Planning a trip to Disneyland!!

[Cinderella89]

So, my first vacation planning experience ever is happening right now. My room mate and I are cast members at Disney World and have just decided that we're going to go to Disneyland witin the next couple of months. Any hints or tips for first time vacation planners? =)

 

[PinkBudgie]

My "home park". I suggest heading over to the Disneyland forum and start reading there. You will get lots of good info and there is even a thread about what WDW vets need to know when visiting DLR.

My main tip is, don't plan on one day for one park. WDWers seem to want to plan their trips this way. It takes only a minute to walk to the other park, so park hop several times a day.

I also say spend at least 3 days. Less than that, and you will be pushed for time.

 

[Cinderella89]

We're spending roughly 2 and 1/2 days there. Our flight gets in at 11:30, so evening, afternoon and then full days. =)
This is her first time to DLR and my second, so we have a mini-vet. lol

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Disneyland is a whole different animal.

Definitely go over to the Disneyland boards. There's a sticky thread for WDW veterans that are going to Disneyland.

Don't feel a need to stay on property, there are lots of Good Neighbor hotels that are just as close or closer. And for sure plan on park hopping. Hit DL for rope drop, then 2 hours later hit DCA...for rope drop.

Let us know if you have any specific questions.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Oh good! Then you can use the forums to find out what's running, yummy places to eat, etc.

 

[oc_tony]

I was also going to suggest visiting the DL forum, too. Lots of good info (see stickys) and all of your questions will be answered by friendly DISers who love the DLR.

Park hopping is very easy and fastpass is available on most major attractions. Although we are DL locals, we love WDW too. Some attractions that are unique to DL and DCA include:
Indiana Jones Adventure
Matterhorn
Storybookland
Casey Jr
Mr. Toad
Alice
Monsters Inc
California Screamin'
and more.

Most agree that DL's POTC, Space Mt, and Fantasmic are superior to WDW, so don't miss those either. Fantasmic is down until some time in May (the river is undergoing a major refurb), so hopefully your trip is after this so you'll be able to catch this amazing show.

If you're interested in a particular table service restaurant, dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.

Have a great trip!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

May sure you check the Cast rates at the hotels too. There are some pretty reasonable deals. If you want to hit the Company D, it is offsite. They have a small one backstage of Main Street/Tomorrowland.

Be sure you note which days/parks your ID will get you in for. They vary at our parks. For instance, DL was closed to CMs over Saturday of President's Weekend, but not DCA.

I would definitely try to hit all of the attractions you don't find at WDW first and then go from there. Also make sure you take in all of the small performances like the Royal Street Batchelors and Dapper Dans - and don't forget the Firehouse Five plus Two. That ragtime group dates all the way back to the beginning of the park. The group was originally made up of Walt's Animators, who all liked to get together and play.

Make sure to catch Aladdin in DCA, too. It's the last year for it! Captain EO in Tomorrowland is also a limited engagement!

 

[Cinderella89]

That's odd that DLR was closed to CMs! Usually it's just the main gate pass/blue pass/free admission for the family! Well, we're going in the the middle of a week so I hope it's not too much of a hassle. But I'll look into it.
We found a room at Paradise Pier for $525 for three nights and between us it's only $263, so I think we're good on that. ^_^
It's really only a matter of getting the days off at this point and doing some research.