{"id":51716,"date":"2017-02-14T12:00:52","date_gmt":"2017-02-14T17:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=51716"},"modified":"2022-04-12T13:24:44","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T17:24:44","slug":"disneyland-for-walt-disney-world-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/disneyland-for-walt-disney-world-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"One Day Highlights of Disneyland for Walt Disney World Veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"One-day<\/p>\n

One of the most common question I see posted in Disney World forums, Disney Facebook groups, and on Disney blogs goes something like this:<\/p>\n

\n

“I’m going to be in Southern California for a wedding\/business trip\/reunion\/etc. I’ve never been to Disneyland, but I’ll have one day to visit the parks. Help me!”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Even if you can only spare one day, you can accomplish quite a bit.\u00a0You have one very large advantage: the Disneyland Resort area is compact, more like Universal Orlando’s two theme parks and City Walk than the Walt Disney World Resort. Disneyland also has a number of rides and shows that are unique.<\/p>\n

Another bonus of this maybe-spontaneous side trip: Disneyland requires much, much less planning. Dining reservations can be made mere weeks in advance, and Disneyland still uses paper FastPasses given on the spot.<\/p>\n

A few basic thoughts\u00a0before we sample an itinerary:<\/p>\n

Have a flexible plan.<\/strong> Download the Disneyland app<\/a> for up-to-the-minute wait times and FastPass availability. Be\u00a0sure you know\u00a0park hours and entertainment times for your must-dos.\u00a0Make any dining reservations.<\/p>\n

Be there early.<\/strong> If you only get one day, make the most of it. Try to arrive at one of Disneyland’s parking areas<\/a> an hour before the park opens in order to take a tram\/bus and clear security. The front areas of both parks will be open before rope drop for you to look around and take in the details.<\/p>\n

Priorities.<\/strong> Skip the rides that are identical or close to their Disney World counterparts. That means you may walk by\u00a0fan favorites like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Toy Story Mania in favor of attractions you can’t get on the East Coast.<\/p>\n

\"One-day<\/p>\n

Fold in the entertainment.<\/strong> Depending on\u00a0showtimes and your preferences, you can fit in Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, the Soundsational parade, Mickey and the Magical Map, or smaller atmosphere shows. Grab a Times Guide on your way in.<\/p>\n

It’s all about the details.<\/strong> If your “best day ever” would be\u00a0racing from roller coaster to roller coaster, you can do that anywhere. But if you’re bothering to take time away from a trip to sneak off to Disneyland, you’re probably interested in what makes Disneyland special and different. So even in a single-day rush, take time to slow down and appreciate the charm and history while you’re walking around.<\/p>\n

Here’s a very basic touring plan\u00a0with one-day highlights of Disneyland for WDW veterans. You should have plenty of time to add in other attractions, snacks<\/a>, and shows as opportunities present<\/p>\n