Newbie questions

[Soupermom]

Hello! I'm working a trip for my first visit to DL this fall, probably early-mid November for four nights. While I've planned many trips to WDW when my kids were younger, DL is a new entity for me. It will just be a friend on I on this trip. I like to start with a guidebook and have always used the "Unofficial Guide" for WDW with great results. Is the DL version just as helpful or would you recommend a different one? I'm working my way throught the threads too, but it's all a bit overhwhelming to get started. Is there a non-Disney property that is most recommended? Best place to purchase tickets? (3 days, maybe adding the hopper or ride-Genie??- feature)

Thank you in advance for sharing your expert advice; it's greatly appreciated!

 

[TinkAgainU]

Those books are always helpful, but I'd start by being sure you know what the different rules are for LL for example at that time (things could change again by then lol). Check ticket prices at www.undercovertourist.com if getting at least a 3 day. Benefit of that is you can cancel the tickets if something comes up (5% restock fee) which you cannot do with Disney - although Disney will hold that credit for you for a future ticket I think. If you do rope drop you'll rarely need LL, but I'd get it anyway for a November trip, it's a relatively low $ related to the rest of the expenses, for the stress reduction if you're okay fussing on the phone for bookings.

Candy Cane Inn, or one of the Best Westerns PLUS right across the street on Harbor Blvd are well located and have breakfast, but might already be pricey by now.

 

[Soupermom]

Those books are always helpful, but I'd start by being sure you know what the different rules are for LL for example at that time (things could change again by then lol). Check ticket prices at www.undercovertourist.com if getting at least a 3 day. Benefit of that is you can cancel the tickets if something comes up (5% restock fee) which you cannot do with Disney - although Disney will hold that credit for you for a future ticket I think. If you do rope drop you'll rarely need LL, but I'd get it anyway for a November trip, it's a relatively low $ related to the rest of the expenses, for the stress reduction if you're okay fussing on the phone for bookings.

Candy Cane Inn, or one of the Best Westerns PLUS right across the street on Harbor Blvd are well located and have breakfast, but might already be pricey by now.

Thank you for your help. What does LL stand for? For two adults, how many days do you recommend for each park? We have three full days, but maybe one should be spent elsewhere in the area?

 

[Louis63]

Check the hotel locations on a map, properties say they are x distance from the parks but that does not always mean from the gates. If you're looking at hotels with shuttles try to find one with their own shuttle. Getawaytoday sometimes has good room and ticket packages

 

[TinkAgainU]

Thank you for your help. What does LL stand for? For two adults, how many days do you recommend for each park? We have three full days, but maybe one should be spent elsewhere in the area?

LL=Lightening Lane - the new FastPass/Genie+ name. The LL-Multipass a good investment ONLY if you take time to learn how to use it. the LL-Singlepass for StarWars Resistance is easy to use and I'd do it the second day if you did not get on it the first day.

I would probably not bother with Park Hopper (unless you have lots of $ - then get it for sure).

I would probably do Disneyland Park two days, Disney California Adventure one day. Those two parks are about equal to all the rides in WDW combined lol. So while you can do other stuff in So. California - Disney will keep you busy for three days if you take it easy and stop to enjoy some meals and just people watch too.

Most locals will admit they start actually liking DCA as much as DLP, it has some great rides and you can buy wine/beer without getting a formal dining reservation - a couple of us (adults) freely admit an aspirin and a glass of wine make that last couple of hours a Lot easier lol. The water show (PM) in DCA is the equivalent of Fireworks in DLP, so each have something fun at night.

Be sure to RopeDrop Disneyland at least one day. Being on Main Street for the Welcome announcement is just fun, and you can get sooo much done in a couple hours so you can relax the rest of the day.

 

[irlandaise]

I agree with Tink about spending all three days at the Disneyland Resort.

I do, however, recommend park hoppers since it only takes a couple of minutes to switch parks, such as if you get a hankering for a specific ride or restaurant.

Speaking of restaurants, I assume that you're familiar with mobile ordering from your visits to WDW. I've had excellent success with it at DLR.

@Soupermom if you have MagicBands from WDW, you can use them if they're the MagicBand+. Earlier models won't work at DLR. And you can't use them to open your hotel room door or do room charges (If you're staying onsite). But they're very nice for entering rides if you use Lightning Lane.

I second the recommendation of the Candy Cane Inn. It isn't right across the street from the DLR entrance like some other motels, but it has its own shuttle that runs hourly. If you tell us a price range, we can give appropriate suggestions.

I haven't used the Unofficial Guide in years, but AFAIK it's still the most respected guidebook.

 

[Kit Jackson]

"Unofficial Guide" is the one I would reccomend. It's great for background and reference. Sometimes it's nice having the information in one place for quick reference as opposed to looking at a ton of websites and videos.

If you can afford it, I would consider the park hopper. The parks are so close together it is incredibly easy and does not take much time to walk from one park to the other.

 

[disneycat321]

To echo others’ recommendation, I would cut almost any other expense before I would cut the park hopper. We did a trip without only one time and said never again. The parks are just so close together, it can feel like one massive park. It gives you so much more freedom and flexibility. Since you’ve never been and don’t know what you’ll love, you’ll be able to repeat whatever you want on later days.

I’ve done lots of adults only trips and 3 days is the sweet spot for me. You can go a little more relaxed and take some breaks/soak everything in, you have time to repeat things you love, and you don’t have to rush rush rush to fit everything in.

I’ve stayed at Best Western Park Place Inn across the street and we really liked it. They do tend to be pricier. I’ve also stayed at Tropicana and Camelot and liked both. No issues at all. All are directly across the street.

With adults and therefore no height restrictions, I’d absolutely get Lightning Lane as many days as you can afford.

 

[maleficent55]

I disagree with some of the advice above and I will always get park hoppers and lighting lane multi pass (LL).

Park hoppers are a must to me for a few reasons:
1. Disneyland is almost always open 2 hours after DCA closes (3 if you count the extra hour Main Street stays open) and I don’t want to leave DCA and see Disneyland open and have to sulk off to my hotel knowing more fun/food/thrills can be had.
2. I don’t want to be restricted to one park for dining options
3. I don’t want to have to plan my park days around night time entertainment. With hoppers you can see WOC, the fireworks or Fantasmic no matter what park you have reservations in

LL is just so important to to me because my time is worth more than money (while in Disneyland!) and I don’t want to spend HOURS in lines
With LL you’ll probably won’t spend more than 15-20 minutes in each line or maybe less even!
And if you learn it well before you go you can learn to use it very well and stack LL for later use.

 

[LKing]

Just a warning, the holiday season officially starts on Nov 14. Nov 1-13 will be more calm, but starting Nov 14 you should expect the parks to be more crowded.

 

[Soupermom]

Thank you everyone for all of the wonderful advice. We are definitely getting LL and undecided on the hoppers. I’ve ordered the Unofficial guide and it should arrive tomorrow. It’s been over ten years since I’ve stayed at WDW and five since I visited for the day so a lot has changed. My friend has been there recently and she is familiar with the LL so that will help. As long as I have a clean, comfy hotel I am happy and would rather spend money on other things. We were thinking of going the 12th-16th, but would the week earlier be better? That’s Veterans Day week though so I thought it might be crowded. We need Wednesday through Sunday travel days.

 

[irlandaise]

We were thinking of going the 12th-16th, but would the week earlier be better? That’s Veterans Day week though so I thought it might be crowded. We need Wednesday through Sunday travel days.

Depends how important the Christmas decorations and events are to you. Haunted Mansion, of course, gets its overlay before HalloweenTime. And the Christmas decorations will start being installed after Halloween. But Small World won't get its overlay until the opening of the holiday season. And there are special Christmas fireworks and parades, right? (Someone please confirm.)

Those of you who've been to the first few days of the holiday celebration, it's probably slammed with people, right?

 

[LKing]

Decorations will be put up before 11/14, but the holiday parade and fireworks won't start until the 14th. The Festival booths in DCA usually do a soft opening the day before, but otherwise open on 11/14. Last year, Holidays started on Friday, 11/15. It was also the opening of a new ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure so was more crowded than usual. The next day, this happened.



There is lots of information on this forum about entertainment. I don't want to overwhelm you with too much too soon. You can't book any dining packages until 60 days before your trip so you have time. Here is the website link to this year's Holiday events. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays-at-the-disneyland-resort/

The 70th Anniversary shows of Paint the Night and Luminous will take a break during the holidays, so it will be the Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe in Holidays fireworks. Does anyone know if Paint the Night will run until 11/13? If so, the last night of the parade will be more crowded before it goes on hiatus.

If you haven't been to the parks in a long time, I would look at reserving a Fantasmic dining package so that you can have a designated viewing area. If you make a reservation to view the first show, you can watch fireworks from the same location immediately after Fantasmic.

In DCA, World of Color has several different ways to view it. You can grab a virtual queue, do a dining package, or a dessert party. Again, you have time, but I would make sure you have time to see Fantasmic, World of Color, the parade and fireworks.

 

[Soupermom]

Honestly, the Christmas decorations are not a big deal at all. I'm looking for lower crowds. We could possibly do Nov 1st -5th, but would that weekend be crowded because of Halloween? Seems like my options are Halloween weekend, Veterans Day weekend, or the start of Christmas weekend. Suggestions??

 

[LKing]

Honestly, the Christmas decorations are not a big deal at all. I'm looking for lower crowds. We could possibly do Nov 1st -5th, but would that weekend be crowded because of Halloween? Seems like my options are Halloween weekend, Veterans Day weekend, or the start of Christmas weekend. Suggestions??

Halloween starts in August and ends on October 31. DCA's Celebration of Coco ends on November 2. IMO, Coco will not impact crowd size significantly. From mid Aug through the end of Oct, there are 31 dates with Oogie Boogie Bash.

You're going to deal with people who came for OBB on Halloween and stayed for the weekend, Veteran's Day (possible 4 day weekend), or the beginning of the holiday season. I am not an expert in crowd sizes but my instinct is that Holidays would be the most crowded, followed by Veteran's Day, followed by Halloween stragglers. What do others think?

Here is the event calendar.


.

 

[Tinkaboo]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you are really looking for lower crowds, summer is your best bet. I go several times a year, usually once a quarter (or season, if you will) and my July trips were the best due to most MKs being blocked.

DL is a very different animal than WDW and things change on a dime. Those guide books, while giving you an overview can be inaccurate by the time they get published. This forum is your best bet for the most up to date info. Several people are in the parks on a weekly basis and keep us all in the know. @LKing is one of the most knowledgable posters on this forum and is always helpful when answering your questions.

A lot of advice depends on your age and interests, are you prone to midday breaks
Or at the parks from open to close? The more info you provide in your post, the better we can answer your questions.

AND YOU DEFINITELY WANT PARK HOPPERS! This cannot be stressed enough. You will be amazed at how many times you jump back and forth, especially after CA closes.

 

[Soupermom]

Thank you!

We are two teachers, ages 35 and 58. I do not do well with heat, thus the goal to visit in the fall. Winter/Spring is out because we live in the Midwest and weather/flights are too unpredictable. I've been too WDW twice in the summer (Never again, way too hot) and during spring break several times. I will take a spring break (not Easter week though) crowd with nice weather over heat any time.

We are pretty flexible and not worried about dining reservations and such. I cannot handle spinning anymore (Teacups, etc.) but am fine with moderate roller coasters (BTMRR is awesome).

Early morning is fine as we are coming from the Central Time Zone; I am not a late night person but my friend might be. She will most likely stick with me. We don't necessarily need breaks at any time and we are used to speading an entire day at a park at WDW. We really are flexible and just want to experience DL and have a fun girls trip together. I'm not even sure what rides are at DL and I'm guessing the Unoffical Guide will help with that.

 

[LKing]

This might help. @BrianL created a list comparing rides at Disneyland to WDW.


DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - will have Nightmare Before Christmas theming in November
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smaller screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin'

 

[Soupermom]

This might help. @BrianL created a list comparing rides at Disneyland to WDW.


DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - will have Nightmare Before Christmas theming in November
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smaller screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin'

This is awesome. Thank you so very much! I forgot just how helpful the DIS community can be.

 

[Tinkaboo]

See, I told you! @LKing is THE BEST! Has the answer to everything, sometimes even before you ask it!

If you have more questions regarding the rides after reading...don't hesitate to ask! Sometimes there are elements of an attraction that aren't mentioned and you don't want to be caught unawares...although you have WDW experience and as pointed out, many are the same or only slightly different.

Do try to experience WOC Dessert party....it's $89 but you have a fabulous seated view of the show. PLUS yummy desserts. I cant eat most of them but it's a beautiful plate and the new one has not yet debuted.

Don't miss SH-Boom at CarsLand at twilight...its a fun thing and they don't have it at WDW. RSR is best at night...so magical.

As @LKing pointed out, do purchase a dining package for Fantasmic....you will be right up front and it's so much better than WDW...very intimate.

Keep researching....keep asking questions...you and your friend will have a fabulous time!