what is your favorite thing at DL or DCA?

[mommommom]

OP, thanks for this thread! My son and I enjoyed reading the answers people gave, and could relate to most of them. I hope he has a great time at CL!

My favorite thing is walking along Main Street right as the park opens. The music is playing and the CMs are greeting everyone that passes by. Even if we were there the day before, everything seems fresh and new. The entire day of magic is ahead of us, full of potential. It's pretty special, and totally worth getting up early for.

This. And riding Big Thunder Mountain with my family. All 4 of us absolutely love it.

SA Mom, I completely agree about Space Mtn! My daughter rode it at WDW and cried afterward. She hated it. I'm trying to get her to try the one at DL because, to me, it was a very different experience. I'm not usually a roller coaster fan, but I love most of the Mountains at DL.

 

[Zzizzy]

Favorite Attraction: Haunted Mansion
Favorite Show: Fantasmic!
Favorite Restaurant: Cafe Orleans
Favorite Snack: Dole Whip
Favorite Shop: World of Disney

 

[belle'ssister]

Disneyland
Favorite attraction - Pirates
Restaurant - Plaza Inn
Shopping - Emporiam

CA
Attraction - Soarin'
Restaurant - Taste Pilots
Shopping - music and book store in Hollywood

Downtown Disney
Restaurant - Jazz Kitchen
Shopping - World Of Disney

 

[Jkpark]

I completely agree about Space Mtn! My daughter rode it at WDW and cried afterward. She hated it. I'm trying to get her to try the one at DL because, to me, it was a very different experience. I'm not usually a roller coaster fan, but I love most of the Mountains at DL.

I enjoy the Space Mtn ride better at WDW, but the DL version is definitely more kid-friendly. WDW seems to be more of a thrill ride and you are sitting behind your child, where at DL you are right next to them. That makes a huge difference for my girls. It's why they like Splash Mtn better at WDW - sitting next to each other. Plus the lap bars make them feel more secure. Okay - maybe the lap bars is more me feeling secure and not them as much

 

[minjo]

Being able to forget the outside world and relish a happy place. Love looking at all the detail especially while waiting in lines. Great place to people watch too.

 

[Brumbie13]

My favorite thing is walking along Main Street right as the park opens. The music is playing and the CMs are greeting everyone that passes by. Even if we were there the day before, everything seems fresh and new. The entire day of magic is ahead of us, full of potential. It's pretty special, and totally worth getting up early for.

You nailed it.
This is exactly it for us. That feeling if walking under the train track tunnels and being back on Main Street early in the morning, everything feels perfect.

 

[Monica D]

DCA--probably that first ride on Soarin'...when it ends up at Disneyland I always get teary!

DL--I love that feeling of walking under the "Here you leave today" sign and heading towards Main St....always such a happy feeling!

 

[theokris]

my favorite thing is walking through the gates with my family, just seeing the looks on their faces and reaction to everything. thats what its all about for me. some quality time with them everything else is just a bonus

 

[vettegirl]

My favorite is the original POTC, just amazing with the ambiance of the BB as you start the ride off.

 

[Briarrose1306]

That first moment I end up on Main Street. It's like I take a deep breath and everything else disappears but Disneyland. I never actually feel there until I've hit Main Street.

I have two very favorite memories too that I will never forget. I once got to ride BTMRR while the fireworks were going off and I felt like I was in a Disney commercial. My absolutely favorite memory thus far though was last Christmas as my brother and I were leaving the park to check into our hotel, we were walking down Main Street as everything started lighting up, almost as if it were just for us.

 

[kirstie101]

My favorite thing is seeing my DD's pure enjoyment when we are there. She's 5 now and has been in love with Characters since her first trip at 22 months. Her face just lights up when she meets one of the characters. And its so cool to see her enjoyment of the Disneyland RR and BTMRR and all the rides I loved as a kid. And its even more special because my Mom travels with us and I know she's thinking the same things I am and taking a trip down memory lane.

DS will be 18 month when we go in September and I can't wait to watch him experience it now!