!

 

[bumbershoot]

Wow, how exciting!

Is this going to be a solo day at Disneyland/DCA? There's a post on this page (unless it dropped off onto the second page already) about solo trips, so that might help you.

What hotels are you staying at Thursday night?

 

[hawky7]

oh you are crazy !! But in a good way of course! Well luckily for you, DL is WAY smaller than WDW. (But I love DL way way more!)

I think if you've planned all you WDW stuff out, going to DL is going to be a breeze. Here are the rides they DON'T have at WDW, so this is what you MUST do...

1) Indiana Jones (its a ride, like Dinosaur at AK in WDW, but way better)
2) Matterhorn
3) California Screamin
4) SunWheel (2 different rides to it)
5) SPace Mountain! The one in DL is much much faster and much darker than the one at WDW, if you ask me, its a totally different ride!

If you are driving, you can get a fantastic deal on a hotel through priceline. Thats what we did last time, and we got hilton suites , 2 miles from park for like $45 a night. STEAL of a deal!!! Good luck, and let us know if you need anything else.

 

[Disney Dreams]

You aren't crazy. That sounds like something I would SO do!

First tip: If you are getting a Park Hopper at WDW and have any leftover days on your pass when you leave, you can use it at DL. Yes, really.

Second: You said you are arriving at LAX on Thursday night. Do not drive from LA to DL between 5pm and 7pm. You will just get frustrated with rush hour traffic. Eat some dinner and then drive. You will get there much faster and be happier when you arrive.

My DH and I took a trip to WDW for our 10 year wedding anniversary in October. We planned for 2 months and researched and read and... and... and.... Don't worry about all that for DL. You are going for a day. Just go to get a taste for it and enjoy the Park.

Unlike WDW, DLR's 2 parks (DL and Disney's CA Adventure) are right across from each other and very easy to walk back and forth in between. Most of the things on my "do not miss" list for DCA are at WDW (Toy Story Mania, Soarin', Muppets, Crush). I would take some time to check out the Animation Academy. If the animated movie making process interests you, it's wonderful.

Fireworks and Fantasmic!:
There are no fireworks at DL right now because Main Street is having work done to it. So, you don't need to worry about that. Fantasmic! is every night, however. It is arguable whether WDW or DL has a better Fantasmic!, but they are both shown in a very different place. WDW is in an arena, DL is out in the open along the river. It would be fun (I think) to compare the 2 so close together. People "camp out" for a good spot for Fantasmic! at DL prior to the show. You will have to decide if you want to spend your time doing so. If you are going alone, you can probably score a decent spot about 20 minutes before showtime if you are very nice to CMs and fellow guests.

Not sure what you like and what interests you so no clue what else to tell you about. Hope some of this helps. If you have questions... post away.

Have a great trip,
Dreams

P.S. The previous poster mentioned the Sunwheel. It is closed for refurbishment, so don't worry about it. Also, in addition to hawky7's list, here are more attractions that are only at DL, not WDW: Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Main Street Cinema, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Storybookland Canal Boats. Also, if you like Castles and Sleeping Beauty, Sleeping Beauty's Walkthrough is not to be missed. Nothing exists like it at WDW. Lastly, I will say that most people will agree without question that Pirates of the Caribbean is better at DL. Be sure to ride it.

 

[dvalerieb]

Thank you all for your feedback! That really helps!! I did nothing for planning last week when I was at WDW so I am just checking this now with 2 days to go to DL, but cannot thank you enough for your input! I have my list, wish I would have known about the park hopper thing, I think all my days are used. I should check, ironically my key to the world card is still in my suitcase!! I am hoping my photopass can be added b/c we pre ordered the CD for our WDW trip.

I sort of wish I was staying Friday night, I have to leave by 6 to make my plane at 10 but at least I will get a little feel for it. I would love to do Space Mtn, but the one at WDW scares me to death and I scream like a lunatic so I cannot imagine going on a scarier one with a stranger next to me Thanks again for all of the help!!