What's the Best of the Best at DL and CA?

[Alison Wonderland]

I'm going to DL during the super busy time between Christmas and New Years. It's either go then or don't go at all, so I'm looking for advice on must-dos that are significantly different than WDW. We've been to WDW 3 times in the last 6 months, so I don't really need to see the attractions that are the same as WDW. Our traveling party will be 3 adults and 1 8yo boy, and we don't want to do any roller coasters or extremely scary attractions. I already consider POTC a must-do since it is better at DL. Also interested in any must-do's at CA. I'm reading a couple of guidebooks back-to-back but I'm interested in DIS'ers personal opinions. Thank you!

 

[year2late]

Soaring over Ca

 

[mousecrazy]

DL
1. Indy
2. ISAW Holiday
3. Haunted Mansion - Nightmare before Christmas
4. Christmas Parade
5. Fantasmic
6. Mr. Toads Wild Ride
7. Abe Lincoln Show on Main Street
8. Matterhorn
9. Toontown - (Roger Rabbit and the Jolly Trolley)

DCA
1. Soarin
2. Sun Wheel (because you get an incredible view of the entire resort)
3. Aladdin Show

These are the major differences between WDW and DL - at least the big ones that I can remember. Most of these have Fastpass, so if you plan right, you'll hit them all and have a great time. IMO, there's no better place than Disneyland during the holidays (and that includes WDW too).

 

[CalGal]

I'd have to include the Electrical Parade in that list. Soaring, Indiana Jones and ELP are my top three any time of year.

 

[Morticia]

I cann't imagine living anywhere else than SocAl @ Christmas. I love it here.

1) IASMChristmas
2) Parade & Snow
3) ELP
4) HMH
5) SOC
6) AIW
Just being there

 

[jencav5]

I've never been to WDW, but these are my top votes:

DCA:
Soarin over CA
Aladdin Show
Disney's Animation (heard lobby is different from WDW)
Electrial Parade
CA Dreams Show
Walk through Paradise Pier "boardwalk"
CA Screamin

DL:
Indiana Jones
Haunted Mansion-Nightmare before Christmas
Storybook Boats
Fireworks
Fantasmic
Abe Lincoln Show

Also, I know you said no rollercoasters, but CA Screamin is not as scary as it looks and is very fun! It is a very smooth roller coaster, run by magnets. The scariest part, I think, is just taking off, as it takes off fast. My 8 year old loves this ride and so do the rest of us! I don't like scary rollercoasters, either!

Beware of the Sunwheel, the cars slide on rails as it turns, so if you don't like that, you need to go to the line with the non-sliding car. It also seems to take forever for the ride to end!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Must do's

DL
1. Indy - even though you don't like coasters!
2. IASW Christmas
3. Matterhorn - for the history
4. Alice in Wonderland- unique to DL
5. Railroad- unique to DL
6. POTC - so much better !
7. Tiki Birds- last chance to see the original

DCA
1. CA soaring
2. Dreams movie
3. ELP

 

[King Triton]

Number One on the list is....FANTASMIC!


Fantasmic is a must! It's the essence of capturing the real Disney Magic. Enjoy!

 

[roymccoy]

Judy...why is it the last time to see the original Tiki show? Are they planning to close or change the DLR Tiki Room?

TIA

Roy

 

[Judy from Boise]

Not that I know of (although of course the "original" show currently at DL is a trimmed down version) I was just contrasting it with WDW where there is a new Tiki show.
I know some WDW's get nostalgic and would like to see the original one last time ! Much like i feel when I am at WDW and riding the People Mover or COP.

 

[dsnylndmom]

I agree with the others

*DL*
Matterhorn-History
Alice-Unique
Fantasmic
Parade/Snow
Small World
Storybook Boats
HMH
Indy
Tiki Room-again for the nostalgia

*DCA*
MSEP
Soarin'
Animation Building
Aladdin show
Ariel's Grotto(sit outside and eat!)
Sunwheel-for the view

 

[Larry]

You cant forget Roger Rabbit in ToonTown at DL.

But all the rest I agree with, esp the Huanted Mansion at DL and Soaring at CA.

Have fun.