Tips for a first timer?

[klwally]

I've been to WDW more times than I can count (DVC member) but I've never been to DL.

I'll be there June 21-24 - any tips you can offer a first timer?

We'll be staying at the Grand Californian. I'm going with my mom - and we're leaving our hubbies at home - so it's just a girl's weekend. My kids aren't happy - but I'll take them again another time.

 

[daannzzz]

Concentrate on the things that they don't have at WDW and do have at Disneyland or things that are different. i always enjoy comparing everything so try to do it all. Don't miss The Indiana Jones Attraction and then try the Matterhorn, Pinnochio and Alice in Wonderland in Fantasyland. Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin in Toontown and of course give DCA a try. Get reservations for The Blue Bayou restaurant at Disneyland. The food is pretty good and the atmosphere is awesome.

 

[LuvTigger]

I agree with the above poster's comments, especially that Blue Bayou is a must if you've never been to DL.

I also wanted to add that IMHO, DL's Downtown Disney has a better selection of and better quality restaurants (but I'm biased, the only place in WDW's DD that I had a good experience was Portabello Yacht Club, everyplace else was a bad experience). I really enjoyed Naples in DD, and for breakfast we ate at La Brea Bakery (lox and bagles, mmm!). We also enjoyed Y Arriba Y Arriba.

If you have the time, take GC's hotel tour. I think it starts somewhere around 2 p.m. and lasts an hour, and it's free. Just sign up at Guest Services in the lobby. Also, if you have the time, you could explore the Disneyland Hotel which has beautiful landscaping.

In GC, we enjoyed breakfast at Whitewater Snacks before going to the parks (and reasonably priced too!). We also enjoyed dinner and breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe. They have buffets at both meals, but we had the buffet breakfast (w/ Chip, Dale, and Pluto), and ordered off the menu for dinner. They have a most wonderful corn chowder!

Have a great time!

 

[klwally]

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Since this a girl thing, you may enjoy tea with Mary Poppins !

 

[ivanova]

If you watch ABC Soap Operas, you can tour the Soap Opera Bistro in DCA (without having to eat there ... but you can eat there if you want).

See the Electrical Parade in DCA.

Enjoy the rides/attractions that WDW doesn't have, or are different at WDW (Fantasmic! is different, Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Carriebean are different, Jungle Cruise is different, Tiki Room is a little different, etc.).

I second the motion to eat at the Blue Bayou.

If you can afford it, try the Fantasmic! Dessert Package (the concierge at the hotel may be able to book it for you).

 

[Marla Hellwig]

and at DCA - Soaring, Grizzly Peaks and Screamin;

 

[AKASnowWhite]

There was a great thread with tips....I just bumped it back to the first page so you could find it....it's titled "A WDW fanatic finally heading to DL/DCA - any tips?"....I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

[klwally]

Thanks to everyone!! Leaving Thursday night and I CAN'T WAIT - Just like being a kid again

 

[tinagirl]

#1 tip of all time -
GET SOME EARS!!!! Have them stitch your name on it, then CM's will say "Hello, YOUR NAME HERE" and "Have a good ride, YOUR NAME HERE" hehe.

It just makes the experience that much better.

Have a great time, and give us a trip report when you get back.

All my best
~Tina