First Trip to Disneyland & looking for input

[jcraycraft]

The family and me (5 total, 3 boys 15, 7 & 5) are heading to Disneyland for the first time ever. We have reservations at the Grand Californian Hotel for 5 nights, June 19th -24th. We are pretty excited about this trip, hoping for some nice dry weather while we are there. Went to WDW last year for 8 days and it rain a lot… more than normal.

I am looking for advise/input on how to do Disneyland Resort. Is 5 day too short or too long, keep in mind that we may never get back out to CA, live in Ohio so we are using my frequent flyer miles to go west. We just love WDW and being inside the magic (5 family trips since 1986). I have been going to WDW since 1973 and know my way around it. This where I need your help!! I have read lots of good post here and a few Guide Books. But I am looking for your insight on Disneyland Resort.

The kids love rollercoaster…. The ones they can ride anyway (both the 7 and 5 yr olds are 46”). They loved Space Mnt at WDW, rode it half dozen times last year. I was bummed to see DL SM closed after we made plans back in February… but that’s the way it goes. I do have a few questions too:

1. Do they allow pool hopping between hotels? At WDW I know it’s not allowed.
2. Can you ride the front seat on the Monorail?
3. Do they have the resort mugs with free refills?

Sorry for the long post.

 

[RU42]

Well welcome (even if it is a bit early) to my neck of the woods. Let's see where I can help.

My hotel knowledge is weak so I will let others comment on the pools and mugs.

Monorail - nope, we don't have front seat sitting right now (for about 2 years or so.) But you wont miss it much. From your hotel you are 10 yards (literally) from DCA and couple hundred yards from DL. You might ride the monorail once just for fun and maybe again if you wanted to go to the DL Hotel - ubt walking through DTD is easier.

You will find DL is very different. WDW is spread out, if you wanted to drive a big circle around WDW I would hazard a guess of 30-45 minutes. To circle around DL would take you less then 5. It really is compacted together.

5 days in the parks should be plenty, in fact, it will allow you some nice pool/nap time without interfering.

DCA - The much abused DCA is winner with me; I have really grown to like it and the progress they are making is nice. They have a way to go to make it world class, but at least they seem to be trying.

Don't miss Soaring Over California. The ride is great. Other favorites are the raft and Cal Screaming (the roller coaster.) Be sure to catch Aladdin, that is a MUST see show. Also, the Electrical Parade in the evening is always wonderful.

DL - You will be spending most of your time here. You gotta do the calssics (Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Splash Mtn, etc.) Be sure to catch It's A Small World, it is better then WDW (in my opinion of course.) If the afternoon is hot, Innoventions is a nice place for the kids to play and for you to cool off. (Weather should be great.)

In the evening Fantasmic is a must see. The fireworks are great too. If you are there twice for the fireworks catch it once from the Castle area and the second time from the strip that leads to It's A Small World. Also viewing from Main Street isn't bad either.

Sorry - now I have the long post. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

RU

 

[jcraycraft]

Thanks for the post RU. That is the kind of info I am looking for.

I had forgotten that the Electrical Parade is running at DCA, I saw the WDW version many many moons ago and can't wait to see it again.

I have been trying not to get in the mindset of the size of WDW compared to DL but more the content. Also, I am huge fan of Disney & collector and to be able to see Walt’s park will be great in its self.

Thanks for the fireworks tips to … will do

 

[DCA Fan]

Be sure to visit Disneyrefurbs.com or Disneyland.com to know what will be closed. Or talk to us. For your dates, as far as I know, Space Mountain, Superstar Limo, Tea Cups(?), will be closed.

For DL:
Don't miss Fantasmic, Indiana Jones, and the other big attractions.

For DCA:
Don't miss Screamin', Soarin', Millionaire, or Aladdin.

Check my reviews of the parks for a larger list:
http://rctdepot.8m.com/reviews/disneyland.htm
http://rctdepot.8m.com/reviews/dca.htm

 

[RU42]

Good catch on Indiana Jones Adventure - a definite do!

If you are into Disneyana Colelctibles etc be sure to visit the Disney Gallery - it is directly above Pirates of the Carribean. It is very easy to miss.

Take out Railroad around the park too. It is nice and we have the Grand Canyon and Dinorama. Your kids will love it. Heck, you will too.

Another unique ride is Alice in Wonderland.

RU

 

[dianedisney]

You can hop between pools last I had heard. Disney's Paradise Pier has a real dull pool so I know they let them go to Disneyland Hotel pool.

I don't know about the refillable mugs....I don't drink pop so don't need it.

Since you are staying at the Grand California (have stayed there 3 times) you will have an exclusive entrance to the new park California Adventure, also Downtown Disney. This resort is a NON-SMOKING hotel and they will make you sign a statement to that effect, you can't even smoke on the balconies.

Both parks are now non-smoking except in designated areas and it is enforced pretty well. If you want to do a character breakfast they offer 4 to choose from. I have done them all and here is my preference from #1 to #4
#1. Goofy's Kitchen - located in the Disneyland Hotel, very upbeat and fun, lots of characters.
#2. Minnie & Friends - again upbeat and fun located in Paradise Pier Hotel.
#3. Plaza Inn - Winnie the Pooh characters only. located inside the Disneyland Park and great fun.
#4. Chip & Dale - location in Grand Californian Hotel, Storytellers Cafe. Very limited characters, very boring for kids. Totally not worth the price.

For dinner or lunch I would do priority seating at Blue Bayou location in DL that way you won't have to wait in line a long time. A quickie tip on Goofy's Kitchen - MAKE RESERVATIONS - you can make them a month in advance and I would totally recommend it. Have a great time. Disneyland is the ONLY place to experience the original magic of Disney since Walt lived in the park for a while. His apartment was located on the left side of Main Street above the Fire Station.

 

[Daannzzz]

To help with the logistics of staying at Disneyland resort here is a link to a view from above. The resort is in the middle of the suburbs and is awesome to experiance when staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. It is much more convenient than any of the WDW hotels but in general the feel of the reosrt is a bit different from WDW and not quite as awe inspriing.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/dlmp.html

Be aware when you first walk into Disneyland and gaze down the street at the castle you, and the kids are bound to be disappointed. It appears so small compared to WDW. But since you have the time make sure you ride everything, even if it has a duplicate at WDW. There are some interesting differences.

 

[Testtrack321]

We had our first trip last year too. 5 days is PLENTY to see DLR and some outside attractions. Try Knotts Berry Farm too. The Grand Californian has a private entrence to DCA, so go there for opening so you can ride Soarin' early!

 

[Bagheera]

There are a number of differences at DL. One thing to be sure to do is to ride Pirates. It's actually about 50% longer than the one at WDW. The logs at Splash are different, and I believe that some of the interior is slightly differnet, though my memory is failing now. Big Thunder is in a very different location, and is a bit different. The facade for Small World is not to be missed, and from what I've heard, the rehab on the animatronics and the soundtrack are fabulous. Go to Toontown. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is great, and the little ones should enjoy Gadget's Go-Coaster. Lots of stuff in Fantasyland that's not at WDW: Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Storybookland Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Circus Train (at their ages, this is probably an "if there's no line" ride), and the recently-departed-from-WDW Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The DL version of the Pooh ride is supposed to be inferior to the WDW version, but OK. The Haunted Mansion is different in architecture, and the attraction is different, as well. (And the stretching room goes down, as opposed to the walls going up at WDW.) Then, of course, there's Indy, Soarin', Screamin', and Grizzly River Run!

The quick-food eatery at the GC (can't remember the name right now) is actually very good and decently-priced for Disney. It's hidden all the way at the end of the building, past the back-door entrance to DCA.


The pool at the GC is OK, but nothing special. The amazing pool of the resort is the Neverland pool at the Disneyland Hotel.

Oh, and don't forget breatfast at the bakery in Downtown Disney, between the hotel and the park entrances. Yum!

 

[jordanyosh]

If you read this

I have been to both the DLR and WDW and be prepared, as many others have told you, for the difference in size. Do not be disappointed when you see the original Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the attention to detail. Be prepared for the crowds. Since the introduction of FastPass, with more guests milling around, the park can seem more crowded even on a "slow day". The Magic Kingdom itself is much smaller than the MK at WDW. Make sure you ride the Matterhorn. If both sides are running, ride the side on the Submarine Lagoon. Much more fun and intense. The others have told you about most other things to see.

Restaurant suggestions: Pete's Pizza Port. A little pricey, but good food. You can split a salad, they're quite large. For Hamburgers, I would suggest Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country. There is shaded seating and great seating along the Rivers of America. Everyone raves about Blue Bayou because it is indoors along the POTC. I say at best the food is decent, you are paying for the ambience.

Now, to answer some of your questions:

I recently stayed at the Grand Californian and they do have the Mugs. You can refill them at White Water Snacks. This snack bar is first rate. I was talking to someone today about the good food that comes out of this fast-food restaurant. The only complaint is the wait time for food.

I don't know about pool hopping, but again in order of theming, The Disneyland Hotel has the best pool,then The Grand Californian, then the Paradise Pier. The thing about The Grand Californian that they didn't even do at The Boardwalk at WDW is they have poolside servers that are actually quick and friendly. Very nice to not have to get up and get something to drink or eat.

If you still have questions let me know

 

[WendyOkada]

Re: If you read this

Originally posted by jordanyosh

Restaurant suggestions: Pete's Pizza Port. A little pricey, but good food. You can split a salad, they're quite large.

I agree with Jordanyosh on everything except for shame, dear cousin, you got the name wrong... it's Redd Rocket's Pizza Port (in Tomorrowland). Hee hee hee.

The pasta and salads here are big and good for sharing. Not a huge huge selection but their food is quite good. Also I recommend Rancho del Zocalo for mexican/bbq. A little pricey but huge portions and yummy bbq ribs.

Enjoy! (and you're making me hungry...)

 

[JLW11Hi]

I've been to both WDW and DL a few times, and although the size is much smaller, I'd have to say that Disneyland is my favorite Theme Park of all time. I guess you could be disapointed by the size of the castle, but to me, thats like saying youre disappointed in the color of the Statue of Liberty or the profile of Lincoln on Mount Rushmore. Sleeping Beauty castle is like a national landmark in my mind, so if you can look at things in perspective (in a 50's viewpoint), just think how marvelous this place must have seemed to its first visitors!

 

[jcraycraft]

Wanted to thank all who replied. Just got home form DL and had a great time. The weather was a little cool, but great for doing the parks. Was very happy with DL itself.... the size compared to WDW-MK is much less notable than I was expecting so that was cool. Also it seems to me that DL/DCA has more street cleaners than I saw at WDW last year, saw one guy spot mopping the pavement. The parks and hotel were very very clean.... like I remember WDW being. One thing that I would have to ding DL on, is the viewing area for the Fantasmic show, no seating, the show itself was great. Having seen fantasmic at MGM, it’s much more pleasant with seating. Do not know if we will ever make it back to CA but if so would do DL/DCA again. I would forgo the Grand California Hotel and next time look at the Disneyland Hotel…. Looks to be more kid friendly.

Oh, one other thing the Disney cast members were all very nice and helpful thru the 5 day stay.

Thanks again.
:wave:

 

[Daannzzz]

Thanks for letting us know how it went. Glad you had a great time.

 

[WendyOkada]

Sorry about Fantasmic...

So glad you had a great time but (sorry!) I have to disagree with you about Fantasmic! ...I guess one of the "magical" things about the show IS gathering around the edge of the water or on the bridge or just anywhere on the ground... and having the feeling you're a part of the show (also the fact that they use TSI, the Mark Twain and Columbia...)... I guess it's sort of like camping out overnight and watching the Pasadena Rose Parade from the street vs. just getting there early and sitting on the grandstands... you just feel more a "part" of the experience... technically, it is more inconvenient, but it just feels like you're in the show vs. just being a spectator. But that's just my $0.02...

But you really have to admit that the Mark Twain is much more impressive than the steamboat in the MGM version, right????? I was a little disappointed with that after seeing the Mark Twain emerge from the darkness... and there's something special about using TSI vs. a fabricated "island"... And don't you love how the lighting mechanisms come right out of the ground in NOS? I think it's pretty cool.

And also, DL actually redesigned that whole walking area in NOS with some tiered areas to accomodate better viewing for more people for Fantasmic... just an FYI.

Please don't think this is a criticism of you in any way - I just wanted to give a different perspective on maybe why some folks love the original Fantasmic... like me!

Glad you had a great time and come visit again soon!

 

[jcraycraft]

No need to be sorry about Fantasmic…

We loved the show, it was awesome!!! I wasn’t trying to compare the two different shows (DL vs MGM) just the lack of seating. DL has as far as I could tell done a very good job with the area. Looks like they rope off an area that is for sitting only and then a 2nd roped off area for standing. We decided to hit the 2nd show of the night, I was hoping that the 10:30 crowd would be smaller, when we arrived at the viewing area we pick a spot just behind the first rope (standing)… well as luck had it, a few people in the sitting section need to stand-up during the show. With the 5 and 7 yr old they couldn’t see very well at this point. They wanted to sit on our shoulders but I didn’t want the people behind us to have their view blocked, so I had to tell them no. Maybe if the street vendor hadn’t run out of churros!!

I would agree with you on the fact the using the Twain and Columbia is more impressive!!! But I would like to disagree about the camping out overnight… The Rose Parade is a once a year thing …. Fantasmic runs multiple shows a night (peak season). But speaking of camping out… the next day we were headed to the Haunted Manson and Splash Mnt. When we got the NOS area we noticed that people had already laid out blankets/tarps at the edge of the river and duct taped them down (and it was just after 12:00). I think this takes away for the rest of Disney show…. If you wanted a photo TSI/Mark Twain from that point…. oh well guess not, also the foot traffic was bottleneck at this point.

But that’s just my observations.

We did have great time the kids are ready to go back!! If we do take another vacation out west... Disneyland will be in our plans!

 

[WendyOkada]

Cool beans

Glad you still liked the show! And yeah, people shouldn't camp out THAT early for the show and definitely not tape down tarps!! We sometimes stake out our spots early but we endure the waiting by just standing there... but yeah, that's not cool that the seated area people stood in front of you...

The second show is the better one to see as there's not as much waiting beforehand (since the first show ends at 9:25 and then there are fireworks (during summer) and then you only have to wait less than an hour (whereas you could potentially wait hours for the first show...)...

Sorry for the Rose Parade reference - I just meant that the "gathering all together in the crowds" was part of the "experience" of DL's show akin to the "staying overnight and watching it from the street" is to the Rose Parade "experience"... not so much that people should stake out a spot for so long for the show... If you have friendly people around you it can add to the sense of community while watching the show... (although on the flip side, if you have not-so-friendly people around you it can detract... so it's a toss up).

Anyway, sorry for the confusion... but glad you enjoyed it overall!

 

[DCA Fan]

Glad you had fun. Come back to California as soon as you can! How did you like DCA?

OT: WendyOkada, Greetings from another South Bay resident

 

[jcraycraft]

DCA Fan

We really enjoyed DCA!!! We spent about 2 days of the 5 there. When we checked in at the GCH, the CM told us about a early entry tour with a private ride on Soarin' that started a 9:15am at the Hotel entrance to DCA. This was great surprise to us and we jumped at the change to get into the park early. We were met by a CM that took a group of 25 or so into the park and give info about DCA. The tour is only of Condor Flats area but was nice to walk right onto Soarin'.... what a great ride!!!
Watch Aladdin which was truly wonderful... wanted to go watch it a second time but never made it back. We did all the big attractions and most of the small ones too..I think:lol: . The little ones loved Mulholland Madness... they are too short for Screamin' . Loved the Electrical Parade, had seen it at WDW long time ago.

All in all, the family enjoyed the time at DCA.