Moving to CA - close to DL (looking for new e-pal)

[kristadisneylover]

Hello all!

I am moving to CA from NJ in July. I have been to WDW more times then I can count, and I am obsessed with it. Anyway, in the past few months my world has been flipped. I am a Jersey girl - but my husband of 3 years received an awesome opportunity and we have decided to move.
I have visited CA and DL once each in the two times we have visited California to make our decision. I also think my husband was trying to close the deal (knowing Disney would help make my decision).

Anyway, I am looking for other folk that would want to teach me some DL info. I am a WDW pro - and want to love DL as much as I love WDW.
Being honest - DL is awesome because that's where Walt's dream started - but it's SO different than WDW.

I am moving to the LA area (close to the beach).

"To all that answer this happy message - welcome!"

 

[diznylnd]

Hello,
That is quite a big move! I know what you mean about DL and WDW being so diff! When we went to WDW for the first time after our 1st Disney cruise we were shoked it was not like our "Home Park". We love DL and comparing the whole time was not the way to go. LOL

Each park is it's own and I think if you go in not comparing them that helps. You should love living so close. Having an AP is great way to really see things in the parks that you would not see on a vacation trip. You can go just for the fireworks on a summer night! Or hop on the Haunted Mansion all decked out as the Nightmare Before Christmas in the winter!

I hope you and your DH have a safe move.

 

[darph nader]

Well,you've come to the right place.I'm pretty sure just about any question you ask will get a responce. Except "is it ok to wear white after Labor Day".

(i never could figure "what" that was all about?

 

[Alice's Mom]

Wow, that is a big move!

What I think is so fabulous about Disneyland is how easily accessible it is. It is truly a park you can just hang out at. An annual pass is the best way to explore at your leisure. I have been countless times over my lifetime and still discover new things.

I went to WDW last year and as much as I liked the experience of immersing myself into all that is Disney, when I was in the Magic Kingdom I felt lost and missed my home park. Our park may be small in comparison, but it packs quite a punch.

Everyone on this board will be here to help with any questions you have.

 

[PattiPB]

Welcome Krista!

To the DIS and to the West Coast. I moved from Jersey to Vegas after living in Jersey for 30 years. It's a bit of a transition!

My DH is from the area you are moving into. There is a lot of exploring waiting for you, that's for sure!

I will tell you one of the biggest differences I found: the beach people. They are incredibly friendly and relaxed compared to Jersey. If you frequented Jersey beaches, I bet you'll notice it immediately. I sure did. You probably aren't sure what I mean---you'll get it the very first time you visit a "locals" beach in your new area.

BUT---eat as much pizza and Chinese as you can right now! It ain't so great out here , but the Mexican is EXCELLENT!!!

 

[Magix]

Welcome to Southern California!!! You'll be hooked on this place before you know it. You'll never want to leave. Once you get used to soaking the sun into your bones most every day of the year, you'll never want to go back to a place that has... ew... winter!

I know what you mean about not feeling quite right outside your home park. I recently visited Disneyland Paris and while it was a great park, it just didn't feel right. It wasn't home.

I'm a native to the DLR area. Spend a little time with us here and you'll soon find that this park is a fantastic place! Cozy, easy to get around, packed with fun and excitement.

Have fun at the beach! Go out and see all the sights of the LA/So Cal area. There's a LOT to see and do here, all year 'round!

 

[DBinMV]

Welcome Krista!

BUT---eat as much pizza and Chinese as you can right now! It ain't so great out here , but the Mexican is EXCELLENT!!!

Whaa?? The Chinese food in SoCal is top notch! If you really have a hankerin' for authentic, just go up to Montery Park (or dim-sum in downtown LA).

Krista,

I've only been to WDW once - and that was almost 15 years ago...but DL is a different beast. Maybe noot as much to do and or as all-encompassing, but more more intimate. "Packs a punch" is a pretty good description, actually. California Adventure is something pretty unique unto itself, but the history of DL is part of what keeps us coming back.

Best of luck on your move - I've done 3 cross-country moves, and none of them were easy (always found a way to get lost in St. Louis - go figure). I've never been to NJ, but SoCal is a different vibe from anywhere else - pretty easy going, except for all the people who are in a hurry.

Best wishes (and welcome)

DBinMV

 

[PattiPB]

Okay, okay, I'll concede the Chinese...

But Krista, you'd better get your fill of bagels!

 

[cryssi]

how funny, we almost moved to NJ from here...

oh, and for GOOD chinese go to NBC in Monterey Park...

 

[kristadisneylover]

Thanks to all of my "new" friends. I couldn't wait to get home and see if anyone replied.

dznylnd & Alice's Mom
Thanks for the advice about the annual pass. I looked at it on the computer and thought it mentioned times that I could not use it (like most of the summer) am I reading the wrong thing?

PattiPB - I have visited twice - not to the beach yet, (just drive bys of the beach) and I do notice how nice everyone is. Even our realtor - who made nothing off of us - went out of his way to help find us a place. One difference is that they call the beach "the beach" not "down the shore" - I sure will miss Sea Side (Sleaze Side)

Magix - I can see that it will be easy to fall in love with. I went to DL on Easter Break (because that's when we were checking the area out). I did feel comfortable to walk around DL by myself but I need to go when it's not busy. I just took in all the feelings.


DBinMV - hey what's your name mean? I can see the "packing a punch" idea. I have to say = having Disney 40 miles away - makes the move a little easier. It's what I have as my "reference". I can feel home - even though I am 3,000 miles away. Thanks for the food ideas

Cryssi - thanks for the Chinese place
Patti PB - I will stuff myself. I also won't forget Taylor Ham


Also - ? Are there DisMeets in DL or surrounding areas?

 

[Magix]

Thanks to all of my "new" friends. I couldn't wait to get home and see if anyone replied.

dznylnd & Alice's Mom
Thanks for the advice about the annual pass. I looked at it on the computer and thought it mentioned times that I could not use it (like most of the summer) am I reading the wrong thing?

Magix - I can see that it will be easy to fall in love with. I went to DL on Easter Break (because that's when we were checking the area out). I did feel comfortable to walk around DL by myself but I need to go when it's not busy. I just took in all the feelings.

If you buy the Premium Annual Pass, there are no blockout dates. Well worth the money. If you live only 40 miles away, you'll be able to use it often enough to make it pay for itself.

Oh yes, definitely try DL sometime other than Easter! The very best time of year is January-February. It's usually very, very quiet then. A great time for locals to go. Also, after the summer season ends can be nice, around late Sept - mid Nov. Early in the holiday season is a little more crowded, but it's a wonderful time to see the park all decked-out for Christmas.

 

[DBinMV]

Thanks to all of my "new" friends. I couldn't wait to get home and see if anyone replied.

<snip>

DBinMV - hey what's your name mean? I can see the "packing a punch" idea. I have to say = having Disney 40 miles away - makes the move a little easier. It's what I have as my "reference". I can feel home - even though I am 3,000 miles away.
<snip>

Name = <initials> in <location>. I'm about 20 miles away from DL.

Really, the dining scene in SoCal is REALLY underrated, proabably because some of the best food comes in places that are reasonably casual. Steakhouses, Chinese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Indian - it's all here and it's all good if you know where to look. We even have some darn good Philly Cheesesteaks in OC (Philly's Best)

Well, except the bagels. They're not bad - but they're not an East Coast bagel. (Hi PattiPB )

Hmm... a DIS DL meet. Strangely, I've never been to one.

DBinMV

 

[darph nader]

If you like 'real' Mexican food,stop by Tucson!(if you're driving). No offence,i need to try 'real' Mexican in Calif. Sorry ,but Taco Bell,or Del Taco does NOT count. btw i'm married to a Hispanic(deal with it),but my system can't tolerate "spicy" food.

 

[PattiPB]

PattiPB - I have visited twice - not to the beach yet, (just drive bys of the beach) and I do notice how nice everyone is. Even our realtor - who made nothing off of us - went out of his way to help find us a place. One difference is that they call the beach "the beach" not "down the shore" - I sure will miss Sea Side (Sleaze Side)

Patti PB - I will stuff myself. I also won't forget Taylor Ham

After ten years I STILL say down the shore instead of the beach! Old habits don't die at all!!!

I leave tomorrow for Philadelphia for about a week (neice's grad), and I plan on having Dunkin Donuts coffee several times every day, bagels for breakfast every day, pizza for lunch, and Philly cheesesteaks for dinner. If I get really, really hungry, I'll hunt down a White Castle around 2 am! And yes, I'm headed to Seaside for one day, just to have the sausage and peppers sandwich on the boardwalk!!! If I had more time I'd hit Wildwood for Curly's fries!!!!! Next summer...

 

[kristadisneylover]

Patti - NO Dunkin' Donuts in Cali? What? AHHH! Have fun in Phili! You have to stop at Pat's or the other philly cheesesteak house across the street (forgot the name)

DB - I am happy to hear that there are casual places that are good. I am more relaxed in that kind of atmosphere. Maybe I should set up a DisMeet once I move out there.


darph - I love Mexican - but I agree with you about spicy. No wonder those bathrooms always smell a bit different. ha ha
what did you mean I married to a HIspanic (deal with it)?

Magix - I am going to buy a premium annual pass. Boy does that sound fancy! Does the year start from when I buy it? Or is it January to January?

 

[PattiPB]

Patti - NO Dunkin' Donuts in Cali? What? AHHH! Have fun in Phili! You have to stop at Pat's or the other philly cheesesteak house across the street (forgot the name)

Magix - I am going to buy a premium annual pass. Boy does that sound fancy! Does the year start from when I buy it? Or is it January to January?

No DD (meaning Dunkin Donuts in this thread!!) in Vegas!

BTW---PAP starts the day you buy it, not calendar year.

 

[KPeterso]

Hi Krista,

I am a new SoCal resident. Came from IL about 7 months ago. I got the Deluxe AP. I have about 30-40 blackout days a year, but most of them are all the worst times to go that I would not consider going. Just something to consider. Eat good Chinese before you come. I cannot find anything good, so anyone who has good places, let me know, I want some good Chinese food now. And no Dunkin Donuts. That is one I reaally miss. And my Chicago Style Pizza. Just nothing is the same here! There is actually an upcoming Dis Meet on 6/24 for the Pirates Premiere as I recall. I am still deciding if I will go. Life here is definitley different and more realxed than IL. I personally love it and don't think I will ever move back to IL!

 

[GalDisney]

If you have any questions about Disneyland or Anaheim or so cal, let me know. I was born and raised in Anaheim and spent too much time at Disneyland

 

[darph nader]

Patti - NO Dunkin' Donuts in Cali? What? AHHH! Have fun in Phili! You have to stop at Pat's or the other philly cheesesteak house across the street (forgot the name)

DB - I am happy to hear that there are casual places that are good. I am more relaxed in that kind of atmosphere. Maybe I should set up a DisMeet once I move out there.


darph - I love Mexican - but I agree with you about spicy. No wonder those bathrooms always smell a bit different. ha ha
what did you mean I married to a HIspanic (deal with it)?

Magix - I am going to buy a premium annual pass. Boy does that sound fancy! Does the year start from when I buy it? Or is it January to January?

The reference to being married to a hispanic was not meant to be detrimental.I love my wife with all my heart.Sad to say 'some' people look down on interacial marriages.Too bad for them. If you read enough of my posts you'll figure out ,I'm an agnostic,beer drinking,cigarette smoking,redneck.

p.s. i tend to be a smarty pants also,some times.

 

[kristadisneylover]

Kristin - Did you know anyone before you moved? I am so nervous about not having my family anf friends that I have had all my life. I went to school only 45 minutes away from home. Unfortunately I won't be around on June 24th - otherwise I would probably go to the DIS Meet (even if I went from afar)


Patti - thanks for the annual pass info.

Darph - My husband is a smarty pants (in nice words) so I don't mind it. Now I can understand your humor though - I wasn't sure if I missed something. BTW - I think you should marry whoever you fall in love with. So God bless you and your wife!

So I have some more questions and a little venting.

Yesterday I went to get my fingerprints done - (I am a teacher ) - so I could send them to CA. ANyway - while I was there the cop started talking to me about CA. He mentioned that he was stationed there. He then proceeded to mention how awful the earthquakes are. Pretty much freaked me out more than I already am. Then, he proceeds to tell me about the gangs in CA. He was not very positive. I am thinking to myself the whole time -"Ugh, is this a joke?"
So what do I do in a earthquake?
How bad are they in SoCal?
Also - what kind of supermarkets or grocery stores do they have in Cali?

I leave in less than a month. I am anxious - but scared.