WDW Regulars going to Disneyland for the first time!

[kkpsirog163]

So my wife and I go to Walt Disney World every other year and spend a whole week at the parks. In 2019, in addition to our week at disney in December, we're going to be in Los Angeles in January. We'll likely be at the park on Tuesday, January 15. We have just ONE day to explore Disneyland, and California Adventure(We'll also have my mother-in-law with us, and she's plenty energetic and excited as well!). What's the best advice you can give us?

 

[LizzyS]

Although Disneyland is more walk-able than WDW, be aware that it's going to feel more crowded because it's much more compact. Nighttime entertainment is going to be limited because it's "off-season", which is in quotes because I don't think there really is one anymore.

Get there as early as possible, hit the e tickets that are must dos for you first, and utilize MaxPass (haven't done this personally yet, but have heard tons of good things).

 

[figment_jii]

I would start by making of list of the attractions you most want to do so that you can prioritize your time. Given that you're going after the Holiday season has ended and on a weekday, the crowds should be manageable, but still be prepared for some crowds at the headliners. There probably won't be much in the way of nighttime entertainment (maybe a daytime parade and WoC (assuming it's back up), but probably no F! or fireworks) and the hours are likely to be short (so I would try to be there at rope drop). Haunted Mansion will likely still be closed (having the overlay removed), but there is a chance IaSW Holiday will still be open. I would consider looking into MaxPass to help you maximize your time. With only one day, I would forgo TS meals and stick with the CS options (DL has some really good CS option, like the fried chicken at the Plaza Inn!).

 

[Winnowill]

Don't bother with the attractions that are identical to any there are at WDW since you're a regular there. That means that you can comfortably skip TSMM, Little Mermaid, Soarin', and Star Tours. BTMRR is similar enough that you can probably skip it, also. Buzz is very similar (DL's is a little better because you can take the guns off the console). Most people think that the WDW Splash is superior (and since it'll be January, you'd probably want to skip it, anyway). Don't skip PotC - DL's is far better. So, for that matter, is Space.

 

[figment_jii]

I thought Buzz was pretty similar originally, but the figures in the rooms and the layout of the ride is actually quite different. It's rather like It's a Small World; the concept is the same, but the presentation is different. In terms of rides that are pretty similar, I'd also toss in Dumbo and the Carousel (different theme, but same basic ride).

 

[ktlm]

Single rider lines. RSR has a single rider line that is very useful. We have been on it in 10 or 15 minutes when the standby line was 90 minutes or 2 hours. Indiana Jones also has a singer rider line, but it is hard to see. You go up the exit ramp. The Incredicoaster also has single rider.

MAX PASS-- with one day, max pass will be extremely useful. This July, DD and I started one morning going from one ride to the next at DL with no lines at all, but just booking max pass to max pass. We would scan in a ride, and if we had time would pull up and book the next ride before we got on-- if we were on the ride to fast we would book the next one immediately after getting off the ride. It is SO much better than FP+. It is well worth it and it also includes your photopass photos for the day.

Unlike WDW where you have fireworks, fantasmic etc. every night--- at DLR in the "off-season" those typically only show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. WOC may or may not be every night. No one really knows what will happen with it when it reopens later this year (the platform broke- so it has been closed for an extended period of time). If you aren't trying to get to evening shows, Carsland is beautiful at night! RSR is a totally different experience at night. We always have to ride it once during the day, and once at night.

CS food is better at DLR than it is at WDW. Don't worry about TS since you will be trying to fit as much in as possible. You can get decent food without having to do TS. Allears has the DL menus just like it has the WDW menus. We prefer the CS at CA to that at DL, but there a lots of good options.

Don't skip POTC-- it is longer and so much better and at DLR!

DLR is so much easier than WDW. It doesn't take long to be anywhere in either park. Have a great time!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you a good overview of the similarities/differences between DLR and WDW: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets . You'll get lots of good information for planning to make the most of your one day.
Best tip? Go in with a completely open mind! Don't compare DLR with WDW, but instead get ready to see DL and DCA as completely new parks and experiences. Walking into DL is walking into Walt's original park, walking where Walt walked, seeing the magic where it started! DCA is its own entity with its own charms. Do your research, make your plans, the jump in and let the magic happen! Have a great visit!

 

[kkpsirog163]

UPDATE:

We have decided to do two days here! We're going to spend one day at Disneyland, and a day a\t DCA!

 

[ghtx]

Read the first two posts of this thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/ A guide to DL for WDW vets.