WDW vs DL About This Page:

[JiminyJim]

So as I have stated on the Hotels topic, we are new to DL but have been to WDW several times.

Am I correct in assuming that DL park touring will not take as much planning as WDW did? We had a flexiable but very efficient plan for WDW, but so far it looks to me like DL will be a much more managable endevor, dare I say even relaxing by comparison.

Mostly, I want to do some of the things that are at DL that are not at WDW, like the Matterhorn, Indi-Jones and Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Nemo Subs. I also was told that Tiki Room is the old version- so that one too.

Is there anything else that anybody could recomend? I will have 3 days to split between DL and DCA, early April. My family, wife, 2 daughters 3 and 10.

Thanks in advance.

[kelkan]

WDW is spread out farther and 4 parks ---- DL and DCA is literally right next to each other and so is Downtown Disney so all within walking distances so you can take your time on a 3 day tour....

[HeatherD]

Three days, depending on hours:
Day 1 - Disneyland. Get a FP for Indiana Jones or Space Mountain (also different from WDW) and then head to Nemo and/or Fantasyland. Fantasyland fills up quickly, so you'll want to get those rides done first. Then, depending on your FP (and how you feel about using them after time expiration) either head to your FP ride or head to the one you don't have. If it's an hour early morning and you can take advantage of that, it's worth it for the Fantasyland rides and (I think) Nemo. It's a much smaller park, so it's not as "hard" to criss cross the park, though it's not advised to do so all day.

Day 2 - California Adventure - they allow you in for a rope drop, but the path to Soarin' is open. Get a FP and then head to Toy Story Mania (in the back by the roller coaster). Spend as much time as you want exploring the park, though some have said it doesn't take all day (we spend all day there). DCA usually closes a bit earlier than DL, so you can head over to DL (if you have a hopper) that evening.

Day 3 - Mix and match, based on what you didn't get to do/see or want to do again.

There are other plans that you could follow, too. Hope you enjoy your time there!

[DopeyGirl]

I always recommend 3 days at DL . . . one day per park and the 3rd to hit anything you missed or would like to do again.

Since you are going in early April, it shouldn't be too busy, though the parks may be closing earlier in the day.

[w-steele]

One thing the others have overlooked and did not mention was while at DCA you MUST attend one performce of Aladdin.

[chezp]

I would recommend three days as well, one for each park and one to go back to your favourites again. If you want to do the Nemo subs, I would head straight there at park opening, as the lines are horrendous for this - we did that one morning and by the time we got there, there was a 20 minute wait and it just climbed and climbed after that.

[SarahJ]

The Disneyland version of Pirates of the Carribean is also very different from the WDW version. In my opinion DL's version is much better. I would consider it a must do ride.

I agree that Aladdin is not to be missed either.

[Tonichelle]

August 30, 2006 we were able to ride everything and see everything we wanted in an 11 hour period. and we rode splash mountain and big thunder twice...

it's a smaller park (and it's a shock if you're very used to the magic kingdom at WDW like I was) but it's so much fun and easy to navigate. never been to DCA

[Kynna]

I think BTM is more fun at DL too. It's worth a try for comparison. We need at leat 4 days but we like to take our time.

[JiminyJim]

Again, Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. And thank for the info about Pirates. I did not know there was that much of a differance. I'm also a little interest in this It's a Small World stuff, so I would want to do that as well, (even if it was identical, I doubt my daughter would allow us to miss it, it's her favorite).

I know I could check my passporter when I get it, but off hand, does anyone know if the Nemo Subs has fastpass.

Thanks again,
Jim

[MelissaL]

Although Disneyland is smaller than the Magic Kingdom in area, it is more densely packed (both in terms of attractions and in terms of people), so it will probably take almost as long to tour. If you prioritize what you want to do, you should be fine.

I'm fairly sure that according to the Unofficial Guide, the Nemo sub ride does not have Fastpass, so if that's a priority you may want to do it first thing in the morning or during a parade or other show.

Happy planning,
Melissa

[w-steele]

Originally Posted by JiminyJim

Again, Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. And thank for the info about Pirates. I did not know there was that much of a differance. I'm also a little interest in this It's a Small World stuff, so I would want to do that as well, (even if it was identical, I doubt my daughter would allow us to miss it, it's her favorite).

I know I could check my passporter when I get it, but off hand, does anyone know if the Nemo Subs has fastpass.

Thanks again,
Jim

Sorry Jim but our NEMO ride does not have fastpass nor does TSM (in DCA) as it does at the Magic Kingdom. However, and I am biased here, our TSM is better and WDW's FN is TOTALLY different.

[Nebraska Disney freak]

Matterhorn is our favorite DL ride, only because it's the only place you can ride it. If you are big rollercoaster fans California Screamin is a must. Also the electric parade is a must. The best spot to watch is in front of the Corndog castle. It's right across the walk from Golden Zephyr. The last 2 times we have been there we have gotten our spot litteraly moments before the parade started. Kids enjoy corndogs and watch the parade. When your in Downtown Disney if you get a chance Tortilla Jo's is our favorite for a snack or meal. We like the walk up window. The burritos are HUGE and can be shared, also last summer they had free refills on there drinks at the walk up window. Have fun

[vince730]

Originally Posted by kelkan

WDW is spread out farther and 4 parks ---- DL and DCA is literally right next to each other and so is Downtown Disney so all within walking distances so you can take your time on a 3 day tour....

Agreed -- And I would highly recommend Park Hopper Passes for DL, because the Front Gates of the parks are literally right next to each other.

[Disney918]

Three days for both parks is just about right. If you can find time take the Walk in Walts footsteps tour for some great and really touching info about our favorite Mouseketeer....MR. Disney himself.
The awesome thing about DL is that Walt actually envisioned it and saw it come to fruition. I am a serious Disney fan and swear I can feel his presence in the magic of the park.
DL is significantly smaller that the Magic Kingdom and therefore you have the opportunity to see and do it all. Of course the Matterhorn and Nemo subs. Also of course the Indiana Jones and Pirates.
In DCA you will have the chance to see the real Soarin' the way it was meant to be. The wait in line there is actually one of my favorite parts as they have cool pictures and facts about aviation history. Toy Story Mania is our new favorite...get a fastpass and then stand in line. Way fun! Also in DCA take the time to stop by Blue Sky studios where you can see the plans they have for the future of DCA. All I can say is I want to be an imagineer!
At night take some time to go to one of the great restaurants in Downtown Disney and catch some of their performers. Even though we have movie theaters close to our house, we love going to the theater in Downtown Disney only because it is huge and fun to see.
Enjoy Disneyland and say hello to Walt for us!