New to Disneyland-Tell me more about it-why you love it?

[FairyDust2008]

Hi!
My family and I just had our 1st WDW vacation in Orlando just this past May 08. We LOVED it there. We have decided to do Disneyland next year 2009. Since WDW Orlando was our 1st family experience with Disney and we made many wonderful memories there. What can we expect at Disneyland in comparison to WDW? For all you Disneyland fans out there, what special things does Disneyland offer in comparison to WDW? I'm now use to all the cool character meals at WDW. What does Disneyland offer in character dining? How is the Grand Californian? We stayed at the Grand Floridian and loved it there. Just please give me the ins/outs of EVERYTHING DISNEYLAND. If you have any pictures to share, that would be awesome too THANKS!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The big thing about Disneyland is how charming the original park is. As the only park in the world to bear Walt Disney's personal touch, you see his vision all over the park. Disneyland has a special history as the first theme park in the world.

Although the park is smaller than the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Disneyland has more attractions than the MK and in most cases, where both parks share the same attraction, the Disneyland version is better. It usually has more detail within the ride itself and in the case of Fantasyland, the entire area is far superior in themes and facades to the MK Fantasyland.

 

[funatdisney]

I go to both WDW and DLR, and I love both experiences. I just got back from WDW (a 10 day trip) last week and I couldn't wait to get back to DLR. I was back at Disneyland within 4 days of my return date. Disneyland is special. It has Walt's influences and lots of details to look at every where. WDW is big and there are lots to do. IMHO, I have the best of both worlds. When I go to WDW, I feel like I'm on vacation with all the fun a vacation can have. Disneyland feels like home. I go to DLR once a month (if not more). So I know the park very well and can have a good time whether is is a busy summer day or a quiet day in February.

It will seem that DLR is a bit small, but take the time to observe everything. Take in the shows; Billy Hill and the Hillbillies is a riot. See two shows one after the other. Give California Adventures a chance. One nice thing about DLR is that you lots of the attractions at WDW in just two parks. Take in the the landscaping. Flowers are chosen to match the season. I'm sure you will get a lot more suggestions here.

The GC is the best Hotel we have ever stayed at. We love the GC. Try to stay on a day where you can take the power walk in California Adventures. The walk is taken before the park opens and the guides will talk about the park during your walk. You must be a guest at the GC to join the power walk. Also, sign up for the tour of the GC itself. You will learn a little about the hotel and how it was made. When we took it, my DH asked if we could see a two bedroom suite or the Presidential Suite. The guide let us see a two bedroom suite.Years later, we ended up booking the same suite and loved the view from the balcony.
Well I'm sure the are lots more I could talk about, but I'm sure others have wonderful advice and observations for you.

 

[wdwrich]

We love both WDW and DLR too. Each has it's own charms and each offers unique experiences.

BTW funatdisney, the park at DLR is called "Disney's California Adventure". There's no "s' at the end. Cheers!