Visiting Disneyland September

hughesfamilyadventures

Earning My Ears
Joined
Aug 9, 2025
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We are regular Disney World visitors but for the first time in September we are visiting Disneyland California. Is there anything we should be aware of? Anything different to Disney World maybe or any news about Disneyland etc? We are staying at Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Garden Grove
 
Will probably still have the hands on bag checks. Geez need to upgrade that. September will be Oogie Boogie season. Haunted Mansion will have been ‘Jacked’ by then. Weather can still be warm into October but nothing like Florida. The “bubble” is whole lot smaller. Won’t have all the transportation issues park to park. Disneyland tends to have longer park hours. Might feel strange being able to still be in Main Street between 12-1am

The over all ‘Disney Vibe’. It’s legit real at Disneyland. Going to have a fun time.
 
Ah yes, someone did mention about OBB and may need some strategy with DCA closing at 6PM when OBB is on but then Disneyland will get busier than usual.
If I recall 3 day park hopper was around the same price as a 4 or 5 day non park hopper which do you think will be best? I was thinking more full days without park hopper surely gives more time and benefit?
 
Disneyland I have always been a hopper. Especially if tickets are with LL. It’s an easy cross over to hit more rides. Then use last day as a “clean up” doing what you missed or want again. LL each day with hopper gives opportunity to ride each more than once on the trip.

Not a real notice of Disneyland being over crowded during OBB nights. Not sure if travelers do hoppers as much as single park. Most deals as one park tickets. Being a ‘locals park’, magic keys hop but locals will be at OBB.
 

Can you share a little background info? How many people are in your party? What are your ages? Are you a rope drop to park close family? You mentioned 3-5 days. How many days are you planning to be here? What are your favorite things to do at WDW?

Disneyland is very different than WDW. I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting but, off the top of my head:
  • Once you pass through security, you can go into either park or Downtown Disney without having to pass through security again. If you go into the Grand Californian Hotel, you'll need to go through security again when you leave.
  • Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland is similar to the old Genie + system at WDW. There is no booking in advance. You must have passed through the park turnstile before you can book your first LLMP attraction.
  • Disneyland has one LLSP - ROTR. It is identical to WDW without a single rider option. DCA has one LLSP - Radiator Springs Racer. Neither sells out.
  • Quick serve restaurants are much better at DLR than at WDW.
  • Churros and corn dogs are better at DLR.
  • The parks usually open at 8 am. DCA generally closes around 10 pm and DL at midnight.

@BrianL has a great list comparing attractions at DLR and WDW. I have an old version bookmarked. I think he might be at DLP right now. Maybe when he returns, he can share is updated version.

Events at Disneyland Resort in September
 
@BrianL has a great list comparing attractions at DLR and WDW. I have an old version bookmarked. I think he might be at DLP right now. Maybe when he returns, he can share is updated version.

Events at Disneyland Resort in September

I am indeedf in Paris! Just did a couple of days at DLP and had a great time.

I tink this is the most recent list:

DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Jungle Cruise - No temple/tunnel, a bit shorter
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - even without the Nightmare overlay it is slightly different
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
it's a small world - very similar though with Disney cahracter peppered in - it does have a much nicer exterior.
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool - may be new to you and is worth it if so.
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smaller screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin' - though note sometimes they run it with the original Sorain' over California, in which case it is a must do!
 


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