'must do' things on a first time visit

[ZenMickey]

It's not often mentioned, but I say do the rides that are unique to Disneyland. Go on the Storybook Canal Boats, the Casey Jr. Circus Train, Alice in Wonderland, the Matterhorn, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Mr. Toad, even Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Walk through the Sleeping Beauty castle. Play the old school games in the Penny Arcade on Main Street. See the cartoons in the Cinema, and check out Abe Lincoln. Check out the details of New Orleans Square, and go on the Canoes! That's what I would do if I could be there right now.

 

[tzeitel]

I made sure to get a churro and a couple of Tigger Tails. The Tigger Tails were a last minute buy and I packed in Tupperware - I ate one on the plane back home...got many jealous stares

 

[RedRosie]

Musical chairs with Alice and Mad Hatter at 2:30 at Coke Corner. Hilarious!!

 

[alicia1506]

Musical chairs with Alice and Mad Hatter at 2:30 at Coke Corner. Hilarious!!

does this happen every day? and always at the same time? where in the park is coke corner?

 

[brookiethecookie]

me too!!!!

Cool! Have a great time!

 

[tzeitel]

Oh! Forgot a good one - while at DLR last week we missed the monorail by seconds and the CM just told us to wait at the very end (this was at DTD). We got to sit with the conductor at the very front. Another family that came after us gave us the dirtiest looks We got some awesome pics of DD at the front with The Matterhorn in the background.

 

[wingednike]

Just adding a little more info to some of the above suggestions.

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

Tigger tails are only in Critter County. Caramel apples are everywhere but I think CC might have a few designs not found in the other candy stores

Go see Aladdin....a highlight of our tripd

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.

Aladdin and the Animation Academy are in California Adventure. You need a Park Hopper or a separate ticket to get in.


Here are my suggestions:

Make sure to check out the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction inside Disneyland.

Check out the Disney Gallery on Main Street.

If you have time to spare, then check out the hotels and Downtown Disney. It's nice to lounge around the fireplace in The Grand Californian, to check out Trader Sam's in the Disney Hotel, and do the toy boat races near the Rainforest Cafe.

 

[Mortimer Mouse]

Walt's light, stop and appreciate the significants.....

 

[Hound 109]

It's not often mentioned, but I say do the rides that are unique to Disneyland.

Go on the Storybook Canal Boats, the Casey Jr. Circus Train, Alice in Wonderland, the Matterhorn, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Mr. Toad, even Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Walk through the Sleeping Beauty castle. Play the old school games in the Penny Arcade on Main Street. See the cartoons in the Cinema, and check out Abe Lincoln. Check out the details of New Orleans Square, and go on the Canoes! That's what I would do if I could be there right now.

100% agree with Zen (especially the bolded attractions).


Also:

- Mega Cookies from Pooh Corner.
- Corny Dogs in DCA.
- A 10 min. rest in the GCH lobby.
- Griz Rapids on a hot day.
- Jedi Training Academy for the 5-11 y/o's.

 

[Topscot]

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.

Unfortunately, Blue Bayou is closed, along with Pirates until later in November for renovations.

 

[quantumottle]

<snip>...Ride the monorail and ask the conductor on the platform if you can ride with the engineer...

Is this still permitted? It's my understanding that riding up front with the conductor is no longer permitted at WDW - since the tragic accident in 2009, I hope it is still a possibility at DL.

My family was fortunate enough to get to do this at WDW years ago, my kids were younger then and really got a kick out of it. If you get the chance I highly recommend it.

 

[quantumottle]

Oh! Forgot a good one - while at DLR last week we missed the monorail by seconds and the CM just told us to wait at the very end (this was at DTD). We got to sit with the conductor at the very front. Another family that came after us gave us the dirtiest looks We got some awesome pics of DD at the front with The Matterhorn in the background.

I guess this post answers my question above. So glad to hear you can still ride with the conductor/captain.

 

[RedRosie]

does this happen every day? and always at the same time? where in the park is coke corner?

I think it is every day. We went on a weekday. Coke Corner is on Main Street, right next to a candy store. It's also known as something else, I think Refreshment Corner? There is a man that plays piano on the patio at multiple times throughout the day. 2:30 seems to be the only Musical Chairs time. It's a small area, so if you are at the piano, you won't miss it. Alice and Mad Hatter came and asked kids to join. Each child grabs a chair from the patio tables and joins in. There were about 12 that played when we were there. Everyone that wanted to play got to. It lasts about 30 minutes, since they make a big ta-doo when each child gets out. One little girl was dressed as Alice, so when she was "out", they didn't send her back to the audiece. She got to stay with Alice and be the special assistant for the rest of the show. Pretty cool!

 

[hockeybabe]

No flames please, but can someone describe to me what Tigger Tail is? It sounds like something I have been missing all of my life...

 

[rentayenta]

No flames please, but can someone describe to me what Tigger Tail is? It sounds like something I have been missing all of my life...

Its basically covered mashmallows (3-4) on a stick covered in chocolate and drizzled with another sweet treat. I like them okay but prefer my marshmallows warm and toasty.

 

[tanyaewa]

I really think it's important to orient yourself with the DL Park Map - keep it handy.
It also has a list of shows & times.

imo - it's all about the whole experience walking through ALL the shops on Mainstreet, seeing each *land* in it's entirety. taking time to have a nice sit down meal (usually a late lunch) at Carnation Cafe, or Cafe Orleans - where there is amazing peple watching and you can get a real feel for the amazing attention to detail that make Disney so special. Every nook and cranny is neat to see and every person in your group will find different thiings that are their favourites. We love Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

There is so much to see and do it would take many trips to see it all completely.

in my honest opinion - the night time shows are a waste of time. WOC and F! are neat - but if you are short on time they can suck up 3hrs of wait & show & corralling to get away at the end. My husband & ds 7 & 9 have made me promise never to make them watch again. They enjoy the evening atmosphere and rides more than standing in one spot crammed with other people at the end of a busy day. If there were seats - it would be entirely different.

 

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

Thank you for all the responses, I leve in about 9 days for our first trip and I am putting together a list from here of what to do.
Lisa

 

[LizzyS]

We just went to Disneyland for the first time this past Saturday and besides the obvious things that are a "must", please be sure that you see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln on Main Street. It blew our socks off. The Disney Gallery in the same building is also something to see that we really enjoyed.

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

instead of going to city hall, use the gch entrance into dca and ask them for a button. they always have them and they are rarely swamped with people.

try:
-cream cheese pretzel
-dole whip
-monte cristo
-pommes frites

 

[hootey]

Get tired & need to take a break at disney? Go see CRUSH at california adventures. After that, still need to sit for a minute? Go see the muppets. Definately go see Fantasmic at least once, as well as the main street parade, & the fireworks from mainstreet at DL. There is so much to see, I hope you have time to see & ride everything at least once. Another thing we do when we need a break, get everyone a soft drink & ride the DL train all the way around a couple times. Amazing, the things we have noticed or seen for the first time while riding the train taking a break. Most importantly, take time to enjoy being there!