WDW vets coming to Disneyland

[Doug Lewis]

My family and I have been to DisneyWorld twice in two years and just scheduled a spontaneous trip to Disneyland due to my wife having a work meeting in Anaheim. We are flying into LAX on May 18th. Our first challenge will be transportation to our resort with two car seats. We have a 5 year old and 5 month old.

What are some things DisneyWorld fans MUST SEE at Disneyland? What are the major differences? How does the fast pass system work there?

Any other tips you have would be GREATLY appreciated. I believe we'll do Disneyland that friday and California Adventure on Saturday and not get park hopper (save money). Also, we are not staying at a Disney resort because they are all sold out. Any tips on where to stay that is super close to the park?

 

[figment_jii]

Hydroguy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets is a good starting point. Personally, I would focus on the attractions that are unique to DLR (e.g., Carsland, Matterhorn, HyperSpace Mountain, etc.) and attractions that are iconic to DLR (e.g., PotC, Haunted Mansion, IaSW).

The FP system (currently) is still the legacy system. You go to the FP kiosk, insert your ticket and then get a paper FP with a return time. You can get your next FP two hours later or when the time window opens, whichever comes first. There is no official stated grace period and they are enforcing return times, so plan on returning to the attraction during the time window printed on the FP. The two parks are connected and the only disconnected FP is WoC (meaning you can get a WoC FP and then immediately go get an attraction FP). Most of the FP machines are located near the attraction entrances (either at the entrance, next to it or across the walk way). RSR is located near the entrance to A Bug's Life (on the walkway to Carsland), just past Carthay Theater. DLR announced something called MaxPass and said it would be coming this year, but so far, it hasn't rolled out.

 

[agamble]

My family and I have been to DisneyWorld twice in two years and just scheduled a spontaneous trip to Disneyland due to my wife having a work meeting in Anaheim. We are flying into LAX on May 18th. Our first challenge will be transportation to our resort with two car seats. We have a 5 year old and 5 month old.

What are some things DisneyWorld fans MUST SEE at Disneyland? What are the major differences? How does the fast pass system work there?

Any other tips you have would be GREATLY appreciated. I believe we'll do Disneyland that friday and California Adventure on Saturday and not get park hopper (save money). Also, we are not staying at a Disney resort because they are all sold out. Any tips on where to stay that is super close to the park?

We prefer to stay somewhere we can walk. I would search the hotels across the street and go with the one with the best price that meets your needs. Many offer free breakfast, but not all. Make sure you keep in mind resort fee charges. And just so you are aware Anaheim has ridiculous hotel tax rates over 17%. It doesn't matter which hotel you stay at, you will be charged that tax rate on top of your room rate.

I say go see Small World. The outside is impressive compared to WDW, and the inside has Disney characters hidden. Also Pirates is wonderful at DL. Indy is a cool ride, much better than WDW Dinosaur. And the same goes for Grizzly River Run, it is not the same as Kali Rapids. Matterhorn should be open, and that is a true Disney classic.

We have been in mid-May many times and enjoy it. You don't need park hoppers for a two day trip, even though they are convenient. Enjoy your trip.

 

[barbliny]

Since you may not see my reply on your thread that was closed on the WDW Theme parks board - I'm going to copy it here too...

Try the Howard Johnson Anaheim. It is a very short walk to Disneyland - I think it's even shorter than some of the Disney hotels. We stayed there years ago and it was great then. It looks like they have even updated it since then. I checked tripadvisor reviews and they are still in general very positive (average is 4 1/2 out of 5).

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/...d-johnson-plaza-hotel-anaheim-resort/overview


And also, ride Matterhorn - great ride that does not exist at WDW

 

[smartlabelprint]

We like HomeWood suites. 15 min walk. Hyatt house is also very new.

Camelot inn is close, older motel.

Best western park place inn
Fairfield inn
Courtyard Anaheim theme park entrance $$$

There's a new suites around the corner from Hyatt house. Can't remember name.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

We are in the same boat. Been to WDW 20 times, but DL is brand new! There are a million hotels in walking distance. We are staying at the Springhill Suites on Habour BLVD. Free breakfast, and a CVS right there. There is a Fairfield Inn right across the street, but has outside corridors (I was looking for inside). The Courtyard Theme Park entrance was my first pick, but since we are using Marriott points, there was nothing available. We are a little pickier in that we like modern, updated, and there are plenty that aren't, so we skipped over those.

 

[HydroGuy]

I just saw you post on the WDW forum and answered there. Guess I will just link my post !

HydroGuy here and there is lots of good info over on the DLR forum. Friendly folks there too.

I second seeing WOC. To me it is the best Disney show ever.

Friday at DL and Saturday at DCA are good choice. DCA has EMH on Fri and DL has it Sat. So go to the park without EMH.

If you can swing it, get to the gates for rope drop.

If at all possible stay at a walking distance hotel.

Other must sees (besides everything ) would be DL's POTC and Indiana Jones. Space Mtn would be on the list too.

Secondary attractions like Alice in Wonderland and StoryBookLand Canal Boats.

And you have to give Matterhorn a ride. It is a classic but don't try to hard to compare it to modern Disney coasters.

DL fireworks RDCT is very good.

Over at DCA, of course ride California Screamin. Grizzly River Run would also be a good ride but like Kali RR be prepared to get wet! Their Frozen stage show is really good too.

I have a DLR guide if you check the links in my signature.

Have fun!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Another message I posted there in answer to your question:

They have SoundSational afternoon parade.Pretty fun!

 

[Nevada Jen]

With kids that age I would really consider Howard Johnson's or Courtyard Themepark. Both have fun pool areas. If the price is close, Courtyard Themepark is MUCH nicer. Both are easy walking distance. We have never had to deal with the car seat issue but I think most people either take bus transportation or use a car service.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

Courtyard theme park entrance is $1375 for 4 nights. I just looked it up checking in on your date OP, because I wanted to see the comparison for when we will be in Anaheim at the end of June (almost the same )

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest to get park hoppers because the parks are very close to each other and when one gets too crowded, you can go to the other (especially your dates land on Grad Nites dates). Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, water and loads of patience too. Keeping your children on their sleep schedule will make your visit better.
Enjoy your trip!