WDW vet needs Advice & Help for 1st DL trip

[Rella Bella]

DH & I are headed to California and have just decided to go a couple days early to add Disneyworld/California Adventure to our trip. We will have the afternoon and evening of Friday and all day Saturday, (the last weekend of this month) probably a busy time being a weekend and summer but we know we'll have fun anyway.

We have been to WDW many times, but not to Disneyland since we were kids! We're very excited to see how it's changed and especially to catch the attractions that are different or aren't at WDW.

We know we can't do everything but from reading here (thanks to everyone), we've decieded so far to be sure to see:
Matterhorn
Pirates
Buzz
Aladdin's show
Sorin'
Indiana Jones
Dreams Come True Fireworks
Fantasmic

What else do you think we should see or do?? I don't want to get back and find out we skipped something awesome!

Does buying tickets from Disneyland advance purchase get the best price? Or are there reputable discounters?

We don't spend much time in our room, so all we need is a clean comfortable bed, that is close by -- any advice there?

It's amazing how different this is from planning WDW!
Very much looking forward to hearing from everyone!
Thanks for your help!

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

For rides I would add Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad and Storybookland Canal Boats, if the lines aren't horendous. Just because these aren't found at WDW. Also, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin in Toon Town. This has Fastpass so it should be easy to include. It's very fun and the queue is great. When it's really hot and busy, head to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Personally, I love this show. And it has the added benefit of being in an air conditioned theatre.

For nearby hotels I prefer either Candy Cane Inn (there's another thread right now with a recent review) or the Howard Johnson. Both are close, you can easily walk, but also have a shuttle. CCI has their own, private shuttle which is very nice. HoJo is on the city shuttle system. CCI also includes a nice continental breakfast.

I've seen only one ticket discounter advertised (on mousesavers.com) and their prices seemed to be similar to advance purchases at disneyland.com. Definately buy in advance, you will pay more at the gate.

 

[iceskatejen]

Space Mountain is a must--DL's is very different than WDW's and a lot better.

 

[Rella Bella]

Thanks so much!

KrisAnne, I remember Mr Lincoln from my childhood! It's one of my most vivid memories of Disneyland... but some where I read it was closed and the theater has a show about 50 years of memories. I will certainly check to be sure. And thanks for the other ride ideas too!

Jen, I'm glad to know Space Mountain is different... I had no idea!

Hope to get some more ideas too!!

 

[quadaunt]

That's right, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln has been replaced during the 50th celebration with a presentation called Disneyland: 50 Years of Memories (or something like that), hosted by Steve Martin. Very good and Steve is funny, as usual (and a former DL employee at the Magic Shop and as a banjo player). On the DLR homepage (www.disneyland.com) you will find a drop-down menu titled "Choose Your Experience." If you choose the 50th selection it will list all of those attractions which opened in 1955 that are still at DL. If you're feeling nostalgic I'd recommend doing these attractions, in addition to those you can't find at WDW. Don't forget the Main Street Electrical Parade at DCA ... one of my faves!

(Space Mountain got a two-year extensive refurb for the 50th. The concept is the same as at WDW but it's a newer, improved version.)

 

[LoriLuvsDisney]

Space Mountain is a must--DL's is very different than WDW's and a lot better.

I doubly agree with that statement. The Space Mountain at DL is WAY better than at WDW. You may want to skip Buzz and do space moutain instead. I'm pretty sure Buzz is the same there as it is here.

If you get the park hopper at go to DCA (which I guess you will if you are doing Soarin, which btw, is the same as at Epcot), do Screamin' - it's such a cool roller coaster! Have a great time!

 

[Rella Bella]

Thanks so much!

Yes, we are getting hopper tickets. Can't wait to see CA!!

I am a little surprised that Buzz is the same, the description made it sound different... but we love it so probably will keep it on the list.

And Sorin' we've only done once, so we will want to do it again even if it's the same... but I am glad to know.

Very cool about Steve Martin... it would be interesting to know who all has worked at Disney over the years! He's most likely not the only celeb.

Any other tips out there???

 

[stacielee]

I doubly agree with that statement. The Space Mountain at DL is WAY better than at WDW. You may want to skip Buzz and do space moutain instead. I'm pretty sure Buzz is the same there as it is here.

If you get the park hopper at go to DCA (which I guess you will if you are doing Soarin, which btw, is the same as at Epcot), do Screamin' - it's such a cool roller coaster! Have a great time!

Another agreement on Space Mountain, so much better at DL!!! And Buzz is quite different, also much better at DL!!!

Do go to DCA and go on California Screamin', definitely a COOL coaster!!

I've been to both DL and WDW and the only ride I can remember that I liked better at WDW was BTMRR.

 

[Yookeroo]

Gotta do the Haunted Mansion. It has a recent upgrade that the WDW version didn't get.

 

[Rella Bella]

Thanks guys! I'm really getting excited now!

We are thinking about staying at the Sheraton Park, because we are Starwood members... any comments on this hotel??

 

[my3kids]

We like Mulholland Madness in addition to ones you mentioned. I think something similar opened at WDW after we had gone to DL Something in AK to do with dinosaurs, I think. Last time we were there Space Mt. was closed so we're excited to try that this time. Nice to read it is even better than WDW. Nothing beats Soarin' though in my book!

 

[mikayla73]

Mulholland Madness and Soarin' Over California are both pretty cool.

IMHO the scariest ride there is the Sun Wheel, IF you get in the moving gondolas ... I love thrill rides, ToT is great! The higher and faster, the better, but this was pretty scary. It's like your falling, then all of the sudden you rock back. It gave me that empty feeling thoughout my entire body, not just my stomach! DH thought I was crazy for going on it, so I went by myself. Luckily the family that I ended up riding with was very nice, so we talked a lot to take our minds off the falling and swinging!

You should go on Peter's Pan Flight in Fantasyland, it's pretty cool too. Oh and the Jungle Cruise too ... and the Tiki Room .. ok I should probably stop now LOL ...

 

[HydroGuy]

OK, my promised guide to DLR is finished and posted on this forum. Here is a link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Rella Bella]

THANK YOU HYDROGUY!! WOW!! WHAT AN AWESOME POST!
That is such a great and complete document! And so helpful!
Sorry to be so long responding... too busy to DIS

Thanks also to Mikalya & my3kids for mentioning Mulholland Madness!
Can't wait!!

We have settled on the Sheraton Park... we only have 2 days, but we are very excited!

Are there any great restaurants that we shouldn't miss? For lunch or dinner? Would need an AP this time of year?

You guys are great!

 

[tinkermell]

Another agreement on Space Mountain, so much better at DL!!! And Buzz is quite different, also much better at DL!!!

Do go to DCA and go on California Screamin', definitely a COOL coaster!!

I've been to both DL and WDW and the only ride I can remember that I liked better at WDW was BTMRR.

I'm sitting here racking my brain trying to figure out what is BTMRR????? Once I find out I'm sure I will feel silly. LOL!

 

[iceskatejen]

BTMRR=Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

 

[tinkermell]

BTMRR=Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Umm thanks!

 

[churchlady]

Just subbing!