Looking for intel and advice

[Socal Labrat]

Hi all, I’m new to the board. I’ve been to DL twice in the last 6 years, but have extensive experience with WDW. I’m bringing my daughter and grandkids (11 and 9) on Tuesday 8/3. We have a 1 day park hopper ticket, starting park is DL. Driving up from Carlsbad. I’m looking for advice on what to do first, some must sees, tricks and tips. Dining reservations are out of the question so I plan on just doing mobile ordering. We can hop over to the other park at 1…never been to that park before. I know Soarin, that’s a must do. What else?

I already understand how to get on the virtual list for ROR and have downloaded the DL app so I’m set with trying to do that soon as park opens. What time should I arrive to park? I hate being super early but am thinking that’s what I probably need to do.

So thanks a ton for any info you can give me. I’m sure it will be hot and crowded but I’m hoping this first Disney experience is a good one for them.

Wish me luck!

 

[Matrixleos]

Hi all, I’m new to the board. I’ve been to DL twice in the last 6 years, but have extensive experience with WDW. I’m bringing my daughter and grandkids (11 and 9) on Tuesday 8/3. We have a 1 day park hopper ticket, starting park is DL. Driving up from Carlsbad. I’m looking for advice on what to do first, some must sees, tricks and tips. Dining reservations are out of the question so I plan on just doing mobile ordering. We can hop over to the other park at 1…never been to that park before. I know Soarin, that’s a must do. What else?

I already understand how to get on the virtual list for ROR and have downloaded the DL app so I’m set with trying to do that soon as park opens. What time should I arrive to park? I hate being super early but am thinking that’s what I probably need to do.

So thanks a ton for any info you can give me. I’m sure it will be hot and crowded but I’m hoping this first Disney experience is a good one for them.

Wish me luck!

We were just at Disneyland on 7/29 and get there early. The first 3 hours at the park was our favorite Disney parks experience ever (WDW vet here).

Honestly with just one day, I'd spend it all at Disneyland. We were there from 8am to park closing and eventually left the park around 11pm (shopped at main street the last hour).

Then on 7/30 at DCA, we kinda wished we were at Disneyland again. RSR, GotG, Soaring, GRR and Web Slingers are amazing but if you don't time them properly, they are a tremendous time wastes.

 

[Kit Jackson]

If you are a frequent vistor to WDW, I would say that CarsLand in DCA is a must, because it is not in Florida. CarsLand is incredibly immersive and a retro neon wonderland at night.

Pirates of the Caribbean is amazing and is one of the rides that is different depending on which park you are visting (the one in WDW is not a clone of the one in DL). Unless it's the California version of Soarin' (which is only done on special occasions), it's the same version of Soarin' that they have in WDW, so it may be something you've already seen.

Mickey Ears beignets and mint julips at the Mint Julip Bar are a wonderful treat.

 

[AuntieKels]

It's interesting that you say Soarin' is a must because I would definitely skip it if I only had 1 day. With that said, if you love that attraction, then go for it! I agree that if you hop over to DCA then Carsland should probably be your priority.

I always struggle with telling folks what they should do first or prioritize because what people consider getting the most out of their Disneyland day varies so much. If thrill rides are the priority then I would get to the gate an hour early and start at Space Mountain and move through the park to all those attractions. If seeing Walt's park or unique to Disneyland attractions is a priority then I would focus on attractions like Storybook land canal boats, Alice in Wonderland, Small World, Matterhorn, Tiki room, etc. Then there's the debate of skipping attractions that are replicated in WDW or making sure to hit them because they're slightly different.

Without any fastpasses and no reservations, there isn't much you need to plan ahead of time - just focus on your priorities. I always like to look at the map with everyone going on the trip and let everyone select a couple "must-dos" and then plan your attack from there.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I agree that I’d skip Soarin’ over the world on a one day trip. Don’t they have that at WDW? Soarin’ over California was one of my fave rides.

I don’t know that I’d wait an hour for RSR with such a short trip. But definitely take your time walking around radiator springs after dark! It’s beautiful. Skip the Luigi ride. Time suck and pretty lame. Mater is ok.

Things I’d definitely skip:
Golden zephyr
Inside out emotional whirlwind
Critter carousel
Jumpin jellyfish
Monsters inc (unless one in the group are major fans of the movie. )
Pixar pal around
Turtle talk with crush

 

[Socal Labrat]

This is my grandkids first experience with Disney, and it’s about them. I think they would like Soarin’ and I’m not sure what their preferences are for the rollercoasters. I think I’ll focus on the things like Pirates and Haunted Mansion and the like, things mentioned above.

What is RSR?

 

[Jwaire]

Only 1 day? If this is their first trip to a Disney Park, you may want to hit up some of the copycat rides.

But if it was me ...

Since your a WDW person, I'd hit:

1. Indiana Jones (a must do at DL.)
2. Storybook Canal Boats (these are very underrated and so neat).
3. A Small World (much better version, especially with kids that can spot the characters.)
4. Alice in Wonderland (it's a 20 second ride, but fun.)
5. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin (nothing special, but you won't get it anywhere else.)
6. Matterhorn (if you can stand the vehicle. It's rough.)
7. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
8. Space Mountain (I prefer WDW's version, but completely different than WDW with 2 seater vehicles.)
9. Big Thunder Mountain (much better version with geysers and a town).
10. Pirates of the Caribbean (much better version)
11. Disneyland Railroad
12. Snow White (miss it at WDW).
13. Mr. Toad (might be scary for younger kids.)
14. Pinocchio (It's short, but cute.)

Only do these if time permits:

1. Haunted Mansion (Not that much different, but different enough with extra effects.)
2. Winnie the Pooh (It's just better at DL).
3. Jungle Cruise (always a yawn for me, but my family likes it.)
4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (It reminds me of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, but not as fun—if you can stand the tight spaces.)
5. Buzz Lightyear (much better version with 2 targets).
7. Peter Pan's Flight (better special effects.)

Not worth my time:

1. Splash Mountain (WDW is better unless you won't get to ride to before it gets re-imagined.)
2. Autopia
3. Monorail (no air conditioning.)
4. Dumbo
5. Tea Cups
6. Mark Twain Riverboat
7. Star Tours
8. Astro Orbitor
9. Gadget's Go Coaster
10. Tiki Room
11. Philharmagic
12 Davy Crocket's Canoes
13. Sailing Ship Columbia
14. Tarzan's Treehouse
15. Tom Sawyer's Island

And for CA:

1. Radiator Springs Car Ride
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Spiderman
4. Marvel Stage Shows
5. Monster's Inc
6. Incredicoaster (will always be known as California Screamin to me.)
7. Mickey's Fun Wheel (or whatever they call now, it's actually really fun)

Not worth my time:

1. Goofy's Sky School (I despise this ride.)
2. Toy Story Mania
2. Soarin' (unless they happen to be doing over California, which they do periodically. I will say if you are going to ride Soarin' this one is better in terms of theming.)
3. Grizzly's River Run
4. Little Mermaid
5. Golden Zephr
6. Carnival Rides (Jumping' Jellyfish, Jesse's whatever, Inside Out, Swings, etc.)
7. Turtle Talk

 

[smartlabelprint]

RSR is radiator springs racers in cars land.

Since it’s their first trip and you only have 1 day I’d find out what they’re Interested in. My kids are too small to really remember what they like so I pick the rides. But we watch YouTube videos together. I got a map from @WonkaKid and we look at them and choose what we think we might like and watch. But we have 5 days and can do all their choices. You’re really going to have to rein things in. Everyone pick their top ride in each park. Anything else after that will be bonus.

 

[Matrixleos]

This is my grandkids first experience with Disney, and it’s about them. I think they would like Soarin’ and I’m not sure what their preferences are for the rollercoasters. I think I’ll focus on the things like Pirates and Haunted Mansion and the like, things mentioned above.

What is RSR?

Few questions, before I can provide a more detailed response.

Since your grandkids are 11 and 9, are they a fan of the Cars, Avengers, Star Wars and Classic Disney Movies?

At that age, are they scared of heights or the dark? That might eliminate some rides.

 

[Kenshin21]

We're from Carlsbad ourselves and make the drive a lot. On a weekday like you're going, the morning drive up can be brutal if you leave too late. We have little ones and always try to be there before park opening, as the first couple hours, you can get a lot done. With only one day, I highly suggest leaving early to take advantage of the first couple hours.

 

[Katiegrose]

I just did rope drop- park close on a Monday a couple weeks ago (8-10). We are also huge WDW people, but it was our first time at DCA and our first time to DLR in 11 years. We started in DL and got a rise boarding pass- we did Splash, Pooh (twice), Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, Rise and Smugglers run all before ten. Then hit Pirates and Indiana Jones before Matterhorn and hopped over to DCA about 1:30 (I needed out of the congestion). I had gotten a Web Slingers Boarding group when we were done eating lunch. We did Incredicoaster, Jesses Critter Carousel and Toy Story before heading to Guardians. It was then time for our Web Slingers. We did Luigis Rollickin Roadsters and We went to Racers next and wasted 40 minutes next to board before the ride started to be evacuated. We got a Fast Pass good for anything (except Web Slingers) and we repeated Incredicoaster before hopping back. We did Matterhorn another two times, Space two times, Small World, all of Fantasy Land (except Peter Pan and TeaCups). We literally hit most of our "must dos" (racers is really the only thing we didn't get to). I left our hotel a little before 7 (I was in the uber when I got the rise boarding group). I skipped Soarin because its the exact same as WDW. I also felt the same about Jungle Cruise. We are actually going back in 2 weeks since we can't get Annual Passes to World right now. I think if you are up for rope drop (we waited about 20 mins for them to start letting us in after clearing security) you can knock most things out.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Also check out the plans Disneyland daily posts.

 

[Socal Labrat]

Few questions, before I can provide a more detailed response.

Since your grandkids are 11 and 9, are they a fan of the Cars, Avengers, Star Wars and Classic Disney Movies?

At that age, are they scared of heights or the dark? That might eliminate some rides.

all things Disney of course. Also Marvel. I don’t think they like coasters, so that narrows things down a lot.

 

[Matrixleos]

@Socal Labrat just looking at the temperature on Tuesday, August 3rd. It will be 89 degrees as a high but only 70-81 degrees during the sweet spot of the park for rides from park opening 8am to 11am. I'd plan to get alot during this time while the kids still have a lot of energy and the summer heat hasn't really kicked in yet.

First, looking at the GPS, it's 61 miles from Carlsbad to Disneyland with no traffic. I'd honestly leave an hour earlier to factor in traffic and walking from the parking lot to the parks. So if you want to be there from rope drop at 8am (which you do with only 1 day at the parks) I'd leave Carlsbad the VERY latest at 6am. Give yourself that 2 hour cushion for the drive, traffic, parking and walk to the parks. Although honestly, if the kids are up for it and can sleep on the car ride over, I'd leave a bit earlier than 6am to be safe.

Parking wise, there are no trams from Mickey and Friends parking structure, so if you park there, you'll have to walk the full length of Downtown Disney. Personally, I'd park at GardenWalk and use that short walk to the Harbor side entrance. Good thing about GardenWalk too, is it's open 24 hours, so you can get there as early as you'd like.

If you get there at 8am, tackle Peter Pan and Snow White first. After those two rides, most all the other Fantasy Land rides should be 5-10 minutes each the first hour or so the park is open. Goal is to knock out all the Fantasy Land rides in the first hour to 90 minutes of park opening.

After that, I'd head to Toontown, and spend some time there. Take pictures with Mickey and Minnie as they usually are near their houses (you can't enter the houses but they're there for character pictures). Plus do the two Toontown rides with moderate low ride times around 9:30 to 10am.

After that, I'd take the Disneyland Train from Toontown (cool experience for their first visit) to New Orleans Square to do Disneyland classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise and if your grandkids are up to it, Indiana Jones.

If you factor in a visit to the Enchanted Tiki Room, Dole Whip and maybe lunch at a quick service place like Hungry Bear or Rancho. This should take you up to 1pm-2pm timeframe and time to park hop to DCA.

Problem with DCA, at that time, the sun is full blaze and not enough shading and all the big attractions will have 30-60+ minute wait times with Soaring, GRR, RSR, GotG. No good way to handle that but than to pull the bandaid off sort of speak, and tackle those long lines. I'd recommend umbrella's and lots of water for the kids while waiting in lines.

If you're grandkids are big Disney fans as you said, they'll enjoy Mickey's PhilharMagic. They recently added a new scene from Coco and it's a great break to take on a hot day with comfy seats and air conditioning.

Once you tackled those long lines for those rides, that should take you close to 7pm or so. I'd hop back to Disneyland at this time but I'd stop by Smokejumpers and get a quick bite to eat with either Monte Cristo or Brisket Mac and Cheese offering they have. They also have a decent hamburger.

Once back at Disneyland, you have about an hour or so of rides to do before the fireworks begin at 9pm. So I'd recommend Tomorrow Land and your grandkids would like Buzz Lightyear, Autopia or Star Tours if the lines aren't too long. Check the app to see which one has short lines.

After that, goal is to get near Small World, where you'll get a great view of Mickey's MM projections on the face of the Small World ride and be close enough for the fireworks, which are launched from Toontown close by.

After the fireworks, around 9:30ish, if your grandkids are up for it and not tired. It's a great time to walk through Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at night, it's really stunning with the night time sky and lighting. Perhaps even do MFSR ride before park closes.

After that, you'll be thankful to be parked at GardenWalk, instead of trying to navigate a very packed and crowded Downtown Disney to walk back to Mickey and Friends parking structure.

Atleast that would be my plan if I were in your shoes and hope some of these suggestions help give you and your family some ideas.

Hope your grandkids have a magical first visit to Disneyland!

 

[Socal Labrat]

One more thing, not seeing anything about magic bands, do we need them at this park?
Thanks all for your info! I’ll report back after I recover from the looooooong day.

 

[Kit Jackson]

One more thing, not seeing anything about magic bands, do we need them at this park?

MagicBands are only at Disney World. They are not used at Disneyland. If you have a smart phone, you will use the Disneyland app instead of a MagicBand.