First Visit to Disneyland Since 2003... About This Page:

[BeachBabyBongo]

Ever since I discovered WDW in 1995, I've preferred it over Disneyland. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE Disneyland (the Disneyland of my childhood). Although, there is so much more to do in WDW. I grew up in Oregon and my dad was from San Fransisco, so I have been to California/Disneyland more times than I can count. My first trip to Disneyland was in 1978, and it was amazing. I now live in Virginia and am able to drive to WDW. We go at least once year, but this year my sister wants to celebrate her 50th birthday in Disneyland.

I haven't been to Disneyland since 2003?!

What's new?

Is it worth spending the extra money to stay at the Grand Californian?

How are the crowds in October?

TIA!!

[snoozy]

Lets see, 03, what's changed, I think the biggest new thing is the Tower of Terror at DCA and at Disneyland POTC has changed as well as Tom Sawyer Island which now has a priate theme.

Its definately worth the extra $$$ to stay at the Grand. It is very Grand If you go the cash do it.

October is a good time to go. We just went over Halloween time, we had great weather, and of course a great time. Crowds arent to bad especially Monday - Thursdays. Keep in mind that Friday and Saturday no matter what time of year are the busiest days.

[BeachBabyBongo]

Thank you Susan for the info.

I think I'm starting to get excited about visiting California again. Maybe I'll add on a few days and rent a car and do some sightseeing other than Disneyland. I remember Knott's Berry Farm was always fun too.

I guess it's time to invest in a Disneyland Passporter.

Open up those Golden Gates....California here I come!

[bradk]

- Jungle Cruise had a major refurb with changes
- Finding Nemo subs opened
- Space Mountain was rebuilt
- Haunted Mansion received several upgrades
- Monsters, Inc
- the Snow White production has been eventually replaced with the princess faire
- Lincoln's been ousted for a Disneyland tribute/movie
- the princess meal is at ariel's grotto at dca, minnie & friends is at the plaza inn
- the disney gallery is no longer

probably a half dozen other things i can't think of at the moment

[snoozy]

BradK you are good, I forgot all kinds of stuff

[disneycrazey]

Whats New?: Well they refurbished Pirates, Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island, the Nemo Subs, refurbished Space Mountain, Astro Blasters, replaced Mr. Lincoln temporarily with a 50th Anniversary show, the new ASIMO show in Innoventions, new things in Innoventions, Parade of Dreams, new fireworks show, Winnie the Pooh. In DCA Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy, Toy Story Mania (not open yet), Bug's Land, Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue, new Brother Bear show, Block Party Bash, and High School Musical Pep Rally.

Is it worth it to stay at the Grand Californian?: NO!!!!! You can stay at the Paradise Pier and still go to the Grand Californian pool. The only difference is the theme and that it is right next to DCA. My personal favorite is Disneyland Hotel because it is not close to any parks and it has a wonderful pool!

Crowds In October: They are pretty good on weekdays, but on weekends there is of course the weekend crowd. There may also be more people at night because of Mickey's Halloween Treat. You should be pretty safe though.

Have fun!

[bradk]

actually, speaking of BPB, meant to mention..

that's going away. it will be replaced by a new parade called Pixar Play.

Playhouse Disney Live is also being re-done.

both of those will go into effect before Toy Story Mania opens

[DopeyGirl]

I'm pretty sure the High School Musical Pep Rally is changing to a new High School Musical: School's Out show (based on the second HSM movie) as well.

[bradk]

it already has. it actually switched over before WDW did.

[ilveeyore]

Matterhorn got an all new track with new sleds.

And then there are the attractions that are not at WDW
~Alice In Wonderland
~Casey Jr. Train
~Storybook Land Boats
~Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin
~Gadget's Go Coaster
~All of Toon Town
~Matterhorn
~TOAD!!!
~California Screamin'

And the attractions that are the same, but different
~Space is actually better at DL
~Pirates is better at DL
~Buzz - the guns are better and you can email yourself the picture at the end
~Fantasmic is soooo much better here...even though you have to sit on the ground. You might even get sprayed by water
~Tower of Terror is a different experience
~Disneyland Railroad is better

Hope some of this helps.

[Never Enough Mickeys]

For a 50th birthday celebration, I highly recommend splurging a little to stay at the Grand Californian! Afterall, the big 5-0 is certainly something to celebrate and you don't want to regret not staying in style for this birthday. Just being so close to the parks is worth the extra bucks.

[ilovedisney0_0]

You've gotten a lot of great advice. October is an awesome time to go! I am with you - I grew up in So CA, but now I prefer WDW over DLR. We still go fairly often to DLR because it's way easier to get to, though. Have a magical time at GC!! And to your DSis!

[BeachBabyBongo]

I have gotten a lot of good advise. Thanks to you all!!

I'm very excited to be going back to Disneyland. And I love October...there is just something about the beginning of the holiday season.

[tdandboys]

I would have to say to save your money. At the DL everything is SO close and everything is walking distance. If your on a budget then save your money, but if you can splurge, then go for it, just don't go into debt to stay there.