Not to MISS at Disneyland

[ebenmax]

HydroGuy...the link to the thread you wrote is FABULOUS!! I am reading my way through and enjoying every minute of it! I want to make sure I convey the heart of your message to my family, so they don't simply make trite comparisons between WDW and DLR and come to appreciate the uniqueness of each experience separately. We all have a deep fondness for Walt and his vision, so we are certainly looking forward to walking where he walked...where it all originated.

Thanks so much!

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy...the link to the thread you wrote is FABULOUS!! I am reading my way through and enjoying every minute of it! I want to make sure I convey the heart of your message to my family, so they don't simply make trite comparisons between WDW and DLR and come to appreciate the uniqueness of each experience separately. We all have a deep fondness for Walt and his vision, so we are certainly looking forward to walking where he walked...where it all originated.

Thanks so much!

 

[kaills483]

We've never been to WDW, only DL so I can't speak as to what's difference. I will say that Cars Land is AMAZING. They did an incredible job on that section. It truly looks like it was pulled right from the movies & makes your feel like you are in radiator springs. You can eat a Flo's dinner. The cozy cone is there, but instead of a hotel each cone is a different concession. One tip about the Radiator Springs Racers, go first thing when CA opens. Do not be fooled into getting a fast pass. I've heard of people waiting in the fast pass line for an hour or two & then they get a pass to come back at like 9pm that night. The line for the fast passes also doesn't guarantee you a pass. That means that you could spend an hour or two in line for nothing. We got in line as soon as CA opened and only waited 45 minutes.

 

[ebenmax]

Wow!! Interesting advice about the Racers. I know my family definitely wants to visit this section of the park since it gets such rave reviews and it is not in WDW. Yes, we keep hearing about getting a FP. Would you still advise going there first if we have EMH or should we take advantage of the other rides for a little while and then get in line for FPs before the general public has the opportunity?

 

[HydroGuy]

Wow!! Interesting advice about the Racers. I know my family definitely wants to visit this section of the park since it gets such rave reviews and it is not in WDW. Yes, we keep hearing about getting a FP. Would you still advise going there first if we have EMH or should we take advantage of the other rides for a little while and then get in line for FPs before the general public has the opportunity?

It really depends. I lean towards not riding RSR first and just getting a FP. Now it is not that hard to get two RSR FP sets in the same day as long as you get RSR FPs first thing. If one ride is enough then just get a FP some time 30 minutes to 3 hours after DCA opens.

 

[anonymousegirl]

In Fantasyland, the classic rides: Mr Toad, Snow White, Storybookland Canal boats, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, none of which are in WDW.
Submarines and Space, either not at WDW or better than WDW version.
The train with the dioramas (dioramas not at WDW)
DCA--Carlands is the best! Best theming, fantastic ride (Radiator Springs Racers)
Bug's Life area (if you have wee ones)
Don't be fooled by the slightly swaying cars on Mickey's Fun Wheel (or as I call it, Mickey's Wheel O'Terror). Those swaying cars really move--try the stationary ones first!

 

[kaills483]

Wow!! Interesting advice about the Racers. I know my family definitely wants to visit this section of the park since it gets such rave reviews and it is not in WDW. Yes, we keep hearing about getting a FP. Would you still advise going there first if we have EMH or should we take advantage of the other rides for a little while and then get in line for FPs before the general public has the opportunity?

Even with the EMH I wouldn't bother with the FP. When you enter CA you have to walk past the Racers FP line to get to the actual ride. We didn't have an EMH & the FP line was already pretty long. The Racers was the longest line up we had to wait in at CA so I would still go there right when it opens. My DH & I waited about 45 minutes the first time we went on the ride but I've heard of people wait roughly 2 hours. After we went on together we went on twice more but we did the single rider. That line was only about 10-15 minutes.

 

[ebenmax]

Don't be fooled by the slightly swaying cars on Mickey's Fun Wheel (or as I call it, Mickey's Wheel O'Terror). Those swaying cars really move--try the stationary ones first!

AAAH! Thanks for the tip! I will definitely be in the stationary cars. My family may be more adventurous though.

 

[chiisai]

Don't be fooled by the slightly swaying cars on Mickey's Fun Wheel (or as I call it, Mickey's Wheel O'Terror). Those swaying cars really move--try the stationary ones first!

AAAH! Thanks for the tip! I will definitely be in the stationary cars. My family may be more adventurous though.

Serously good advice. The swaying ones were unexpectedly freaky.

Pirates!
I'm partial to mr. Toad.
Space mountain
The roller coaster at CA.
World of color with passes from a meal; super awesome.
The carousel at CA is very unique.
Of course carsland. We got to. Ca right after rope drop and DH ran to get the racers FP. We got afternoon times, wild.

Walking in the entry area of CA is really nice.

 

[ebenmax]

Serously good advice. The swaying ones were unexpectedly freaky. Pirates! I'm partial to mr. Toad. Space mountain The roller coaster at CA. World of color with passes from a meal; super awesome. The carousel at CA is very unique. Of course carsland. We got to. Ca right after rope drop and DH ran to get the racers FP. We got afternoon times, wild. Walking in the entry area of CA is really nice.

Speaking of World of Color...I am currently in a wheelchair due to long term illness and possibly still will be by June. I assume they have a designated section, but I have no idea about how to get into it. Do you need a FP for a handicapped section? Can our party of 6 others stay with me or just one? Should we still book the dinner pkg. to assure a spot? I know this may be a tough question unless you have a handicapped situation, too. Thanks for any help!!

 

[ClosetDisneyJunkie]

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!

I agree with this completely. With only 2 days in the parks and these parks new to you, you may feel like you need to run to see everything, but I highly encourage you to take a few moments here and there to smell the roses (sometimes literally, the horticulture is beautiful). Definitely soak it in. DLP was the first of its kind and there is some really great history there.

In addition to all of the great suggestions (and sorry if someone already said these and I missed it): try to hit carsland right at dusk and see the lights come on; walk through the Disney Gallery (just to the right of Lincoln on main street); walk through Mickey's and Minnie's houses in toontown (but don't wait for a photo with Mickey unless you want one), they're cute; climb to the top of Tarzan's treehouse and take some pics of NO Square and Rivers of America; and I echo lunch outside by the water at Hungry Bear.

And don't sweat the castle. Yes it will seem really small. But it's pretty adorable.

 

[ebenmax]

. And don't sweat the castle. Yes it will seem really small. But it's pretty adorable.

As a child I went to WDW the first year it opened and was never so devastated when I found out I could not "tour" Cinderella's Castle and see where she lived. When my parents took us to Disneyland a few years later I was thrilled to be able to walk through Sleeping Beauty castle and at least see inside. A little girl's fantasy realized!! So… No worries… The Disneyland castle will always hold a special place in my heart no matter what its size!

 

[DisneyJessy]

I agree with everyone. In Disneyland, you have to do Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Indy Jonas, Thunder Mountain, and Pirates. In CA Adventures, you have to check out Carsland, Little Mermaid. In Downtown Disney you have to eat at Earl's of Sandwiches. When I was there in summer 2012, my cousins introduces Earl's of Sandwiches to my parents and me. And ever since then we go to Earls' of Sandwiches every time we go to Disneyland.

 

[ebenmax]

I agree with everyone. In Disneyland, you have to do Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Indy Jonas, Thunder Mountain, and Pirates. In CA Adventures, you have to check out Carsland, Little Mermaid. In Downtown Disney you have to eat at Earl's of Sandwiches. When I was there in summer 2012, my cousins introduces Earl's of Sandwiches to my parents and me. And ever since then we go to Earls' of Sandwiches every time we go to Disneyland.

We will NO DOUBT be visiting Earl of Sandwich...probably more than once!! They have one in WDW, and it's our first food stop every trip!! We were thrilled to learn there is one at DTD in DL!!

Is the Indiana Jones ride a roller coaster type? How does it compare to the other thrill rides?

Thanks!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Is the Indiana Jones ride a roller coaster type? How does it compare to the other thrill rides?

No, no, no. The Dinosaur ride at AK is similar to Indy's ride system. But the theming of the Indy ride at DL is incredible. One of the best Disney rides anywhere.

 

[Pooh2]

No, no, no. The Dinosaur ride at AK is similar to Indy's ride system. But the theming of the Indy ride at DL is incredible. One of the best Disney rides anywhere.

Due to the jerkiness of Dinosaur at WDW, I cannot do it due to spine injury. Would you put Indiana Jones in the same category? I tried looking at youtube videos and it's really hard to gage how jerky the ride is..

 

[rms123]

Due to the jerkiness of Dinosaur at WDW, I cannot do it due to spine injury. Would you put Indiana Jones in the same category? I tried looking at youtube videos and it's really hard to gage how jerky the ride is..

Yes, I'd put it in the same category. Very jerky and bouncy. Fun, but jerky.

 

[HydroGuy]

Due to the jerkiness of Dinosaur at WDW, I cannot do it due to spine injury. Would you put Indiana Jones in the same category? I tried looking at youtube videos and it's really hard to gage how jerky the ride is..

Yes very much the same.

 

[Pooh2]

Yes very much the same.

Awww... bummer.. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[bellazachmom]

Speaking of World of Color...I am currently in a wheelchair due to long term illness and possibly still will be by June. I assume they have a designated section, but I have no idea about how to get into it. Do you need a FP for a handicapped section? Can our party of 6 others stay with me or just one? Should we still book the dinner pkg. to assure a spot? I know this may be a tough question unless you have a handicapped situation, too. Thanks for any help!!

I'm sorry that I can not help you with info about the handicapped sections for viewing WOC, but I can offer some help when it comes to viewing WOC

Staying at the Grand Californian will give you 2 viewing opportunites for WOC that will allow you to enjoy the show without having to deal with the crowds or a long wait

First - If you are fortunate enough to get your DVC room at 7 months (we are 3 for 3 so it is certainly possible!!!) go ahead and request a theme park view and a high floor. We have always been able to watch WOC from our DVC balcony and the viewing was just as good as seeing it from the park. Now, you do get a slightly angled line of site but the only thing that really causes an issue with is some of the images projected on the water screens. If you are viewing from the park and there is any wind at all the water screens are disrupted so there's no guarantee that you would have a great view of those anyway. An advantage to viewing from your room is that you have chairs on the balcony,easy access to bathrooms & snacks, and don't have to fight the crowds when the shows over

Second - if you end up in a DVC room without a good view of WOC (low floor or a veiw not facing Paradise Pier) there is a viewing platform on the 6th floor of the villas that is open to GCH and villa guests. It is to the far right of the show so, again, your view will be a bit to the side, but for the music, colors and dancing water you will still be able to really enjoy the show.

Since you are only doing 2 days in the parks, even with parkhoppers, you would only have 2 chances to see WOC from the park but you can view it every night from the hotel! Use the WOC time that you are in the park to ride any rides that you really enjoy because the lines are pretty short during the show

Good luck securing your reservation at your 7 month mark and I hope you have a wonderful trip!!