Walt Disney World Fanatic Seeks Advice for Upcoming Disneyland Trip

My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
MK.

All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
"real world." Thanks!

On 17 Sep 2006 15:51:00 -0700, "Chairman Clench"
<chairmanclenchm> wrote:

>My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
>it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
>Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
>split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
>and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
>take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
>longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
>Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
>Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
>MK.
>
>All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
>from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
>concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
>the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
>"real world." Thanks!

You will get disoriented at DL. Big Thunder is nowhere near Splash,
for example. And you will say "what is Star Tours doing here?".

But the biggest shock is when you get onto Main Street and your
reaction will be "Where is the Castle?"!


mike at tuchman dot org

Mike Tuchman wrote:
> On 17 Sep 2006 15:51:00 -0700, "Chairman Clench"
> <chairmanclenchm> wrote:
>
>
>>My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
>>it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
>>Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
>>split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
>>and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
>>take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
>>longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
>>Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
>>Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
>>MK.
>>
>>All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
>
>>from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
>>concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
>>the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
>>"real world." Thanks!

Unfortunately, there's not much for Disney-owned resorts at DL, apart
from the three hotels on the edges of the property--
Imagine only planning your WDW vacation around which's the best Hotel
Plaza Blvd. hotel, and always approaching WDW through Downtown Disney.

> You will get disoriented at DL. Big Thunder is nowhere near Splash,
> for example. And you will say "what is Star Tours doing here?".
>
> But the biggest shock is when you get onto Main Street and your
> reaction will be "Where is the Castle?"!

No, it'll be "Where's the REST of the Castle? 0_0 "

The first shock will be seeing the Castle and Bear Mountain rising up in
the middle of an unassuming downtown southern-California city, getting
out of the parking lot, and looking for where Bay Lake should be in
front of the Main St. Depot...

Derek Janssen
ejanss@

"Chairman Clench" <chairmanclenchm> wrote in message
news:1158533460.092841.161990@h48g2000cwc. o...
> My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
> it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
> Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
> split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
> and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
> take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
> longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
> Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
> Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
> MK.
>
> All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
> from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
> concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
> the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
> "real world." Thanks!

All 3 of our 4 trips to DL were during DH's business trips. We actually
stayed in Irvine, where he had to be for business, but I never felt weird
about driving over to DL to enjoy. The one time we did stay on property it
was nice, but I just doen't think that DL lends itself to the "immersion"
like WDW does. The outside world is just too close to pretend it doesn't
exist. With or without staying on property, DL is a very special, unique
place. Even though our current trips take us to WDW 1-2 (and sometimes 3)
times a year, DL will always have a very special place in our hearts.

It took us so long to get used to the fact that at WDW you had to go to a
different park to see HISTA or Star Tours, and that there was no Indiana
Jones! As you mentioned, many things are better or different at DL --
adjusting to Pirates at WDW took some doing! :) If you go in knowing its a
different experience, and not too eager to compare, and remembering that DL
is "Walt's park," you'll come to love it.

Have fun, and tell us all about it! (Ride Alice in Wonderland for me!)

Kathy M.

>Chairman Clench wrote:
>> My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
>> it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
>> Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
>> split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
>> and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
>> take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
>> longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
>> Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
>> Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
>> MK.
>>
>> All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
>> from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
>> concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
>> the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
>> "real world." Thanks!


Sound advice to take Walt's Park on its own terms. Don't expect it to
be the Magic Kingdom. And remember without Disneyland there probably
wouldn't have been Walt Disney World.

You've already noted several things at Disneyland that aren't at WDW.
Other things to consider seeing are:

Toontown - Much larger and more elaborate than Mickey's Toontown Fair
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin - A very unique dark ride.
Storybook Land Canal Boats - Absolutely charming little ride past
miniature houses and buildings from classic animation.
Casey Jr. Circus Train - Kiddie train, but personal favorite of mine
New Orleans Square - Fun shops and of course the Blue Bayou Restaurant
Autopia - Similar to Grand Prix Raceway, but I feel much better
Space Mountain - Very different experience from the WDW version
Indiana Jones - Excellent! Ride multiple times.
Tarzan's Treehouse - Rework of the old Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
Haunted Mansion - New effects are being put in that don't appear in
the WDW version.
Pinocchio's Daring Journey - Dark ride
Alice in Wonderland - Fun dark ride
Peter Pan - Similar to the one at WDW, but I think much better.
Matterhorn Bobsleds - A classic
Fantasmic - MUCH MUCH better than the WDW version. Don't miss it.
The Snow White stage show is worth seeing.

At California Adventure you may or may not get into it. It's been
highly criticized, but I rather enjoy it. Make sure you see Tower of
Terror. Some effects in the DCA version aren't the same as at WDW. And
make sure you see the Aladdin musical stage show at DCA.

Have a great time.





Dave in Dallas - The one and only!
Accept no substitutes.

I went last year during the first week of November. We wore long pants
most days and took the sweatshirts off and on throughout the day. It
was my first trip to DL. I've been to WDW numerous times. I loved DL
and DCA and will definitely be going back someday. We spent 4 days in
the parks. The only problem was that our last day was Veteran's Day and
the parks were packed. I usually do WDW in the off season so was
kicking myself that I didn't realize school would be out and lots of
locals would be in the parks. On the other hand, it was the first day
of the holiday decorations and my son got to see two Santa Clauses and
get his picture taken with both of them.

We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn which was about a 10 minute walk. I
usually stay on property at WDW. I didn't feel like anything was
missing by staying offsite at DL. And since DL is smaller, I didn't
mind the walk in the AM and PM. There was also a shuttle if we didn't
want to walk. We ate all of our meals either in the parks or at
Downtown Disney.

Have a great trip! I know you'll enjoy it!

Jenn : )

(BookBabe)


Chairman Clench wrote:
> My wife has a week-long business conference in Anaheim, and we decided
> it would be fun for me to tag along and for the 2 of us to visit
> Disneyland. We're fresh (late May '06) from 10 days at WDW where we
> split our stay between Beach Club and AKL. I've been reading up on DL,
> and have encountered lots of advice along the lines of "Don't compare -
> take DL on its own terms," and "space is at a premium - lines are
> longer - do more planning." I also know that certain attractions (PotC,
> Indiana Jones, the Original Tiki Room, and the beloved Mr. Toad's Wild
> Ride) are at least still at DL, unique to DL, or are better there than
> MK.
>
> All of that said, I would really appreciate advice / planning tips etc.
> from other WDW veterans who have DL experience. The one thing I'm
> concerned about is that unlike WDW where we always stay on property,
> the conference is at the Hilton, so we'll always have one foot in the
> "real world." Thanks!