New user looking for DL help =)

[lilclerk]

Hey everyone! I'm newish to The Dis so hi

I've been to The World a number of times, but I've just planned my first trip to Disneyland. I feel pretty crazy since I booked last Friday (May 25th) and I leave next Tuesday (June 5th.) That's not much time for me to plan this out, but I jumped at the chance!
I'll be traveling solo (though an old friend of mine lives in LA and will probably join me for a bit on Wednesday,) and I want to get as much into my 2.5 day stay as I can.

I'm arriving in LA at 12:10 on the 5th, and I booked the shuttle to my hotel (The Anabella, has anyone else stayed there?) I figured I'll get to my hotel between 1 and 2, so then I'll end up either checking in early if possible, or just having them hold my luggage til that night.
I'll head "across the street" to DL (got the 3 day park hopper) and wander around, finding my way around the joint til I'm either too exhausted to stay standing (jet lag ahoy!) or hopefully stay to watch the fireworks.

Then I figure on Wednesday I'll get an early start, head to DL, spend the day there. Thursday, I'll go to DCA and do everything I can there, then go back to DL after they close and finish my trip with Remember...
And I leave Friday morning.

Now, the question is, does anyone have any tips or hints for a west coast newbie? I'd like to do just about everything possible (except things like Dumbo and the teacups.)
Thanks everyone!

 

[Albort]

Be sure to utlize the single rider lines at DCA and Splash Mt.
DCA = Soaring, Scream etc etc.
DLR = just Splash Mt.

And dont rush yourself. its nice to pace yourself and just enjoy your day rather than cramming everything in. Dont be afraid to ride the kiddy rides. Adults can always be kids

and have lots and lots of fun!

 

[lilclerk]

Oh I love the kiddie rides. I can't even explain how excited I am for Alice in Wonderland! And of course Peter Pan and Pooh, but we've got those in Florida. I just don't really like the Teacups alone (I'm lazy =) and I never liked Dumbo. Anyway, thanks for the info, I forgot there are single rider lines!

 

[Albort]

Oh I love the kiddie rides. I can't even explain how excited I am for Alice in Wonderland! And of course Peter Pan and Pooh, but we've got those in Florida. I just don't really like the Teacups alone (I'm lazy =) and I never liked Dumbo. Anyway, thanks for the info, I forgot there are single rider lines!

yeah, i do single rider a lot. i go to Disney alone a lot. skipped like 2 hour lines and hit the rides in like 10 min.

Did it on Splash. it rocked!

 

[lilclerk]

Did it on Splash. it rocked!

Ah, that's awesome, Splash is my very favorite ride in WDW. We did it 5 times in a row in February, that was the best night of our trip!

 

[Albort]

Ah, that's awesome, Splash is my very favorite ride in WDW. We did it 5 times in a row in February, that was the best night of our trip!

awesome.

Fastpass also rocks too Find a guide for it. I have my own technique but its pretty rushed.
hmm...

HAVE FUUUUUUUN! Buy some Churros!

 

[dizneyfreakz]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they have the fireworks Monday thru Thursday...

This in my opinion is a must not miss fireworks show.

 

[lilclerk]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they have the fireworks Monday thru Thursday...

This in my opinion is a must not miss fireworks show.

Ohhh that stinks =( I was originally planning on going Wed - Sat, but I got a great deal on airfare that I just couldn't pass up.
=\

 

[RMH]

You may want to start Thursday at DL since that is an EE day and you get one with a 3-day Park Hopper. The parks are so close you can easily go over to DCA after spending a couple of the early morning hours in DL. In fact, this might be a good strategy for both full days since DL morning hours are less crowded then DCA would be better in the afternoon.

As for eating some of the most popular spots are White Water Snacks (DCA) and Carnation Cafe (DL). Blue Bayou in DL is also good, but pricey. You can also pick up fast passes in both parks at the same time since they are not connected - another reason to hop back and forth.

Splash Mountain is rumored to be 'not as good' in DL, but don't miss the DL only attractions that are awesome - Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and the rest I can't remember. Also Space Mountain and Pirates are rumored to be much better in DL.

Have a Great Trip

 

[HydroGuy]

Lots of tips here:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599