Potential Trip in September '15...

[Mr Anderson]

My lovely wife and I were planning to go to San Antonio in a few weeks, however, after some constant "I really miss Disney" conversations, and lengthy talks regarding logistics... we've decided we may take a trip to Disneyland instead of going to SA. I know, I know, this is WDWmagic not DLmagic... but I wanted to come to my fellow lovers-of-all-things-WDW for some unique opinions.
Please help - we've never been to WDW's older brother on the West Coast!

- Ride priority: What do we absolutely HAVE to ride?
- Positive differences to note
- Negative differences to note
- Eats: What do we absolutely HAVE to eat while we are there?
- Any other thoughts, comments, etc.?

Have a magical day!!!

P.S. Would this be considered "cheating on" WDW??

 

[sxeensweet]

@Mukta i know you would be a great help to the OP.

 

[Mukta]

Thanks for the recommendation. I live a few miles from DL and I go almost every week.

3-5 days to see the parks is ideal. Ride everything. I don't know what you will like. Skip anything that is an exact clone like Star Tours or It's Tough to be a bug. Even rides with the same name like Pirates are different here.

Negative differences are that the crowds are mostly locals who take it for granted. Different than a vacation feel. Less TS restaurants, fewer hotels. onsite places are very expensive, but the offsite places are closer to the parks. The area surrounding the parks is just a regular city, so no bubble.

Positives. We have as many attractions as all 4 WDW parks put together. Our maintenance is usually top notch. We currently have a lot of rides updated for the anniversary. We have new nighttime shows. We have holiday overlays. Our QS food is better quality with better options. You only need to make dining reservations 60 days before. WE sill have legacy FP, so you don't have to plan every day out. Our parks are feet from each other instead of miles.

Eat? Everyone has different opinions. I like the fried chicken at the Plaza. The tomato soup and grilled cheese at Jolly Holiday, the Matterhorn Macaroons, dole floats, churros, Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55 for a signature.

Like I tell people going to WDW for the first time, but the unofficial guide and start reading. Disney vacations require some knowledge.

 

[draybook]

Yes, @Mukta will give great advice, and try to bend @raven24 's ear as well.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Coming from a local Floridian who goes to WDW regularly, we went to Disneyland once in 2008. We were mostly pretty bored. After you've been to Florida, California is the opposite of impressive in my opinion.

The one thing that was interesting to me was seeing the slightly different versions of classic rides like pirates, haunted mansion, etc.

But I bet it's cool to see now with the anniversary celebration going on.

It's something I'm really glad we did once, but no reason to go back unless we happen to be in the area.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It's a shame @Tony the Tigger had such a boring time at Disneyland during their trip. The DLR and WDW are completely different, yes, but I'm not quite sure how one could be bored at either resort.

There are a handful of Disneylanders on this site who could help you plan your trip, including myself. Head over to the Disneyland forum so we can help you more efficiently.

 

[KikoKea]

After years of going to WDW, we finally went to DL last year for the Halloween party. Had little idea what to expect, but had a blast and are going back this Dec. DL is "cozier," as one of my DL-going friends put it. There's enough differences to make it all very fun and interesting, even the rides found at WDW. For example, Space Mt has a different ride system, so it is very smooth, and the PoC has more scenes. At CA, there's loads of different stuff. Someone told us not to miss the Alladin show, and I'm glad we went- one of the best stage shows we've seen at any Disney park.

For eats, the only ADR place I really loved was The Blue Bayou restaurant inside the PoC ride- terrific theme and atmosphere. (Beware- the jambalaya is spicy hot, even if the waiter says it is just mild! )