Tips for First Time Visitor to Disneyland

[kbehm29]

On Monday, November 16th I am bringing my step-daughter to Disneyland. She recently arrived in the US from Barbados and is 19 years old. Everything is new to her and she is so excited about going to Disneyland, she never imagined she'd ever be able to go growing up where she did. I've been there many times before and it's one of my favorite places ever. It is so exciting to do things with my step-daughter and see her amazement of never experiencing things before.

My question is about my touring plan. It will only be the two of us. We only have one day, due to budget restraints. I usually start in Fantasyland with Peter Pan because it's one of my favorites and gets so crazy with kids later in the day. But I was thinking that maybe it would be better to do Pirates and Haunted Mansion first, then head to Splash Mountain. I don't want to overwhelm her (she was overwhelmed when we went to the Wisconsin Dells last month).

I know this is kind of inconsequential because we'll end up seeing everything anyway, but I want it to be a perfect day that will be a long-lasting memory for her. Yet, I don't want to wait in line for 30 minutes+ later in the day to do each Fantasyland ride.

Any advice? I can't stop thinking about it.

[DisneyJedi]

Well, to be honest, I've NEVER been to Disneyland. But I wanna go there so damn badly!

But I would suggest going on The Haunted Mansion at night, b/c it kinda fits the mood a little better that way.

[Nala]

For Splash Mountain, I'd suggest a FAST PASS. When we were there for Christmas, we had a FAST PASS and were able to go on the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh while waiting for our time to go on Splash Mountain. FAST PASS is your friend and you wouldn't have to wait in line for half an hour to get on the ride. The trick is there might be a line for the FAST PASS but hopefully not for half an hour.

[AliceinWonderland]

I would go to space mountain when you first come in and get a fast pass to go on later... as long as you go in after the time listed on the fast pass you can return at any time during the day
Fantasyland for Peter pan is a good start.. then dumbo, matterhorn, alice.. and then rest of the fantasyland rides.

after fantasyland get a fastpass to Indiana Jones and go the tiki room, jungle cruise

get another fastpass for splash mountain... go on Haunted Mansion, Pirates and Big Thunder Mountain, then winnie the pooh.. Splash Mountain pass should be ready by that time.. i would sugest getting $1 ponches at the dollar store to wear when you go on splash Mountian.. its no fun walking in wet clothing in cooler weather

then you can take the train to (fantasyland, small world) or straight to tomorrowland and ride those rides.. nemo is going to be the long wait

With one day, toon town can be skipped

I hope that helps...

[Super Aurora]

where is Barbados located? I forgot.

[AliceinWonderland]

Google is your friend

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sourc ... e&resnum=1

[kbehm29]

Thanks for the advice. Due to a huge rearrangement of my budget, I was able to sneak in a second day! We are now going to be there Sunday the 15th and Monday the 16th of November. SO HAPPY! And I am bringing one of my sons - the 11-year-old who is as big a fan as I am. SO HAPPY!! Only 3 more weeks!

[AliceinWonderland]

OO that's great. are you getting park hoppers then or spending your whole time at disneyland? if you do go to california adventures Aladdin the Musical is a must see. but depending on what season you go they only preform friday-sunday

[kbehm29]

I've already seen Aladdin at DCA 3 times. I think we're going to skip it this time. BUT - I've never been on TOT or California Screamin' (too scared), and I am going to give it a try this visit.

I HATE drops and free falls. Does anyone think I'll still enjoy TOT?

[AliceinWonderland]

Screamin is not that scary if you can handle disneyland's mountain rides.
ToT is the only one i've been on that i do not care for. that and the maliboomer (sp) and the sun wheel (new mickey faced ferris wheel) are the only rides i sit out on

[pinkrenata]

TOT (like all Disney thrill rides) has the benefit of a cool atmosphere in addition to the ultimate drop. But it seems like the non-drop segment of the DCA version is a little shorter/less thematically rich than its Floridan counterpart. But maybe I'm wrong.

[Ting Ting]

The drops on ToT aren't too intense, but I still don't see what all the hype is about. To me, all it is is waiting in line for 45 minutes to make your stomach feel sick. But then again, it may be one of those attractions you'll want to visit just so you can say you've done it.

Also, be sure to take her on the Matterhorn at night. It's the only way to experience it, in my opinion.

EDIT: Oh, and I almost forgot! Be sure to request the front on Screamin'! Even if you have to wait a bit longer, just take my word for it.

[magicalwands]

EDIT: Oh, and I almost forgot! Be sure to request the front on Screamin'! Even if you have to wait a bit longer, just take my word for it.

No, request the back. If you want speed, the back. If you want wind, the front. At the drops, you actually slow down to a really slow speed as it waits for the other carts behind you. Or, if you go twice, go once in the back and once in the front.