Like a fish out of water

[RweTHEREyet]

We are WDW veterans, can plan a trip in my sleep, honest. We will soon have an excuse to go cross country and experience DL, where Walt walked, and I feel so lucky. Our son has accepted a job that will relocate him and his new bride to Orange County. I imagine that when we go to visit that we will stay at a Disney/good neighbor, etc. hotel. We are DVC members, but do not own at VGC, so I am not sure what the opportunities will be there.

When I think about planning a trip to DL, my head just spins.

Any words of advice from those of you WDW vets that have been in this situation? Actually, any words of advice on anything from anybody . Don't know where to stay, good times to go, how to find good airfare from the East Coast, what the deal is on park tickets, to book dining or not (can you book dining in advance at DL)? See, I am so clueless.

Where to start, can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[jlmarr]

Here's where to start: Hydroguy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets

After you've read that come back here and we'll all be glad to help.

 

[Quilter007]

Yup, check out Hydroguy's tips & don't dis our castle! We LIKE it! Staying @ VGC for the first time next week -- reviews have been good, so we are looking forward to it. !

 

[lulubelle]

Well, from what I have read so far, the Villas at the Grand have not sold as quickly or been as popular as everyone predicted. So, I would pick a date as soon as you can and call and book using points from one of your other DVC resorts. Just try to steer clear of Spring Break as it gets crazy busy. I stayed there two weeks ago and they are beautiful. Not to mention brandy-spanking new. Staying on site you will be walking distance to both parks and DTD. I would start with a 3 day park hopper and see how it goes. You will love Walt's original park, I am sure. Have fun planning.

PS - And yes, Hydroguy provides the best comprehensive guide for visiting. He's our resident guru.

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

SNA or John Wayne Airport in Orange County is closer than the more popular LAX airport. Onsite at the resort is the most convenient, but there's plenty of hotels across the way.

Wow, I think it's really going to be a different experience and culture shock , if you've never been to that area! I always feel so lost when I travel to Florida, I know that Anaheim Disney area like the back of my hand. Really research the Disneyland section here, sure you'll find lots of helpful posts and will continue to receive info on this thread.

I have several recent park maps from both DL and DCA if you don't have any and would like to plan ahead, feel free to PM your address. If you are a fan of the Jedi Training Academy, I suggest you see Disneyland's version, I feel it's better and more exciting than WDW due to the stage.

 

[HydroGuy]

When I think about planning a trip to DL, my head just spins.

You have come to the right place. You are in for a real treat. We think you will love the Disneyland park (DL) as well as everything at the Disneyland Resort (DLR). See "Disneyland Resort Lingo for Newbies" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2214012

Do you know yet when you might be going? DLR has some seasonal issues that differ from WDW and we can give you some specific advice which can make your trip more successful.

 

[ballarinamom]

Check the Disneyland website's calendar for attractions that are closed for refurb as an extra guide. Coming from WDW, you don;t want to miss those rides that are exclusive to DL. Plus there are other rides that are at both parks but a little better at DL. IASW is entered outside and the facade is amazing. There is also a little show that goes off every 15 minutes where the toys march.
Pirates goes through the Bayou and has an extra drop. Space Mountain is a much better, smoother ride- for now. And Toontown blows WDW away. I think I heard they were actually closing TT at WDW. IMHO, it will not be missed. We really prefer Indy to Dino. And Main street has the penny arcade and so many other nice treats compared to WDW.
The Meal plan is nothing in comparison to WDW. The restaurant selections are not as broad as WDW. But the quality of the food is right on. DTD is right there so that offers more dining options.
We personally LOVE DL over WDW. We live in Texas and WDW is actually cheaper for us. But we love the original! WE love that a cab can drop us off and we never have to get into another vehicle until we leave- no buses, boats or even monorail if we choose. At WDW we actually took cabs alot because we didn't want to wait for the bus or boat.
Also, you may want to consider the Walking in Walt's Footsteps tour. DH and DMIL did it and loved it!!!!
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

 

[lattemomof3]

I think you will find planning a trip to DLR refreshingly easy! I think a trip to the world takes much more planning. Definately read all of Hydroguys tips and keep an eye on this board - everyone here is so kind and helpful. I've read numerous times that it's not really worth doing the dining plan, and it does'nt save $ to do it. Just figure out which resturaunts are your "must do's", and make ps's (priority seating) 60 days ahead. You probably won't need to be up at the crack of dawn to make them either! The parks are so easy to hop back and forth between - if you use FP and get the majority of the popular rides done before the crowds arrive, you'll be golden. I think the theming at DLR is so great - very detailed, so take time to enjoy looking around. Have a great trip!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yup, check out Hydroguy's tips & don't dis our castle! We LIKE it! Staying @ VGC for the first time next week -- reviews have been good, so we are looking forward to it. !

Not to worry. I may be making some comparisons, but I know which park came first and I know that it was Walt's design and dream. While I do absolutely love WDW, I know that my first steps into DL will be very emotional.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement guys. I will definitely check out Hydroguy's information and then ask more questions.

I did call this morning and got us booked into VGC for May. It may not be a definite trip, but I was able to book 5 nights in a row without borrowing points, so I can always cancel if I need to.

One initial question I do have is what is the best way to get to the resort from SNA airport. We usually rent a car at WDW, but I am not sure I wish to do that for our first trip to DL. Do you sign up with Super Shuttle or something similar or is there a better way?

 

[HydroGuy]

I did call this morning and got us booked into VGC for May. It may not be a definite trip, but I was able to book 5 nights in a row without borrowing points, so I can always cancel if I need to.

It seems fairly certain that in January the Rivers of America will close for refurb which means no Fantasmic, Mark Twain, SS Columbia, DC Canoes, or Pirates Lair at TSI (PLATSI). The question is when will they open. Some are saying they will not open until mid-May. See these links for more info:

Rivers of America Closure?

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/126124-rivers-america.html#post1055631386

I would be a little nervous locking in a May visit right now. It sounds like you have some flexibility so keep the above in mind.

One initial question I do have is what is the best way to get to the resort from SNA airport. We usually rent a car at WDW, but I am not sure I wish to do that for our first trip to DL. Do you sign up with Super Shuttle or something similar or is there a better way?

See "Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks for the heads up on the closings. I have us booked for the end of May, and it sounds as if that isn't even a guarantee for things to be open. However, since the main focus of our trip will not be DL, but to see our son and his new bride, I guess it would not be the end of the world--particularly since we will be back before the year is out.

I certainly plan to follow the refurb schedule with interest.

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

However, since the main focus of our trip will not be DL, but to see our son and his new bride, I guess it would not be the end of the world--particularly since we will be back before the year is out.

Is your son a Southern California resident? Because if he is he could purchase discounted So. Cal resident admission passes for you. I think the only deal that's out at the moment is the Costco 4 day hopper for $159. Not sure if you already have your tickets?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

to the DISneyland corner of the boards. You've been here forever. It's about time you come to Disneyland.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Is your son a Southern California resident? Because if he is he could purchase discounted So. Cal resident admission passes for you. I think the only deal that's out at the moment is the Costco 4 day hopper for $159. Not sure if you already have your tickets?

No, actually, he has not moved yet. He will be relocating to Orange County from North Carolina after the first of the year.

And I hate to ask a really dumb East Coasters question, but is Orange County considered Southern California? Embarrassed that I have to ask. If it is, and if he can buy the discounted tickets for us, would we not have to show proof of address? I only ask because Fl. residents often do when they use a Fl. resident pass.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

to the DISneyland corner of the boards. You've been here forever. It's about time you come to Disneyland.

Thank all of you for the warm welcome. I have been wanting to come to Disneyland since forever, but WDW is just so easy from North Carolina. I am so very excited that I will have my first of many trips to DL in the next six months.

 

[HydroGuy]

And I hate to ask a really dumb East Coasters question, but is Orange County considered Southern California? Embarrassed that I have to ask. If it is, and if he can buy the discounted tickets for us, would we not have to show proof of address? I only ask because Fl. residents often do when they use a Fl. resident pass.

OC is just south of Los Angeles and in the heart of Southern California.

If you visit with a SoCal person who has valid ID you can all use the discounted SoCal tix. But you will need to be with them each day when you enter the parks. If you venture to DLR without them one day it will likely be a problem for you.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thank all of you for the warm welcome. I have been wanting to come to Disneyland since forever, but WDW is just so easy from North Carolina. I am so very excited that I will have my first of many trips to DL in the next six months.

I don't want to intrude on family time, but I'd love to meet up with you, if you have time.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

We will certainly stay in touch, and you will be seeing a lot of me around the boards. My son will be travelling a lot, so that should leave us with time on our own for the Parks, so I am sure we will be able to meet up. Always love to meet DIS people and Disney fans,

 

[Sleepless Knight]

First off, I think you have the right attitude for experiencing Disneyland after many visits to WDW. It sounds like you know there will be differences, but you also know that each place has its own special strengths. It's difficult not to compare the two, but if you go in looking for the strengths of the other, you'll find a lot to like about it (and a lot that you miss about the one you're most familiar with). You'll also find things at the "new" place that you will wish the other one had.

 

[HydroGuy]

First off, I think you have the right attitude for experiencing Disneyland after many visits to WDW. It sounds like you know there will be differences, but you also know that each place has its own special strengths. It's difficult not to compare the two, but if you go in looking for the strengths of the other, you'll find a lot to like about it (and a lot that you miss about the one you're most familiar with). You'll also find things at the "new" place that you will wish the other one had.

I agree completely. First trip to WDW I was prepared for differences and knew there would be no Indiana Jones, California Screamin, etc. So there are things I miss about DLR when I am at WDW. However, what I did not expect is after two trips to WDW that when I am at DLR now I do miss things at WDW. Like RnR, EE, FOTLK, etc. Oh yeah, and Beaches and Cream.

When I am at DLR I do not miss WDW's buses and boats though.