I am guessing the whole time near this holiday will be extremely busy, but will it be less busy the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) or the day after Thanksgiving weekend (Monday)?
I find it really strange how little information there is compared to Disney World. The times Disneyland are going to be open haven't even been announced yet! And there doesn't seem to be as many 'die hard' fans with strong opinions on what to see or do either, so if anyone has any tips on restaurants or anything that would be really helpful. I got so many great tips that really helped me out for my Disney World/Universal trip from a variety of places (mainly from here, but from more specific websites too), anyone know any good websites for Disneyland?
Thanks
As for rides, the Etickets are 'must dos'. these include Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain. The list is debatable for some, I also include Pirates and Haunted Mansion. However, with crowds these rides can have very long lines. If you have already been to WDW and the lines are terribly long that day, you can skip Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Thunder Mountain as these are basically the same as their florida siblings. Pretty much every single ride at Disneyland is a must do, the only things I would skip would be the treehouse, gadget's go coaster in toontown, innoventions, dumbo, and astro orbitor.
In the freak chance that there aren't crowds and you have extra time, I suggest riding the train, the mark twain or columbia boats, and all the little rides in fantasyland.
Fastpasses are your friend. Aquire new ones whenever you can. Even if you may not use the pass, pick it up. You can use it anytime after the start time.
What kind of places do you prefer to eat? Disneyland has a large variety of types of service, though the variety of food is slim.
I hope I helped in some way, if you have any questions or anything else you want advice on feel free to ask me.
I've now booked a stay in the Grand Californian for two nights (Sunday and Monday) as a treat. I've never stayed on any Disney property before. It does mean I'll be at the theme park for two days, I'm looking forward to Pirates and Space Mountain the most. Pirates because I just don't get the WDW version and why it's popular and Space Mountain as a comparison to the DLRP and the WDW. Also as a coaster fan I'll probably try and go on California Screamin' more than once.
I was more curious as to why there are less resources for Disneyland and it seems that's been answered. I guess us foreigners are more inclined to go to WDW as it is very well advertised. Especially in the UK, in fact it's probably the dream destination of most people with families over here.
Dining wise I'm pretty laid back and like most cuisines. I was hoping to make a reservation at Napa Rose and maybe Cafe Orleans. Other than that I've had a little look but haven't been 'inspired'. Napa Rose seems like nobody has a bad word about it (except the price, which seems more than justified to me) and Cafe Orleans had a couple of the things on the menu that looked like things I couldn't get at home. I know it won't be proper Creole food, but it looks like a good start for me as I've never been to New Orleans. If there's anything, snack, counter service or table service you particularly like then I'm all ears.
I have a theory on why Disneyland is less popular/less advertised. Disneyland was Walt's park, and it's focus is more on the theming and environment than on tourism. Disney doesn't want to advertise it to tourists because too many tourists will spoil the magic. Instead, they push all the tourists to the more spacious and commercialized Disneyworld and keep all the die hard fans at Disneyland who will respect the park and keep the atmosphere magical and the park looking nice. But that's merely my theory
with Disneyland, most hotels are owned outside of Disney. so people don't spend 7 days just near disneyworld. they go Knott or Hollywood or other So Cal attractions. Disney can't keep all the tourist time and money to disney only events.
