Ok, so just starting to try and make a few tentative plans here. I'm trying to plan this California trip and then six weeks later an 8 day Cruise...worse problems to have I suppose 
So for those that have been to Disneyland. What are the must-do's you would recommend. We will only have two days (one for each park) so I know we can't see everything. So what are the highlights you would recommend not missing?
Well def don't miss Radiator Springs Racers in DCA. It's awesome. Just make sure you get there early. Then don't miss "The Mountains" obviously. And California Screaming is always fun! But the best spot in the whole park is the petting farm in frontierland. 
not that I'm biased or anything!
When we had a chance to visit Disneyland, some of our must do's included riding and seeing attractions that did not have a 'sister' at Disney World. We lucked out and had two days at Disneyland, so we were able to do everything...fairly easy in late June. We also had more than enough time on our 1 day at CA to see everything that was open at the time. Radiator Springs wasn't finished yet, but had it been we had enough time to see it too. The longest lines were similar to WDW...Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Toy Story Midway Mania, Little Mermaid. Surprisingly, Splash wasn't that that crowded.
DL:
1. Pirates (it's better over there)
2. Indiana Jones
3. Space Mountain
4. Toontown and Rodger Rabbit's Cartoon spin
5. Matterhorn Bobsleds
6. All of Fantasyland
Skip: Splash Mountain. The one in WDW is better. Unless you have no plans to be back to WDW, also skip Star Tours. Some of the rides over there are different but the same. For instance, Pirates is longer out there, Space Mountain is completely different, Haunted Mansion the stretching room is actually an elevator (as opposed to WDW in which the ceiling moves up)
DCA:
1. Radiator Springs Racers: Get there quickly. I mean ROPE DROP quickly, or else you won't get a FP. If something happens and you cannot get a Fastpass, there is a singles line so you don't have to wait for two hours. FPs run out by 9:30. I am not joking.
2. World of Color. Double check to make sure it is airing.
3. Tower of Terror
4. California Screamin'
5. Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
6. Grizzly River Run (bring a change of clothes)
You should be able to get on TSM more quickly than in WDW, so take advantage of that. Their Little Mermaid Dark ride is basically a carbon copy of the WDW version, so again, you may want to skip it unless it's an uber-short line or you have no immediate WDW plans. Soarin' is also the same as WDW.
Also, get a guidebook before you go. I like the Official one for giving you a general overview of the parks. Have fun!
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We haven't been yet, but some of my must-do's when we finally trek west are:
Stuff that used to be in WDW and is gone now--Snow White's Scary Adventures, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Toon Town
Stuff that doesn't exist in any form at WDW--Cars Land, Matterhorn, Monsters Inc, Alice in Wonderland, World of Color
Stuff that exists in a different form at WDW--Pirates, Space Mountain
Tours, special experiences, etc--Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour
This is prior to do extensive research and I'm sure I'm missing plenty of items from each category, but these are things that are at the top of my metal to-do list!
Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch
Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.
Thanks guys! I'm making a list!
I think Radiator Springs will be hard and we may have to use your suggestion to do single rider and wait. We will not be staying on site, so no extra hours. We will get there as soon as they open and head that way, but I have a feeling we will miss FP due to others getting in early (if there is EMH).
Stick to stuff that is different. I would recommend Indiana jones, pirates ( it's different) the Ferris wheel, (stationary only, the ones that swing have barf bags, and you get an amazing view from the stationary) and the Aladdin show.
I recently saw an article that listed which rides were duplicated from wdw, i will try to find it.
Also check out snacks and stuff that are different. I can not wait to try the peanut butter sandwich and peanut butter heaven in October. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/05/27/best-disney-peanut-butter-treats/.
Oh YUMMMMMMMMM
Be sure to hit Indiana Jones Temple of the Forbidden Eye, it's my most favorite Disney ride of all and they don't have one in WDW.
I also find Pirates of the Caribbean so much better at Disneyland, but I am in love with the entire New Orleans Square area.
Watch Fantasmic!! Disneyland is the original venue for this show and it is done on the rivers of America, it is amazing to see it there, so much better. I'm not a giant WDW Fantasmic fan, but when we're in Disneyland I seriously pout if I can't watch it.
Thank you. I'll be sure to take my glow ears!