DisneyLand

I have quite a few, but be more specific.

Off the top of my head

1) Don't go in comparing it to WDW the whole time. Take it for its own unique charm and beauty.
2) Go to Trader Sams.
3) The longer Pirates version is a MUST.
4) Eat beignets.
5) Ride Indiana Jones, but do it early before a line forms.
6) Fantasmic shows on the rivers of America (as it was intended) is amazing. A completely different feeling than in the huge stadium. It's worth lining up early to stake out a good view.
7) Ride the monorail just because you can.
If you're going to DCA grab a FastPass for World of Color viewing, they go fast so get it first thing in the morning.
9) Rancho del Zocalo is my favorite lunch.
10) If you want to go out at night the Dueling Pianos in the Flambeaux's Jazz Club at Ralph Brennen's is a lot of fun.

We're hoping to do Disneyland if not next year, probably the following year, so I'll be watching this thread closely! Thanks, JustCar!

Two questions so far: The longer Pirates ride--is this the one with two drops? And are the drops more "substantial" than the WDW version?

Are there animatronic snakes or images of snakes on the Indiana Jones ride? If so, would I be able to easily avoid looking at them or are they all over the place? How much of the ride as compared to say, Jungle Cruise or GMR is "infested"?

Yes, there are two drops, one is small, one is comparable to WDW.

Oh - snakes. Yes, yes there are. No, I don't think that they would be easily avoided. Snakes are one of the main thematic forums used in everything from the architecture to set dressing. Some are rather large too.

I'm planning on doing Disneyland sometime next year, hopefully (since I'm doing WDW this year and in 2016). So this should be helpful!!

I'm especially interested in what everyone's favorite restaurant/meal is down there!

Sometimes it's difficult, but I try to not compare.

Disneyland really is a completely different thing than Walt Disney World. Obviously some comparison is inevitable, I guess what I mean is more along the lines of not going to Disneyland and expecting Disney World. You can't even go and expect the Magic Kingdom, because it's not. It's Disneyland - it's the original, its own unique theme park. It has qualities that make it amazing and beautiful and memorable all for what it is, nothing more nothing less. If you go into your trip with the mindset that you're going to find the differences, and see what was improved in Florida, or expect to have a Florida experience you will only be disappointed. Disneyland should be approached by Walt Disney World fans an entirely unique experience.

I can easily compare things about WDW & DL that are good and bad at each of them. I think however that the reason I enjoy it all is that I take each on its own. You'll hear a lot of people talk about how Disneyland is a one or two day deal. Pfffttt... not to me. I need a minimum of three and prefer five to feel like I've really gotten a great vacation. I've never run out of things to do.

The Grand Californian is magnificent. It's my favorite of all the Disney Hotels that I've stayed at. I own a DVC add on there and it makes me so happy.

Thanks, Kristen! I guess Benn will be enjoying Indiana Jones solo! I'll just have a second round of the Alice in Wonderland ride--which I am infinitely excited about!!

We stayed at the DL hotel...loved it! Steps from the monorail, and close to The Grand Californian too (with access to the private entrance to California Adventure!) They were re-doing it in 2010 when we were there, and if/when we go back I would stay there again. As far as tips, I'm not sure I have many other than we had such a lovely time and I am sure you will too!

I was meant to go when I was in LA this year but missed the window of opportunity due to the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the one (wrong franchise, I know, but I couldn't think of anything Marvel or SW related!) so my need to go was missed.

Whilst this is a thread about Disneyland, I can heartily recommend the Walt Disney Family Museum in SF's Presidio area. It's a great collection of articles and pictures about the formation of the company and where Disney got his inspirations from. It ends with a great overview of Disneyland in miniature. The back wall of the building is all glass and gives you a great view of the bridge as well.

Are you going to California Adventure also?
If so I would get a fastpass to Radiator Racers as soon
as you get there, most of the time they are gone before 10:30.

We will be there in 126 days. A few things to remember
- the fastpass system is still the old way
- park hopping is easy,
- don't bother with the meal plan, it only prepaid vouchers
- if you are staying onsite take advantage of the early morning hour to get a FP for radiator springs racers
- don't compare to WDW. It's a different experience
- if you have a fear of snakes absolutely do not go on Indiana jones
- if you get even a little bit motion sick do do go on the swinging gondolas on mickeys fun wheel (aka mickeys barf wheel), stick to the stationary gondolas, which offer a beautiful view.

I'll have more , but I'm at work right now

Oh my! Didn't we find that out the hard way....after four back to back rides on California Screamin' I came up with the wonderful idea of riding the fun wheel as a way of letting my head and stomach recover...big mistake!

Me too. We made it thru 1 rotation, they stopped it to let me off. It was awful.

My biggest suggestion is stay at the Disneyland Hotel! But I may be a tad biased since I work there! Def go to Trader Sams! It is the most fun atmosphere and amazing drinks. The ahi poke is incredible too! The Grand is nice but very dark and has smaller rooms than the DL Hotel. And my other suggestion is go for Club Level since there is no dinig plan. You get a continental breakfast, snacks, beer and wine, and the most incredible view of the fireworks... well at the DL Hotel that is... Just remember that its a ton smaller than WDW so take your time.. No need to rush to cram it all in!