Suggestions for first timer's Day 1

[ktlm]

This is the best tip ever!!! I really enjoy the fireworks and castle shows but we almost never watch them because we don't like to spend hours staking out a spot and waiting. We'd rather be doing other things. So, this is perfect for us!

Us too. The only thing you miss from there is whoever/whatever is flying from the castle for that particular fireworks show. (Tink, Dumbo, Up House, Zero).

Another good spot if you are more interested in seeing the flyer and less interested in the projections is behind the castle back around Dumbo or Casey Jr. Circus train. I was obsessed with seeing the UP house fly and last October seeing Zero fly- you get great views of what is flying from back there. Last October DH and DD were obsessed with riding Smuggler's Run over and over because it had no line and they had no interest in fireworks, so I walked over there by myself from Galaxy's edge and got great views of Zero flying around.

Also, if you wind up doing the Fantasmic dining package, they will let you stay in place and watch the fireworks from there-- they used to do the fireworks projections on the water- not sure what is going on now. You get a bit of the view of what is flying from there but it is kind of blocked by the trees.

 

[chezcurrie]

Another option because it sounds like your tickets have Genie+ each day would be to scan in at the Monorail near DLH on your arrival (assuming it is running), and take it all the way around and back to your hotel. You’ll get a nice lay of the land that way. Once you scan in you can book a few LL for the evening in either park. Nothing says you *have* to use them, but if its already on your ticket why not try for some... you could focus just on the “unique” rides to DLR that evening (Matterhorn, Indiana) or try to knock out some classics that are shared by both parks (BTM, Space, Haunted, etc), or if you know you want to end up at DCA and do the WOC desert party try and get a Guardians and Incredicoaster LL before the party (I love that ride at night!)

I definitely second trying to do one of the evening entertainment options on your arrival night. And don’t forget about the Railroad! Have a BLAST!

 

[JohnR5101]

You mentioned the nostalgia aspect and appreciation for the Disney details. So here's what I'm planning for our trip 2 weeks from now:
We're taking 2 younglings that have never been. So to get them in the mode to really soak up Disneyland, on our arrival day we will probably be getting into the parks around 3:00.
1 - Need classic photo at the entrance.
2 - Take the circle tour on the train to get an overview, build the anticipation, and appreciate Disney's great love for trains. Normally teens would want to jump into something more exciting, but you said taking it more slowly the first day.
3 - Take one of the vehicles down Main Street to the plaza. Other days, walk Main Street to notice the shops, windows, etc.

To me that seems like the traditional nostalgic way that started my love of Disneyland back in 1956. But of course, then I bring on as many thrill rides as I can.