What to do if you only have a few hours?

[Liz_Loves_Stitch]

I'm going out to CA for a business trip. I'm not sure I'll have time at all, but if I happen to have a few hours available, what should I do? I've never been to DL. I grew up in Florida and I've been to Disney World more times than I can remember. What would you suggest a Disney geek do if they only had a few hours to spend at Disneyland?
I've written another post on the California board about the possibility that I might live in California soon. If you see this, and you live in California I love any advice you can give.

Are there ever any official DIS meet ups in CA?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You may be able to do more in a few hours on a weekday than on a weekend, but either way, I would spend the time enjoying and getting acquainted with Walt's original park. Don't make any comparisons to MK, but just let the DL atmosphere and charm wash over you! DLR and WDW are quite different, and that's a good thing! If there is a particular ride that has a shorter or faster moving line, ride it, especially if it is a ride unique to DL or different from the one WDW. There is something very special about DL. My friends who have visited the other Disney parks agree that Walt's touch can still be felt throughout the park. If you get a chance to enjoy some of the 60th celebration, that would be great! The PTN parade and DF fireworks are really special. Have a fun visit!

 

[RKKUNK]

I would check out the rides that are unique to DL or are a different version then the one at WDW.

I'm not sure when you will be there but my family much prefers the Space Mtn. at DL and right now they have the Hyperspace Mtn. I have heard it is pretty fun.
Also, the Pirates ride at DL is different from WDW. A lot of people prefer the DL version.
Indy is different then the Dino ride. We think it is more fun.
Matterhorn is quite bumpy and jerky, but it is only found at DL and they just improved the Yeti effects on the ride.

You can use the single rider lines for Indy, Matterhorn, and Splash Mtn. to save some time.

Like someone else mentioned the PTN parade and the new fireworks are great if you have time. It is much easier to squeeze in at the last minute for these when you are solo.

Hope you have the time to go! I think you will like it!

 

[valiamo]

Just wander the park and view the differences between the two. You will feel at home, and somewhat out of sorts, as the parks are the same yet very different. I have been to both, and if I only had a couple of hours, I would want to feel the magic from the original park. Too bad you could not get a parkhopper, and experience DCA, it is vastly different from any of the WDW parks.

Must do rides...

Peter Pan
BTMRR
Pirates - (much longer)
Space Mountain.


As RKKUNK says try the rides that are different from WDW.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Personally, with just a few hours I would go directly to Adventure Land and ride all the big attractions. Then if time allowed, continue on to HM and then BTMRR and Splash.

 

[aristocat65]

I agree to focus on the things that are different than WDW. Be sure to walk through New Orleans Square as it is so charming. We always feel it's abcence at WDW. Also a good chance to ride POTC. We also like Space Mountain here much better, but for only a couple of hours, unless you can fast pass or not wait too long, will take up valuable time you could be spending just walking the park and enjoying the specialness of it.