Pre-Trip Planning Report (One day...that's all we have for now!)

[Artoo]

My husband and I just moved to Southern California two months ago because of an abrupt job change. Of course, I was ecstatic with the idea, seeing how I love warm weather, palm trees, beaches and (of course) theme parks.
Never having been to Disneyland, the both of us decided to spend our first-year anniversary there. We went to WDW on our honeymoon, so how perfect is that?
Anyway, we realized we would be unable to afford more than one day in the park, as times are pretty tough, Of course, I'm not letting that dampen my spirits at all! I'm super-psyched to be going to the original theme park, and I'm very happy I live about an hour away from it!
Last night, we discussed about how we wanted to spend the day. So, here's the plan I concocted (DH says since I know everything about Disney, I should just be the trip-planner!).
Since we are getting our tickets at the gate that day, I told him we should wake up early enough so we can be in Anaheim around 7:30-8:00 (if anyone thinks that's too early, PLEASE let me know!).
Upon entering the gates, we'll breathe in that beautiful Disney air and stroll down Main Street U.S.A. (one of my favorite parts of the park), perhaps ducking in a store or two and getting a breakfast pastry. After that, we'll gaze at Sleeping Beauty Castle in wonder, then make our way through it.
First stop: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. This was a favorite with my father and I at WDW and we were so upset when they closed it down. I was elated to hear that a version still existed at DL. After Mr. Toad, the Mad Tea Party and It's A Small World (if I can drag DH onto it ). Then we get to go on HIS favorite ride (as well as one of mine), the Haunted Mansion. While we're on that side of the park, we'll hit BTMRR (it was closed for refurbs at WDW during our honeymoon ) and the Fronteirland Shooting Arcade (if they have one there? DH LOVED the one at WDW and I had to drag him away). After Fronteirland, it's on to Adventureland for the Swiss Family Treehouse (or the Tarzan treehouse? I can't remember which park switched it) and the Jungle Cruise, which is a ride I never rode on at WDW, yet always wanted to.
We'll make our way through Fantasyland again, riding Dumbo and the Carousel , as well as Mr. Toad and the Mad Tea Party (again). We'll also get LOTS of pics of the castle. In Tomorrowland, we will hit the big attractions: Space Mountain, Star Tours, Astro Orbiter, and the PeopleMover (I still call it the PeopleMover). Oh, if they have the Grand Prix there we will definitely go on that, too.
I've never been to DL before and I'm sure I am missing something! Please, anyone! If you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know! I should go to the library and check out one of those Birnbaum guides
I'll let you know how the trip goes and I'll be sure to post lots of photos!!!

 

[wvnative]

You didn't say when you are going, but last I heard, Small World won't open back up until late November.

There is a shooting gallery.

Are you not plannig to do Pirates or Indy while you're in Adventureland?

In DL, it's Tarzan's treehouse.

I'm not sure what you could be referring to, but there is no longer a Peoplemover in DL.

In Tomorrowland, there is the Autopia, Buzz Lightyear, as well as Star Tours, and Space Mtn. Nemo is there too but will most assuredly have a line. Don't forget the Matterhorn.

You also didn't mention Splash Mtn.

Roger Rabbit is in ToonTown and is very similar to Mr. Toad's IMO.

 

[PigletGurl]

I think the OP is going in 11 days, look at her siggy.

 

[Artoo]

You didn't say when you are going, but last I heard, Small World won't open back up until late November.

There is a shooting gallery.

Are you not plannig to do Pirates or Indy while you're in Adventureland?

In DL, it's Tarzan's treehouse.

I'm not sure what you could be referring to, but there is no longer a Peoplemover in DL.

In Tomorrowland, there is the Autopia, Buzz Lightyear, as well as Star Tours, and Space Mtn. Nemo is there too but will most assuredly have a line. Don't forget the Matterhorn.

You also didn't mention Splash Mtn.

Roger Rabbit is in ToonTown and is very similar to Mr. Toad's IMO.

Yes, I'm going on October 4th. Too bad about Small World....that's one of my guilty pleasures! I'm sure my husband won't be too broken up about it!
How did I forget POTC or the Indiana Jones ride??? Ahhhhhh!!!! The Matterhorn, too (I've wanted to go on that since I saw a picture of it in my Disneyland coloring book when I was a kid).
Thanks for the suggestions!!!!

 

[mAlien13]

Are you guys sticking to DL only or will you head over to DCA as well?

One thing, I never miss Peter Pan, especially in DL vs. WDW.

And maybe it is just the over-planner in me, but you might want to pick one or two of the headliners to get to first, before a line builds. It probably won't be much of an issue this time of year. In case though, Space, BTMRR, Indy and Dumbo can all get big lines, as well as PP if you decide to add that in. Nemo is pretty much long all day, so not to important when you get there, imo, if you want to try it.

In any case, I am so excited for you! You'll both have so much fun and what a great way to celebrate your first year, bookended by Disney!