Thank you!! New Here! Questions...

[tycopj]

Hi everyone!

Thank you for all of the great information! I have been lurking here for quite a while, trying to take it all in. After reading a lot of posts here, I finally made air reservations and room reservations. My husband, daughter 7, son 2 1/2 and niece 21, will be going to Disneyland in January.

We are staying at Carousel Inn. Either staying 3 or 4 days in Disneyland/CA. What do you all recommend?

My real question for all of you Disneyland experts... What should we NOT miss. I've learned about Fantasmic on this board. I'm wouldn't have known about it, if it wasn't for this board. So what other things should we know about and not miss out on. Shows, meals, etc. Thanks so much!

Lynn

 

[Lyn-CA]

Hi Lynn,

Our must-do list is as follows:

CA Adventure:
Tower of Terror
Soarin'
Screamin'
Muppets
Bug's Life
Grizzly River Run-you may get soaked
Aladdin - this almost hour-long musical is worth the price of admission alone (IMHO)

These rides/attractions are spread throughout the park so if you do these, you would have covered CA Adventure.

Disneyland: (try to do the attractions not found in WDW)
Main Street-Great Moments w/ Lincoln
Fantasyland-Storybook; Small World; Toad
Adventureland-Indy
Toontown-Roger Rabbit
Frontierland-Golden Horseshoe-Billy Hill & the Hillbillies-fun show

You'll also enjoy walking around Downtown Disney.

Hope this helps.

 

[iceskatejen]

Don't forget DL's far better than WDW version of Pirates of the Carribean. 3 days would be the minumum for first timers/non-locals, but if you can manage 4, then by all means do so.

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

Amen to the Pirates being WAAAAY better here than in Fl!

Also: Alice in Wonderland!!! The 2nd best dark ride on the planet (2nd only to Peter pan!!!)


Autopia is a MUCH nicer ride (scenery and theming) than the go-cart tour thru a big lawn in FL.

The Monorail is actually a RIDE in CA.... it's fun and gives you a quick overview of the whole property.

The Matterhorn!!! The coolest of all of Disneys Mountains. Hopefully it will be open when you come!

Toontown here is MUCH cuter than FL, too. Very immersive! (same is true really for all the "Lands"...the "immersive" part).

Small World is BY FAR more beautiful... (from the outside)...not sure when they take down the Christmas llights and stuff...check their www site.

INDY? Awesome!

etc....

Have fun!

Kevin

 

[Amy&Dan]

You mentioned "meals" and since food is my favorite subject, here goes! We love Blue Bayou. It is in the Pirates ride, the food is great and the unique atmosphere is so fun. We also love Goofy's Kitchen which is in the Disneyland Hotel. It is a fun character meal and your two younger kids will love it. We also love Rainforest Cafe but your two year old might not like the loud thunderstorm noises and it is a bit dark. If he does not get freaked out by that sort of thing then you should definitely go there. In the parks, most of the counter service areas serve HUGE portions. My husband, myself and two kids (ages 8 & 10) can usually get by on one adult meal and one kid meal. This leaves us plenty of room for Micky bars and Churros! This also helps offset the cost and makes us feel less guilty about dropping big bucks for Goofy's and some of the other sit down places. Have a really great time!

P.S. I second the vote for the Alice in Wonderland Ride, also our favorite dark ride behind Peter Pan!

 

[tycopj]

Thanks for the inside scoop! I'm going to print this and put it in my Disneyland Folder!!

After our trip maybe I can actually add some good advice for others

thanks again
lynn

 

[safetymom]

Don't miss Soarin over CA. It is a great ride!!!!

 

[almostGoofy]

You mentioned Fantasmic in your post but Fantasmic usually shuts down early fall and doesn't start up again until June.

 

[Tim-DownUnder]

Hi

If you like dining, i suggest the Rainforest cafe in Downtown Disney. I am sure your kids will love it, great food, animals everywhere(some come to life every now and then) and the occasional thunderstorm. I suggest that either make a reservation or go before 7pm, although breakfast is good there aswell!

You cat leave without experencing Soarin over California, California Screamin and Splash mountain.

Have Fun

Tim

 

[Alice28]

Just have to add my .02

I echo what a lot of others have said: you've got to do Alice, the Storybookland Canal Boats, Indy, Matterhorn (I love DL's Fantasyland so much more compared to WDW's- so much more quaint and a lot more attractions), Pinocchio is another one that DL has that WDW doesn't. I also am blown away by Soarin at DCA- had a smile plastered on my face the entire ride and didn't want it to end. Loved it!

My favorite place to eat- I love the French Market in New Orleans Square. New Orleans Square is fun to walk around anyway, with all the quaint shops, winding little streets, and it gives Pirates and Haunted a different feel than at WDW. Often at the French Market a band will be playing on the stage, and it makes for a great meal. I often get the fried chicken or the french dip sandwich (which they only have at lunch time I believe). It's a cafeteria type set up where you take a tray and tell the CM's what you want and they dish it up for you.

For quick counter service- I love Hungry Bear over in Critter Country. (Near the Winnie the Pooh entrance). Sure, it's the same ole burgers and chicken sandwiches, but I love sitting right on the Rivers of America, watching the Mark Twain chug by, seeing the ducks and their ducklings swim around. Quite relaxing. And on the bottom floor there are some tucked away restrooms that are rarely crowded!

Have FUN! wish I were going!

 

[tycopj]

Thanks, adding more to our itenerary!!! If Fantasmic isn't showing, that will make the decision of spending the extra money. Although I would really like to see it, I think the kids would love it. We will just have to go back again another time

I never thought about "food" as an important part of the trip until now. I thought we would just grab a burger or whatever here or there. I see now it is more than that, and I have a feeling I haven't allowed enough money for food. And I LOVE food!!!

Thanks
Lynn