First Timer, 2 day trip

[Californian Elitist]

Having only ever seen the WDW layout, this blows my mind. But it is so logical and simple! Hm, I wonder why WDW makes you have 30-45 minutes of travel to get from park to park....

It's the amount of land. The Disneyland Resort, compared to WDW, sits on a very small piece of land, so everything is very close. You walk to everything, even the Monorail is different. It's an attraction, and the farthest you get is Downtown Disney. Literally, and even that is like a three minute ride.

Even some of the rides at the DLR sit on top of each other. Alice in Wonderland sits on top of Mr. Toad.

And Cars Land is where the Timon parking lot is in that picture.

That little bit of reference is good. Here's my go-to picture; this is Epcot and the Disneyland Resort, same zoom level:

Thanks Cosmic, I was waiting for you to post your wonderful comparisons.

 

[novawildcat18]

And Cars Land is where the Timon parking lot is in that picture.

That little bit of reference is good. Here's my go-to picture; this is Epcot and the Disneyland Resort, same zoom level:

So basically, they jammed two parks with as many rides as all 4 WDW parks into the space of Epcot. Very impressive.

Also as a sidenote, maybe 3 years ago, my dad, my sister, and my cousin only had one day to spend in WDW. So we bought a park hopper and got to go on EVERY SINGLE must-see attraction (and even some of our own personal must-see's) in the whole resort. So, I am quite comfortable with running around to get everything done in time.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Thanks Cosmic, I was waiting for you to post your wonderful comparisons.

Your picture actually does a good job of showing what's what. My picture is good for the size comparison, but it makes everything in DLR look like a giant blob.

 

[Californian Elitist]

So basically, they jammed two parks with as many rides as all 4 WDW parks into the space of Epcot. Very impressive.

Yes, pretty much.

Also as a sidenote, maybe 3 years ago, my dad, my sister, and my cousin only had one day to spend in WDW. So we bought a park hopper and got to go on EVERY SINGLE must-see attraction (and even some of our own personal must-see's) in the whole resort. So, I am quite comfortable with running around to get everything done in time.

Very good. Make sure to let your friends know there might be some running.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Your picture actually does a good job of showing what's what. My picture is good for the size comparison, but it makes everything in DLR look like a giant blob.

I think yours better than mine!

 

[TP2000]

Even some of the rides at the DLR sit on top of each other. Alice in Wonderland sits on top of Mr. Toad.

Autopia and the Monorail sit on top of Submarine Voyage. Casey Jr. Circus Train sits on top of Storybookland Canal Boats. Space Mountain sits on top of Captain EO. Pirates of the Caribbean sits on top of... Pirates of the Caribbean. (No, really, Pirates is twice as long at Disneyland at 15 minutes in length, and the three level flume wraps over itself on three different levels in the same building.)

Disneyland is a marvel of space management and urban planning. Truly a marvel. WDW was easy to do, since they only have to drain more vacant swamp to expand anything. At Disneyland, since the 1950's they've been layering things on top of each other to save space and create a dense fabric of attractions and experiences. The result is something quite different from any WDW theme park.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Autopia and the Monorail sit on top of Submarine Voyage. Casey Jr. Circus Train sits on top of Storybookland Canal Boats. Space Mountain sits on top of Captain EO. Pirates of the Caribbean sits on top of... Pirates of the Caribbean. (No, really, Pirates is twice as long at Disneyland at 15 minutes in length, and the three level flume wraps over itself on three different levels in the same building.)

Disneyland is a marvel of space management and urban planning. Truly a marvel. WDW was easy to do, since they only have to drain more vacant swamp to expand anything. At Disneyland, since the 1950's they've been layering things on top of each other to save space and create a dense fabric of attractions and experiences. The result is something quite different from any WDW theme park.

Amen, preach! How about the magnificent and glamorous Dream Suite sits above Pirates of the Caribbean?

Amazing we use our space so much more efficiently and better at the Disneyland Resort. Even if it means taking out a parking lot or a popular and classic swing dancing spot! When you think about it, it's more impressive.

 

[novawildcat18]

Autopia and the Monorail sit on top of Submarine Voyage. Casey Jr. Circus Train sits on top of Storybookland Canal Boats. Space Mountain sits on top of Captain EO. Pirates of the Caribbean sits on top of... Pirates of the Caribbean. (No, really, Pirates is twice as long at Disneyland at 15 minutes in length, and the three level flume wraps over itself on three different levels in the same building.)

Disneyland is a marvel of space management and urban planning. Truly a marvel. WDW was easy to do, since they only have to drain more vacant swamp to expand anything. At Disneyland, since the 1950's they've been layering things on top of each other to save space and create a dense fabric of attractions and experiences. The result is something quite different from any WDW theme park.

Not sure if I can wait a whole month until I get there. I'm so excited to see these types of things! It really seems amazing and amazingly different from WDW.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Not sure if I can wait a whole month until I get there. I'm so excited to see these types of things! It really seems amazing and amazingly different from WDW.

You are going to have a blast.

 

[novawildcat18]

Sorry to revive an older thread, but I have a question. Does Disneyland extend park hours on the day of if the parks are crowded, like Disney World does? I'm curious since the parks won't be open very late when I will be there.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Sorry to revive an older thread, but I have a question. Does Disneyland extend park hours on the day of if the parks are crowded, like Disney World does? I'm curious since the parks won't be open very late when I will be there.

This doesn't happen a lot. It's VERY rare. The most they'll do is add an extra showing for Fantasmic!, or something. Extra park hours at night are set aside for annual passholders, for the most part.

 

[novawildcat18]

This doesn't happen a lot. It's VERY rare. The most they'll do is add an extra showing for Fantasmic!, or something. Extra park hours at night are set aside for annual passholders, for the most part.

Gotcha. Kind of a bummer that we are going on 2 of the only 4 days in March that the parks are only open until 8, but we will make the most of it. Thanks! (by the way, only 12 days left, I cannot contain my excitement)

 

[Californian Elitist]

Gotcha. Kind of a bummer that we are going on 2 of the only 4 days in March that the parks are only open until 8, but we will make the most of it. Thanks! (by the way, only 12 days left, I cannot contain my excitement)

I know, it sucks.:/ Just try and get to the parks as early as you can and make the most of the time you do have.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[dweezil78]

Gotcha. Kind of a bummer that we are going on 2 of the only 4 days in March that the parks are only open until 8, but we will make the most of it. Thanks! (by the way, only 12 days left, I cannot contain my excitement)

If the parks are only open until 8, that typically (but not always) is because it is off-season and it shouldn't be extremely busy. While it's a bummer that you'll have to leave relatively earlier, hopefully you'll get more done because of it.

 

[novawildcat18]

Sorry to keep asking questions, but as I get closer, I keep thinking of more. Here are two more:

1) The Disneyland monorail is basically a Tomorrowland attraction, right? So we can't just ride it for fun/transportation unless we have a Disneyland ticket?

2) Is there any sort of breakfast option in the Disneyland Hotel? Besides Goofy's Kitchen. Like a quick serve place or complimentary breakfast (preferably a place that serves Mickey waffles )?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yes, the Monorail is an attraction, in the park. You can ride it whenever you like. If you plan on taking the Monorail from Downtown Disney, you will need to show your ticket. If you take the Monorail from Tomorrowland, you won't need to show your ticket.

I don't believe there's a quick service spot in the Disneyland Hotel. The River Belle Terrace in Disneyland sells Mickey pancakes.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

2) Is there any sort of breakfast option in the Disneyland Hotel? Besides Goofy's Kitchen. Like a quick serve place or complimentary breakfast (preferably a place that serves Mickey waffles )?

Tangaroa Terrace serves breakfast, but I don't see any Mickey-shaped items on the menu.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus-detail.cfm?restaurant.id=590

 

[wild01ride]

Extra park hours at night are set aside for annual passholders, for the most part.

What are these nighttime extra hours for Passholders you speak of???
I've heard about the early entry, including DCA since the re-opening, but I've never heard of the evening hours.

 

[Californian Elitist]

What are these nighttime extra hours for Passholders you speak of???
I've heard about the early entry, including DCA since the re-opening, but I've never heard of the evening hours.

Every Thursday and Friday (could be Tuesday instead of Friday, I don't remember) for this month of February, DCA has been staying open for two extra hours for annual passholders.

 

[novawildcat18]

Tangaroa Terrace serves breakfast, but I don't see any Mickey-shaped items on the menu.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus-detail.cfm?restaurant.id=590

Good to know they at least have some sort of breakfast because I feel like once I'm in the parks, I'll be too focused on getting rides done rather than eating. That french toast actually sounds delicious!