New to Disneyland? Questions?

[newmannsmomtoo]

Hi,
We've been several times to wdw but not Disneyland. Thinking of spending 3 days in July and had a few questions.
1. Do they use magic bands and if so can I use my remaining no expiration tickets there?

2. Best place to stay?

3. Can you do fast passes online with the app like in wdw?

4. Is it totally crazy busy in summer like wdw?

Anything that I really need to know? I've started reading through all the threads to get some good ideas.

Thanks!

 

[pblack]

Hi,
We've been several times to wdw but not Disneyland. Thinking of spending 3 days in July and had a few questions.
1. Do they use magic bands and if so can I use my remaining no expiration tickets there?

2. Best place to stay?

3. Can you do fast passes online with the app like in wdw?

4. Is it totally crazy busy in summer like wdw?

Anything that I really need to know? I've started reading through all the threads to get some good ideas.

Thanks!

-Disneyland does not use magic bands.

-Almost anywhere around Disneyland should be pretty decent. I've stayed at the Tropicana (across from the park), the Days Inn on the other side of the fwy, Hotel Menage, and others. I haven't found any of them to be terrible. I do like the Tropicana best out of those three, but it's also probably the most expensive out of those three.

-No. At some point they are introducing MaxPass, but it isn't in effect yet.

-Summer is pretty busy in Disneyland. Not sure how it compares to WDW.

 

[pharmama]

1. No. Magic Bands are not used at DLR.
2. There are literally tons of options. Can you tell us more about your party (how many, ages etc., any issues with walking etc), what type of hotel you usually like (budget/mid range/fancy etc)
3. No. Currently DLR uses the old paper fastpass system. Look for threads on here about MaxPass which is coming soon but exact date has not been announced. This will allow you to book FastPasses in the app (for a daily fee) but it will still be same day bookings from within the parks only.
4. Umm...yes? Its busy but managable. However, you mentioned July... when in July? Large crowds will be expected during D23 and the annual DL anniversary is usually quite busy, even if its not a "milestone year" (this year DL will be 62).

 

[purple figment]

1. You cannot use Disney World tickets at DL.
2. There are the 3 onsite resorts if you prefer staying within the Disney bubble. There are, however, many off site options that range from excellent hotels to budget motels. We can give you better suggestions if you tell us what kind of accommodations you prefer (onsite/offsite, price range (value, mod, deluxe), walking distance or car/shuttle distance.)

 

[danceanddisney2010]

Looks like everyone gave some great answers above .. most of mine are very similar but i'd thought i'd share anyway

1. Do they use magic bands and if so can I use my remaining no expiration tickets there? No magic bands! I have never been to WDW ..but I've been to Disney more times than I can count

2. Best place to stay? What are you looking for? There are SO many options! Not only can you stay at one of the three resort hotels, but you can also stay at one of the many hotels that surround the resort. Do you want across the street.. do you want shuttle service.. price..etc. We haven't stayed off site in a long time, but when our family did.. we definitely preferred within walking distance and if possible, one of the hotels directly across the street! It makes the trips back and forth between the hotel and park SO much easier. Once we stayed 2 1/2 blocks away ... and they are LONG blocks.. and oy.. that back and forth! If you forget something or need something ..yeah .. it is a big chunk of time.

3. Can you do fast passes online with the app like in wdw? Don't know about WDW's fastpass system, but as of now NO. I heard something similar might be coming to DL

4. Is it totally crazy busy in summer like wdw? Summer is crazy! But it is also one of the absolute best times to go in my personal opinion. I love that everything is up and running .. the hours.. the shows .. perfect! I have been all times of the year, but ALWAYS go during the summer no matter what! We will be there this july as well

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will have lots of great information for you (most of it is up to date): A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.