Question for the Disneyland podcast team...

[KingLlama]

I'll be headed to Disneyland and DCA for the first time in the summer of 2017, and since it's never too early to plan, I thought about going ahead and starting to get a feel for the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney.

Which shows would you recommend as a good starting point for first-timers?

Looking forward to getting as hooked on the DL show as I am on the other shows in the DIS lineup.

Thanks!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I am obviously not the Disneyland Podcast, but I know there were a series of "Disneyland: 101" blogs and podcasts held back in 2013

I believe this is the link to the first one (the link is to the blog and within the blog is a link to the corresponding podcast):
http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2013/02/06/dl101-were-going-to-disneyland/

As that is a little dated you might also want to watch the Disneyland 7 in 7 held this year if you haven't already

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I 2nd MaxRebo's recommendations about the DL 7 in 7's on the hotels, it was awesome, and I don't even know when (if ever) I'll even get out to DL again, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Max - I so often find myself agreeing with something you've said, have to give you that compliment!

 

[KingLlama]

Good call on the DL 7-7's, I had forgotten about those. I watched them all, but at the time, the DL trip wasn't on my radar, so I didn't listen to it with my "planning ears" on.

And everyone is welcome to use the "planning ears" catchphrase that I just created.

 

[Angel Ariel]

They've done a few podcasts helping people plan their trips..perhaps listening to those would give some good ideas on starting points for what you may want to do? The segments all start with "Help! [insert trip people's names], IIRC.

Also, definitely check out the breakfast series that Tony did this year as well as the whole family meal challenges...those are mostly from 2015, I think. We found they helped give a good picture of the dining scene at DLR (which is way different than WDW).

As a side note, also check out the DLR forum. HydroGuy maintains an amazing "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" thread there.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Oh, and they have started doing 201 series...I know there was a Shopping 201 series this year at least

 

[Princess Jes]

I'm looking at a potential few days in LA for our WDW trip (probably won't get to DLR, hubs won't handle that much magic in one trip) so I'm planning on listening to the day 6 shows to get ideas of things to do in LA, because I'm at a loss of what to actually do there

 

[Hunterr]

I'm looking at a potential few days in LA for our WDW trip (probably won't get to DLR, hubs won't handle that much magic in one trip) so I'm planning on listening to the day 6 shows to get ideas of things to do in LA, because I'm at a loss of what to actually do there

Oh yeah, that might be WAAAY too much theme parks for your husband. Even doing LA at all might be too much.
I'd suggest San Francisco more so than LA tbh.

Maybe you're NEXT stateside trip can be exclusively to the Disneyland resort and Universal Hollywood (and other stuff on the west coast...Seattle, WA is great!)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm looking at a potential few days in LA for our WDW trip (probably won't get to DLR, hubs won't handle that much magic in one trip) so I'm planning on listening to the day 6 shows to get ideas of things to do in LA, because I'm at a loss of what to actually do there

Can't speak to LA, but if San Diego is an option the safari park zoo was cool and a lot of nice beaches there. Plus a ton of Breweries if that is your sort of thing

 

[Princess Jes]

Oh yeah, that might be WAAAY too much theme parks for your husband. Even doing LA at all might be too much.
I'd suggest San Francisco more so than LA tbh.

Maybe you're NEXT stateside trip can be exclusively to the Disneyland resort and Universal Hollywood (and other stuff on the west coast...Seattle, WA is great!)

Can't speak to LA, but if San Diego is an option the safari park zoo was cool and a lot of nice beaches there. Plus a ton of Breweries if that is your sort of thing

Both excellent ideas/info! Thanks.
Only thing is, he specifically chose "LA" but I'm sure I could do some in San Fran and some in la.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Both excellent ideas/info! Thanks.
Only thing is, he specifically chose "LA" but I'm sure I could do some in San Fran and some in la.

Keep in mind that San Francisco and LA are quite far apart...it's a 5.5 hr drive (without traffic) according to Google Maps. While both are definitely worth visting, and there are definitely sites to see in between as well, it isn't just a small/quick detour

 

[Princess Jes]

Keep in mind that San Francisco and LA are quite far apart...it's a 5.5 hr drive (without traffic) according to Google Maps. While both are definitely worth visting, and there are definitely sites to see in between as well, it isn't just a small/quick detour

Yeah I'd like to spend 2 nights in San Fran, take a night to drive down, stay somewhere on the beach, then 2 nights in la

 

[KingLlama]

I used to live in L.A., and have made a few return visits since then. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm still in love with that city. So if you need any kind of itinerary, just let me know.

Also, pull it together, Hubs.

 

[KingLlama]

Oh, and thanks for the tips everyone. I'm working through the most recent 7-in-7's, and will start listening to the DL show regularly as well.

My wife did some math over the weekend and said it's POSSIBLE that we could make the trip work this summer, but I'd still rather wait one more year and do the trip we're dreaming of instead of rushing it and cutting corners.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I hear you, Llama. Better to go when you can more fully and comfortably enjoy it.

 

[GAN]

Yeah I'd like to spend 2 nights in San Fran, take a night to drive down, stay somewhere on the beach, then 2 nights in la

The drive either way between LA and SF is truly spectacular if you take the Pacific Coast Highway ...If you can do it -that is a prime one for your list.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

The drive either way between LA and SF is truly spectacular if you take the Pacific Coast Highway ...If you can do it -that is a prime one for your list.

I agree - driving up the PCH - especially in the Carmel and Santa Barbara areas - is one of my fondest memories of my time in CA, and certainly lets you know - you're in God's country puts a smile on my face just to remember the sheer and utter beauty!!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Maybe we should bring KingLlama on the show and help him plan his trip...in a year.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Maybe we should bring KingLlama on the show and help him plan his trip...in a year.

What an awesome idea, TomInTheCorner!

 

[KingLlama]

Maybe we should bring KingLlama on the show and help him plan his trip...in a year.

King Llama on a DIS podcast?!?!?!

I just turned on "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes".