Disneyland with a Theme Park Virgin

[SuddenStorm]

Looks like in August I'll be attending the park (not parks ) with some people who have never been to a theme park. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Utah's Lagoon are the only two parks they've been to (except for one who went to Univeral Island of Adventure in Orlando).

So here's the question. Outside of the major rides, Fantasyland Dark Rides, Lincoln, and Tiki Room, and the major shows, what experiences in Disneyland park do you guys think should not be missed for a group of adults? Which diversions in the park are worth checking out?

 

[westie]

Show them a good dinner (package) at SH55 or CC. People always think its all hamburgers and hot dogs but Disney does fine dining really well too.

 

[TROR]

You already said Lincoln so I'm going to say the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad (Grand Circle Tour).

 

[SuddenStorm]

You already said Lincoln so I'm going to say the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad (Grand Circle Tour).

Those are definitely musts. Depending on crowds, I might try and do the Canoes in lieu of the Mark Twain, due to how much more intimate the experience is, and how much closer you are to the river.

 

[mickEblu]

You already said Lincoln so I'm going to say the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad (Grand Circle Tour).

I second these. Since @SuddenStorm mentioned all the big ones I would say Blue Bayou reservations with Fantasmic priority seating and just exploring NOS.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

The castle walk through

 

[EricsBiscuit]

Also Tom Sawyer's Island.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Also Tom Sawyer's Island.

I go back and forth on this one. It's an amazing concept, and I'm glad it's there- but isn't most of the stuff on it for kids?

 

[SuddenStorm]

I second these. Since @SuddenStorm mentioned all the big ones I would say Blue Bayou reservations with Fantasmic priority seating and just exploring NOS.

Now might be a good time to confess that I've actually never eaten at the Bayou. I also hadn't done the Main Street Vehicles until this year, and even then I've only done the horse drawn car.

It's amazing how much stuff gets passed over, even by people who go regularly.

 

[mickEblu]

Now might be a good time to confess that I've actually never eaten at the Bayou. I also hadn't done the Main Street Vehicles until this year, and even then I've only done the horse drawn car.

It's amazing how much stuff gets passed over, even by people who go regularly.

Hahah. I’ve only eaten their once a couple years ago. We would have been back by now but then my son happened.

I’ve done each of the vehicles once. Yeah it is amazing considering how many times I’ve been.

 

[TROR]

I say the bigger problem with Tom Sawyer's Island isn't that it's for kids, but that half of it is closed.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Six Flags will have prepared them for DCA.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Maybe debatable with your audience, but I think Storybook is quintessential Disneyland and should be included for that reason.

 

[Model3 McQueen]

Carnation Cafe is certainly worth a visit. I love the food they serve there. Star Wars Launch bay is entertaining. Mainly interacting with Vader / Kylo / Chewy.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Maybe debatable with your audience, but I think Storybook is quintessential Disneyland and should be included for that reason.

One member in the group hasn't seen very many golden age animated films. Because of this, I'm very curious to see how well most of Fantasyland goes over.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Six Flags will have prepared them for DCA.

In terms of pure "adult" entertainment, Six Flags has DCA beat. Which goes back to DCA's problem of being conceived as a more adult focused park, with less Disney influence.