Hi. DL vet here - with some good and not so good news. The good news - you're going at a great time of year. The weather is lovely and the crowds are moderate. You'll have a great time and there are so many things to see and do, especially if you're wanting to experience the differences between DL and MK.
The not so good news - you're going in a transition week and I suspect 2 great rides will be down for holiday overlays. Prepare yourself now to miss them so you're not disappointed day of.
Small World - likely still down as they add the xmas overlay. This really is a shame for your visit because this is an awesome overlay. But it didn't open until Nov. 8th last year and I wouldn't count on it being open on the 5th this year.
Space Mountain - another overlay transition. They typically run Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy through the Sunday after halloween. Then it goes down for almost a week to remove the effects. Again, definitely a bummer for you since the DL version of Space is so good. But it is what it is.
Also, be aware that neither fireworks nor F! are likely to be shown midweek in early Nov. The fireworks shows are similar and we thought the MK projections were better so no biggie there but sorry you'll miss F!
Fortunately, there's lots left to see and do! DL has soooo many rides and still has regular FP (that's a big Yay! in my book.) Here's my personal top 5 list of must-do rides for someone in your situation.
Indy - don't miss this under any circumstances. Get a FP. It does break a lot, so if that happens while holding a FP, you'll be admitted when it reopens. It also has single rider.
Pirates - hands down, the most superior ride when comparing between the 2 coasts. Imo of course - and many others
Matterhorn - this is the "heart" of DL (like the castle is to MK.) It's not the best ride by any stretch nor the most thrilling - but you won't have "done" DL without riding this one. Be aware that this ride has 2 separate tracks - one on the Tomorrowland side of the mountain, the other on the Fantasyland side. They are different experiences - so use single rider and do both without waiting in line (preferably at night - much more awesome!)
Haunted Mansion Holiday - some purists resent this overlay. We love, love, love it! You'll have to ride for yourself to decide.
Alice - fantastic dark ride that is being refurb'd now. Should be even better when the upgraded version reopens in July.
Ok, that's my top 5 based on what should be open. You'll want to be checking the refurb schedule which unfortunately changes regularly. Until the park hours are posted (and I would count on 10 - 8 during your visit), use the map function to check refurbs. Do be prepared for the possibility of unique Fantasyland dark ride refurbs coming online since these are slated for upgrades in advance of next year's 60th anniv. celebration.
Other rides I would absolutely try to do for their uniqueness: Railroad (dinosaur & Grand Canyon dioramas), Toad, Canal Boats, Snow, Pinnochio, Roger Rabbit. Casey Jr. is also unique to DL but if choosing between this and the Canal Boats, choose the boats as it's a much more charming ride.
BTMRR just reopened from a major refurb and has noticable differences. I'd try to hit the Tiki Room - it's a better version and you can get a Dole Whip inside the waiting area and eat it in the show room. I guess you can add the subs in there
if it reopens (we personally detest this ride but it is definitely unique.) I'd also ride at least one of the Main Street vehicles - you have 4 to choose from and they are all the original versions from 1955.
For the river area, the island is different but really the same experience. With no kids, I'd skip. The canoes will probably be closed midweek in Nov. So choosing between the big boats, I'd do the Columbia over the Mark Twain due to its uniqueness.
Rides you could skip due to overly similar - Astro, Star Tours, Buzz, Gadget, Pan (a bit different version, we just didn't have a preference), Jungle (same - different'ish but no preference), Dumbo (we do like the DL version better due to its location which gives you the illusion of flying over Fantasyland), Carousel, Pooh (we think this is a bad ride at MK - and the DL version is 10x worse. Maybe you should ride it just for a laugh - there won't be any wait, lol!), Splash (very similar but the WDW version is better - so while still a great ride at DL, not really a must-do.) Autopia can be skipped too - it is pretty different and somewhat better - but without a kid along to do the driving, not really that great of a ride.
Be prepared to be disappointed with the small castle. But don't skip the castle walk-thru (easy-to-miss entrance in the corner to the left of Snow). At the exit, go through the tunnel and spend a minute listening to Snow singing at the waterfall and toss some coins in the fountain and listen to the echos.
The unique eating must-do's to us would be Blue Bayou and Tigger Tails. While ADR's are not really necessary at DL when you're going, I would make one for BB. Then check in early and ask to wait for a waterfront table. Definitely makes the experience. Tigger Tails are just a super yummy treat unique to DL at the candy shop inside Pooh's Corner (in Critter Country.)
I'm sure you'll have an awesome day no matter what. For what it's worth, I would just stick to DL and really do it right. Have fun!
