WDW Vet - Possible 1 Day at DL

[CinderellaDream]

Just found out today that I may be attending a conference in San Diego in May and my first thought was, "No way I can get that close to DL and not go!" I've been to WDW 10+ times but I know NOTHING about DL. This trip would just be me and my DH and I would probably only add 1 day before or after my conference which is May 16-18.

A little background, my DH is not a thrill ride person so we wouldn't be looking to hit those rides. He basically just tolerates my Disney obsession. We do both love fireworks so I'm assuming there is a night time show we would want to see. We're not interested in seeing MSEP because we've seen it multiple times at WDW. I'm guessing we will want park hoppers to visit DCA as well.

What are the must do's at DL and what should I know going in? Other than knowing that there's no way we can do everything I will want to do in only one day!

 

[sohryu]

Definitely get a 1 day park hopper and do both parks. Disneyland is the original park and there will be differences from MK, but if you've been to MK several times I don't think you'll really need that much time at DL proper. Additionally, DCA doesn't take *that* long to explore and hit up the must see attractions.

I'm not sure what qualifies as a "thrill ride" for you and DH but the must-do's for DCA are definitely Cars Land and the RSR ride. If you like shows you can check out Frozen at the Hyperion but that will eat up a nice chunk of time in the day. Other attractions that I think are must-do at DCA are what I would probably call thrill rides which are: California Screamin' roller coaster, Mickey's Fun Wheel (swinging gondolas), and Grizzly River Run (water ride). You don't have to do Soarin' because it's the same at Epcot, and our GOTG/ToT won't be opened by the time of your trip. You'll get your money's worth paying for Park Hopper just for Cars Land alone as it's pretty remarkable.

My DL must-do's would be Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates as far as what I can think would be non-thrill rides. I love the shows at the Royal Theatre as I think they're pretty cute and well done; right now they're doing Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. I would recommend all the Fantasyland dark rides (Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's, Pinocchio, and Snow White) -AND- the Storybook Land Canal Boats & Casey Jr's Circus Train. Basically everything in Fantasyland with the exception of Dumbo, the Carrousel, and teacups - all of which I love but for some reason the dark rides, boats, and train really do a number on me and my Disney heart.

 

[Winnowill]

If you want fireworks in May, you'll want to do the Friday rather than the Monday. They don't do fireworks at DL on weeknights during non-peak periods. Unless you decided to do World of Color at DCA instead - that runs every night.

It's a Small World is a good one not mentioned above - it's quite different from the one at WDW.

 

[ktlm]

I would do the conference, drive up to Anaheim after it is over on the 18th- stay there Friday and Saturday and fly home from SNA (John Wayne Airport) on Sunday - or you could take a later flight and fly back from San Diego on Sunday. We typically fly to SNA, spend a few days at DLR, go to the San Diego area, and then drive back to SNA on Sunday and fly out on Sunday- so there is no reason you couldn't do the reverse. The traffic typically isn't that bad early in the day on Sunday between the two places on the Interstate route (coastal highway is different and can be more crowded with weekenders cruising around). That would give you 2 days at DLR. We are WDW vets and we have fallen in love with DLR and bounce between coasts. That love started on a one day visit and DH and I took before a Monday business meeting I had in the area- we did get a lot done on that one day going open to close with hoppers.

I would focus most on the things they don't have- or that are very different from the WDW version. Pirates is much better at DLR. Small World is different and I like it better. Indiana Jones is great- but if your DH doesn't like thrill rides probably not for him- it has single rider for you though. There is an Alice in Wonderland ride, a Pinnochio ride, Snow White Ride, Mr. Toad is still there, Roger Rabbit ride, some cute shows. At California Adventure, there is a Monster's Inc. Ride that is cute, Carsland is a must see especially at night if you can. Radiator Springs Racers - the ride is similar to Test Track, but it is so much more-- Test Track pales in comparison. Even though your DH is not a Thrill ride person, I would really try to get him on it. It is fabulous. It really isn't that much of a thrill ride- the inside is all Cars scenes- and the outside is just a car race. If he won't do it, there is a single rider, but it really is a don't miss. If you are there 2 nights, try to catch World of Color at California Adventure since you like the evening entertainment- it is pretty amazing-- it does take time though because it is standing only and if you are short like me it takes effort to get a good spot. IF you really want to splurge the dessert package is great- you get a CHAIR at a table with a decent view!

That is just the stuff of the top of my head there is a guide to DL for WDW vets on this board that Hydroguy did that is great.

 

[Chiomaca]

Sohryu pretty much hit everything. Remember that Fast Passes work differently, so you have to manage your time a bit more closely. Download the Disneyland App so that you can see ride wait times and make your plans from there. The nice thing about the Park Hopper with this FP system is that you can get a FP for an evening ride of RSR and still go do things at DL itself with Fast Passes there. I'd agree that RSR isn't really a thrill ride. It's lots of fun and pretty chill except the last little bit where there's some speed.

World of Color isn't fireworks, but it's pretty amazing. I haven't been since they started the new dessert package, but everyone I know who has done it says it's the way to go - pretty much the only way to see the show while seated, and great views.

I like to eat at DCA more than at DL, Kozy Kones for nibbles, Carthay Circle Lounge or Cove Bar for drinks.

 

[CinderellaDream]

Thanks guys! I think I might be able to convince DH to ride some of these. He has done Test Track before so RSR may work. Good point about fireworks on weekends only during non peak times. That might be reason enough to make me schedule our day after my conference ends.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread (A DLR Guide for WDW Vets) will give you lots of good info to help with your planning!

 

[CinderellaDream]

This thread (A DLR Guide for WDW Vets) will give you lots of good info to help with your planning!

What a great resource!! Thanks!

 

[Kitzka]

Wanted to thank the OP for staring this thread. I was coming on to see if anyone had posted about this same topic. Difference with mine is that i am going to a wedding in SD at the end of March. We just decided that we can afford to go so we are going to disneyland for 2 days. this thread was a great read and i am going to read the other that was posted.

thanks so much!