Disneyland

[Amigorick]

Hello,
I know that this is a Walt Disney World site primarily, but my wife and I will be in San Diego in May and I could not miss the opportunity to visit the birthplace of where it all began !! I am looking for tip, tricks and other suggestions for our trip. We may, unfortunately, be able to go only for a day. Is that enough time to visit Disneyland and California Adventure? Some of the rides and attractions are not "have to's", but some surely are !! We will probably go for the attractions that are not replicated at WDW first. I don't know if the attractions at both parks are similar enough that we should focus more on the others or not. Space Mountain is a must, as is the Matterhorn for sure !! I have been looking on Ebay and amusing myself that there could be a couple of tickets / admissions to Club 33. It would be cool to eat there as this is our fifth wedding anniversary, but I am sure we can find plenty of other places to eat. I have spoken to other guests while at WDW who lived in California and had been to Disneyland numerous times. They said that Disneyland could be done in a day, but I am not so sure !! Any help or ideas would be appreciated !!

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

I would recommend both parks with most of your time in DLR, but do try to grab a dinner show for World of Color at DCA

[FritzTiki]

I think it's possible to do both parks in one day if you want, you will have to be a little selective but it isn't completely unreasonable. I would DEFINITELY hit up Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Carribbean, the Original Tiki Room ( far superior to the characterized version at Magic Kingdom) as well as The Haunted Mansion ( also superior in my opinion). If you like some classics they still have at Disneyland and not in the Magic Kingdom you could always hit up 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. At DCA I did enjoy their version of Toy Story Mania as well as Soarin and California Screamin was a great coaster, I thought the Tower of Terror was much better at MGM Studios though. World of Color was not operating yet during my last visit so I can't comment on that. As far as dining goes, you could try eating at the Blue Bayou, great ambience/ decent food. Good luck and have fun!

[WDW4Ever]

One day is possible with doing very little. I personally like Disneyland better than WDW. By a lot. World of Color is definitely the must-see thing there. Regardless of coast, it's the best nighttime show out there. Most of DCA will (should) be under fairly heavy construction. I was there just last August and am going again this August.

My recommendations for Disneyland with limited time while going commando:
Pirates of the Caribbean. WDW version pales in comparison to DL.
ToonTown is the BEST in Disneyland. I like to just walk around. Same goes with New Orleans Square.
Matterhorn
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Storybook Land
and the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough.

DCA:
The Bakery tour is quick, informative, and relatively interesting.
Grizzly River Run
California Screamin'
Mickey's Fun Wheel (if time. It is a pretty long ride with a fairly short wait but has some great views; especially of Cars Land)
Tower of Terror (similar, but not identical to Hollywood Studios)
Soarin' (this can be nixed because it's identical to Epcot if you like, interesting to see it in the original context though.)
Animation Academy
and WORLD OF COLOR! Biggest recommendation I have.

[little grammy]

I would be careful about EBAy and Club 33 reservations.

[20K]

If you like some classics they still have at Disneyland and not in the Magic Kingdom you could always hit up 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

But bearing in mind of course that Toad only has one track and Submarine Voyage now bears little resemblence to the former Disney submarine attractions. That said, I can't wait to go there and do a Magic Kingdom nostalgia trip.

[NOS]

Disneylander since the 70's. My recommendations are:

Disneyland-
Carnation Cafe (For Breakfast)
Penny Arcade
Enchanted Tiki Room
Indiana Jones
Bengal Barbeque (Snack)
All Of New Orleans Square
Pirates
Blue Bayou (For Lunch or Dinner)
Sailing Ship Columbia (If In Operation)
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Storybookland Canal Boats
Alice in Wonderland
Mr. Toad
Matterhorn
All of Toontown
Submarine Voyage
Space Mountain

DCA-
Monsters Inc.
Alladdin Stage Show
California Screamin'
Toy Story Mania (No 100 hour Wait :-))
Soarin (Ditto)
World of Color

Napa Rose (At The Grand Californian For A Late Dinner)

To name a few.