Here's a list that I made for another poster who was a WDW vet. It's my take on the must-sees for a WDW vet who wants to skip clones or inferior versions. Their circumstances were a little different, as they were going in July with kids, but the majority of the advice is still valid. The only change I would make is replace Tom Sawyer Island/Autopia with Mansion (because of Haunted Mansion Holiday) and BTMRR (because it'll be fresh off a major refurb). Buzz is awesomer because the targets have shapes that relate to their point values, there are lit-up targets that are worth extra, there's a hidden target in one of the hallways between rooms, and YOU CAN PICK UP THE BLASTERS! If you do all of the stuff on these lists (again, swapping out TSI/Autopia), you'll be off to a darn good start.
Disneyland
1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
- You won't believe this is basically the same ride as Dinosaur.
So much better!!! There are not words to describe how I feel about this one
2. Space Mountain
-A smooth, modern coaster with a ride-synchronized soundtrack by Michael Giacchino.
Definitely worth it!
3. Pirates
- So much more to it in CA: more drops, the bayou scene, the better audio, and MORE RIDE.
I didn't notice the better audio, but the rest is 100% true. I think someone once referred to the one in WDW as Pirates of the Caribbean: Lite
4. Toontown
-Roger Rabbit is a good dark ride and the whole land is neat. It's the version that woulda coulda shoulda gone to DHS off of Sunset Blvd.
Again, agreed
5. Fantasmic!
-When you only had one night, I was going to suggest skipping this, but it really is a lot better than Florida's. It has clearer water projections, a cool Peter Pan scene, and an IMPRESSIVE dragon. I haven't bothered to go to the DHS version in a while, but I love the DL version.
I enjoy both versions. But I liked World of Color better than Fantasmic. The limited space and difficult viewing bothered me. While the Pan scene is cool, from certain angles it's hard to see. Take it or leave it
6. Buzz
-This is another one that I don't love in Florida, but am crazy about in California (just look at my username/avatar if you don't believe me!). It is a very similar ride, but it has several smallish touches that really let the ride live up to its potential... makes it a completely different experience for me!
I think it's worth riding, but it's not as good as Space Ranger Spin. Too few targets in the room. I did like that they label the targets with the shapes. So if you know which shapes are higher, it's good
7. Autopia and Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer Island
-I bunched these together for two reasons: your 7YO will probably really enjoy these even though you wouldn't be going on them if you were on a solo trip, and these attractions would never be built like this today. The piratey additions to the Island are actually worthwhile, and make sure you check out the caves: they're different than the ones in MK and there's actually some tight squeezes! They are anti-ADA. It makes it feel a little more like you're really exploring; there was at least one spot where my 6YO could fit, but I couldn't (I haven't missed any meals, but I'm not a really big guy). The Autopia is SO much more than the four left turns you get on the Tomorrowland Speedway. There's bridges and underpasses, the cars take different routes through a very green area, and the monorail goes right overhead. I don't remember whether it was the monorail track or another part of the Autopia, but there was an overpass over our car that was low enough to easily touch. You'd never build something like that today!
Autopia is so great! I got to do Pirates Lair four years ago and liked it
California Adventure Must-Sees
1. Radiator Springs Racers
-It MUST be experienced! Get in line for Fastpasses before the park opens.
I think someone else mentioned getting directly over there and riding it first thing. I also mentioned the singles line
2. World of Color
-I recommend getting some counter service food and getting there as soon as the Fastpass return window opens; being right next to the water made it a completely different experience for me. The show towers over you! For a daytime taste, check out Instant Concert-- Just Add Water!
Loved World of Color!
3. Aladdin
-It's easy to skip because there's only so many shows and you may not find yourself in that corner of the park at the right time. I myself spent three weeks' worth of time at DLR before I actually saw this show... now I regret it! Especially since you have two days and especially since your wife likes the Beauty and the Beast show... don't make the same mistake I did!
Best theme park show. Ever. Period. I think we were the only ones in the audience who got it when the genie called Iago a "Tiki Bird reject on fire!" and sent him offstage, on fire.
4. Monsters, Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! and Mermaid
-both high quality (though not mind-blowing) dark rides that shouldn't have long lines. Monsters, in particular, holds a special spot in my heart because it is a creative retheme of a disastrous ride called Superstar Limo. Look it up on Youtube after you ride Monsters! Monsters has a lot of "tricks" packed into a little ride: projection mapping, multiple scents, as well as an interactive animatronic.
It's a very neat ride and has an interesting queue. Mermaid is exactly the same as the one in WDW, so if the OP is going to WDW anytime soon and has limited time, it could be saved.
5. California Screamin'
-Spiritual sibling to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: a launched steel coaster with an inversion. This one is completely outdoors with a long track and unique layout, though, so it's obviously different. Try the single rider line if your 7YO isn't tall enough.
Very nice, long roller coaster
6. Animation Building
-Even if you don't do any of the activities, it's worth it just to look at the beautiful screens in the lobby filled with backgrounds, concept art, clips and sketches that showcase various animated movies one at a time. Plus, the air conditioning will feel pretty good in July.
We skipped this one. That, and I needed no air conditioning. I was cold in June half the time!
It was so cloudy and breezy. I'd be warm, then suddenly cold and vice versa.
7. Cars Land lighting ceremony
-Grab yourself a snack at the Cozy Cone, find a spot on a bench right at sunset and wait for "Shh-Boom" to start.
Can't believe I missed this!
