What to do with just one day?

[NurseJamie]

Hi everyone! I am a DisneyLand newbie - I am currently on vacation in southern California (first time I have ever seen the Pacific!!) and we will have one day we can spend at DisneyLand, but it seems like there is an awful lot to fit into just one day there.

So I have a few questions -
1 - Should I splurge for the park-hoppers or is there just too much to do in one day and am I better off focusing on one park?

2 - I have been to DisneyWorld several times and have done pretty much everything there as far as rides go. Is everything a little different at DL or are there some things that I can skip because they are the same at WDW?

3 - What are my must-do's?

4 - Any favorite restaurants or meals that I should try (like Dole Whips at WDW or something special like that?) that are a uniquely DL experience?

Thanks so much for all your help!!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I believe park hoppers are worth it because you can see the highlights of both parks, but you have to be up for a lot of walking and park hopping and collecting FPs.

I've never been to WDW but I've heard that many think Space and Pirates are better. Be sure to see Indy. I think our Toontown might be different, but don't know. Roger Rabbit FPs can be obtained while holding FPs for another ride. RR is disconnected, so don't ride that one without a FP. Screamin in DCA is awesome! Also the Monsters Inc ride is very cute and full of details.


A favorite at DLR for us is Bengal BBQ in Adventureland. I believe that is only at DLR.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi everyone! I am a DisneyLand newbie - I am currently on vacation in southern California (first time I have ever seen the Pacific!!) and we will have one day we can spend at DisneyLand, but it seems like there is an awful lot to fit into just one day there.

So I have a few questions -
1 - Should I splurge for the park-hoppers or is there just too much to do in one day and am I better off focusing on one park?

2 - I have been to DisneyWorld several times and have done pretty much everything there as far as rides go. Is everything a little different at DL or are there some things that I can skip because they are the same at WDW?

3 - What are my must-do's?

4 - Any favorite restaurants or meals that I should try (like Dole Whips at WDW or something special like that?) that are a uniquely DL experience?

Thanks so much for all your help!!!

Welcome to the "left side" of the Disboard, NurseJamie!

I completely agree with PinkBudgie about getting a park hopper (& the rest of her post as well ).

There have been a couple of similar threads with ALOT of info provided for the one day (first time) visitor:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2238269

Read this thread & also the links inside the threads.


A few random thoughts:

- Get to the turnstile 30 min. prior to opening.
- Go two days if you can.
- Tour & collect FPs early with a plan.
- The Carnation Cafe (in DL) & the Wine Counrty Tratatoria are both unique, moderately priced & lovely outdoor mid day restaurants. (especially the Trat on a pretty SoCal day) But there are alot of good places to eat.
- Print Hydroguy's "DLR for WDW Vets" tip thread.....& read all of his other tip threads (especially about FP collection & philosophy).
- Ride Storybookland, the Matterhorn, Toady, Alice & Pinocchio (along with the usual suspects "E ticket" rides).
- If you visit w/o MM priviledges, go on a Wednesday (or a Monday).
- Get to the Security tent 40 minutes before opening which will get you to the turnstile 30 min. prior to opening. (This is THE most important thing for the one time visitor).

You also might find the first page of my trip report (linked below) helpful as well for the one day (WDW vet) visitor.


Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[ballarinamom]

You will definatley see a HUGE difference between WDW and DL. Toontown at WDW is non excistant. You'll love the surreal look of it. As you've been to WDW many times, you won't need to wait for character greetings which will save time.
Pirates is SOOOO much better at DL as there is a cool swamp in the beginning and an extra drop. IASW loads from the outside and has an amazingly beautiful facade compared top the building you go into to enter at WDW.
HM is cool because you actually go through the front door of the house not the garage like WDW
Indy is a much cooler ride than Dino at WDW
All of Fantasyland has a quaint feel. You don't have to do all the rides but check out Peter Pan and Mr Toad. Alice and Matterhorn are also unique to DL. Don't forget the Sleeping Beauty walk through. And while in line for PP, look up over the Snow White ride for the evil queen
Make PS for Blue Bayou. You will be part of the Pirate's ride

If you do go over to DCA, there are not alot of rides that are "have to dos". Soarin' is at WDW as is Toy Story Mania. But Aladdin is the best show of either "Lands"

Good Luck!

 

[ballarinamom]

Oh and I forgot! Buy your Dole Whip and TAKE IT INTO the Tiki Room. At WDW you cannot do that. Plus, there is no annoying Gibert Godfrey bird at DL. Just the original show that Walt loved!