'must do' things on a first time visit

[alicia1506]

so.. we fly out to visit DLR in 3 more days, and while we don't want to overplan, we'll have 3 full days in DLR to see/do as much as possible.

do you have any hints/tips/tricks for 'must do' things for first time visitors that may not be on the 'standard' entertainment listing?

we have been told to get a 'first visit' button from main st, but not sure where to go for that...

any other little things we should do to make this a fabulous first visit?

 

[rramstad]

Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe. Get the Mile High chocolate cake and share it... show up early for good seats.

 

[Madhatter7]

Eat a carmel apple, a Tigger tail and always fast pass Indiana jones

 

[MrsPinup]

Agreed on the above, but also have a Dole Whip float and a Main Street corndog!

Ride every ride at least once, including going through Inovations. Get a silouette on Main Street. Ride Jungle Cruise at night

 

[skiingfast]

any other little things we should do to make this a fabulous first visit?

Go to DLR it's an awesome place to visit, no kidding!



Take the time to get good places to watch F!, WoC and the Soundsational Parade. Once you claim you spot take turns going to the restroom, sneaking in another ride, or grab some snacks. These shows are awesome.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

AGREE to the Jungle Cruise at night. I had NEVER done this and just randomly did it on a whim last time we went. It is just a whole new experience. So fun

 

[emullins91]

Eat at Blue Bayou (which is inside the Pirates ride) in New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Make a reservation and show up 15 mins early and ask for a water front table, they will tell you that it will be an extra 30 min wait but we have never waited that long.

 

[nbliss]

If you have kids, get their silhouettes done at the silhouette shop on main street. It's fast, fascinating to watch, and is something you will have forever. The lady who did our kids' silhouettes had been doing it at DL for 37 years. Buy the frame, too! It has 24 hidden mickeys in it. Of course, you don't have to have kids to have it done. There was an older couple who had it done after we did.

 

[Susie63]

Go see Aladdin....a highlight of our trip.Ride the monorail and ask the conductor on the platform if you can ride with the engineer. First time buttons can be found at City Hall next to the fire station on your left as you enter Main Street. You can get a button that says Your Celebrating too!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

These are great reminders of things to do even if its not your first time.

For us this trip is about slowing down and smelling the roses.

Mile High Chocolate Cake - why have I never heard of this!

 

[Madhatter7]

Try to go on Splash Mt right when the park opens,less people on the ride, so you get a bigger splash!

 

[skiingfast]

For us this trip is about slowing down and smelling the roses.

I agree with the slow days they are visiting there is plenty of time to relax. Enjoy the scenery.

 

[jory29]

Take a photo of the former centre of Disneyland -the gold emblem as you walk through the Sleeping Beauty Castle! When Walt Disney walked the parks, he knew that was the centre - in later years the park expanded, so it is no longer the centre. But take a photo with your family, with each member of your family having a foot just touching it.

Also - visit the Partners statue!! Very meaningful.

DO eat at least a couple of Kabobs at the Bengal BBQ, and churros, of course....

GO to the Animation Academy for some down time when crowds get too high, and when you want to sit and relax, and learn to draw.

I miss Disneyland so much, just talking about this stuff!

Ask if you can ride on the Lilly Belle! We were lucky enough to have opportunity one time, to do this, and it was fantastic, truly, the highlight of our trip, and doesn't cost you anything extra if they are able to accommodate you for that.

 

[brookiethecookie]

Wow! I want to do ALL of these things with my family! We will be there Sunday for the first time ever

 

[kailuagirl]

Pick a special first ride beforehand and make that your family traditional first ride every time you go to DLR!

Pennypress machines are great fun for the kids, it's a great way to start a collection that isn't too expensive.

Buy a Christmas ornament to remember your first visit.

Take a picture of your family going into the ticket entrance part, I love that photo of my DD

Have fun!!!

 

[alicia1506]

Wow! I want to do ALL of these things with my family! We will be there Sunday for the first time ever

me too!!!!

 

[MinnieMom13]

You didn't mention whether you have kids and what their ages are, so my response will be a bit generic. Our family's favorite ride (DS 9, DD 8) is California Screamin' (a fast yet smooth coaster--not in WDW). I agree with the earlier post that the Animation Academy Building is a great way to spend time while waiting for your ToT fast pass time. We love taking the quiz to find out what Disney character we're most like (not sure why my husband is always a villian--he doesn't eat nice people for lunch). Be sure to see the Toy Story zoetrope in before you leave. If you do have kids who just need to run rather than stand in yet another line, Tom Sawyer's Island in Disneyland and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in DCA will do the trick. Have a great time!

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Ask if you can ride in the pilot's cabin on the Mark Twain. Fantastic views and you get to blast the horn and ring the bell (which is fun even when you're an adult). To make better use of your time, plan on getting takeout dinner before watching F! or fireworks or whatever so that you can sit down and eat it while saving your chosen viewing spot.

Also, make sure to take a drawing class in the Animator's Building. They're free and you get to take the drawing you made home with you (free souvenir).

 

[IBLarsen]

Eat a Churro at least once and watch Fantasmic! Worth the wait to see this. My kids love it as much as DH and I (even at ages 4 and 6). Billy Hill is great, as mentioned already as well

 

[rcgrahamm]

This is making me too excited! First visit for our fam! 2 girls - 6 and 8! LOVE YOUR TIPS! and so glad i found disboards!