1st Trip to Disneyland. Must dos???

[dfb]

Planning a trip to Disneyland 2018. First time for any of us. 4 to 6 of us will be going?? All are 18 to 56 years of age. My daughter is running the Tink 1/2 marathon, so unfortunately we will go in mid-May. I know not necessarily the best time! We will try to get res at Grand Californian?? Probably go to the parks 4/5 days. Would also want to go on tours of the studios. Any suggestions on must dos at the parks, places to eat, special events, good tours of the Walt Disney studios and any other neat Disney things to do/see in or around the Disneyland area.

Been to WDW about thirty times, so very familiar with the process and know some of the main differences between the two parks but like any tactics geared specific to Disneyland and it's differences.

Thanks for any help!

 

[chickapin parterre]

4-5 days no problem, with 1.5 years to plan you will have all the tactical gear your need for a grand trip

 

[chickapin parterre]

· Early at the gate, breaks at mid-day, attractions you saw during daylight, ride at night

· History, lots of Disney history before you reach castle hub

· As you wait in line, search for the hidden secrets

 

[PanIstheMan]

Disney legend Bob Gurr was the Imagineer who designed most of the classic Disney ride vehicles (Monorail, Matterhorn bobsleds, Haunted Mansion doom buggies, and more.) He hosts an awesome monthly bus tour of important places in Disney history. You can find details here: http://www.disneyhistorytrail.com/

 

[HydroGuy]

Planning a trip to Disneyland 2018. First time for any of us. 4 to 6 of us will be going?? All are 18 to 56 years of age. My daughter is running the Tink 1/2 marathon, so unfortunately we will go in mid-May. I know not necessarily the best time! We will try to get res at Grand Californian?? Probably go to the parks 4/5 days. Would also want to go on tours of the studios. Any suggestions on must dos at the parks, places to eat, special events, good tours of the Walt Disney studios and any other neat Disney things to do/see in or around the Disneyland area.

Been to WDW about thirty times, so very familiar with the process and know some of the main differences between the two parks but like any tactics geared specific to Disneyland and it's differences.

Thanks for any help!

This link is a good place to start:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[hootey]

My recommendations; Do not miss "Turtle Talk", "Frozen" play, "Soaring", and a "Hot-Link Corndog" at the CornDog Castle in California Adventures.
All the Classic DisneyLand rides and shows in DisneyLand
At least one, if not all of the character meals.

 

[VandVsmama]

I 2nd & 3rd Hydroguy's suggestion. That's the best place to start!

 

[dfb]

· Early at the gate, breaks at mid-day, attractions you saw during daylight, ride at night

· History, lots of Disney history before you reach castle hub

· As you wait in line, search for the hidden secrets

Yes we are the rope drop type so early starts will be in our plans. Also looking for more info of the history within the park. Not only the early or original attractions but those off to the side items; I think there is a bench on display like the one Walt would set on while watching his daughters ride, rides at amusement parks, giving him the idea for DL, a tree stump donated by Mrs. D, of course the windows on main street, Walt's apartment, Club 33 (ha, ha), etc. Not sure what all is there of this sort and not sure what is accessible?

Thank you

Disney legend Bob Gurr was the Imagineer who designed most of the classic Disney ride vehicles (Monorail, Matterhorn bobsleds, Haunted Mansion doom buggies, and more.) He hosts an awesome monthly bus tour of important places in Disney history. You can find details here: http://www.disneyhistorytrail.com/

Thanks. I'm looking forward to riding the Matterhorn. I have an old video from the late fifties/early sixties of my cousins at Disney with the Matterhorn and other rides in the background.
I couldn't get the tour link to work but I'll research this and other tours. Primarily looking for the history. Not sure how much of the WD studios you can tour but looking for that kind of thing.

This link is a good place to start:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Thanks, I'll take some time to review and read posts. Will develop our in park strategy but will be looking for any historical items both in and out of the park - worth visiting.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Blue Bayou is a must do for a meal! It's located within PotC and is truly a magical experience (ask for a waterside table when you check-in, it may be a longer wait, but trust me it's worth it). You typically need a ressie beforehand.

For a snack, you can't beat a Dole Whip in the Tiki Room, or a Matterhorn Macaroon (sold at Jolly Holliday Bakery Cafe).

For DCA, check out Carsland at sunset -- before they turn on the lights they play the "Sha-Boom" song -- it's a pretty cool experience. Check the sunset time on your phone and plan on being there about 10-15 minutes before. If you're hungry or thirsty you can grab something at Flo's V8 Cafe and wait.

 

[Happyjenz]

Take the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. And Blue Bayou is a must....wait for the water side table, it's worth it!

 

[dfb]

Blue Bayou is a must do for a meal! It's located within PotC and is truly a magical experience (ask for a waterside table when you check-in, it may be a longer wait, but trust me it's worth it). You typically need a ressie beforehand.

For a snack, you can't beat a Dole Whip in the Tiki Room, or a Matterhorn Macaroon (sold at Jolly Holliday Bakery Cafe).

For DCA, check out Carsland at sunset -- before they turn on the lights they play the "Sha-Boom" song -- it's a pretty cool experience. Check the sunset time on your phone and plan on being there about 10-15 minutes before. If you're hungry or thirsty you can grab something at Flo's V8 Cafe and wait.

Take the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. And Blue Bayou is a must....wait for the water side table, it's worth it!

These sound great. Will do!! Thanks.

 

[dfb]

Hope to get reservations with the Grand Californian. Maybe tough with a mid may timeframe and a 7 month DVC booking window. Looked at the Marriot across the road with dates in may 2018 already indicating sold out. I don't know if this accurate? Is lodging next to Disneyland gonna be a problem?

 

[tzeitel]

Hope to get reservations with the Grand Californian. Maybe tough with a mid may timeframe and a 7 month DVC booking window. Looked at the Marriot across the road with dates in may 2018 already indicating sold out. I don't know if this accurate? Is lodging next to Disneyland gonna be a problem?

The places across the street will not release their dates for next year yet. I booked for this coming May last May (for the Desert Inn & Suites) and they were the only ones with dates available. Little by little they will open bookings - the earlier you book the better the rate. If you go off-site I would book asap and then you can cancel what you dont need - most places have a free cancellation policy up to 48hrs before arrival. RunDisney events fill up rooms fast!

This is something I posted for another WDW vet who is going to DLR for the first time -

• Alice, Mr Toad, Storybook Canal, Pinocchio, Casey Jr, Matterhorn (watch your spine, I did it once and never again), Nemo Subs, Indy, Roger Rabbit. Carsland!
• Go on the monorail - ask to sit up front or in the back (can't do that at WDW anymore)
• Find Esmeralda and get your fortune, Shrunken Head Ned for some words of wisdom or a potion, and ask for a map on the Jungle Cruise
• Snacks - Mickey beignets and a mint julep, Bengal BBQ skewers
• if you can find time for a TS - Blue Bayou in the POTC ride (kinda like the San Angel Inn at Epcot), Cafe Orleans for a Monte Cristo. In DCA, Cove Bar (more like a TS but no ADRs) has great lobster (chicken, and beef as well) nachos and a great view. Carthay Circle is a beautiful restaurant with great food - they also have a lounge area with food and drinks.
• If only CS - Plaza Inn is famous for their fried chicken, Cozy Cones in Carsland and the Pacific Wharf area have great choices.
• WoC is a must see, I will try the desert party in May since it gets rave reviews. Dusk at Carsland is fun - but watch your time since the parade is around the same time and you can get stuck trying to get to CL for the lights.

 

[dfb]

The places across the street will not release their dates for next year yet. I booked for this coming May last May (for the Desert Inn & Suites) and they were the only ones with dates available. Little by little they will open bookings - the earlier you book the better the rate. If you go off-site I would book asap and then you can cancel what you dont need - most places have a free cancellation policy up to 48hrs before arrival. RunDisney events fill up rooms fast!

This is something I posted for another WDW vet who is going to DLR for the first time -

• Alice, Mr Toad, Storybook Canal, Pinocchio, Casey Jr, Matterhorn (watch your spine, I did it once and never again), Nemo Subs, Indy, Roger Rabbit. Carsland!
• Go on the monorail - ask to sit up front or in the back (can't do that at WDW anymore)
• Find Esmeralda and get your fortune, Shrunken Head Ned for some words of wisdom or a potion, and ask for a map on the Jungle Cruise
• Snacks - Mickey beignets and a mint julep, Bengal BBQ skewers
• if you can find time for a TS - Blue Bayou in the POTC ride (kinda like the San Angel Inn at Epcot), Cafe Orleans for a Monte Cristo. In DCA, Cove Bar (more like a TS but no ADRs) has great lobster (chicken, and beef as well) nachos and a great view. Carthay Circle is a beautiful restaurant with great food - they also have a lounge area with food and drinks.
• If only CS - Plaza Inn is famous for their fried chicken, Cozy Cones in Carsland and the Pacific Wharf area have great choices.
• WoC is a must see, I will try the desert party in May since it gets rave reviews. Dusk at Carsland is fun - but watch your time since the parade is around the same time and you can get stuck trying to get to CL for the lights.

Thank you

I was thinking that about the reservations. We will monitor. Especially when they open registrations for the 1/2 marathon. I appreciate the list of tips. I would have never thought to ask about riding up front/back on the monorail since it's not been allowed for a few years at WDW and we really enjoyed doing this at WDW. Also appreciate the heads up on the Matterhorn. I love roller coaster type rides but as I get older I have to brace myself, while on particular rides, as to not be stoved up in the back for few days.

 

[biochemgirl]

I'm going to recommend taking a break in New Orleans Square and enjoying Mickey-shaped beignets from the Mint Julip Bar (it's a little walk up window). They are better than churros!

I will also second or third the recommendation to revisit rides in the evening if you've already done it during the day. Riding the Matterhorn with fireworks overhead or barreling through old mines on Thunder Mountain is like a new experience compared to riding in the day.

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest having a late breakfast at the Carnation Café on Main Street. Oscar, the chef, has been with DL for 60 years! Last time we were there, he told me at the beginning for the year, he was going to slow down a bit and cut back on his hours there. He was working M-F. I don't know what his schedule is now. If you can get a pic with him, it would be great! He is a gem!

 

[prestoncaldwell]

I'm going to recommend taking a break in New Orleans Square and enjoying Mickey-shaped beignets from the Mint Julip Bar (it's a little walk up window). They are better than churros!

I will also second or third the recommendation to revisit rides in the evening if you've already done it during the day. Riding the Matterhorn with fireworks overhead or barreling through old mines on Thunder Mountain is like a new experience compared to riding in the day.

And make more of New Orleans Square than just the beignet! I LOVE just sitting and people watching for awhile. There are benches just to the East of Haunted Mansion, where the steam engines are, that make a nice place to enjoy your Beignet or whatever, then just take a load off and relax for half an hour. Breath in, breath out, decompress from the constant moving stream of people....

 

[dfb]

I'm going to recommend taking a break in New Orleans Square and enjoying Mickey-shaped beignets from the Mint Julip Bar (it's a little walk up window). They are better than churros!

I will also second or third the recommendation to revisit rides in the evening if you've already done it during the day. Riding the Matterhorn with fireworks overhead or barreling through old mines on Thunder Mountain is like a new experience compared to riding in the day.

I would suggest having a late breakfast at the Carnation Café on Main Street. Oscar, the chef, has been with DL for 60 years! Last time we were there, he told me at the beginning for the year, he was going to slow down a bit and cut back on his hours there. He was working M-F. I don't know what his schedule is now. If you can get a pic with him, it would be great! He is a gem!

And make more of New Orleans Square than just the beignet! I LOVE just sitting and people watching for awhile. There are benches just to the East of Haunted Mansion, where the steam engines are, that make a nice place to enjoy your Beignet or whatever, then just take a load off and relax for half an hour. Breath in, breath out, decompress from the constant moving stream of people....

Cool! I'm making a list! We'll definitely will do the as many attractions as possible but we do love these neat experiences that are not widely published.

 

[chickapin parterre]

well....since you have 1.5 years...another not widely published detail.....in your research....find out which direction the gulf of Mexico is at Disneyland....and photograph the evidence

 

[dfb]

well....since you have 1.5 years...another not widely published detail.....in your research....find out which direction the gulf of Mexico is at Disneyland....and photograph the evidence

Looks like from this post and some others I've seen in other threds, I've got some research to do. So the obvious (Physical) answer to the Gulf of Mexico question is Southeast, but I take it that may not be the answer you were looking for, correct??

My initial online search didn't turn up a direct answer but I did see references, concerning the gulf of Mexico at Disneyland, to the sailing ship Columbia and New Orleans Square DL. Pretty busy at work this week so not much time to do research. Hopefully will have some more time next week.

Or maybe the answer is just SE??