One day-what are must do's and which park

[mstinson14]

We are going to San Diego and have one day to go to a DisneyLand Park. First which would you do? DisneyLand or California Adventure. Second what are some must do's? It will be myself, my dd14, my coworker, and my sister. Thanks

 

[TechGuy]

If you are only going to one park, Disneyland!

You may be able to pick-up a one-day ticket at you local grocery stores... maybe Safeway or Vons?

If you are a CSAA member, you can park for free in some of the parking lots.

 

[spacemermaid]

Disneyland, definitely!

The must-do, "classic" rides...

Haunted Mansion

Pirates of the Caribbean

Space Mountain

Indiana Jones

Big Thunder Mountain

Splash Mountain (if it's a warm day)

it's a small world

Disneyland Railroad

Jungle Cruise


Places to eat (these are 2 of my favorites that get pretty much 100% great reviews here on the boards):

Carnation Cafe' (on Main Street)...try the baked potato soup and/or the pot pie! Carnation Cafe' has been there since the early days, and is a classic.

Cafe' Orleans (in New Orleans Square)...gumbo, pommes frites (fries with garlic, herbs & parmesan cheese, with a creamy/spicy dipping sauce), and the famous Monte Cristo sandwich.

 

[Lissame]

Have you been to DL before? You do realize that the two parks are within steps of each other right?

I think in one day you wouldn't necessarily have to choose one or the other unless you really wanted to save the $25.

 

[mstinson14]

We have already been to WDW, so the must do's mentioned previously we have already been to, are they just like the rides at wdw?

 

[Kittyskyfish]

I'm guessing you're are a WDW Resort regular and Disneyland is a new experience? I agree with spacemermaid in her choices, esp. Indy, though I would also add the Matterhorn to the list! Catch that ride in the evening or night so you can see the park lights. The yetti is creepier at night. And if you get a chance, spend some time admiring Fantasyland as it is gorgeous, plus visit the Storybook Canal Boats at night if you can.

What month do you plan on visiting?

 

[Lissame]

I would check out this thread--DLR for WDW regulars:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Kittyskyfish]

We have already been to WDW, so the must do's mentioned previously we have already been to, are they just like the rides at wdw?

I've been to both parks numerous times and (just my opinion), some of the rides that are must-see at Disneyland are:
POTC - (Much more going in the DL attraction)
Matterhorn and Indy (since the Magic Kingdom doesn't have them),
It's A Small World - (bigger, longer, better.)
Disneyland Railroad (you get to see the Grand Canyon and the dinosaurs!)
Storybook Land Canal Boats - (it's so precious! and original to DL)

I think it's a toss-up on the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, BTMRR, and other park duplicates. Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom is better. Not saying don't see them, but it's not going to be so unique since you are a WDW veteran.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Both! We did it last mid July *during a San Diego visit* you can read about our day ~here~

 

[mstinson14]

What month do you plan on visiting?

June 9th

 

[toonaspie]

In case OP needs this...

These rides I know are found in Disneyland but not in MK (likely not 100% accurate):

• Alice in Wonderland dark ride
• Pinocchio Dark Ride
• Storybook boats
• Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• Submarine (it's basically the Finding Nemo dark ride at Epcot except you're experiencing it inside a submarine that goes underwater)
• Matterhorn (a eency bit of Everest except your coasters are bobsleds)
• Casey Jr's Circus Train
• Captian EO 3D show
• Pixie Hollow greeting area
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Indiana Jones Adventure ride
• classic version of Enchanted Tiki Room (no Iago or Zazu!!!)
• Explorer Canoes
• Gadget's Go Coaster (kiddie coaster)

And these are rides unique to Disney's California Adventure that are not in any of the WDW parks (again not 100% accurate):

• California Screamin
• Mickey's Fun Wheel (the only ferris wheel in ANY Disney park ever)
• Golden Zephyr
• Mullohand Madness
• Monsters Inc dark ride
• Maliboomer
• Jumpin Jellyfish
• King Triton's Carousel (just what it is)
• Grizzly River Run (same as Kali River Rapids)
• Aladdin stage musical
• All the rides in "A Bug's Land" (a kiddie ride area)

So it's about even I guess. If you could only go to one park though, I would make it Disneyland...mainly because there's so much construction going on at California Adventure, that it might lessen the experience...or not. But I would recommend DL is you want to get the Disney magic while experiencing new things.

Plus it's a different castle so that should be fun...and also instead of Liberty Square they have a New Orleans square so you get to experience a new land.

 

[skiingfast]

I would go to Disney Califronia Adventure. Just because it is mostly unlike anything at WDW. The only things that are the same are Bugs life and ToT and the afternoon parade. I forgot soarin is in epcot. I always forget that because the lines were huge when I was last in WDW so I skipped it.

If you make the list of what is the same or close for DL it is long. I don't disagree that DL is worthwhile to see. It's far better than MK for little detailed reasons. But a lot will seem familiar so why not try something different?

 

[Kittyskyfish]

June 9th

Wicked! Park hours are 8:00 a.m. - midnight that day, so good choice! I'm not sure how willing your co-worker is about doing a 'bell to bell' Disneyland day, though. Best bet is to get there early and do as much of the riding as possible, then take breaks, catch some shows and enjoy the scenery as the heat of the day sets in. (Drink lots of water and I'd even slip some caffeine tabs in my bag...sssshhhh)

I'd also do California Adventure, too. There's Soarin' Over California that you reeeeallly should see, among other rides and sights.