Second trip to Disneyland (and I need help!)

[iheartwdw]

This summer, I will take my second trip to Disneyland. Are there any huge changes since two years ago? I loved the differences between this park and Disney World, where I've traveled once a year at least since age 6, and once even before then. I would love to know a little more about the park. I thought that it seemed much smaller when I went, but loved the fact that it was the classic, original Disney park. Please tell me the must-sees! I'd like to also know any touring tips and secrets that you can share with people like me, who aren't DL veterans. Us east coast folks aren't so up-to-date about theme parks across the country! Please let me know if you have any questions about Walt Disney World. I guarantee that I could answer almost any question you may have! Thanks in advance!

[Bytebear]

No huge changes. The 50th celebration is over. Finding Nemo will be open. Pirates has changed a bit, and Tom Sawyer Island will be more "piratey".

[iheartwdw]

I NEED HELP PEOPLE! GET ON IT! Please just let me know your best-kept Disneyland secrets and suggestions. Thanks! Now get typing!

[kiki]

The best thing to do is to stay onsite. GCH and DLH are the top two choices. GCH is closest to DCA but DLH is closest to the monorail station. If you stay at DLH, request a room in either the Marina or Sierra Towers. The third tower (Bonita) is a little farther from the pool and DTD. IF you want luxury and are willing to pay a bit more, stay at GCH. The lobby is beautiful. If you want to save more, PPH is good. Its not as special as the other two hotels, but its onsite and you still get to take advantage of all the onsite guest perks like early entry and p/s to some shows and parades.
At DL, Finding Nemo will be the newest attraction, Pirates has been changed with the addition of some aspects of the movie, Tom Sawyer island has been changed to a pirate theme, and there is a new scene in the Haunted Mansion . At DCA, monsters inc is the newest attraction and Block Party Bash is a great parade that kids and adults can interact with the characters. Pretty much the rest of the park is the exact same as two years ago, the only difference is you missed the 50th celebration. Im not sure if the fireworkshow is the same as WDW, buts its a can't miss. Sit as close as you can to SBC, there are some effects that you cant see down Main Street.
I hope I gave a little more insite to the parks.

[PanFan]

I took my first trip to WDW (as a DL vet) last summer, so I've been in the same boat as you. I found the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World to be an invaluable companion to my trip and can safely assume the Disneyland version will help you immensely as well.

I found these boards to be helpful too, but it would help us to know a little bit more about your situation. Who are you going with? Any kids? What ages? How many days will you be there? What sort of rides do you like/dislike?

Very generally, Soarin', Star Tours, It's Tough to be a Bug, and Honey I Shrunk the Audience are identical (there may be others, but that's what I thought of off the top of my head), so you don't need to feel a pressing need to do those if your time is limited. Many other rides are similar to ones at WDW, but there are enough small (and sometimes not so small) differences to make checking them out pretty fun.

[Foodie]

I would actually not recommend the hotels on-site. I went back in August and we stayed at the Tropicana Inn, which is literally across the street from the park. You can leave your room and be at the gates in five minutes. My aunt and cousins went in November and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and said not only was it a farther walk to the park, but that it wasn't really worth the extra money since most of the time you're at the park anyway.

Hmm, what are good tips...It was extremely hot and humid in August, more humid than I'm used to in Southern California, so make sure to stay well-hydrated and well-sun screened. I got horribly sun burnt my first day there and it really put a damper on the rest of my trip.

I would recommend doing the big rides first thing in the morning when the park is still a little empty. POTC, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, BTMRR, Splash Mountain, Indy, all of these will be packed during the day, so make sure to go in the morning or late at night.

According to their site, the fireworks show, Remember...Dreams come True, will be there this summer too. I highly recommend you see it three times if possible. Try to see it in front of the castle, right in front of the Main Street train station is perfect for a full view. Another night, go behind the castle and watch it from that angle, it's cool too. And my personal favorite and well-kept secret: go to Small World and watch it there. You get a 360 degree view of the show and images projected on the side of the ride, and not many people go there, so the view is great!

Make sure you plan enough days there to really savor the trip. We stayed for five, and it was a little too much. Four days is perfect to see both parks and do all there is to do to your heart's content. Make sure to take the time to see the little things, like the shopping and the architecture and details that you don't normally look for. It really takes a trip to D-Land to a whole new level.

Well, I hope some of this helps, let me know if you need anything else! Oh, and have a great time! D-Land is the best!

-Foodie

[avalosn]

Here is my tip....if you want a good spot to see the fireworks, start sitting EARLY! I know, it really can suck sitting there that long, but it's worth it to get a good view of everything.

I've seen the fireworks so much, I actually kind of wish they would do away with it so it wouldn't get so crazy smack dab in the middle of Disneyland, but I do understand people wanting to see it. It is a really great show.

Maybe one night, try to get on some rides while the fireworks are going on. Just make sure you have a game plan of what rides you want to hit because, trust me, the last thing you want to do is try getting through the big cattle herd on Main Street while the fireworks are going.

[PanFan]

Maybe one night, try to get on some rides while the fireworks are going on. Just make sure you have a game plan of what rides you want to hit because, trust me, the last thing you want to do is try getting through the big cattle herd on Main Street while the fireworks are going.

Just as a heads up, most FL attractions close for pyro around 8:30 or so and will stay closed until the all clear from the fire marshall is given around 10:00. Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland all stay open. But Toontown completely closes at 8:30 and much of Fantasyland does as well. The Matterhorn will stay open as well as Casey Jr. and the Tea Cups, and, depending on wind condition, Small World. But everything else closes (Storybook Land [which also closes for the parades, but is the only attraction to do so], Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Mr. Toad, Peter Pan, Carrousel, Snow White, and Pinocchio).

You also won't be able to go from Fantasyland to Main Street via the castle at these times as well. So if you want a spot on Main Street or the Hub, get there early, or at least be in the Tomorrowland, Adventureland, or Frontierland areas so you can get there easier than you can from Fantasyland.

It is different from the one in WDW and definitely worth seeing multiple times. I see it two or three times a week and still can't get enough of it.

[stan4d_steph]

I NEED HELP PEOPLE! GET ON IT! Please just let me know your best-kept Disneyland secrets and suggestions. Thanks! Now get typing!

I would suggest reading through this forum and doing some directed searches. There are many threads that would assist you.

[MadasaHatter]

All of these are good suggestions but I can't believe no one recommended the WALK IN WALT'S FOOTSTEPS tour...I know that they have changed it and made it a longer tour with lunch and some fast passed rides. When I took it it was like 20 bucks and a couple of hours tops but now it is like three hours but it really gives you a great perspective of the park and I highly recommend it. have fun....

[bigrockstar]

You mentioned that you love the fact that DL is the original Disney park.
Therefore, here are my two cents:

1) I would suggest that you make a point to visit the old dark rides first. I think it is impossible to truly duplicate them. Pay special attention to the differences in the Pirates ride (as it is different from the WDW version, and has the changes from the recent renovation). Eat at the Blue Bayou. Most of the newer attractions and the outdoor attractions have very similar versions elsewhere, or at WDW.

2) Watch all of the stage shows and parades that do not occur in WDW. I am not sure of what these are, specifically, but go see Aladdin at the Hyperion, Billy Hill and the Hillbilies, the Electrical Parade, etc. Also, as much as some of us loathe it, go see the "First 50 Magical Years" show at the Opera house. It may be interesting for someone with a love for nostalgia.

If you are looking for some incredible well-kept secret for visiting the parks, browse the boards. Perhaps you will find what you are looking for, perhaps you won't. The point is to have a good time. For me, planning my trips has always been half the fun. Go to the DL website (as I'm sure you already have...) and see what is offered there that you are not familiar with. Check it out. For a truly memorable experience, bring lots of money and get reservations in for things like F! seating on the balcony (if it is still offered), character dining experiences, Blue Bayou seats next to the water, etc.

[PanFan]

FWIW, the WIWF (ha! those acronyms are a palindrome!) tour doesn't have any FP rides. You do get priority boarding of the train and special access to the Tiki Room. You get a peak into the lobby of Club 33 (and can have your picture taken in the elevator) and have a meal served on the balcony of the Gallery (I definitely recommend the chili!). I found it fascinating, informative, and TONS of fun. So much so that, after talking to my tour guide, I ended up applying to work at DL! It is about 3 hours long, not including the meal, and costs $59. You also get a special pin. Highly recommended, but again, it depends on the amount of time you will have as well as your budget.

[DianeM]

My husband and I did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour our last visit, and really enjoyed it. There weren't a lot of rides (I think we took the train once and saw the Tiki Room show, with commentary after), but we learned a lot about Walt and the creation of the park. My husband was so interested that he ended up buying several books about Walt Disney. I don't know if it would be a good tour for kids, but it is a wonderful tour for adults or teenagers who are mature enough to listen and learn. I don't care how much you've read - taking the tour just doesn't compare to reading about it - you're actually standing in the places where it happened as the guide tells you about the history of the park.

As for changes - Pirates has changed a lot (although they didn't change the spirit of the ride - it's the same ride, but better), and they've made additions to Haunted Mansion. I understand that Tom Sawyer's island now has a pirate theme. There is a new sit-down restaurant in New Orleans Square, and Blue Bayou is more expensive.

It's going to be hot and crowded, so you might want to stay close to the park and take a few hours off in the afternoon. I like the Best Western Park Place across the street. Many recommend the Candy Cane, or on site hotels. It depends on your budget and where you want to stay. I suggested the Candy Cane to my brother for our upcoming trip, and he said he didn't want to walk the extra half block with two tired kids, so it's Best Western for us.

(I have no idea how the little angry face appeared on my message. Did I do something wrong?)

I'd like to also know any touring tips and secrets that you can share with people like me, who aren't DL veterans.

[tinker3]

A key piece of advice for crowded days is ....GET THERE WHEN IT OPENS. In addition to getting on a lot of rides before the crowds, I love listening to the opening announcement. You can go back and swim or rest when it gets to busy and come back later.

Personally something I love to do is take a minute or two outside Walt's apartment, and think about what he was watching or hoping for.

Have a Great trip!

[avalosn]

Just as a heads up, most FL attractions close for pyro around 8:30 or so and will stay closed until the all clear from the fire marshall is given around 10:00. Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland all stay open. But Toontown completely closes at 8:30 and much of Fantasyland does as well. The Matterhorn will stay open as well as Casey Jr. and the Tea Cups, and, depending on wind condition, Small World. But everything else closes (Storybook Land [which also closes for the parades, but is the only attraction to do so], Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Mr. Toad, Peter Pan, Carrousel, Snow White, and Pinocchio).

You also won't be able to go from Fantasyland to Main Street via the castle at these times as well. So if you want a spot on Main Street or the Hub, get there early, or at least be in the Tomorrowland, Adventureland, or Frontierland areas so you can get there easier than you can from Fantasyland.

It is different from the one in WDW and definitely worth seeing multiple times. I see it two or three times a week and still can't get enough of it.

Go with that, it's good advice

[Faith Trust & Pixie Dust]

My husband and I did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour our last visit, and really enjoyed it. There weren't a lot of rides (I think we took the train once and saw the Tiki Room show, with commentary after), but we learned a lot about Walt and the creation of the park. My husband was so interested that he ended up buying several books about Walt Disney. I don't know if it would be a good tour for kids, but it is a wonderful tour for adults or teenagers who are mature enough to listen and learn. I don't care how much you've read - taking the tour just doesn't compare to reading about it - you're actually standing in the places where it happened as the guide tells you about the history of the park.

I think this tour depends very much on who you get for a tour guide. My friend and I did the tour on May 4 and I have to say we were very disappointed, especially after having an amazing time taking the 50th Anniversary tour two years ago. Maybe it's because we were a bit tired, but our low-energy tour guide (Andrea) didn't help matters. She had a hard time answering questions that other guests asked her, and seemed very offended when someone asked her at the end of the tour why the pin we were given wasn't cloisonne, as promised in the tour materials (the pin we were given looked like a little piece of tin, but since I don't collect pins it didn't really matter to me). I know that other people rave about the tour, but our experience was a bust.

[DianeM]

We had a terrific guide. Very enthusiastic and obviously loved her job. I think that she really made the tour wonderful for us, and I suspect that is we had an indifferent guide it would not have been as good.

I think this tour depends very much on who you get for a tour guide.

[iheartwdw]

Thanks. But I don't need hotel recommendations, seeing as how my family lives ten minutes from the gates and costs a lot less. Keep sending info please! I love reading everyone's advice. By the way, how do you get into Club 33. What do you have to do? Thanks!

[Malcon10t]

By the way, how do you get into Club 33. What do you have to do? Thanks!

When the wait list reopens, get your name on it, keep your name on it, after 10-12 years, you may get an invite, pay the initiation fee (currently $9500) and teh annual fee (somewhere around $3300).

[iheartwdw]

Thank you, Malcon10t! I think I'll hold off as an east coast girl who won't get to DL much anyway. Maybe someday I'll get in . . . Your pup is SOOOOO cute!! I totally luv dogs!

[Bytebear]

By the way, how do you get into Club 33. What do you have to do? Thanks!

When the wait list reopens, get your name on it, keep your name on it, after 10-12 years, you may get an invite, pay the initiation fee (currently $9500) and teh annual fee (somewhere around $3300).

Or, you can find someone who has a connection to a 33 membership, and beg, beg, beg.

[iheartwdw]

Ha! If only I would find someone in line for a ride and find out that they have a membership. I would literally do almost anything! I can't imagine paying that much unless you were going to be there all the time. But I guess my priorities are different than others. I'd rather get 10+ days in the parks and not have a membership than have a membership and go once a year. Most people would probably only do this if they lived in CA near DL. Thanks, though! I'll be on the lookout for a 33 member!

[Daiichiro]

I got back from 3 days in DLP last month and like you I last visited 2 years ago. If you have a 3-day or better pass which allows you to enter 1 hour early for one visit, do it! On my visit I got in at 8 a.m. and went to Fantasyland and was able to ride Dumbo, the Carousel, and the Matterhorn and a lot of the other rides with little or no wait. The Peter Pan ride had a small line by 9 a.m. but it was not a bad wait. By 11 a.m. all of Fantasyland and Toon Town is really crowded and the waits are way too long for such short rides. Get the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland if you can. It helped me plan ahead a lot. Be sure the Fastpass rides are all OK when you get there. On my April visit there was no Fastpass available for Indiana Jones or Autopia. This was probably temporary, but it helps to look around when you get there. Soarin' and California Screaming are great fun in DCA. The scariest thing for me was the politically-correct Whoopi Goldberg documentary. Yikes! Have fun!

[iheartwdw]

I must say thank you to everyone! You have all been so helpful. As a thank you, I would be happy to answer anyone's questions about Walt Disney World. I went last month and plan to go again in July, and hopefully even another time before the end of '07. Yep, I love it that much!

[annieb727]

Here is my tip....if you want a good spot to see the fireworks, start sitting EARLY! I know, it really can suck sitting there that long, but it's worth it to get a good view of everything.

I've seen the fireworks so much, I actually kind of wish they would do away with it so it wouldn't get so crazy smack dab in the middle of Disneyland, but I do understand people wanting to see it. It is a really great show.

Maybe one night, try to get on some rides while the fireworks are going on. Just make sure you have a game plan of what rides you want to hit because, trust me, the last thing you want to do is try getting through the big cattle herd on Main Street while the fireworks are going.

I second this...I waited for the fireworks for three hours last year...I was right up on the rope by the castle! It was the most incredible show I'd seen! I just loved it. It's something one should do at least once.