True-Life Adventureland
Disneyland for Disney World Lovers
Disneyland for Disney World Lovers
Posted Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 6:09p Pacific Time
I have two friends from North Carolina that are huge Disney World fans and will be visiting Disneyland for the very first time in a few weeks. I couldn't help but give them some really brief suggestions via e-mail as to what would be important for them to see and do at Disneyland. Not the grand overview of how the parks look and feel different, but just the pragmatic, down-to-earth stuff that's worth checking out. Here's a direct quote from my e-mail to them:
- Make dinner reservations at the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian. Easily the best restaurant at the resort, probably at any Disney resort.
- The best rides that aren't in Disney World: Indiana Jones, Roger Rabbit, and the Finding Nemo submarines. The new Tom Sawyer island, re-themed for Pirates of the Caribbean, is supposed to be cool as well.
- Over in California Adventure, California Screamin' (the roller coaster) is a can't-miss if you like roller coasters. The ferris wheel there is the scariest ride at any Disney park. I'm not kidding. You'll understand when you see it.
- There are several rides at Disneyland that aren't in Disney World. They're not all spectacular, but if you want to see something you haven't seen before they're worth checking out: Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, the Matterhorn, Monsters Inc. (over in CA Adventure), Mr. Toad, Casey Jr., Storybook Canal Boats, and the Tiki Room. Snow White's Grotto is a famous little place to hang out that isn't replicated in Orlando. Toontown is an amazing area that puts the corresponding area in Disney World to shame. And the train from Tomorrowland to Main Street takes a nice detour through the Primeval World (read: you get to see dinosaurs.)
- Pirates and Space Mountain are fairly different than the versions in Florida. Small World is a lot longer and has a nice outdoor boarding area.
- Make reservations at the Blue Bayou--lunch isn't a bad time to go there--so you can eat and watch the Pirates of the Caribbean boats float by. The Monte Cristo sandwich is rightly famous there.
So how did I do? What did I leave out? What would you have mentioned as the "can't miss" things for Disney World fans to see at Disneyland?
10 Comments • permalink • link with comments
Comments
"And that Blue Bayou is basically a casual overpriced sit-down restaurant that is much more about atmosphere than food, so lunch there is a much better experience [deal] than is dinner.)"
It's not just financially a better deal, but what can be cooler than stepping out of the sunshine into a moonlit lunch and then back into the sunshine again???!!!
Posted By davewasbaloo Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 1:15a Pacific Time
"And that Blue Bayou is basically a casual overpriced sit-down restaurant that is much more about atmosphere than food, so lunch there is a much better experience [deal] than is dinner.)"
It's not just financially a better deal, but what can be cooler than stepping out of the sunshine into a moonlit lunch and then back into the sunshine again???!!!
Posted By Inspector 57 Friday, July 13, 2007 at 6:55p Pacific Time
<<Doesn't Disney World have the Tiki Room...Under New Management?>>
Yes.
Disneyland has the original show.
Posted By Inspector 57 Friday, July 13, 2007 at 6:52p Pacific Time
Will the Disney Gallery be open when they're there? If so, a must-visit, IMHO.
If they're not staying at The Disneyland Hotel, I'd recommend making a trip over just to have a walk around the pool/courtyard complex. It's not spectacular. Rather, it's nicely designed and quite pleasant. And it offers a couple quiet and little-known areas for drinks and food. Nice alternatives to the crowded Parks and DTD eateries and bars on a summer day. (Okay, okay, the Lost Bar gets rowdy at night.) Stop into the DLH gift shop while in the vicinity.
I agree with Greg, Doobie, davewasbaloo and lesmisfan on the rest! Good suggestions! (Though I'd say that the Sun Wheel of Death isn't nearly as scary as touted. And that Blue Bayou is basically a casual overpriced sit-down restaurant that is much more about atmosphere than food, so lunch there is a much better experience [deal] than is dinner.)
Posted By gmaletic Friday, July 13, 2007 at 6:00p Pacific Time
Yes, it's here: http://www.laughingplace.com/B
logs/Maletic/View-73.asp
Posted By Dznygrl Friday, July 13, 2007 at 5:49p Pacific Time
Is this article still available? I click on the link and I get a blank page.
Posted By bethany Friday, July 13, 2007 at 12:40p Pacific Time
Doesn't Disney World have the Tiki Room...Under New Management?
Posted By lesmisfan Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 9:20p Pacific Time
and dont miss the hillbillys at the golden horseshoe or the subs!
Posted By davewasbaloo Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 10:14p Pacific Time
I agree with this list. Other unique do not misses:
Aladdin in DCA (beats all the WDW shows IMHO)
Disney's Electrical Parade should bring back great memories.
If they like Epcot - Seasons of the Vine and Golden Dreams are nice edutainment films.
Enjoy the uniqueness of a Main Street that still has a cinema and magic shop.
Be sure to grab a drink at the Hearthstone Lounge at the the Grand.
And do not miss Remember... the best pyro show at any resort.
Posted By Doobie Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 7:42p Pacific Time
I definitely second the Napa Rose recommendation. I'd also add take time to stroll Downtown Disney. While I like the choices better in Florida and the on-the-water settings, the feel of California is very nice as well and worth a stroll.
Doobie.
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