generic question for the forum: Besides this thread, what forums in wdwmagic are good sources of information for DLR resort discounts, hotels - on site vs off site, trip planning, fastpass/genie, etc.? We used to live in SoCal, but moved to Georgia in 1991. So, a LOT has changed at Disneyland since we last visited. We are going in April 2025 and I want to learn as much as possible.
To be honest, this is about it on WDWMagic as far as I know. This side of the board is mostly locals without much info for tourists. I like Disney Tourist Blog for general Disneyland information-it's probably the most comprehensive resource that I'm aware of for the topic. Mouse Savers also has a little bit of info about discounts, etc.
The catch 22 is that there's not nearly as much planning needed for Disneyland, but because of that, there's much, much less information out there. One thing I can tell you is that you're generally better off staying offsite unless you have a lot of money onhand to splurge-particularly since many offsite hotels are closer to the actual park gates than two of the three official Disney hotels, and the primary perk the DL hotels offer is 30 minutes of early entry.
Feel free to fire away with specific questions.
I am a newbie to DL. I have been to WDW (I can't count how many times), but I have never been to DL. Is there a more up-to-date guide than the one at the beginning of this thread? I am considering going in June, I would love to know the crowd levels, planning thresholds, restaurants for evening events, offsite activities etc. There is so much to learn and plan in six months. I am sure this is a typical request, but I could do it with some links if that makes it easier. Of course, DL veteran input is always welcome.
Strangely, I have been to DL Paris and Tokyo, so I am familiar with the more compact nature of the Disneyland's setups versus WDW.
I recommend the aforementioned Disney Tourist Blog.
There isn't really much faith in crowd calendars when it comes to DLR; most people at this point will tell you to expect it to be mobbed and be pleasantly surprised if it is not. Thankfully, long park hours and minimal planning (which mostly amounts to basics like staying within walking distance, being at the park at rope drop, mid-day breaks, and not doing something stupid like rope-dropping Adventureland Treehouse) will generally mean that you'll be able to do everything you'll want to do as long as you allow at least three full days for the parks.
It's a bit dated and seldom visited now, but there is the "Explore Southern California" thread that has lots of ideas for things to do close-by:
https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-official-explore-southern-california-thread.872243/. The blessing and the curse of California is that if you have interests, there's almost certainly a really good example of what you're into within two hours of Disneyland. You'll find plenty to do nearby, just make sure you move lodging between things to do and strategically group activities so as to minimize time wasted in traffic.
I will say that if you're used to Tokyo and WDW, Disneyland is comparatively easy mode when it comes to preparing and executing a successful plan of attack.
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