[Screever]

So I checked my seasonal CM pass and I think I can use it at DL as well as WDW. My pops was also just there a few weeks ago while he had business in Cali (his coworkers were all "lets go to Disneyland!!" ) I'm really jealous though, and he said we should all go. (Me and my parents...)

How crowded is late August/early Sept? That'd be the best time I could swing it, between school and the pass expiration on December 31.

Any restaurants we should eat at? Any rides/attractions we should do for sure/skip? Whats different and whats the same between DL and WDW??

Help would be extremely appreciated! I may be a pro with WDW but Disneyland feels so foreign to me!

[Peppertink]

Late August and early September will probably still be a bit crowded as the local schools aren't back in session yet. It can also be HOT! Different hot than Florida(no humidity)...but HOT!

Some of the restaurants that we really like are Carnation Cafe, La Trattoria(DCA), Naples(DTD), Goofy's Kitchen and Hook's Point. The Blue Bayou is also very popular!

I would def. hit all the attractions that DLR has that WDW doesn't have first.
Alice In Wonderland, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Monsters Inc., California Screaming, Storybook land canal boats and Casey Jr.(silly, but still). They of course have some of the same rides as WDW, but they are a bit different. I think that POC is better at DLR..as well as Space Mountain(not so jerky).

[Andrea]

Oh, yay!

I'm just going to concentrate on a few things-

August/September: Crowded, but manageable. Go as far into September as you possibly can- you'll get more kids in school. Southern California schools often don't start until a week into September. As always, weekdays are better than weekends.

Food: Often overlooked is the Bengal BBQ, which features food on a stick. Who doesn't like food on a stick? I think the bacon-wrapped asparagus is the finest food that can be eaten in all of Disneyland.

Blue Bayou: Expensive, food not necessarily worth it. My favorite tip is to make a reservation for mid-afternoon. You can just order a dessert, and soak up the ambiance while enjoying a cool place to sit and take a break.

Rope drop: CRITICAL! Get there early. You can get a zillion things done by 11am, but then the crowds will have filled in.

Don't miss: Indiana Jones Adventure. People can say again and again that the track is the same as for Dinosaur. To me, they're worlds apart. The Temple of the Forbidden Eye rocks my world. Don't look into the Eye of Mara! You'll be sorry!

Oh, and enjoy the original Tiki Room. Sit in the BACK! That's where the seats have padded backs- much more comfy.

I'm sure others have lots more to add. I hope you go!

[Peppertink]

Originally Posted by Andrea

Oh, yay!

I'm just going to concentrate on a few things-

August/September: Crowded, but manageable. Go as far into September as you possibly can- you'll get more kids in school. Southern California schools often don't start until a week into September. As always, weekdays are better than weekends.

Food: Often overlooked is the Bengal BBQ, which features food on a stick. Who doesn't like food on a stick? I think the bacon-wrapped asparagus is the finest food that can be eaten in all of Disneyland.

Blue Bayou: Expensive, food not necessarily worth it. My favorite tip is to make a reservation for mid-afternoon. You can just order a dessert, and soak up the ambiance while enjoying a cool place to sit and take a break.

Rope drop: CRITICAL! Get there early. You can get a zillion things done by 11am, but then the crowds will have filled in.

Don't miss: Indiana Jones Adventure. People can say again and again that the track is the same as for Dinosaur. To me, they're worlds apart. The Temple of the Forbidden Eye rocks my world. Don't look into the Eye of Mara! You'll be sorry!

Oh, and enjoy the original Tiki Room. Sit in the BACK! That's where the seats have padded backs- much more comfy.

I'm sure others have lots more to add. I hope you go!

How could I forget the original Tiki Room??! Get there early for the pre-show and enjoy a Dole Whip. Yes, yes I know you don't like the Andrea

The Bengal BBQ? YUM!!!!!!!

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by Screever

How crowded is late August/early Sept? That'd be the best time I could swing it, between school and the pass expiration on December 31.

depending on the time of day, Late august will be more crowded than early september..

Originally Posted by Screever

Any restaurants we should eat at?

Jazz Kitchen for sure..

Blue Bayou has become horribly expensive now..

The Bengal BBQ is worth a visit..

Originally Posted by Screever

Any rides/attractions we should do for sure/skip? Whats different and whats the same between DL and WDW??

Pinnochio.

And the Matterhorn..

Originally Posted by Screever

I may be a pro with WDW but Disneyland feels so foreign to me!

The best thing about Disneyland is it's relatively small compared to WDW. You'll get used to it!

[Voldemort]

YAY! Go West, young Screever....

Bengal BBQ is awfully swell. Jazz Kitchen was great at both lunch and dinner. Storyteller's Cafe was also good. Skip Cafe Orleans at breakfast -- powdered eggs! bleah -- but keep them on the to-do list for lunch. Make sure you have a corndog at least once from either the corndog wagon or the Corndog Castle in DCA; they're big, and they're awesome. Best corndog anywhere. Pacific Wharf Cafe in DCA has yummy soups and salads in fresh-baked sourdough bread boules, plus it's a fine spot to sit and peoplewatch and enjoy the day. Also at lunchtime, make sure you're in Frontierland so you can check out the show at the Golden Horseshoe.

Besides the not-at-WDW rides that other Buzzers already mentioned, I'd add a mention of the SunWheel (DCA). Make sure you ride it twice: once in the stationary gondolas (great time to take pics if the day is clear), and once in the rocking gondolas.

Oh, and Toy Storia Mania is supposed to open this year, woohoo! Should be in time for your arrival, too.

And like 6-2-6 said, the most significant difference is SIZE. DL/DCA will offer a much more intimate parkgoing experience, and it's easier to see the whole complex quickly and do all the things you want.

[Cynsayshi]

Yeah - what they said.

I would also agree with seeing POTC - I miss the whole bayou section when I've been on WDW's version. It's much more laid-back - plus, two waterfalls!

For similar reasons, I would suggest HM, Small World, and Splash to scope out the differences (one of my favorite things to do). I believe all of the headstones for the pet cemetery at HM are now in the front - they used to be on the right side of the building, along the CM entrance, and it was a nice spot to escape crowds.

[Ready2Go]

Originally Posted by Screever

So I checked my seasonal CM pass and I think I can use it at DL as well as WDW. My pops was also just there a few weeks ago while he had business in Cali (his coworkers were all "lets go to Disneyland!!" ) I'm really jealous though, and he said we should all go. (Me and my parents...)

How crowded is late August/early Sept? That'd be the best time I could swing it, between school and the pass expiration on December 31.

Any restaurants we should eat at? Any rides/attractions we should do for sure/skip? Whats different and whats the same between DL and WDW??

Help would be extremely appreciated! I may be a pro with WDW but Disneyland feels so foreign to me!

You'll Love it.
I did some WDW vs DLR in my first DLR Trip Report at this link.
http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/trip-...tml#post711704

[Screever]

Wow, thanks guys! My parents are THRILLED at this idea. Even though pops just went there two weeks ago, my mom has never been, and, as she put it...

"I grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights eating grilled cheese and tomato soup, and all they ever talked about was Disneyland..."

I'm thinkin we might skip DCA (doesn't appeal to me much, really) and if we need to spend another day at DL, we'll go back. I've heard that sometimes, depending on crowds, it takes a more than one day to do the park.

I think the best time for us to go at this point would be the first week in Sept; I'm pretty sure the kids are back in school then, and that'll be a week before I go back to school myself. Dizzy and busy!

Keep the advice comin, y'all! I appreciate it thoroughly and it lifts my spirits!

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by Screever

I'm thinkin we might skip DCA (doesn't appeal to me much, really) and if we need to spend another day at DL, we'll go back. I've heard that sometimes, depending on crowds, it takes a more than one day to do the park.

Screever, I'm an annual passholder, so that allows me to park hop. Sometimes a park hopper pass is the best way to go, as there are some rides and activities in DCA that are just as E-tickety as Space Mountain. Soarin' over California is one, Tower of Terror is another, and getting yourself in the front seat of California Screamin' is to die for..

The cost of the park hopper isn't that much more than a Disneyland only pass. You ought to think about it..

Ready2go, Rlander and I have all posted trip reports on Disneyland/DCA. Take some time to review, as they're worth the time to read!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by Screever

So I checked my seasonal CM pass and I think I can use it at DL as well as WDW. My pops was also just there a few weeks ago while he had business in Cali (his coworkers were all "lets go to Disneyland!!" ) I'm really jealous though, and he said we should all go. (Me and my parents...)

How crowded is late August/early Sept? That'd be the best time I could swing it, between school and the pass expiration on December 31.

Any restaurants we should eat at? Any rides/attractions we should do for sure/skip? Whats different and whats the same between DL and WDW??

Help would be extremely appreciated! I may be a pro with WDW but Disneyland feels so foreign to me!

Awesome! Please go to Disneyland, you will LOVE it! I try to persuade all WDW veterans to make the trip to DL at least once & I've never heard anyone regret it. It's so special and amazing.

Questions...

- Augt/Sept: I have never been during those months. Every single trip I made to Disneyland was in the last week of June. It's already pretty BLAZING hot in the afternoon during that time so be prepared for the heat. It's a dry "standing in front of a gas furnance" heat, much better than the terrible August humidity heat in Orlando. As far as crowds, I have a feeling the late June crowd is going to be the same as the late August crowds, not the HEART of summer, just the bookends. I've DEFINATELY noticed that the "weekend days" during our trips are very busy, especially Saturdays. I usually try to plan our Saturdays around DCA b/c it's always less busy. I've NEVER been overwhelmed by the crowds though. And honestly, if you stay AT LEAST 3 nights you'll have plenty of time to see everything in both parks with a 4-day park hopper.

- Restaurants/Rides: These are my DEFINATE DON'T SKIPS.... as far as restaurants ANY DL first timer MUST eat at Blue Bayou, whether for lunch or dinner. Make a Priority Seating for that one. The food won't blow you away but the atmosphere and desserts are worth it alone. Another real 'gem' as far as dining goes is Storyteller's Cafe, and if I know anything about you Screever I feel like you would REALLY enjoy the whimsy of Ariel's Grotto. This will be my first trip NOT dining at Ariel's and I'm a little bit sad. It's a gorgeous restaurant, fixe price menu, and the princesses there are amazingly perfect! As far as attractions; do not miss the Nemo subs (oh my gosh they are great), Indiana Jones, ALL OF THE FANTASYLAND rides (this is where the real heart of Disneyland comes alive in my opinion), Haunted Mansion, PotC, and take time to watch the "One Man's Dream" movie on Main St. In DCA don't miss the Aladdin stage show, exploring all the little hidden wonders inside 'Flix's Fun Fair', riding a "NON-stationary" cart on the sunwheel (it really is a rush & an AWESOME arial view of all DL).

OH, and you must must must see the "Remember Dreams Come True" fireworks & watch the Main Street Electrical parade in DCA.

It's the BEST there, go go go!

PS: there are a lot of reviews & photos in my two DL trip reports. http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/trip-...ip-report.html

[Screever]

Aw, thanks Wishy. I'll definitely look into Ariel's Grotto and the others you mentioned! And I can handle dry heat just fine as long as I'm hydrated! I've trekked through deserts of Arizona in late June.

Wish and 626: Most of the reason we'd be going to DL is for the /free/ passes I get as a Rep, and to my knowledge I know nothing of a free park hopper transfer through the Main Gate pass. If we have to pay, thats a big downer for us. We're not cheap people, but my mother and I pride ourselves on our...frugality (is that a word?) and we're trying to rub it off on pops. My mom isn't much of a thrill ride lady either (except for Soarin, if that counts) so I don't think there'd be much for her at DCA. My pops might be an exception...

What do you mean by E-ticket?

I definitely want to see the fireworks and parade, but I'm also dying to see Fantasmic...I'm not a fan of Pocahontas as much as Peter Pan! How does that compare to WDW's...?

Eeee thanks guys, I keep getting so excited!

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by Screever

Wish and 626: Most of the reason we'd be going to DL is for the /free/ passes I get as a Rep, and to my knowledge I know nothing of a free park hopper transfer through the Main Gate pass. If we have to pay, thats a big downer for us. We're not cheap people, but my mother and I pride ourselves on our...frugality (is that a word?) and we're trying to rub it off on pops. My mom isn't much of a thrill ride lady either (except for Soarin, if that counts) so I don't think there'd be much for her at DCA. My pops might be an exception...

Well, it's been a while since I was a CM, so I forgot. My bad. If Disney won't give you park hoppers, then stick with Disneyland. There's more than enough to do in that park alone.

Originally Posted by Screever

What do you mean by E-ticket?

Um, back in them old days, after walking to and from school, in the snow, uphill both ways, and barefoot, there was a time that entrance to Disneyland was extremely cheap. But if you wanted to ride anything, those took additional tickets. To get the best deal, you would buy a booklet, which had a, b, c, d, and e ticket stubs.

Space Mountain and Matterhorn were E-Ticket rides. The best ones were.. At the end of the evening, you would see the a,b, and some c tickets tossed onto the ground, unused..

Originally Posted by Screever

I definitely want to see the fireworks and parade, but I'm also dying to see Fantasmic...I'm not a fan of Pocahontas as much as Peter Pan! How does that compare to WDW's...?

It's been twenty four years since I was last at WDW, but rumor has it the Peter Pan in Disneyland is way better..

[Andrea]

Originally Posted by Screever

What do you mean by E-ticket?

I definitely want to see the fireworks and parade, but I'm also dying to see Fantasmic...I'm not a fan of Pocahontas as much as Peter Pan! How does that compare to WDW's...?

Eeee thanks guys, I keep getting so excited!

E-Ticket: one of the premier thrill rides. From back in the day when they used ticket books for the rides. The best, newest, most exciting rides took an "E" ticket on the A-B-C-D-E scale.

Disneyland's Fantasmic is FAR superior, in my opinion! It's all about the Columbia & Mark Twain. When I saw the WDW finale on that sad little boat I actually laughed. (And really, in general, I'm not a huge Fantasmic! fan.)

If you DO happen to get to DCA, the Aladdin show is really well done.

[lovemysons]

Screever, as I have never been to DL, I can not offer any advice, but I just wanted to chime in and say I hope you get to go! It would such a great trip for you. :)