Need advice ... First time to Disneyland with kids

[ValpoCory]

Hi all,
We have taken the kids to WDW twice, and are going again in January, but we are going to DL for one day in August. We are just going to DL, and not California Adventure. Any advice on some must see attractions that are different from Walt Disney World (Alice in Wonderland ride, Mr. Toad's, etc)? Any advice on which things are the same and can be skipped (Fantasmic, etc.) ?

Our DD will be 5 in August. DS is still a baby (8 months old).

Thank you in advance.

 

[Lissame]

I hope you will love Disneyland!

Go to the top of this page and read all of the links--especially the one for WDW vets going to DL. It will give you a very clear picture about which rides are similar, and which are unique.

As everyone else will probably do, I recommend you get a parkhopper pass. Disneyland and California Adventure are like one park with two separate gates. They are a very, very short distance from each other and there are some great rides and attractions there for everyone in your family.

I have heard that Fantasmic is not exactly the same, but since you only have one day it probably makes more sense for you to see World of Color as it's brand new.

Again, read through the links at the top of the page and if you have other questions everyone around here is very friendly and will be happy to help you out!

 

[Funball]

Ohhh! Wonderful. You and your family are going to have a BLAST!!

Ok so I am pro California adventure, but you asked about Disneyland. Here is some rides that would be good for a 5 year old!

Small world
Casey Jr.
Story book land canal boats
Nemo—but the line is a nightmare


..And World of color and Fantasmic ARE not the same thing. One is totally different then the other, you can get (but don’t have too) a Fast pass ticket to see the show in the viewing area. Otherwise there is viewing around paradise pier-but I don’t recommend it, as it’s not that great (was there this weekend). But the fireworks at Disneyland is ok for a 5 year old, umm I guess any ride that doesn’t have a height restriction she can go on with a parent. They also have this thing called ride swap, check it out, it’s a good thing!!

So also Disneyland website, has this thing where you can “choose your experience” and so since you’re a family with kids-they will provide suggestions of things to and dining area’s for you and your family!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi all,
We have taken the kids to WDW twice, and are going again in January, but we are going to DL for one day in August. We are just going to DL, and not California Adventure. Any advice on some must see attractions that are different from Walt Disney World (Alice in Wonderland ride, Mr. Toad's, etc)? Any advice on which things are the same and can be skipped (Fantasmic, etc.) ?

Our DD will be 5 in August. DS is still a baby (8 months old).

Thank you in advance.

Very little is the same but a lot is similar.

Yes, do Alice and Toad

Also

StorybookLand Canal Boats
Matterhorn
POTC
Finding Nemo Sub Voyage
Roger Rabbit
Casey Jr RR
Tarzan Treehouse

Princess Fantasy Faire ?


for the bigger kids

Indiana Jones
Space Mtn (much better at DL)

Fantasmic is similar but better at DL according to most including me.

 

[Hound 109]

All of the above & Pinocchio too.