Subsonic Radio

I scanned through the DL topics and I don't think this is on there?!

In the event that my husband's job might send him to CA for business at the end of May, we were hoping to get over to DL?! Neither of us have ever been there, we're veterans of WDW! We're dying to check out DL. I just wanted to know how many days would we need there in order to do/see everything?!

Also, is there a huge difference btwn. the WDW Tot and the DL version? I'm a ToT nut! Thanks!

I would say about five days. Spend two days at DL and two days at DCA so you can check out as many rides as possible. And I believe there is a huge difference between the ToTs but since I've never rode the WDW version (and only heard about it on the Travel Channel), other people can vouch for that answer.

Thanks! This is a huge maybe, but I thought I would start to get some info. from my fellow Subsonicers!

WE went for five days last year! It wasnt enough, so were going again in March for five more days! One day at DCA is plenty . Have fun!!

As a WDW veteran, you will probably be a bit disappointed at the size of DL; however, the history and nostalgia should more than make up for the diminutive size of the park. You will be able to enjoy some DL exclusives like Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, The Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mickey's Toontown and others. You will also be able to compare the differences in Splash Mountain and the Haunted Mansion too! =)

I would say give yourself at least 2 days at DL and 1 day at DCA. Since DCA is under major construction/refurbishment you might be able to do that in a half day. Be sure to check out the new Disney's Grand Californian hotel and the original Disneyland Hotel.

Have a blast if you get to go!

The trip isn't looking good, but it doesn't hurt to be hopeful!!!

I was concerned about being disappointed with the size of DL, but I would just love to see the park that Walt built and walked the grounds himself. It's hallowed ground! The nostalgia would be the best part!!! There are also attractions that WDW doesn't have, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Nemo's Subarmines. I would love to compare attractions too. And all in all, it's still Disney! You can't go wrong!

Any additional info./pointers you guys have, keep it coming! Thanks!

I went to DL this past May for the first time ever. I loved it. The biggest thing I noticed right when I got there was how everything was right next to each other. DL is literally right across from DCA and right next to Downtown Disney. The next thing was noticing how tiny Sleeping Beauty's Castle is compare to Cinderella's in Florida. The park is indeed smaller than the MK, but I think it's layout makes it feel bigger. You will love New Orleans Square and the DL version of POTC will knock your socks off. Splash Mtn is different and you will get wetter in California than you will in Florida. Space Mtn is amazing and will make you wish it's WDW counterpart would go through a similar refurb. Basically, just soak it in. It was weird how quickly I was able to learn the layout of the park even though it was my first time ever there. You will feel at home and the Disney magic you are used to at WDW will definitely be there.

one difference in ToT between WDW and DLR is that DLR does not have the forward motion of the car. I believe there's a thread around here somewhere stating differences in the rides at the parks.

I've vistited DLR for 2 days at a time many times. And it was NEVER enough. If we could afford it, I'd go for 4 days. 2 days in DLR and 1 day in DCA. Then it gives us a day to waltz around downtown disney and such.

Like said above, the nostalgia at DLR plays a huge role in your stay. It's the original I promise it's worth every ounce of time and money you can invest in it

js3901 wrote:one difference in ToT between WDW and DLR is that DLR does not have the forward motion of the car. I believe there's a thread around here somewhere stating differences in the rides at the parks.

Yes, it's much shorter. I tried to explain the difference to my friend who lives in California, and she just couldnt wrap her head around it. "What do you mean the car comes OUT of the elevator shaft??" Finally, I just told her she had to ride it for herself!

Ok, I have a new DL question for all of you but I didn't feel the need to start a new thread, hopefully everyone will see this.....if we are able to make it to DL, which DL resort would you recommend?! Is it the same "Magical" feeling to stay on Disney property in DL as it in in WDW?! Or, is it just as happy to stay at one of the hotels near the parks?! Thanks!

boilerbabe wrote:Ok, I have a new DL question for all of you but I didn't feel the need to start a new thread, hopefully everyone will see this.....if we are able to make it to DL, which DL resort would you recommend?! Is it the same "Magical" feeling to stay on Disney property in DL as it in in WDW?! Or, is it just as happy to stay at one of the hotels near the parks?! Thanks!

The only one that feels like a Disney Hotel, to me that is, is the Grand Californian. But I don't think you really need to stay there. The cost per night is like a deluxe. I just need a place to stay, I prefer the Portofino for style for outside hotels. But if you need a good place to stay most of the hotels around the area are good. I do prefer hotels within walking distance of the Parks and prices lower than $110 per night (I have never paid more than this for a hotel room).

Remember this is coming from someone who just stays at the resorts in WDW just to sleep and eat breakfast at. So if you like the feel of Disney and you enjoy more of the hotels then just sleeping you might think differently.

For Resort suggestions ?

100% Disneyland hotel here. (though none are something I would ever turn down!)

I've done all three hotels. Of course One was name Disney's Pacific Hotel at the time, just after they bought it from another hotel company. Now it is Paradise Pier...

Pacific was nice, Obviously less themed than the others. (Stayed here once)

Grand Californian was very, very nice. Stayed there the first year it was open. (Stayed here once)

Disneyland Hotel. I've stayed here since the Monorail stopped there. Nice place, Disney themed, and has that classic feel to it. Comparing it with GC is kind of like the comparisons between Disneyland and Disneyworld. One is bigger and flashier, but only one has the history. That is a draw in itself. (stayed here about 12 times thus far) Can't wait to see the big mickeys again.

Thanks for the advice! So, only one DL hotel has the monorail connection and that would be the DL Hotel?! I would enjoy that! And if our budget won't allow then can someone tell me which non-DL hotels are within walking distance of the parks? We prefer Disney, but we'll have to see what the cost ends up being!

Keep the advice coming, this is unchartered territory for me!

If you want a Non-Disney hotel I can suggest about 4 different ones. I have been to 5 or 6 and will be hitting a 6th or 7th in less than 3 weeks for the DL5 (subsonicradio meet up). OK first:
Pricest/closetest to Disney theming (IMO) is the Portofino. Room rates range from $100 a night to $189 a night depending on time of year, type of room, etc.

Next is the HoJo (Howard Johnson) this is the one I will be staying at for the DL5 gathering. You can get a Disneyland view room for about $101 per night. This will be the first time staying here yes, But I have heard so many good things about this place that I feel I can put it on the list here.

A middle of the road place would be the Annabella. I say middle of the road because you don't really get much from this place, basically you get a hotel room with average amenities. My only complant is the shower is built for someone that is 5'6" and I am 6'1"........can you say head cold.........very very cold, need warm water NOW!!!!

The last one, and it is last for a reason, is the Alpine Inn. If you are just looking for a cheap place to stay that is within walking distance then this is your place. The rooms look like they haven't been renovated since the 70's and it is VERY tiny. But heck you get what you pay for with this one. And soon it won't be the a place you will want to stay at at-all, DCA will be starting its construction on Carsland so soon you will be waking up to the sounds of construction vehicles backing up and jack hammers, Front-end loaders, bulldozers, etc. Not exactly my dream morning.

So that is all I have on hotels at the moment, and the only reason the Portofino is higher on the list than the HoJo, considering how much I have heard about the HoJo, is because I haven't actually stayed at the HoJo yet and I have stayed at the Portofino. I will report back after I get back from the DL5.

Edit: Oh and the Monorail doesn't actually go to the Disneyland Hotel, it stops close to it then you have to walk, but it does go through the Grand Californian so it would feel much more like Disney with that.

I also forgot about walking distance, Ofcourse you can just go to google maps or MSN maps, but I guess I should let you know. Three fo the hotels I mentioned, Portofino, Annabella, and Alpine in are on Katella Ave. which is behind DCA. they flank (either side of) the convention center. The HoJo is to the East of Disneyland across Harbor Blvd. this is the closest to the Entrance Esplande, when walking. If you take the tram from the Timon Parking lot you have less to walk, BUT the timon parking lot will be disappearing soon with the DCA construction.