One day in Disneyland- picking my "Battles"

[mmackeymouse]

I have a trip to Southern California planned in a few weeks. I have never been to Disneyland, and I decided why not get a quick taste of it? I was lucky enough to have a waitlist come through on Grand Californian, re-arranged a flight. And now, I have a day scheduled for Disneyland/California Adventure. I will be arriving via train, but I have the resort booked for the end of the night, and will fly out the next morning.

Now, with it being one day, I certainly don't plan or expect to the full Disneyland experience. Just dip my toes in the water essentially. I don't think I will do Genie, as many of the attractions I am interested in don't use it; and I will be solo, so I will be able to take advantage of Single Rider. I will most likely skip anything that I can do in Disney World (ie: Galaxy's Edge, etc) unless there is a significant difference in the two versions.

Here are my list of attractions/things to do:

DL- Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Mr Toad, Carousel, Great Moments with Mr Lincoln, Snow White, Big Thunder Mountain, Railroad, Monorail, Davy Crockett Canoes, Nemo Submarine, Indiana Jones, Toontown, Either Casey Jr Train or the Storybook Canal Boats

CA- Grizzly River Run, Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin, Web Slingers, Animation Academy, Pixar Pal Around, Mission Breakout (this is actually the lowest on my CA priority list), Midway Mania, World of Color

I would love to get a sense of 1) Anything you would add? Anything you would take away? 2) Of the DL/DW duplicate rides, is it different enough that it's worth doing? 3) Do you think I need to add on Genie? 4) Is my list too ambitious?

Just give me your thoughts, I'd so appreciate it!

 

[LKing]

@BrianL posted a great list in this thread

Brian L's list

DL Exclusive Attractions:
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (uses same ride system as DINOSAUR at AK)
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mister Toad's Wild Ride
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin
Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The Matterhorn (note this uses the same ride system as Space Mountain at MK)
Space Mountain (same theme but completely different ride)

DL Similar but not exactly the same:
Enchanted Tiki Room - longer show
Pirates of the Caribbean - longer with more show scenes
Haunted Mansion - even without the Nightmare overlay it is slightly different
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Big Thunder Mountain - some additional effects and scenery
Autopia - much longer than the Tomorrowland Speedway, but basically the same
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - removable laser blasters make it a little better

DL Exactly (or basically) the same:
Peter Pan's Flight - technically some minor differences
Dumbo
King Aruthur Carousel
Milennium Falcn: Smugglers Run - all of Galaxy's Edge is practically identical
Rise of the Resistance
Mad Tea Party
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway - The queue is very different and cool - may be new to you and is worth it if so.
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor - though at ground level

CA Exclusive Attractions:
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout - based on Tower of Terror, though the DL version works a little differently
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers - this is like a massively bigger Test Track
Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters
Incredicoaster
Inside-Out Emotional Whirlwind
Silly Symphony Swings - though this is an off-the shelf "wave swinger" ride
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School

CA Similar but not exactly the same:
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - the same as Alien Swirling Saucers
Grizzly River Run - longer version of Kali River Rapids - definitely a wet ride!

CA Exactly (or basically) the same:
Mickey's Philharmagic! - smalelr screen though
Turtle Talk with Crush
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - same as Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Soarin' - though note sometimes they run it with the original Sorain' over California, in which case it is a must do!

 

[nesboy43]

I would take away Soarin and Midway Mania as they are identical to what is in Disney World.

Add Pirates of the Caribbean, the Disneyland version has 7 minutes (first half of ride) that are not in the Disney World ride.

 

[BarlowFamily]

I like your plans and agree with the posts above. add: I'd skip Casey jr and just do storybook canal, unless you have extra time. I'd definitely do buzz. so much better at DL. radiator springs racers single rider line is great! incredicoaster single-rider line is not so great, unless its improved recently. I'd skip soarin', midway mania and probably mission breakout

 

[robinb]

Yes, I would purchase G+ and I would also purchase $ILL for Radiator Springs (edited, I forgot about the single rider line. I recall that it works sometimes and doesn't work well other times). Yes, your plan is very ambitious.

It's been a while since I've been to Disneyland, but here's what I would do (remove, maybe if time, must-do, added)

DL- Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Mr Toad, Carousel, Great Moments with Mr Lincoln, Snow White, Big Thunder Mountain, Railroad, Monorail, Davy Crockett Canoes, Nemo Submarine, Indiana Jones, Toontown, Either Casey Jr Train or the Storybook Canal Boats, Pirates, Small World, Alice in Wonderland.

Both Pirates and Small World are so much better at DL, I would not want to miss them. The Canoes are super cool, but they take a long time. Indy is good, but the line can be super long. I prefer the Canal Boats to Casey Jr, but frankly I prefer Alice in Wonderland to either one of them. The ones I removed are fine, but you are very limited on time.

CA- Grizzly River Run, Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin, Web Slingers, Animation Academy, Pixar Pal Around, Mission Breakout (this is actually the lowest on my CA priority list -- this is the best ride in DCA in my opinion and a must-do), Midway Mania, World of Color, Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters

I have a soft spot for Luigi's, so it would be on my must-do list. It may be too silly to be on yours. I've not been on Web Slingers, so I have no opinion. Guardians of the Galaxy is so much fun! It is my favorite ride in DCA. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Like in the MK, the ones I removed are fine, but you are very limited on time.

 

[starlite_]

Half your rides have a LL. Why would you want to spend 30ish min on each?

 

[mmackeymouse]

Half your rides have a LL. Why would you want to spend 30ish min on each?

Sorry I needed to consult my spreadsheet ha.

The only rides, from what I know, that have LL that don't also have single rider are: Mission Breakout, Midway Mania, Big Thunder Mountain, and Indiana Jones. Everything else is either no LL or has the SR option. If I am missing some, feel free to let me know.

 

[irlandaise]

I have a trip to Southern California planned in a few weeks. I have never been to Disneyland, and I decided why not get a quick taste of it? I was lucky enough to have a waitlist come through on Grand Californian, re-arranged a flight. And now, I have a day scheduled for Disneyland/California Adventure. I will be arriving via train, but I have the resort booked for the end of the night, and will fly out the next morning.

What time do you expect to be checked in to the GC and at the park gates? And what day of the week will it be? The Disneyland Resort will be back on its off-season hours in mid-January, with DL closing at 10:00 p.m. most nights, and DCA at 9:00. Maybe you weren't planning to stay in the parks later than that anyway, but take those times into consideration.

You have a good list of priority rides with the suggested modifications by other posters, such as adding Pirates. Be sure to take time to soak in the atmosphere of Walt's own park; don't just run from ride to ride!

 

[chezcurrie]

I would still do G+, it will save you significant time for the non single rider rides like Indiana (book this first when you enter), incredicoaster (single rider can get long u less you are there in the morning plus I personally prefer to ride this at night). I look at it like the WDW fast pass of yore - use it to “guarantee” your top 3 rides.

1) Agree with others to add pirates!

2) I would take away the following: Nemo, canoes (can take forever), monorail, and would choose storybook over Casey junior. At DCA remove: grizzly river run (unless you want to be cold and wet in January), Midway mania, soarin (Same as WDW), and don’t prioritize guardians of its not a top want.

3) yes, see above.

4) it’s ambitious but depending on your start time and use of G+ you can tackle most of not all. Without G+ I don’t think it’s doable as you will get stuck in at least 1 long line for the non single rider rides. Even single rider can be a wait and longer than a LL for rides like space and incredicoaster.

My suggestion would to be have your top priorities and then secondary ones. Focus on this top and add in as you can. Have a great day and definitely stop to smell the roses!!!

 

[Brandonius]

I have a trip to Southern California planned in a few weeks. I have never been to Disneyland, and I decided why not get a quick taste of it? I was lucky enough to have a waitlist come through on Grand Californian, re-arranged a flight. And now, I have a day scheduled for Disneyland/California Adventure. I will be arriving via train, but I have the resort booked for the end of the night, and will fly out the next morning.

Now, with it being one day, I certainly don't plan or expect to the full Disneyland experience. Just dip my toes in the water essentially. I don't think I will do Genie, as many of the attractions I am interested in don't use it; and I will be solo, so I will be able to take advantage of Single Rider. I will most likely skip anything that I can do in Disney World (ie: Galaxy's Edge, etc) unless there is a significant difference in the two versions.

Here are my list of attractions/things to do:

DL- Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Mr Toad, Carousel, Great Moments with Mr Lincoln, Snow White, Big Thunder Mountain, Railroad, Monorail, Davy Crockett Canoes, Nemo Submarine, Indiana Jones, Toontown, Either Casey Jr Train or the Storybook Canal Boats

CA- Grizzly River Run, Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin, Web Slingers, Animation Academy, Pixar Pal Around, Mission Breakout (this is actually the lowest on my CA priority list), Midway Mania, World of Color

I would love to get a sense of 1) Anything you would add? Anything you would take away? 2) Of the DL/DW duplicate rides, is it different enough that it's worth doing? 3) Do you think I need to add on Genie? 4) Is my list too ambitious?

Just give me your thoughts, I'd so appreciate it!

Awesome!! You'll have a fantastic day and get more done than you think I'm pretty sure. My family and I have always done 1-day trips and you can really pack in the activities.

1) Anything you would add/take away?
Canoes are a possible "leave it off" item. They don't do too much for me, ride the riverboat instead. On the Pal Around, do the non-swinging carriages and you can thank me later! Alice in Wonderland is a unique dark ride that's worth doing as well. Midway Mania and Soarin' are almost identical to WDW, maybe skip those? Also, Guardians is my favorite ride at the resort. I wouldn't cut that one unless you absolutely have to - it's a party lol.

2) Of the DL/DW duplicate rides, what's different enough that it's worth doing?
Pirates! Please do not skip our pirates. The line moves fastest of any in the park, and it's way bigger and better than the WDW version.

3) Do you think I need to add Genie?
Yes! Absolutely yes. Single rider is good, but during the middle of the day, Genie is almost always faster. Waiting an extra 25 minutes on 4 rides (or more sometimes!) is 2 hours out of your one day at the park. If you're staying at the grand, I'm assuming an extra $30 isn't gonna break the bank.

Of your list of rides, 11 are on Genie+. They are almost all decent lines without Genie. For a 1-day trip, that's absolutely worth the investment, in my opinion.

Be careful with the Matterhorn single-rider line, it can take forever! If less than 10 people are waiting outside the point where it "splits" into the 2 sides, it's probably safe to jump in. Genie+ is a safer bet. Space Mountain's SR opens after 11 AM, but is usually fairly quick. Rarely over 20 mins in my experience. Avoid the Incredicoaster single line, standby is usually faster lol. Genie is very fast on that one.

Racers breaks a lot, and single rider is very inconsistent (often still 45 minutes).

So, get ILL for Racers, and get Genie+. Don't single rider on Incredicoaster, and proceed with caution using single rider on Matterhorn. The other SR are fine, but Genie is almost always better.

4) Is my list too ambitious?
If you're going by yourself and are fast-paced, not at all. Especially with Genie. You can totally do it. The key will be staying until the bitter end - the "money is made" in the first 2 hours and the last 1 hour of the day. If you're going in a few weeks, the crowds and weather should be fantastic. If you get Genie and are smart with itinerary and single rider you can probably get 2-3 extra rides in on your favorites too. I'm pretty jealous . Have a great trip!!

 

[JeffCD]

Just to be clear, you have one day, and you're going to park hop between DL & DCA? If that's the case, one thing I'd keep in mind is timing; some rides (& "lands") are much better at night. For example, Big Thunder at night is a different ride (at least for me) at night. On the other hand , Space Mountain, not so much. Cars Land is amazing during the day, but spectacular at night.
Jeff

 

[starlite_]

Sorry I needed to consult my spreadsheet ha.

The only rides, from what I know, that have LL that don't also have single rider are: Mission Breakout, Midway Mania, Big Thunder Mountain, and Indiana Jones. Everything else is either no LL or has the SR option. If I am missing some, feel free to let me know.

Again, why would you want to spend 30+ min on each of those 4 rides?? That's at the very least 2ish hrs of your very limited time. It makes no sense to me tbh.

Not to mention all the issues with SR others have mentioned already.

 

[Howry]

Nevermind, I didnt see that you have been to Disneyworld.

 

[tx911]

Just be sure to check your lumbar spine at the gate before you ride Matterhorn and Space Mt.

 

[SFMommy]

Not sure exactly what day you’ll be there, but Grizzly River Rapids is closed most of January.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Skip Galaxy's Edge. It's a clone of what's at WDW. I love Midway Mania, but I am pretty sure it's the same version that WDW has. CarsLand is an absolute must. See it at night if you can.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Thanks everyone! Would you suggest starting in Disneyland or California Adventure. Just for context, the day I am going, there is Early Entry at Disneyland.

 

[irlandaise]

Thanks everyone! Would you suggest starting in Disneyland or California Adventure. Just for context, the day I am going, there is Early Entry at Disneyland.

Definitely take advantage of EE to get a running start. Besides, as a first-time visitor, you really should start at the original Disneyland Park (IMO).

 

[FriendsAndFood]

Will you be going by Jan 7th or after? Are you going to see parades, fireworks too?

Is there a way for you to include an extra day at the Disneyland Resort?

I would prefer to start at Disneyland over DCA as that's the original park that has been designed well.

 

[chezcurrie]

Thanks everyone! Would you suggest starting in Disneyland or California Adventure. Just for context, the day I am going, there is Early Entry at Disneyland.

Start at Disneyland and book Indiana Jones LL first thing. Knock off some non LL rides like fantasyland and pirates during the morning lull. Also remember park hopping is completely different than at WDW. For context it takes longer to walk from the turnstiles to the bus lines at WDw than to cross the esplanade.

Have a great day!!!