Not to MISS at Disneyland

[ebenmax]

Our family is from Ohio so we are WDW frequent visitors, but we are so excited to be planning a Disneyland/So. Cal trip in early June 2015! What are some of the unique DL California experiences we should not miss? From restaurants to attractions to insider tips. We welcome any of your favorites and advice. There's only one 12 year old and the rest are 20+. We will probably spend one day in each park (w hoppers). I love to plan, so all tips are welcomed and very much appreciated!!!

THANK YOU!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Our family is from Ohio so we are WDW frequent visitors, but we are so excited to be planning a Disneyland/So. Cal trip in early June 2015! What are some of the unique DL California experiences we should not miss? From restaurants to attractions to insider tips. We welcome any of your favorites and advice. There's only one 12 year old and the rest are 20+. We will probably spend one day in each park (w hoppers). I love to plan, so all tips are welcomed and very much appreciated!!!

THANK YOU!!

First of all, spending two days at DLR is sort of like spending four at WDW. Enough time to skim the surface. Still a lot of fun. But not enough to really take in DLR as it should be. For that you need a minimum of four days just like you need a minimum of 7-8 days to really take in WDW.

With that said, this link answers the questions you asked plus a lot more you did not know you should be asking. I can say I always agree 100% with the author of this thread.

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

 

[ebenmax]

Thanks so much for the link!!! I will spend time reading every page!

 

[GatorChris]

I like HydroGuy's advice. With 7 trips to WDW,4 or 5 days doesn't work. We always do 7-9 days. Same for DL. I'd say 3 days is a minimum to hit the big stuff and then have a day to split between the two.

That said, here's the list of what you need to do.

Pirates - so much better than the WDW version. In fact, you may get jaded toward DL's version.

Big Thunder Mt Ranch BBQ - we loved the food here, and the hokey entertainment is fun.

Fantasmic! - you'll need to grab a seat 2-4 hours early in the summer months; it ain't like Florida with an arena (same goes for World of Color)

Toad's Wilde Ride & Nemo Submarines - these two rides used to be at WDW (sorta), and still exist at DL

SpaceMt - this ride is much better than its WDW counterpart

Aladdin - this live show is all the talk in Anaheim, so don't miss it

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I think three days is a bare minimum for a first trip (since the 2 parks at DLR are as packed with rides and attractions as all 4 parks of WDW put together) but you'd be racing round the whole time, four days is about right--it will give you time to stop and savor the experience, and five days would feel kind of luxurious.

Don't skip any rides that have the same name on both coasts. They are often pretty different. Especially Pirates and Space Mountain, which are both phenomenal in DLR vs. WDW.

 

[sanscomment]

When I went to Disneyland for the "first time" I was overwhelmed with everything there was to see and do. I went in early June of 2013 and had a marvelous time.

As previously stated, Pirates is so much better, as is Splash Mountain (it's much longer in Disneyland). Aladdin is also well worth the time it takes out of your day. World of Color is a can't miss. I haven't seen Fantasmic in wdw in years, so I can't really compare the two.

Carsland is amazing as well. I personally prefer Disneyland to Disney World. Hoppers are a good idea too. I found myself hopping parks multiple times a day (but I went solo and my phone battery sucked). There are charging lockers in Disneyland, but not in DCA.

Most importantly, enjoy your trip and take your time. There is so much to just /experience/ that can be missed focusing primarily on the rides.

 

[djanddisneygirl]

I was in your same boat last year as a frequent disneyland girl making a first trip to WDW, it is so funny to be a fish out of water...

Here are our musts:
World of Color- I like to by a meal package that comes with a fast pass ticket.
The parades are lots of fun too- I like the Pixar play parade- its a bit short, but lots of fun!

To eat- the best meal in my opinion is in Downtown Disney- Naples Restaurant, amazing pizza!!
In disneyland with a group- I like the BBQ place between Fantasy and Adventure land- all you can eat, family style.
Best Salad - Pizza Port
Best Coffee- I could not be happier about Starbucks in the park!!!!

For little princesses- Ariel's Grotto Character Dining

Favorite Rides: Tower of Terror
Toy Story
Space Mountain
Pirates
Small World- forever classic!
Radiator Springs- fast pass or single rider

For the little ones: Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Bugs Land- do 1st thing or really late for shorter lines

Have a great time!

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

The lockers are temporarily closed in DL while they build the east bypass path behind Main Street, but paid lockers are still available immediately to the west of the entrance turnstiles, just outside the park.

 

[ebenmax]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! Keep them coming!
I would LOVE to have four days in the parks, but there are so many fun places to see in our week long visit that unfortunately we can't do it. We are hoping to stay at Grand Californian for the whole week though, so we will have lots of evenings in DTD! Hoping to hit their best restaurants!

 

[ifer924]

Have you reserved a room - not sure your time frame but without any specials being released yet we got the best deal by renting a DVC villa at GCH and are very excited about it being frequent WdW vistors and taking kids to DL for first time.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I would definitely make a point of seeing Storybook Land Canal Boats. They don't have that at WDW and it is one of my favourites. At night it's even better, and the line may look long, but it is definitely worth seeing IMHO.

 

[ramkam]

Ride the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. When you enter the Honey Room look up and back and you will the three mounted heads from Country Bear Jamboree.

 

[ramkam]

Go to Main Street Station to ride the train. Find a conductor and ask if you can ride the tender. If they let you then for all intents and purposes you will be in the engine. Alternatively, ask if you can ride in the VIP car Lilly Belle.

 

[kitayama]

Cars land! Definitely Cars land!
I also like taking the Columbia around the island (sorry, still can't bring myself to call the island by its current name).
Oh, and the view from the treehouse (again, apologies for not calling it by its current name) is great!
It's a Small World is quite nice as well!

 

[Dot2Vegas]

Take some time to sit on Main Street and soak it all in. Its our favorite thing to do at Disneyland! Ride the train, sit out side at the Hungry Bear for lunch or dinner. And everything else everyone mentioned is spot on!

 

[madasax12]

I havent been in years but man am i getting excited for our trip.....Here are some things that we plan to make sure and do!

Carsland....no brainer
Pirates / Jungle Cruise / Just all the classic disney rides that both of our kids can do at the same time....

Made res. for Ariels, Goofys Kitchen, and Rainforest Cafe for the kids.....Daughter has a BBB makeover and we will make sure to catch the Fireworks and WOC.

I know I can't give must insight but I had to respond because im getting so ready to be there!

 

[nannyz]

Eat a corn dog. You have not had a corn dog until you have a Disneyland corn dog.
And a hot fudge sundae at Clarabelle's.
And if you can have both on the same day, all the better!

 

[ebenmax]

Have you reserved a room - not sure your time frame but without any specials being released yet we got the best deal by renting a DVC villa at GCH and are very excited about it being frequent WdW vistors and taking kids to DL for first time.

We have not reserved a room yet but are DVC members hoping to get a ressie at GCH at the 7 mo. mark. We are trying to beat the release of CA schools by going at the end of May/first part of June and hoping everything is not booked at that time. Schools appear to have a variety of year end dates. Plus, GCH is one of the toughest to snag!
Maybe a little pixie dust will come our way!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! Keep them coming!
I would LOVE to have four days in the parks, but there are so many fun places to see in our week long visit that unfortunately we can't do it. We are hoping to stay at Grand Californian for the whole week though, so we will have lots of evenings in DTD! Hoping to hit their best restaurants!

I agree that there is a lot more to SoCal and further out from than just DLR. I would recommend with two days to just spend one day at each park. Yes, you can park hop. But with two days you do not really need to.

You can have a great trip. I think what folks are saying is be mentally prepared to have the feeling like you did not have nearly enough time to visit DLR - but did have enough time to hit many highlights and still have fun.

 

[LizzyS]

The lockers are temporarily closed in DL while they build the east bypass path behind Main Street, but paid lockers are still available immediately to the west of the entrance turnstiles, just outside the park.

When do those open back up?

I hope by my trip in December! I use those things every time!