WDW Regular - First Time Planning For DL

[VancouverIslandDisney]

I go to WDW as often as financially possible but have never been to Disneyland. The fiance and I are planning on using some “must use” vacation time for a trip down in April.

What are the MUST DO attractions and foods to try when we are there? I have a list of things I want to fit in but always open to suggestions.

If you have YouTube channels that you recommend I’d love to check them out.

 

[China Expat]

Star Wars land -all the rides there-Rise of the Resistance for sure ans Smugglers Run
Thunder Mountain
Space Mountain
Star Tours
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Fireworks
Eat at Blue Bayou
Train around the park

 

[irlandaise]

I go to WDW as often as financially possible but have never been to Disneyland. The fiance and I are planning on using some “must use” vacation time for a trip down in April.

What are the MUST DO attractions and foods to try when we are there? I have a list of things I want to fit in but always open to suggestions.

Here's a list (@BrianL is there a more recent posting from you directly?) that compares the rides in FL and CA. For example, unless you like to visit Galaxy's Edge on every trip, you can skip it at DL because it's identical to WDW.

Post in thread 'Advice on shows/parades/etc dessert parties/dining packages'

Oct 24, 2025

Someone created this amazing massive list that's all of the rides that are carbon copy clones at Disneyland and WDW, rides that are totally unique to Disneyland, and rides that exist in both parks but there are slight differences between them. I think the list would be helpful for you. I can't remember who created the list, but I am sure someone reading this will know exactly what I am talking about and will either tag the person who created it, or find it and post it in a reply.

@BrianL created it. I think this is the most recent version.

DL Exclusive Attractions:...

• LKing

• 

 

[LKing]

Depending on when you are visiting in April, you might be able to take in the Food & Wine Festival and Season of the Force. There are a few events happening in April that might impact which parks you visit on which days.

April 5 Easter
April 10-12 Dance the Magic Event (Avoid Disneyland on Saturday)
April 12, 14, 16 Disney Channel Nite (Disneyland closes early)
April 17-19 Filipino Weekend (shouldn't impact your visit)
April 19 Dapper Day (Disneyland busier than normal)
April 25 Dance the Dream Event (Avoid Disneyland on Saturday)
April 26 TikiLand Day (streets are busy during their scavenger hunt)
April 29 Nurse's Day (shouldn't impact your visit)

 

[Sweettears]

I would say Pirates for sure. Also the classic dark rides that either no longer exist atWDW or never did I.e. Alice. World of Color is a great show. Can’t recall the name but the retheming of ToT to guardians is worthwhile. Cars land is a must do.

 

[BrianL]

Here's a list (@BrianL is there a more recent posting from you directly?) that compares the rides in FL and CA. For example, unless you like to visit Galaxy's Edge on every trip, you can skip it at DL because it's identical to WDW.

Post in thread 'Advice on shows/parades/etc dessert parties/dining packages'

Oct 24, 2025

Someone created this amazing massive list that's all of the rides that are carbon copy clones at Disneyland and WDW, rides that are totally unique to Disneyland, and rides that exist in both parks but there are slight differences between them. I think the list would be helpful for you. I can't remember who created the list, but I am sure someone reading this will know exactly what I am talking about and will either tag the person who created it, or find it and post it in a reply.

@BrianL created it. I think this is the most recent version.

DL Exclusive Attractions:...

• LKing

• 

I think that's right.

 

[cruisehopeful]

For YouTube, look at Magic Journeys. They do a lot of food reviews.

The popular food that everyone raves about are things that I don't eat, but maybe you would like since so many people do. Corn dogs from Little Red Wagon or Corn Dog Castle, churros from the carts and fried chicken from Plaza Inn are all very popular.

If you want a good burger, go to a table service restaurant and don't bother with quick service. They are completely different.

The gift shop at the Disneyland hotel often has the best and most unique merchandise. There are some good places to eat over there, too.

 

[woodys_girl]

Neither WDW nor DL are my family's home park because we visit them both as often as we can afford to. Besides the lovely attraction list someone already shared these are some things that are different at DL that I like to incorporate.
Characters! DL has a strong character game. You will see more characters out and about (roaming), more rare characters, and no LL for characters. Even if you don't like to wait in lines for characters (like my children currently) if you keep your head up you will see them and they really add to the atmosphere.
Macarons! My favorite Disney treat and they aren't at WDW, but you'll find many at DL. The flavors change seasonally and I do make it my goal to try as many as possible.
LL! It works differently than at WDW and I would generally say better because there is more availability. We get it some days at WDW; we get it every day at DL.
Quick Service food. I almost didn't include this one because of course people's preferences are different, but I generally like DL quick service options more than WDW (especially MK). I feel like there is a good variety of cuisines and the quality is good for theme park food. Ones we go to often are Red Rose Tavern, Tiana's, and Pyms.
You will have a lovely trip. Enjoy!

 

[LKing]

Nice list @woodys_girl. I would also add World of Color and Paint the Night. One could argue that Fantasmic is too similar to the WDW show, but WOC and PTN are unique.

 

[woodys_girl]

Nice list @woodys_girl. I would also add World of Color and Paint the Night. One could argue that Fantasmic is too similar to the WDW show, but WOC and PTN are unique.

Oh, yeah, Paint the Night was amazing.