Where to Start? First DL Experience

[scrappinginontario]

Hi,

I am a WDW vet but am helping friends plan a single day at DL. They have never been to any Disney parks at all.

Are there recommended threads, youtube videos or other suggestions that you would recommend we look at?

My DD and I visited DL once, a couple of years ago but I've since forgotten what I learned and would appreciate any help, suggestions that anyone can suggest of where I should start to help friends plan their special day.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Yes the the blog So Cal Daily is super informative. https://disneylanddaily.com/about/

 

[scrappinginontario]

Yes the the blog So Cal Daily is super informative. https://disneylanddaily.com/about/

thank you! Great site that offers exactly what I'm looking for! Appreciate your quick response.

 

[VGCgroupie]

thank you! Great site that offers exactly what I'm looking for! Appreciate your quick response.

No problem. If you use Facebook she also posts there often too. Have a great trip!

 

[LKing]

This is a good thread, especially Brian L's post.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/ride-differences-between-dl-and-wdw.3942831/

 

[BrianL]

This is a good thread, especially Brian L's post.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/ride-differences-between-dl-and-wdw.3942831/

Oh yeah - wasn't I supposed to refine that and get it sticky-ed? I guess I never did. Maybe this time.

 

[katyringo]

So Cal daily (Casey) has the best info.

Disneyland is a lot easier than world in my opinion (avid goer to both). Rope drop and make priorities and it will be a great day.

Will they have a park hopper?

Check to see which park has early entry that day and plan rope drop to avoid the early entry goers. (Either start at opposite park or avoid the early open areas) unless they are staying at a Disney hotel and in that case take advantage of early entry.

Genie + works differently at land (no 7am drop and have to be in the park to start using). Don't need to use it before 10/11am.

Mobile ordering is so very helpful!

If they want to see nighttime shows check out Fantasmic dinning package or WOC dessert party. If they can stay up late- 2nd showing will give them more time in the evening.

Don't try to do it all- one day isn't enough! Make priorities.

 

[OlliePop27]

Lots of great info already shared! One of the biggest mistakes WDW vets make is trying to add 1-day at Disneyland on top of a CA trip for some other reason. It's impossible to see everything in only 1-day at Disneyland Park itself, let alone the entire resort. There's a lot more than many WDW vets realize! There's about as many attractions in DL and DCA as there are in all four WDW parks combined.

That's not to say someone can't have a great time in 1-day, but expectations need to be managed.

 

[irlandaise]

I am a WDW vet but am helping friends plan a single day at DL. They have never been to any Disney parks at all.

Ouch, only one day? Is there any way they could do more?

Katyringo mentioned park hoppers, which I would normally highly recommend (a lot of WDW vets don't realize how easy it is to go between the two Disneyland Resort parks). But with only one day, Olliepop raises a valid concern. Perhaps your friends should just concentrate on Walt's park--although I'd hate for them to miss the wonderful theming in Cars Land at DCA....It's a frustrating situation! So I repeat: can they do at least two days??

 

[scrappinginontario]

Yes, they are only visiting for one day and only one park - DL. They’ve going with the mindset of they don’t know what they don’t know so won’t know what they miss. (We went for 4 days with PH tickets when we visited and could easily have added a 5th day but I’m helping them plan within their trip parameters.)

Thanks for the tips everyone! So much great info here. Appreciate your helo!

Thanks for the reminder that G+ works differently. They have already purchased G*.

I will let them know about mobile ordering. Another great tip!

We have a planning evening coming up so I’ll help them figure out a good touring that will work for their 3 generation family!

 

[katyringo]

Yes, they are only visiting for one day and only one park - DL. They’ve going with the mindset of they don’t know what they don’t know so won’t know what they miss. (We went for 4 days with PH tickets when we visited and could easily have added a 5th day but I’m helping them plan within their trip parameters.)

Thanks for the tips everyone! So much great info here. Appreciate your helo!

Thanks for the reminder that G+ works differently. They have already purchased G*.

I will let them know about mobile ordering. Another great tip!

We have a planning evening coming up so I’ll help them figure out a good touring that will work for their 3 generation family!

Yes- so the first thing I would check is if the day they are going is an early entry day for DL (DL and DCA alternate days of the week). If it is- have them plan to rope drop Adventureland or Frontierland. If it's not- they could plan for fantasy land or tomorrow land. Are they wanting to do Star Wars? Are the willing to pay for Rise ILL- another difference is that at Disneyland you cannot chose your ILL time.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Great tips and questions! I will ask these!!

 

[irlandaise]

Okay then, one day, one park it is.

Even though your friends have never been to WDW, I suggest that they try to do some rides that aren't available in Florida or are very different in California. That way they'll have experienced Disneyland's uniqueness whatever happens in the future. Check out Brian's list; I personally would highlight Pirates, Indy, and Toad. Secondarily the Matterhorn and the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

Although Galaxy's Edge is identical at both resorts (they're sometimes called Batuu West and Batuu East), it's a wonderfully themed area, so they should experience it.

Have them look for the lamp in Walt's apartment above the fire station just as they get to Main Street. This is the only one of all the Disney parks in the world that Walt himself ever set foot in.

I hope they have a great time!

 

[scrappinginontario]

Okay then, one day, one park it is.

Even though your friends have never been to WDW, I suggest that they try to do some rides that aren't available in Florida or are very different in California. That way they'll have experienced Disneyland's uniqueness whatever happens in the future. Check out Brian's list; I personally would highlight Pirates, Indy, and Toad. Secondarily the Matterhorn and the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

Although Galaxy's Edge is identical at both resorts (they're sometimes called Batuu West and Batuu East), it's a wonderfully themed area, so they should experience it.

Have them look for the lamp in Walt's apartment above the fire station just as they get to Main Street. This is the only one of all the Disney parks in the world that Walt himself ever set foot in.

I hope they have a great time!

Thank you! Considering it's the first time any of them have been to any Disney park, I'm going to focus on the 'best' attractions as opposed to specifically those that are different. I'm almost positive that this will be the one and only time some of them visit Disney I'd rather they get the best experience as opposed to unique between coasts. (E.g. My dd and I did 'Storybook Land Canal Boats' and while I think A LOT of it had to do with an extremely poor CM - we heard others when we passed their boats - it's not something I will suggest they do on their one day.)

Great tip about the lamp though and yes, there is just something about being in the one park Walt walked once it was open.

Yes- so the first thing I would check is if the day they are going is an early entry day for DL (DL and DCA alternate days of the week). If it is- have them plan to rope drop Adventureland or Frontierland. If it's not- they could plan for fantasy land or tomorrow land. Are they wanting to do Star Wars? Are the willing to pay for Rise ILL- another difference is that at Disneyland you cannot chose your ILL time.

I found out they will be visiting and while July 18th which is a Thursday so based on historical trends, it looks like a day when early entry will be offered at DL. I'll use your tips for scheduling what they rope drop.

Yes, they will want to do Star Wars for sure as they have 2 tween boys. I will suggest they consider purchasing ILL$ and note that they cannot choose their return time.


LOL, lots for me to learn in order to help them prepare for their trip! Thank you again everyone for your help and tips!! Greatly appreciated!

 

[katyringo]

Thank you! Considering it's the first time any of them have been to any Disney park, I'm going to focus on the 'best' attractions as opposed to specifically those that are different. I'm almost positive that this will be the one and only time some of them visit Disney (2 are seniors) I'd rather they get the best experience as opposed to unique between coasts. (E.g. My dd and I did 'Storybook Land Canal Boats' and while I think A LOT of it had to do with an extremely poor CM - we heard others when we passed their boats - it's not something I will suggest they do on their one day.)

Great tip about the lamp though and yes, there is just something about being in the one park Walt walked once it was open.



I found out they will be visiting and while July 18th which is a Thursday so based on historical trends, it looks like a day when early entry will be offered at DL. I'll use your tips for scheduling what they rope drop.

Yes, they will want to do Star Wars for sure as they have 2 tween boys. I will suggest they consider purchasing ILL$ and note that they cannot choose their return time.


LOL, lots for me to learn in order to help them prepare for their trip! Thank you again everyone for your help and tips!! Greatly appreciated!

If you think that can be savy enough I would try to get them to schedule a LL for smugglers and buy their ILL for rise around the same time.

Another thing- genie+ doesn't go nearly as quick at DL. There is no "slinky dog" madness. I would spend some time reading the genie thread on here.

1. They don't book super fast- you will be tempted to book right away at 8am- I would wait until you start seeing 830-9am return times. Genie+ at park open is. Waste.

2. Space mountain and Indian jones will be the genie rides that do "sell out" first- usually by mid afternoon. So those are good rides to rope drop and/or book for an earlier return time so you can keep booking all day.

3. If they are a family with older teens- single rider might be helpful for them. Matterhorn and space mountain have them.

Do you think they will want a sit down reservation?

 

[OlliePop27]

If you think that can be savy enough I would try to get them to schedule a LL for smugglers and buy their ILL for rise around the same time.

Another thing- genie+ doesn't go nearly as quick at DL. There is no "slinky dog" madness. I would spend some time reading the genie thread on here.

1. They don't book super fast- you will be tempted to book right away at 8am- I would wait until you start seeing 830-9am return times. Genie+ at park open is. Waste.

2. Space mountain and Indian jones will be the genie rides that do "sell out" first- usually by mid afternoon. So those are good rides to rope drop and/or book for an earlier return time so you can keep booking all day.

3. If they are a family with older teens- single rider might be helpful for them. Matterhorn and space mountain have them.

Do you think they will want a sit down reservation?

I agree. I was going to add that even on the busiest days, ROTR and RSR both generally have almost immediate return time availability for ILL. In my opinion, it's good to save it for later in the day or when you're in the area of the ride and it's otherwise convenient. ROTR does break down a lot, so it's possible you need to head back there if it's down when you are trying to ride, but they will honor the ILL for the rest of the day. Technically, you'll get a multiple experience pass to use on ROTR or anywhere else, but I highly discourage use on anything other than ROTR if it breaks down during your ILL window (since you paid extra for it).

 

[LKing]

it's the first time any of them have been to any Disney park, I'm going to focus on the 'best' attractions as opposed to specifically those that are different. I'm almost positive that this will be the one and only time some of them visit Disney (2 are seniors) I'd rather they get the best experience as opposed to unique between coasts.

Thinking of iconic Disney experiences, I would include
Small World
Pirates
HM (if open)
Tiki Room and Dole Whip

Also add
Galaxy's Edge and ROTR
ToonTown - walk through and MMRR
Indiana Jones

Not sure how senior the seniors are. If they like roller coasters, I would include Space Mountain, Matterhorn and Big Thunder. Warning, the seats at Space Mountain and Matterhorn are difficult to get in and out of. Matterhorn can be quite jarring (esp the right side).

 

[scrappinginontario]

Thinking of iconic Disney experiences, I would include
Small World
Pirates
HM (if open)
Tiki Room and Dole Whip

Also add
Galaxy's Edge and ROTR
ToonTown - walk through and MMRR
Indiana Jones

Not sure how senior the seniors are. If they like roller coasters, I would include Space Mountain, Matterhorn and Big Thunder. Warning, the seats at Space Mountain and Matterhorn are difficult to get in and out of. Matterhorn can be quite jarring (esp the right side).

Thanks! They are barely seniors (read: they're only a few years older than me! ) so I've asked them for thrill level the group wants and if they're willing for some to wait while others ride. I'm pretty sure they will.

Great suggestions! Thank you!

I really appreciate all the help people are offering as I was afraid people may go, 'Oh no, another 'How do I plan...' thread'' but I searched and didn't really find one. Hopefully others will find this as helpful as you all are helping me!

 

[irlandaise]

Thank you! Considering it's the first time any of them have been to any Disney park, I'm going to focus on the 'best' attractions as opposed to specifically those that are different.

Well, there's a lot of overlap between those two criteria! Pirates at DL is much better than the version at WDW because it's different (longer). Indy is different from and better than Dino.

There are exceptions, of course. Peter Pan isn't really different, but I'd consider it a must-do. And as mentioned, the whole Galaxy's Edge area is identical to WDW but is well worth spending time in.

Probably as your friends read up about the different rides they'll decide which ones appeal to them.

 

[Kit Jackson]

@irlandaise- I agree with you on Peter Pan. The ride is simple, but it's also iconic and it makes me happy.