DL first time questions...

[outbackjack]

Going to DL with the family here in a few weeks for our first ever time.

 

We live in Georgia and have been to DW countless times, but going out west is a first for us.

 

Needless to say, as Disney Geeks, we are out of our mind excited.

 

Questions for the board.....

 

What lines are must hits early in the a.m.?

What lines stay short all day (like POTC and HM at DW)?

Any eating advice, great places, (not looking for too pricey)?

Any can't miss things that aren't rides?

Going to DL-DCA on a M-T-W, any park better than the other on particular days...(like Epcot on Mondays)?

Any other tips/advice would be much appreciated.....

 

Not looking for any comparisons, I'm looking forward to making those on my own

 

Thanks in advance,

Outback

[805Andrew]

Are you getting a park hopper pass or a one day at each park pass? You said you are going in a few weeks on a M-T-W, if this happens to be early September then you're in luck. The last time I went to Disneyland and DCA (I hopped both parks in one day since I've been there many times) was a Wednesday on September 1st, 2010 and it was the lightest crowds I had even seen there in my life (no kidding!). Granted, this year they are two new rides so they will be more people there than last year (even in September when kids are back in school) though it will probably still be better than any other time of the year.

 

If you are going to Disneyland first I would go straight to the new Star Tours, grab a Fastpass for later, and get in the standby line if it isn't already too long. After that I would check out the surrounding Tomorrowland attractions such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (don't wait more than 15 min for this one) and Autotopia and ride any one of these that still has a short line. Captain E.O. which is also there should have a short line all day so you can come back to it later. After Tomorrowland head to Fantasyland and do any ride there that interests you before the line gets longer later (since they are mostly low capacity rides). You'll definitely want to hit Matterhorn which is technically in Fantasyland but is between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The Matterhorn has two sides to it that are almost mirror images, and the loading stations are side by side with lines going around opposite sides of the mountain. I would do the Fantasyland side first as it often closes down at night (due to the fireworks show?) and if you don't get to the Tomorrowland side you can ride it later. Even if you end up riding both sides of the Matterhorn early on, I would ride it again at night (Tomorrowland side). After Fantasyland I would head to Toontown and hit up Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin and Gadget's Go Coaster (if the line's not too long) unless your Star Tours Fastpass is ready, then go back there. After this you'l want hit up Adventureland, Frontierland, and Critter Country and get a Fastpass for either Indiana Jones Adventure or Splash Mountain. If Indiana Jones or Splash Mountain have a standby line of 30 min or less I would get in it. You may want to check on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in between these rides as it usually has a shorter line than Indy or Splash. Okay, the attractions at Disneyland that usually have a short line all day long are Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion (though it may be closed in late Aug-early Sept for transformation to the Haunted Holiday), It's A Small World, Captain E.O., The Enchanted Tiki Room, and the canoes, sailing ships, riverboats, and rafts around Frontierland/Critter Country. If you are looking for a reasonable snack or light meal at Disneyland I would go with Bengal Barbeque in Adventureland. Their skewers are really good and are under $4 each, I got two different ones for under $8 last year and that was a light dinner for me. I would also definitely try the Dole Whip float (about $5 but worth it) or the Dole pineapple soft serve ice cream. Shows in Disneyland that are can't misses are the nightly fireworks spectacular (at least one of the nights you're here), Fantasmic if its in season, the original Tiki Room show if you've never seen it, and Captain E.O. if you've never seen it or would like to see it again. The Soundsational Parade is new but I don't know how good it is.

 

For Disney California Adventure I would head to Soarin' Over California first since it is very close to the entrance and either grab a Fastpass to ride it later or ride it now if the line is short (or maybe both if you want to ride it twice, but for me once a visit is enough). After that I would head to the new Little Mermaid Ariel's Undersea Adventure and ride it before the line gets too long (I don't think this one has Fastpass). After that head to Tower of Terror and get a Fastpass for it and/or wait in the standby line to ride it (if its not too long). After that head to Paradise Pier and ride California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania (this one was closed when I visited last year ) or get a Fastpass for California Screamin' when one becomes available - I don't think Toy Story Midway Mania has Fastpass. Ride any other Paradise Pier ride that intrigues you. I would ride Mickey's Fun Wheel in the swinging cars, it is quite thrilling for a ferris wheel. You will also want to ride Goofy's Sky School for the credit - if the line is longer than 20-30 min just have your group go in the single rider line as long as you don't mind sitting separating for one ride. After this you should ride Grizzly River Run (the best rapids ride in CA) if you haven't already - the line isn't too long for this one usually unless its a really hot day (if so then Fastpass it for later if its available). Atractions at DCA that have a short line throughout the whole day are Muppet Vision 3D, Its Tough To Be A Bug, Monsters Inc Mike and Sulley to the Rescue (usually), most of the minor Paradise Pier rides, and the Flick's Fun Fair rides (which suck). Shows in DCA that are can't misses are the nightly World of Color and Its Tough To Be A Bug. I heard the Aladdin Musical is supposed be good if you are into musicals but I've never seen it as I'm not really into musicals.

 

My top five favs for Disneyland are: Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. My top five favs for DCA are California Screamin', Tower of Terror, Grizzly River Run, Soarin' Over California, and Its Tough To Be A Bug ( I haven't been on Toy Story Midway Mania yet or else this might be in my top five). Don't miss any of these!

 

One more thing, I don't know if you are staying at a Disney hotel, but if you are not, stay at one of the hotels across the street from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd so you can easily walk into the park. I stayed at the Desert Inn & Suites last year and if you are simply looking for a decent, affordable, clean room to crash at night then it does the job. It is located right by the traffic light where you cross the street straight into the Disneyland Resort property and has a small indoor pool/jacuzzi and included morning continental breakfast (cereal, fruit, toast). Most of all have fun

[rcdude]

I'm a former AP holder and still visit once or twice a year, so I can give you some input, although others may have better advice (haven't had an AP since 06).

 

What lines are must hits early in the a.m.?

 

At Disneyland, I would advise you to go to Tomorrowland first. Either get in line for Star Tours or Fastpass it first thing. After that, ride (or Fastpass) Space Mountain, and do Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters while you are in Tomorrowland. Most of the other attractions in this area either don't get long waits or are not worth long waits, but Star Tours and Space Mountain can be longer than an hour and run out of Faspasses early. From here, make your way around the rest of the park and do all the attractions you wish to do. There will be lines everywhere for a good part of the day, so the order of attractions is not extremely important. Just note that Toontown and some Fantasyland attractions will close early.

 

At Disney California Adventure Park, you should start with Toy Story Midway Mania in Paradise Pier. I have seen this ride get lines in excess of 90 minutes when everything else was around 20. After this, ride (or Fastpass) California Screamin', then go around the pier counter clockwise, visiting (in order) The Little Mermaid, Goofy's Sky School, Mickey's Silly Symphony Swings, and Mickey's Fun Wheel (only do the last two if you like those types of rides). After you are done with Paradise Pier, the rest of the park is easy as there are only three must ride attractions in the remainder of the park (Soarin' Over California, Grizzly River Run, and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror).

 

What lines stay short all day (like POTC and HM at DW)?

 

Only listing major rides here...

 

At Disneyland: Jungle Cruise, it's a small world, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion are all typically below 15 minutes

 

At Disney California Adventure Park: Unfortunately, none of the major rides here stay short all day, but a few of the smaller rides do.

 

Any eating advice, great places, (not looking for too pricey)?

 

Not that I can think of.

 

Any can't miss things that aren't rides?

 

Depends if you are a show person or not. If you are into shows, I'd say you should see Fantasmic at Disneyland, and Aladdin at DCA. I haven't seen World of Color yet, but I've heard some people love it and others think it isn't that great, so I'll leave that one up to you.

 

Any other tips/advice would be much appreciated.....

 

You have three park days, so even if it is crowded, you'll be able to get everything done. I would personally recommend you split Disneyland in half. Do half of it one day, and half the other (for example, maybe do everything in Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Toontown one day and Adventureland, Critter Country, Main Street and New Orleans Square a different day). DCA is easy, and if you get there at opening you will probably be done with the park by 4 P.M. No matter what you do, I'm sure you'll have a great time. If you are indeed going in early September, the crowds should be minimal (provided you are visiting after Labor Day).

[the ghost]

Going to DL with the family here in a few weeks for our first ever time.

 

We live in Georgia and have been to DW countless times, but going out west is a first for us.

 

Needless to say, as Disney Geeks, we are out of our mind excited.

 

Questions for the board.....

 

What lines are must hits early in the a.m.?

What lines stay short all day (like POTC and HM at DW)?

Any eating advice, great places, (not looking for too pricey)?

Any can't miss things that aren't rides?

Going to DL-DCA on a M-T-W, any park better than the other on particular days...(like Epcot on Mondays)?

Any other tips/advice would be much appreciated.....

 

Not looking for any comparisons, I'm looking forward to making those on my own

 

Thanks in advance,

Outback

This I can do... I am a self proclaimed Disneyland expert!

 

[bWhat lines are must hits early in the a.m.?[/b]

^That is good advice... head to Star Tours first and at least get fastpasses... if the standby is short still get fastpasses and get in line, because chances of the same "cycle" are relatively slim. For DCA this is my favorite game plan that usually always works. Head to Soarin and get a fastpass... but don't get on yet. Then head to WOC and grab a ticket(some love it and some hate it but I HIGHLY recommend it if you like shows at all) then head to Mermaid. This line is generally okay because of the VERY high capacity but get on early cause it's new. Then head to sky school... it has AWFUL capacity and just opened... so it will likely be bad... there is a fastpass option for this as well. Then do Screamin or whatever other attractions you choose.

Also keep in mind that rides like Grizzly and Splash Mtn will be VERY crowded during the day but FAR less crowded at night.

 

What lines stay short all day (like POTC and HM at DW)?

The omnimovers besides mermaid (Haunted, Buzz) Jungle Cruise is one of the shortest waits due to the high amount of people that can go in the boats. Screamin and Thunder are people eaters due to relatively large trains. Tower of Terror is a people eater. Snow White and Pinochio are usually rather short, Toad and Alice are bearable(15-20 minutes) and Peter Pan has like the worst line in the park cause it has awful capacity. Also Matterhorn runs so many trains that it is usually bearable... but it can get bad. Look also for all the 3d shows and monsters to have short waits... there may be more... but this is all I can think of.

 

Any eating advice, great places, (not looking for too pricey)?

My recommendations: In New Orleans Square there are a variety of places to get the clam chowder... which is DELICIOUS. It is also a large serving and comes in a breadbowl. There is also Dole Whip, found at the main entrance of Adventureland. California Adventure just opened two new resturants... one "Mediterranean " and one is a pizza place that I hear are quite good. Lastly my "treat" at the parks(If I don't get dolewhip) is a place called Schmoozies, which is just down Hollywood's main path at DCA on you're left hand side. They have an awesome VERY SWEET AND VERY CHOCOLATY "smoothie" called the Make Mine Mocha which is incredibly chocolaty and totally awesome.

 

Any can't miss things that aren't rides?

Fantasmic is one. The bad part about this show is you have to show up early to see it... but it is IMO as a show FAR superior to the one in WDW! I already mentioned Worlds of Color... some love it and some don't like it... as you probably know there are fastpasses for it. Now for the best piece of advice EVER. Skip waiting like an hour for the fireworks... this is the best trick in the book. Ask the CM's at the DL railroad when the last train is before the fireworks and take the train to main street station. Then watch the fireworks from main street station... it is a VERY clever move because there are people up there but very few. There are benches up here that you can't sit on because they are "vip seats" but anywhere besides the benches up there is 100% fair game... and you'll get a clear view of the castle. A "word of caution" though, often after the fireworks the trains are on temporary hiatus... so go to the mainstreet stores as they are "connected" and will get you to the hub safely and quickly... but do not go on mainstreet streets as it will be packed from people leaving the park.

 

 

Going to DL-DCA on a M-T-W, any park better than the other on particular days...(like Epcot on Mondays)?

As a rule of thumb Disneyland is ALWAYS more crowded than DCA. The thing is unlike Disneyworld for a lot of the year a almost majority of people are AP holders(me included) and because the parks are so close together it is rare for most AP holders to spend all day in one park... at least I tend to do both.

 

The Ghosts FASTPASS guide. These are opinions... but I stand by them.

"fastpass value" These are in order from most to least valuable.

Also... remember... the DL and the DCA fastpass machines are on different "systems" so you can have a "active" fastpass in both parks simultaneously.

!Disneyland!

#1. Star Tours(THESE WILL GO QUICK)

#2. Space Mtn: This will get you past the ENTIRE outdoor que area of the ride. Still some waiting inside.

#3. Indiana Jones: Will also get you past outdoor que area... keep in mind there is still waiting inside, but this is a VERY well themed que, so there is a lot to look at.

#4. Technically it should be Splash Mtn... but if you've never been down here Roger Rabbit is 4. It is unique to DL in terms of American Disney parks and is a very cool and in my opinion under rated ride. Get on this as soon as you can though, because it is infamous for breaking down. Also keep in mind Toontown closes early for the Fireworks... so go on this ASAP. Lastly this ride has awful capacity... so it is valuable. VERY VERY IMPORTANT I am not 100% sure if this is true, but rumor(from VERY credible sources) has said that this is a "standalone fastpass" meaning it is not hooked up to the system. Basically meaning you can have this fastpass and another fastpass right after or vice versa... try this cause it's worth a try!

 

#5: Splash Mtn: Long line during day walk on at night. Very good fastpass though... gets you very far in the line.

 

The others are hit or miss. Autopia has terrible capacity, but the fastpass does not help much. Thunder and Buzz both have AWESOME capacity... so these are hit and miss.

 

DCA

Remember to get you're WOC tickets in the que of Grizzly River Run in the morning.

#1. Soaring Over California

#2. Sky School(awful capacity... but credit)

#3.Grizzly: Note supposedly same as Roger Rabbit... you can have this and another active DCA fastpass. This will be short at night.

#4. Screamin... line is usually pretty bearable.

#5. Tower of Terror: Could be a long line but VERY high capacity!

 

This is it for now... but let me know if there is anything else you want to know!

[testtrack321]

Going to DL with the family here in a few weeks for our first ever time.

 

We live in Georgia and have been to DW countless times, but going out west is a first for us.

 

Needless to say, as Disney Geeks, we are out of our mind excited.

 

Awesome! I've been to WDW nearly 20 times and DL only twice! You'll have a great time! I don't know when you're going, but hopefully it's during a down time so there are low wait times. I also recommend you pick up the touring plans.com app for live/predicted wait times (yes, they work!), touring plans (recommended for new visits), and reviews of restaurants.

 

Questions for the board.....

 

Lets see what I can do!

 

What lines are must hits early in the a.m.?

 

DL: Star Tours, Space Mountain, Nemo (low capacity), Matterhorn, Rodger Rabbit, Peter Pan, and Splash.

DCA: Midway Mania, Screamin, Soarin. Also Little Mermaid but that eats people so nothing more than 20 minutes.

 

What lines stay short all day (like POTC and HM at DW)?

 

Pirates is longer at DL from what I've noticed. HM is short, so is Pooh, Pinocchio, Captain EO, and Tiki Room.

At DCA, well, pretty much anything!

 

Any eating advice, great places, (not looking for too pricey)?

 

Here's my favorite places that aren't too pricey.

 

DTD: House of Blues (after 10pm they have a great food & drink happy hour), Labrea Bakery.

DL: Bengal BBQ, New Orleans Cafe (sit down, offers same food as Blue Bayou, but cheaper and easier to get into), that pizza/pasta/salad place in Tomorrowland.

DCA: Pacific Warf Bakery (I love their veggie chilli in a bread bowl, had it twice) & Taste Pilot's Grill.

 

Any can't miss things that aren't rides?

 

Great Moment's With Mr Lincoln and the attached museum areas are fantastic. Oh, and don't miss World of Color.

 

Going to DL-DCA on a M-T-W, any park better than the other on particular days...(like Epcot on Mondays)?

 

As long as it isn't a weekend you're usually golden. See when the shows of Aladdin are at DCA to make a date to see that. Even if it isn't you're "DCA Day" you can park hop in 5 minutes.

 

Any other tips/advice would be much appreciated.....

 

-Explore DTD, it's way better than WDW and has some really creative musicians and shops!

-Enjoy the small areas in the parks, DL is like an actual park instead of an amusement park. Look for the locations of old rides and shows and study the history.

-Indiana Jones is my favorite ride ever, lines aren't too bad now-a-days. Get a FP if all else fails or do stand-by.

-Rodger Rabbit can't be found at any WDW park, so make sure to do that at least twice, including once to see the whole standby queue.

-Make sure to see Fantasmic at DL, it's a much better show than at WDW and has unique segments.

-DCA is a mess now.

-ToT has shorter lines than at WDW, so don't worry too much about lines.

-Stop by the Blue Sky Cellar to see new attraction stuff, it's really cool!

-Grizzly River Run is the best white water rapids ride anywhere.

 

Not looking for any comparisons, I'm looking forward to making those on my own

 

I'll throw in my two cents.

 

All rides are better at DL except for Splash, Jungle Cruise, HM, and Pooh. DCA's Muppets is better than the DHS one.

 

Thanks in advance,

Outback

 

Really, try to get the touring plans.com subscription or get the Unofficial Guide to DL. You won't regret it. Also, remember, park hopping is beyond easy. Jumping parks to eat or ride rides is super easy; what I did in May was start in DL, jump over to DCA for WoC FP and doing some rides, then back to DL. I saw WoC three times!

[outbackjack]

Oh my...I am floored at the time and detail in these reports. You guys are so kind. I'm even more excited, and have spent tonight formulating our plan.

 

I can't thank you enough, extremely helpful.

 

Some has asked, so to answer the questions.....we are going September 19, 20, 21...(actually an off week in Georgia schools...and a dream for amusement park enthusiasts).

 

We are staying across the street...Portofino.

 

Thanks again for all of the help...I can't wait to go!

[Mechanic]

It has been mentioned a couple times in this thread already, but I think it bears repeating that Peter Pan is a ride that you should try to get on very early. The line can get quite long even just shortly after the park opens. If you happen to have tickets that allow early entry to DL on one of your days, then knocking out the lower capacity rides in Fantasyland may be worth considering during that time.

[Top Thrill Dragster]

Keep in mind of the Single Rider Lines

 

Disneyland:

 

Indiana Jones

 

Splash Mountain

 

 

DCA:

 

Soarin

 

Grizzly River Run

 

Goofys Sky School

 

California Screamin.

 

Also keep in mind that Cartoon Spin Fast Pass is not connected to the Disneyland fastpass network. So you can get a fastpass for another ride and immediately get one for Cartoon Spin.

[RCFreak]

we are going September 19, 20, 21...

 

Ignore everything everyone has said in this thread as you won't wait long for anything.

 

Keep in mind that it is already Halloweentime at the resort when you go; some of the attractions will be very different then at WDW like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain and Pirates is due to be closed for refurb. Disneyland park (and DCA) will be closing at 8PM on the days you will be attending. Thankfully it's not time for Mickey's Halloween Party which means less crowds, but also means no fireworks and no Fantasmic! the days you are there.

 

As a local who goes (very) often, I use Mousewait 2.0 as my main "wait time" app (which is free) and it also has the menu for every restaurant and quick service place at the Resort. It depends on what kind of food (or how much you want eat/spend) as to what my recommendations would be. But as Pirates is down for refurb, so will Blue Bayou.

[outbackjack]

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!!!

 

Did I read your post right?????

 

HM, SM AND POTC are scheduled to be refurbed during that week???

 

All 3??

 

Please tell me your kidding?

[A.J.]

Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain are different during Halloweentime than normal operating days. Space Mountain gets a makeover and becomes Ghost Galaxy, for example.

 

However, Pirates of the Caribbean is scheduled for rehab during your visit (It's closed 7 Sep through 23 Nov).

[Top Thrill Dragster]

Pirates and California Screamin are the only big ride listed to be down during your visit.

 

 

Mansion and Space Mountain are listed to be open.

[RCFreak]

Keep in mind that it is already Halloweentime at the resort when you go; some of the attractions will be very different then at WDW like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain and Pirates is due to be closed for refurb.

 

Sorry, that sentence should have been broken up differently. Here, try this:

 

"Keep in mind that it is already Halloweentime at the resort when you go, and some of the attractions will be very different then at WDW like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain; Pirates is due to be closed for refurb."

 

There that works better.