Newbie to Disneyland! Need advice!

[Lady_Gracey999]

So I am possibly going to be making my first-ever trip to Disneyland this summer and I need some advice. Specifically I would like to know what are the "Do-not-miss" rides and shows and any other tidbits you can throw at me. I have been to WDW twice (And will be going two more times this year. I know...crazy!), but I have a feeling this is a whole other ballgame.

Let me also say this...I will probably only have one day if I do get to go (and possibly not even a whole day), and while I know this sounds like a waste, I hate to be so close and not get to experience it at least a little bit. I live in east TN and doubt I get there again anytime soon.

Thanks in advance for your response! Have a Disney day!

 

[Teki]

I recommend you fast pass Haunted Mansion get in line for Pirates, do pirates and go back to Haunted Mansion, there both do not miss, also Fast pass Indiana Jones and wait in line for Jungle cruise some more don't miss. At DCA dont miss Tower of terror, Soarin, and California Screaming, you'll need to fast pass them all though especially in the summer time.

 

[Dis-Ted]

I think Teki provided a nice list but I'll elaborate with a few other thoughts. I'd start with the main park (even with just one day you'd do well with a park hopper so you can visit both parks ) and grab fastpasses for a more popular ride (space mountain). You can then head over to some of the classic but shorter line rides like Star Tours, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain.

If it's a hot day and you plan to ride a water ride make that your first fastpass rather than the big coaster.

If you like getting interactive definitely go on the new Toy Story Mania ride in California Adventure which is a blast. And then follow it up with Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster in the main park at some point.

When you're done with some of the top main park rides head on over to California Adventure and try Tower of Terror, Soarin' Over California and California Screaming. Again get a fastpass for one of these as the lines can be long.

You may also enjoy some of the classic themed rides in Fantasy land or some of the goofy rides in Toon Town. None are big thrills but there's a certain emotion and enjoyment with each and if you happen to hit a slow day or just a slow couple of hours you can run through several in a short period.

In the evening you'll want to catch the fireworks from somewhere on Main Street. If you like big shows wait up front for a good spot, if you don't care as much catch them last minute. Either way it's a great show.

Fantasmic is also fun to watch although in summer it can be very crowded and will take away from some ride time.

Hope you're able to make it and you will have a blast.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Since you have been to WDW and will be there again twice in the next few months I think you should skip some rides that are the same there. I would get a parkhopper for your day as I believe you will be able to see a lot. I think Space Mountain in DL is a must...it is far superior to MK's version. Also you should see indiana jones and pirates (it is better at DL). Take some time to soak up Walt's original park...look around. Not sure what your ride likes and dislikes are but in DCA you will want to ride california screamin, grizzly river rapids, monsters inc, tower of terror (not as great here but still a fun ride!), and soarin. Which you may have ridden at epcot but again it's a great ride. Toy story is also over in WDW so that is a ride you can miss if you are super short on time. I am hoping you'd be able to see the fireworks as they are amazing but that may not be in your plans. Also if you are there at night Fantasmic at DLR is much much better than the one at HS! Hmm...If I think of anything else I'll come back

 

[BrerFox]

Everybody here had made good suggestions.

Splash Mountain is incredible, but I guess you have that at WDW.

Matterhorn is another cool thing exclusive to DL.

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

Thanks for the responses! Great info as far as the rides. I am generally a liker of the more "thrilling" rides, but Pirates is on my list most def! Sounds like I will really want to check out Fantasmic. I have YET to see it at WDW. Always seem to end up making dinner reservations at that time w/o thinking. Aside from rides, what are some other tips you could give to someone who is def NOT knowledgeable about the west coast. And some insider tips too if you please! Special things to look for in the parks and the like. Thanks again!

 

[fairycat]

What time of day do you think you will be, this will effect some of the days plans.

Get Space Mountain FP, its always a long line and runs out of FP's early, if you are there in the evening do HM late the line shortens a lot as the day goes on, do Pirates it amazing! Agree find time for matterhorn and Indy (another FP mandatory ride). I think MR Toad is a must do, but that is me!

Depending on your time frame I dont think a hopper is a bad idea at all.

If you can stay till close you will be shocked what you can get in since the parks tend to stay open very late during the summer so lots of ride time!