Is Disneyland A Must-Do?

Good Question brad. Would love to hear the answers too.

I have been to Disneyland twice now, as opposed to my countless trips to WDW, but I honestly love DL. I truly feel that a true Disney freak needs to experience DL; and a true Disney freak will appreciate DL.

While in the two DL parks and Downtown Disney, you feel like you're isolated though you are very, very close to the non Disney attractions that have built up outside the gates. Obviously, it's not as isolated as WDW, but in true Disney fashion, they've done a great job of creating the illusion of isolation.

If you're worried about it not having the Disney magic, you need not worry. I'd argue that in many ways it's more magical; being that DL park is the only park Walt ever set foot in.

Disney's California Adventure, in my opinion, is a most underestimated and misunderstood park. Now more than ever, with some recent updates, it is full of that Disney magic, and it boasts some of Disney's best attractions. Even the much maligned Paradise Pier section is going through a much needed makeover, and now this 'land' is going to be up to Disney standards, in my opinion.

Will you enjoy it as much as WDW? Only you can answer that I guess, but it'd be a shame if you never gave yourself a chance to find out. To answer your other question; whether or not DL is a must do, to me this is a 'no-brainer'- it absolutely is.

__________________

Upcoming Trips

July 2010 - Old Key West

Oct 2010 - Boardwalk Villas

I've never been to DCA (as it didn't exist when I was there), but I think DL is a must do for sure. To me, it's everything that MK is, but perhaps a bit more. In all fairness, I am a bit partial having spent so much time there growing up. As mentioned above, you do still feel like you're in a whole different world. There are not as many Disney parks and attractions there, but there is plenty to do in the vicinity.

I think it IS a "must do". It certainly is different, but it is kind of neat to see the compactness of the park, and the layout in the last ten years has changed dramatically and I actually LIKE it.

You can walk out of the Grand California Hotel directly into a gate at California Adventure, or on another side walk directly into Downtown Disney. When you leave Downtown Disney, you enter a plaza and can turn left to walk into Disneyland, or turn right to walk into California Adventure. With the vast expanse of WDW, this really is kind of neat to have everything in one location and all within walking distance.

As for Disneyland, you get the best of all the parks in one.

I think you notice the outside world less now. Disney masters hiding the "unsightly" stuff they don't want you to see and they've done that here.

One final thing, keep in mind, that you can go to WDW a thousand times, and you will NEVER walk in Walt's shoes. If you are a true Disney fanatic, just knowing all that preceeded you while you visit is enough to give you a thrill.

I think this aspect of the "compactness" is what appeals to me about DL. While I love the fact that I'm in a whole different "World" in WDW, I could easily see also how the economy of space and the ease of getting between two points would be an interesting factor there. Also as you guys alluded to, the history is so compelling there. It's been around for so much longer than WDW and had to "evolve" more.

Geeze, I've been to DL a bajillion times, but now you guys have me hankering to go back!

Every time people talk about it I feel kind of left out. I'm not sure I'd like it in the same way I like WDW, but I feel like I need to see it.

We seem to have several users who haven't been to DL recently. I suggest we pool our funds and I'll use them to scout it out and let you guys know how it goes!

Great idea cdub; why didn't we think of that!?

Great idea.

I'm IN!!

(Now where DID I put that Confederate currency?!?)

Not THIS stuff. Bought it in Gatlinburg about 20 years ago. It is slightly "reproduced".

BTW, I live about ten miles from Jefferson Davis' homeplace in Fairview, Kentucky. You'll be driving along in the country, and suddenly there is a 351 foot tall "Washington monument looking thing" in the middle of no where.

Check it out - http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9061

Every summer, a bunch of re-enactors camp out on the grounds, and in the middle of July with temperatures in the 90's, they run around in wool uniforms.

Since there was no battle in the area, they don't have much to do except chase some Northern troops around. Guess it makes 'em feel better.

I have to agree that DL is a must-do. While WDW has so much to offer, DL has everything you could want any more, plus there are little difference in the rides that make them unique. I have to say pirates is better, and the new orleans feel of the area is very cool. I love the tea cups and the alice in wonderland "dark" ride. Then of course you have the matterhorn, and the indiana jones ride (I think that is actually in DCA)(similar to dinosaur), there is enough to make it a new experience but have the comforts of WDW. With everything so close on compact it is easy to make it a weekend trip.

As for surrounding areas, most things are a small drive, but you have San Diego Zoo and Sea World, Legoland, Magic Mountain, Hollywood, St. Monica pier, TV tapings . . . if you are willing to drive a little bit you could find months worth of stuff to see.

Plus my favorite part of DL, is grabbing a Double Double with onions at In 'N Out on the way from the airport.

Sarah

They MUST get In-N-Outs in Florida. And everywhere else for that matter.

One recommendation is that if you decide to visit Disneyland and are going by air, fly into John Wayne Orange County if at all possible. I've flown into LAX and Orange County multiple times, and if your primary purpose is to visit Disney then OC is MUCH easier.

I just found this thread -- what a bunch of great suggestions and thoughts. I will definitely plan to fly into OC the next time I head out, MT. GREAT tip.

Some good tips here. I ALWAYS go to In-N-Out while west of the Mississippi. Those are the best burgers around (fries and shakes are great too). I also enjoy going to Carl's Junior while out there (as we don't have those either here).

Far as airports, you have a lot of good options other than LAX. I've flown into and out of SoCal dozens of times and learned over the years to avoid LAX whenever possible. In addition to John Wayne (closest), you have Ontario (bit further, but still close and will have more flights in/out), and Long Beach (small airport, best for low-hassle if you can find a flight that works with your schedule).

I just like that JetBlue goes to several of those small airports.

Avoiding LAX is always good advice in my experience.

I have only been on DL once in 1999. I grew up going to WDW and my first day at DL was a big disappointment. I just couldn't get over the short main street, where was my pretty blue castle?, why was Innoventions/Star Tours in Tomorrowland? Was that the BACK of Splash Mountain I could see from the road!? Around every corner there was something that shouldn't be there according to my WDW trained mind. However the 2nd day in I began to appreciate the park for what it was and what Walt brought to it. You really begin to appreciate that he was actually there and that this was the place where it all began.

I have not been to CA as they were building it when I was there last. I am really looking forward to seeing it next month at the Expo. We are also staying at the Grand Californian so I am looking forward to actually staying in a park.

Since we moved to Dallas, we have made some great friends in our NFFC club and most of them are DL AP holders. I look forward to hanging out with them in the parks to get some in sight that I might not have being such a newbie at DL

I can't believe how close the expo is getting! I hope you'll be reporting back somewhere. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

i think i would have a lot of problem getting over this issue too. i would see everything through the prism of how it's different from disney world. maybe since you've prepared me in advance i can overcome that.

what is nffc?

NFFC is National Fantasy Fan Club. I believe they have decided to change the name to something more Disney sounding, but not sure exactly what the new name is. We have a great club here in Dallas that meets about once a month

I try to make as many meetings as I can.

Yes, we usually have a show and tell. We also have most meetings at someone's house so they can show off their collections then.

How fun! Do you ever host?

I have hosted once earlier this year.

My most favorite meetings are the annual "National Treasure Scavenger Hunt" It is held at the same house each year and we have a trivia/scavenger hunt game that lasts about 3 hours. We are divided into teams of 3 and solve problems for clues. It is so much fun. The family who hosts this event does so much prep work it is amazing and so much fun.

Most meetings though are just talking about an recent past trips or upcoming events. The host family usually has some type of game for small prizes.