Last Minute Trip Planning - HELP!

[limegreenmonorail]

Hello! I just won a free trip on the radio to go to LA next week and attend a taping of American Idol...so exciting! The trip is for Jan. 9-11, but I'm planning on staying through the weekend to spend a couple of days in Disneyland. Problem is, I've never been to Disneyland (but I've been to WDW a million times). But I've always wanted to go, so this is a dream come true! I know WDW requires a lot a planning in advance with dining reservations and such, but I'm not sure if things are the same way in Disneyland.

Do I need to make reservations for anything, and if so where? Or is it too late? I'm going with my best friend, and I think we'd like to do a character meal at least, but are there any other "can't miss" restaurants that I should try to get reservations for?

Also, a question regarding the rides - I'll ride anything, but my best friend is a bit of chicken and won't ride anything that even resembles a thrill ride. Which rides (Disneyland only - I'm familiar with all the rides that are in WDW as well) should she avoid, and do those rides have single rider lines for me?

Thanks for your help! This trip is amazing, but I'm such a planner that suddenly having this trip a week away with no plans is kind of freaking me out. I'm crazy, I know.

 

[Lomky]

Wow congrats!! I've only been to dis twice, but I'm also a huge planner so maybe I can help a bit. As far as reservations go, alot of the food places are counter service so no need. But, if you want to eat somewhere like carthay circle (DCA) or Blue Bayou you will need reservations.

As far as rides, my wife is the same way. She gets very scared and motion sick. There is no way she would try California screamin' or tower of terror, but she loved radiator springs racers, and Indiana jones (it's dark and bumpy, but very fun). She hated space mountain, but didn't mind Matterhorn! Her favourite ride is probably Peter Pan.

There is a wealth of knowledge on this board so spend some time here and you will be fine. I way over planned our first trip because I thought it was once in a lifetime (we're from Canada) but I've now been there twice and am planning another trip for march 2014!!

 

[danaesacto]

Start here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 and here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2959483 all the super threads and guides are here:


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

Congratulations! How super cool and fun

 

[ColoradoLime]

How exciting! Congrats!!!

If you're going to do a Character meal then make reservations for that now before it's too late. Everything else you can just wing it while you are there.

 

[damiel]

So if I understand right you are just planning on going to Disneyland not California Adventure. The only rides that are @ DL and not @ WDW are Finding Nemo subs and Indiana Jones and I guess you can talk her onto those rides. Most of the unique rides that are not @ WDW are in CA. The Blue Bayou is a DL must, you are eating inside the POC ride, super cool!
Have fun and Enjoy!

 

[MtnGoat]

Oh lucky! Have fun and say hi to Ryan Seacrest for me!

 

[MCBWHITE]

I think making reservations for your character breakfast and at least one special dinner (Blue Bayou is neat experience unique to Disneyland) would be a good idea and you shouldn't have a problem getting something. If it was me, that's where I would start and plan the rest of the trip from there. I would also suggest doing a park hopper; California Adventure is a must see, especially if you'll be there a couple days. You can easily park hop in just one day, but probably not if you're doing a special breakfast and sit down dinner too. What a great surprise trip! Have fun and good luck!

 

[Jerseygirlsmama]

Subbing for the awesome thread links listed above.