May be taking first trip to DL - Help!

[Nina1]

So...we are WDW veterans (live on the East coast) and go every year.

My husband's company may be sending him to CA to oversee a corporate merger. He'd have to be there anywhere from 4 - 6 weeks. They told him if he goes, they will pay for our son and I to go with him. The trip will most likely commence the second week of November; however, we will not know for certain if we are going until the last week of October or the first week of November.

We will be close to DL, so of course it's first on my list of things to see. I've wanted to go there since I was a child. To be where Walt actually walked...well, it's a dream of mine. But, I know nothing about DL in terms of touring plans, where to eat, where to stay etc. I need some advice from those of you who have been there. Since I don't have a whole lot of time to prepare, any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Nina

 

[ichabody]

Since you are a WDW veteran Disneyland will seem small to you, but it is the size that brings out its charm. Also, you sound like a big Walt fan so I'll outline a couple of things to do that will enhance your experience. Stay at the Disneyland Hotel if you can...then sign up for the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour. It's great because it is full of interesting facts about Walt and the park in the early days. You can get more info for the tour on disneyland.com. It also includes lunch at the end (similar to the Keys to the Kingdom tour, but no backstage part).

See Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, have breakfast at the Carnation Restaurant on Main Street. Take time in New Orleans square to enjoy the details, and ride Pirates...it is very different from the one in Magic Kingdom, then make a reservation at the Blue Bayou...the best restaurant at DLR in my opinion. Pirates is undergoing enhancements and I'm not sure when it will be back up...sometime in November I think.

Other than that, just take time to enjoy the only park Walt walked in. Towards the end of his life, Walt would stand on the dock of the Rivers of America (where the Mark Twain and Columbia dock) and stare out at Tom Sawyer's island, most likely taking in the satisfaction of the magical place he created for families. I would definitely take a moment or two to stand there and thank him.

 

[Nina1]

Other than that, just take time to enjoy the only park Walt walked in. Towards the end of his life, Walt would stand on the dock of the Rivers of America (where the Mark Twain and Columbia dock) and stare out at Tom Sawyer's island, most likely taking in the satisfaction of the magical place he created for families. I would definitely take a moment or two to stand there and thank him.

This is so sweet. What a wonderful idea. I truly appreciate this and all of your suggestions!

 

[blackjackdelta]

There is a ton of info in the stickies at the top of the main DLR board. Good luck,'

Jack

 

[GrandBob]

Of course, there's Hydroguy's treatise on the subject, a must-read for all WDW Vets:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

 

[kathie859]

We (me, DH and adult DD) just visited DL for a day while visiting a sick relative in S Cal. We had time for DL only--not CA. Now we are a Disney family---all the way---but after visiting DL we were struck by several things.
The smallness compared to the Magic Kingdom in WDW was so noticeable. DD remarked that missed the "smells" of the MK--there were no pop corny smells, for example.. We did get to see the Haunted Mansion tricked out for the holidays and, frankly, wasn't impressed. We all thought the CM's at WDW were more involved/friendly than their DL counterparts.

This was my first trip to DL in over 30 years and I guess I've been spoiled by the size and overall feeling of WDW and expected more from DL.

I am really looking forward to my quick Dec. trip back to WDW---I am thinking of hitting DL with my sister mid Dec to compare the holiday theming, stay onsite and see CA, too..

OP---I'll be really interested in your overall impressions and the comparison of Fla vs Ca.