WOW, a whole new world

[twokids0204]

Hi Disneyland folks...

I'm a Disney World veteran, been there done that.

But Disneyland... it scares me, it's unfamiliar. I am lost.

I may have the opportunity to visit Mickey in his original house in September.

And furthermore, my brother (who is no where as Disney obsessed as me) visited you guys a couple of weeks ago.

Now I am hankerin' to get out and visit.

I reallllly want to go, but I'm afraid I will be disappointed, I've built it up so much. Can it really be everything I expect?

I am heading to WDW in just over a month, but all I can think of is the potential of visiting Anaheim 2 weeks after I return.

 

[HydroGuy]

Here is a thread that may help: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

September has a lot of transitions and the later part of the month will have more going on and be busier.

From MiceAge - http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/da...rs-parade-california-adventure-work-more.html

Closures and Refurbishment Schedule​

Disneyland Park

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Closed July 19 - 23
• Star Tours: Closes July 26 for Star Tours 2 upgrades. Reopens May 2011.
• Haunted Mansion: Closed August 30 - September 16 to install Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay
• Main Street Vehicles: Closed September 7 - 30 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain: Closed September 12 - 16 to install Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy overlay.
• Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin: Closed September 20 - December 16
• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed for one day September 22.
• Mark Twain Riverboat: Closed September 27-30.

Disney California Adventure​

• Toy Story Midway Mania!: Closed August 30 - October 10
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror — Disney's FASTPASS Distribution: Distribution area closed and Fastpass service not offered through August 15 for nearby construction related to upcoming Red Car Trolley attraction.
• Pizza Oom Mow Mow: Closes September 7 to begin retheme to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. Reopens May 2011.
• Burger Invasion: Closed for retheme to Paradise Garden Grill. Reopens May 2011.
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure: Under construction. Opens Spring 2011.
• Souvenir 66 and Corn Dog Castle: Store and dining location closed for remodeling through May 2011.
• Red Car Trolley: Track under construction in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Attraction set to open spring 2012.

Closures and Refurbishment Schedule​

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

Each park has great things to offer. Disneyland is a little more compact so you'll be able to cover more ground.

Here are just a few great things about Disneyland:
*POTC and IASW are longer and much better than Florida
*Matterhorn
*Space Mountain is a much smoother ride, plus has music
*Chimmichanga cart (love them)
*DCA is 2 minutes away from DL (and security doesn't have to check your bags again)
*Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe
*Watching the candy makers at the candy shop (love it when they're making English Toffee)
*Buzz's Astro Blasters (you can remove the laser from the holster, making it easier to score)
*Aladdin at DCA is a must every chance I get
*The bread and tortilla tours are pretty neat, plus you get free samples.

Okay, my list is getting kind of long, so I must stop. I think you'll love just as much as WDW. Just remember, it's not going to be exactly the same.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I am heading to WDW in just over a month, but all I can think of is the potential of visiting Anaheim 2 weeks after I return.

FYI: You can get both your trips on one Photopass CD and you'll pay the lower DLR price of $59.95 since DLR is visited after WDW!

 

[twokids0204]

FYI: You can get both your trips on one Photopass CD and you'll pay the lower DLR price of $59.95 since DLR is visited after WDW!

I was thinking of putting the Photopass pics together... but did not realize that DLR is $59.95

Thanks.

 

[twokids0204]

Here is a thread that may help: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

September has a lot of transitions and the later part of the month will have more going on and be busier.

From MiceAge - http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/da...rs-parade-california-adventure-work-more.html

Closures and Refurbishment Schedule​

I've read that before... need to re-read it now again, that I am approaching my trip.

Each park has great things to offer. Disneyland is a little more compact so you'll be able to cover more ground.

Here are just a few great things about Disneyland:
*POTC and IASW are longer and much better than Florida
*Matterhorn
*Space Mountain is a much smoother ride, plus has music
*Chimmichanga cart (love them)
*DCA is 2 minutes away from DL (and security doesn't have to check your bags again)
*Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe
*Watching the candy makers at the candy shop (love it when they're making English Toffee)
*Buzz's Astro Blasters (you can remove the laser from the holster, making it easier to score)
*Aladdin at DCA is a must every chance I get
*The bread and tortilla tours are pretty neat, plus you get free samples.

Okay, my list is getting kind of long, so I must stop. I think you'll love just as much as WDW. Just remember, it's not going to be exactly the same.

Great list - thanks.

 

[poohnpigletCA]

Last year I was doing the opposite of you as we planned our first trip to the World while knowing the Land so well. I was so overwhelmed by DW. First there was all of the resort options, then all of the dinning options, then having to pick which park on which day. I felt like DW had much more planning before the trip. However, we absolutely loved it and hubby is already longing to go back.

Disneyland does not need the same amount of planning ahead of time as you can easily make it from your hotel to both parks and to any on-site dinning in one day.

I would love to visit all of the Disney parks and I think they all have something cool and amazing. However, Disneyland is the only park Walt walked in and that will always be special.

How many days are you coming? Where are you staying? What restaurants are you going to eat at?

We can help you.

 

[Mister Toad]

I know that my fiance with in a similar position as you last year. I was out in SoCal on business and I was staying the weekend, so she flew out and we went to Disneyland. Up until that point she had been to WDW many times and loved it, and sitting around with me looking at the maps and rides all she kept saying is "Thats not how it is a WDW" "This looks really different" etc.

Needless to say the second we entered the park and started our way down main street, she got this big smile across her face and fell in love with DL. Since then, I have been in California again on business several times and we went again for Halloween and Christmas.

In about a week we are heading back to Disneyland, this time with her sister and brother-in-law who are also WDW regulars and she is having so much fun telling them about Blue Bayou, Matterhorn, Mr Toad, longer POTC and all the great unique things about DL.

My suggestion, go out and have fun, expect it to be different but dont expect it to have a different feel. Keep in mind that this was Walt's baby, this is the only park that he walked through and had full control over. While there are some differences and some things may look off to you, try to keep an open mind. I haven't been to WDW since I was 11, and I want to go again soon and I am sure I will be the exact opposite when I get there saying "DL is like this" "Where is Mr Toad?" "Space Mountain is supposed to be side by side" etc.

 

[twokids0204]

Last year I was doing the opposite of you as we planned our first trip to the World while knowing the Land so well. I was so overwhelmed by DW. First there was all of the resort options, then all of the dinning options, then having to pick which park on which day. I felt like DW had much more planning before the trip. However, we absolutely loved it and hubby is already longing to go back.

Disneyland does not need the same amount of planning ahead of time as you can easily make it from your hotel to both parks and to any on-site dinning in one day.

I would love to visit all of the Disney parks and I think they all have something cool and amazing. However, Disneyland is the only park Walt walked in and that will always be special.

How many days are you coming? Where are you staying? What restaurants are you going to eat at?

We can help you.

Days - 1 or 2 - I am not sure, I honestly found the opportunity to be in California for another reason (work), and am able to sneak away for a couple of days. I've got a GAD tix, that I intended to use at WDW, but will now save it for DL.

Staying - I have no clue.

Restaurants, probably just counter serves, as it will just be me.

I am kinda torn about going, as my family won't be joining me, but I have the opportunity to at least sample Disneyland, especially with the GAD tix, so I figure I may as well jump at the opportunity.

I would like to bring the whole family for 4 or 5 days, but that will have to wait until at least next year.

And I hear ya about the amount of planning required. I guess because I've done Orlando so many times, I know how there is SO much to do, and time just flies right by.

I just finished watching World of Color in youtube, and my jaw honestly dropped. Absolutely incredible.

 

[ktlm]

DO IT!!! I'm a fellow WDW vet. I got the chance in 2008 to visit DL/CA for 1 day while on a business trip. It was the first time I had been there since I was a little kid. I took DH along, but I felt guilty because DD (then 2) had to stay home. So we came home and then immediately booked a trip 6 months later for her 1st WDW trip (and we've been since then too). This June we had our first full family trip to DL/CA. We absolutely love it there. Everything is close together so you can walk everywhere and get more done in a day than you can at WDW. It won't be unfamiliar and you won't be lost. Even though there are things that are different, you will still feel like you are at home! Just don't go in expecting it to be exactly the same, and it certainly can be as great as you expect!!

 

[dalstitch45]

Hi Disneyland folks...

I'm a Disney World veteran, been there done that.

But Disneyland... it scares me, it's unfamiliar. I am lost.

I may have the opportunity to visit Mickey in his original house in September.

And furthermore, my brother (who is no where as Disney obsessed as me) visited you guys a couple of weeks ago.

Now I am hankerin' to get out and visit.

I reallllly want to go, but I'm afraid I will be disappointed, I've built it up so much. Can it really be everything I expect?

I am heading to WDW in just over a month, but all I can think of is the potential of visiting Anaheim 2 weeks after I return.

Trust me, as a fellow WDW vet, you will not be disappointed. Yes, it will be everything you expect, IMO. Here is my tip: Big things come in smaller packages. Although DLR may be smaller, it will still sweep you off your feet in an instant. Don't be scared. Just remember you had to learn WDW at first, and just think of how big that is. Once you get over the difference between the castle sizes (it only takes a short while), you won't miss a beat. The size of Sleeping Beauty's castle is a bit of a shock at first, but the fireworks around the castle more than make up for it. DLR resort is tied with my other favorite place: WDW.

I just did what you are planning to do. I went to WDW at the end of May, and then to DLR at the end of June. I had a blast both times as always. Just have fun exploring. You will form your own opinion about which things are better, but both are special in their own way. The biggest difference for me is no water parks at DLR. No problem, I just swim at the hotel.

I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back. All I can say is: "YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!!!

P.S. - Don't forget to see the Aladdin show at DCA! It is a must see show.

 

[poohnpigletCA]

If you are going to be in the area and you have a GAD ticket you pretty much have to go. Think of it as a scouting expedition to better plan a trip for when your entire family can come.

However, the GAD tickets are not park hopper tickets.

When we got off of Pirates in DW our 5 yo loudly asked a CM where the rest of the ride went.

Of the Disney properties we prefer the Paradise Pier. However, if we are just doing a short trip (one year we made 6 trips) then we usually just Priceline a room. It is typically around $43 and usually a Hilton or Hyatt my sister just got the Doubltree that had its own shuttle.

 

[DisMike]

The one thing you'll absolutely love in DL is Indiana Jones! Never could quite understand why they don't have it at WDW. It's my kids' favorite ride and always the first ride we hit. POTC is right next door and we hop on that right after.

DL is way more ridecentric than exposition centric like WDW. There are way more rides per square foot than at WDW. On a non-busy day you can literally go on every major ride at DL and DCA in one day.

Have fun.

 

[HydroGuy]

DL is way more ridecentric than exposition centric like WDW. There are way more rides per square foot than at WDW. On a non-busy day you can literally go on every major ride at DL and DCA in one day.

I have heard many people say this but have never heard of anyone actually doing it. I for one am doubtful. There are somewhere around 65-70 rides at DL and DCA and even when the lines are zero it still takes time to ride the rides. POTC takes like 20 minutes, for instance.

Your broader point that DLR's rides are more concentrated and it is easier to move between them is of course right on.

 

[GrandBob]

When we got off of Pirates in DW our 5 yo loudly asked a CM where the rest of the ride went.

That is so precious! I feel the same way!

-Bob

 

[Mister Toad]

I have heard many people say this but have never heard of anyone actually doing it. I for one am doubtful. There are somewhere around 65-70 rides at DL and DCA and even when the lines are zero it still takes time to ride the rides. POTC takes like 20 minutes, for instance.

Your broader point that DLR's rides are more concentrated and it is easier to move between them is of course right on.

I had one really big day and in total I hit around 30 rides/attractions. This also involved fireworks, fantasmic, sit down dinner, etc. If we had pulled all that out and did some of the shorter rides as well, I MAYBE could have hit 40-45. I don't know how people can say 65-70 is doable.

 

[ktlm]

On a non-busy day you can literally go on every major ride at DL and DCA in one day.

Have fun.

DH and I did that on my business trip, even with throwing in the 45 minute Aladdin show which is not to be missed. CS meals only. 1 or 2 high energy adults can get it done. We were there from open to close and didn't slow down. We had a blast, but 2 days would certainly have been easier- we were about ready to drop when we left the park. I wasn't sure I was gonna make it to the car! If you throw kids (especially little ones) in the mix, I don't think you could do it in one day.