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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
It seems that everyone goes to Disney World but has anyone been to the one in CA?
How is it?
Smaller? Less insanity?
More of just a smaller park feel?
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Posted 5/20/15 10:05 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
I went years ago, like 14 years, it reminded me of magic kingdom... they also have california adventure there too but when i went they were building it so i can't comment how it is.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:29 AM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
I've been, but about 10 years ago now. It is smaller and less insanity as far as the planning aspect. It's fun for sure, but for me it is not a vacation unto itself. I'd combine it with other things in the LA area, especially since it's such a hike from here.
IMO, nothing can compare to Disney World.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:32 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
So the reason I ask is kind of two fold.
I dread the thought of going to Disney. Always have. I would love for my DD to experience it, but I just can't spend my hard earned vacation on a trip with that much stress and insanity. I physically cannot. I tried and ended up booking a luxury resort on the gulf coast instead. Which was amazing by the way.
So I am thinking if like you said, I could combine it with a great trip to California ( I have never been there) it might be more tolerable
PLUS, if the park has the feel of Disney and she can see the characters etc, yet it's smaller, less insane, and easy to plan, well that's a win/win.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:45 AM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
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ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
I went a longggggg time ago. From what i remember. Its totally do able in one day. My family took a bus tour ..started in San francisco and ended in Anaheim. It was one of the best memories of a vacation I have. Im like you, the thought of Fla disney is overwhelming and mind boggling lol.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:49 AM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
We went in October. I HIGHLY recommend it for you since I think you are anti-Disney!
We really loved it. There are two parks, and they are right across from each other. The hotels are all right across the street, and Downtown Disney is on the other side of the parks. You totally get the Disney feel without all of the madness of having to plan out your fastpasses and dining reservations months in advance, and once you park at the hotel you can walk everywhere. I can give you a lot of tips if you decide to go - just FM me.
As the PP said, it's not a whole vacation, but you could do 2-3 days there. There is a HoJo nearby with a cute pool and splash park that looked fun, but was booked when we went. We spent one day with our friends who live out there, one day at Knotts Berry Farm, and 2 days at Disney and wished we had another 2 days there - one more for Disney and one more to sight see in LA.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:49 AM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by NervousNell
So the reason I ask is kind of two fold.
I dread the thought of going to Disney. Always have. I would love for my DD to experience it, but I just can't spend my hard earned vacation on a trip with that much stress and insanity. I physically cannot. I tried and ended up booking a luxury resort on the gulf coast instead. Which was amazing by the way.
So I am thinking if like you said, I could combine it with a great trip to California ( I have never been there) it might be more tolerable
PLUS, if the park has the feel of Disney and she can see the characters etc, yet it's smaller, less insane, and easy to plan, well that's a win/win.
I just posted, but Disneyland is perfect for you. They have the characters and rides and it is way less intense than planning for Disneyworld.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:50 AM |
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luvbuffet
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 6470 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
i went 2 yrs ago. i hated it. waste of time and money. I guess if you have young kids is OK but I wouldnt go again.
just read what you wrote. it will be perfect for you. def go to santa monica pier. i did a weekend trip in la..1 day was disney the other day was spent in santa monica,and shopping at thirft stores and fred segal.
whatever you do, go here for breakfast http://www.huckleberrycafe.com/menu.html
best breakfast ive had in my entire life
( croque monsier with duck and a corn muffin with fresh rosemary spriggs cheddar and bacon )
Message edited 5/20/2015 11:00:29 AM.
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:55 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by luvbuffet
i went 2 yrs ago. i hated it. waste of time and money. I guess if you have young kids is OK but I wouldnt go again
Trust me that is how I feel as well about ANY Disney.
I get chills and hives just thinking about it. 
However, since I am now a mom, I kind of feel like if I don't take DD at some point, I might have CPS called on me.
So I am trying to make it as painless as possible!
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| Posted 5/20/15 10:59 AM |
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luvbuffet
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 6470 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
lol!!!! my bfs cousin lives in Israel and is here this weekend staying with us. We were discussing where we will vacation together with kids (when we have them)-- my bf and his cousin travel all over the world together--
so i jokingly said DISNEY!! everyone cringed lol
i was joking but then I said Tokyo Disney and suddenly it didnt seem so bad
best of luck, gurrllll  
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| Posted 5/20/15 11:03 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
We were going to go last Summer, but didn't end up doing it. It's small (which is probably perfect for you), very expensive, and I've read it's very crowded.
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| Posted 5/20/15 12:18 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by BargainMama
We were going to go last Summer, but didn't end up doing it. It's small (which is probably perfect for you), very expensive, and I've read it's very crowded.
We went in October and it wasn't crowded at all. Just check the calendar and make sure there is no event when you plan to go. We did the Halloween party - it was just ok, and that got really crowded. Otherwise we had no issues with crowds.
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| Posted 5/20/15 12:31 PM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
What about a short Disney Cruise (or a long one)
DH and I are luxury snobs - and while the Disney Cruise Ship isn't a 5 star resort hotel, it's prett close.
All of the characters are there, all of the 'Disney' themed stuff is there - the shoes are seriously Broadway quality, the food is excellent, and, if you don't go at a crazy peak time of year, I'm sure it's very relaxed. You can do as much, or as little as you want.
We went the beginning of June last year and the ship was pakced, but never felt uncomfortably crowded.
All of the princesses are accounted for (I have boys so they didn't care) and all you have to 'book' is the cruise, and your flight.
No worrying about where/when to eat dinner, fast passing rides etc.
Message edited 5/20/2015 3:19:51 PM.
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| Posted 5/20/15 3:19 PM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by MarisaK
What about a short Disney Cruise (or a long one)
DH and I are luxury snobs - and while the Disney Cruise Ship isn't a 5 star resort hotel, it's prett close.
All of the characters are there, all of the 'Disney' themed stuff is there - the shoes are seriously Broadway quality, the food is excellent, and, if you don't go at a crazy peak time of year, I'm sure it's very relaxed. You can do as much, or as little as you want.
We went the beginning of June last year and the ship was pakced, but never felt uncomfortably crowded.
All of the princesses are accounted for (I have boys so they didn't care) and all you have to 'book' is the cruise, and your flight.
No worrying about where/when to eat dinner, fast passing rides etc.
They are also beginning to leave out of NY in 2016!!
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| Posted 5/20/15 3:46 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by MarisaK
What about a short Disney Cruise (or a long one)
DH and I are luxury snobs - and while the Disney Cruise Ship isn't a 5 star resort hotel, it's prett close.
All of the characters are there, all of the 'Disney' themed stuff is there - the shoes are seriously Broadway quality, the food is excellent, and, if you don't go at a crazy peak time of year, I'm sure it's very relaxed. You can do as much, or as little as you want.
We went the beginning of June last year and the ship was pakced, but never felt uncomfortably crowded.
All of the princesses are accounted for (I have boys so they didn't care) and all you have to 'book' is the cruise, and your flight.
No worrying about where/when to eat dinner, fast passing rides etc.
This is definitely an option that I am going to look into as well
I hear they are going to be leaving from NY as well soon
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| Posted 5/20/15 4:01 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by MarisaK
What about a short Disney Cruise (or a long one)
DH and I are luxury snobs - and while the Disney Cruise Ship isn't a 5 star resort hotel, it's prett close.
All of the characters are there, all of the 'Disney' themed stuff is there - the shoes are seriously Broadway quality, the food is excellent, and, if you don't go at a crazy peak time of year, I'm sure it's very relaxed. You can do as much, or as little as you want.
We went the beginning of June last year and the ship was pakced, but never felt uncomfortably crowded.
All of the princesses are accounted for (I have boys so they didn't care) and all you have to 'book' is the cruise, and your flight.
No worrying about where/when to eat dinner, fast passing rides etc.
This is definitely an option that I am going to look into as well
I hear they are going to be leaving from NY as well soon
We have done 3 Disney cruises, and while you do get the Disney feel, it doesn't hold a candle to the parks to me.
It isn't true that there is no planning - you now need to wait in a super long line when you get on board to get tickets for Disney Jr characters, Anna and Elsa and the Princess gathering. The shows are good, but they are not all great. The food on the ships is terrible, and the pools are tiny. You also are constantly checking the Navigator for things to do, so you do have to plan your day somewhat. Don't get me wrong, I love the cruises, but Disney parks is just so much more for the kids.
I really think Disneyland is a better option for you - you get the rides and the characters (do the meals so you don't have to wait in line) and you don't have to do fastpasses in advance. You can come and go since the hotels are across the street, and you can do a vacation that isn't just Disney by sight seeing in LA.
I promise that when you see your DD with Mickey Mouse you will no longer be a Disney hater! My kids ask me almost every day to go back to Disney. I will say that when I ask 4yo DD if she would rather go back to Disneyland, Disneyworld or on the cruise she never wavers in her response - it is Disneyworld every time.
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| Posted 5/20/15 5:00 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Posted by dlj97
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by MarisaK
What about a short Disney Cruise (or a long one)
DH and I are luxury snobs - and while the Disney Cruise Ship isn't a 5 star resort hotel, it's prett close.
All of the characters are there, all of the 'Disney' themed stuff is there - the shoes are seriously Broadway quality, the food is excellent, and, if you don't go at a crazy peak time of year, I'm sure it's very relaxed. You can do as much, or as little as you want.
We went the beginning of June last year and the ship was pakced, but never felt uncomfortably crowded.
All of the princesses are accounted for (I have boys so they didn't care) and all you have to 'book' is the cruise, and your flight.
No worrying about where/when to eat dinner, fast passing rides etc.
This is definitely an option that I am going to look into as well
I hear they are going to be leaving from NY as well soon
We have done 3 Disney cruises, and while you do get the Disney feel, it doesn't hold a candle to the parks to me.
It isn't true that there is no planning - you now need to wait in a super long line when you get on board to get tickets for Disney Jr characters, Anna and Elsa and the Princess gathering. The shows are good, but they are not all great. The food on the ships is terrible, and the pools are tiny. You also are constantly checking the Navigator for things to do, so you do have to plan your day somewhat. Don't get me wrong, I love the cruises, but Disney parks is just so much more for the kids.
I really think Disneyland is a better option for you - you get the rides and the characters (do the meals so you don't have to wait in line) and you don't have to do fastpasses in advance. You can come and go since the hotels are across the street, and you can do a vacation that isn't just Disney by sight seeing in LA.
I promise that when you see your DD with Mickey Mouse you will no longer be a Disney hater! My kids ask me almost every day to go back to Disney. I will say that when I ask 4yo DD if she would rather go back to Disneyland, Disneyworld or on the cruise she never wavers in her response - it is Disneyworld every time.
Thanks for all the advice and tips!
I am not a huge cruise fan anymore myself but I thought, maybe it would be easier than the park.
The reason I am a Disney hater is because of how it has become. When we were kids we went once and it was NOTHING like this.
It is almost like a cult now- the websites, the message boards the terminology, the hand out for money at every turn. Fast pases, magic bands, what the freak is all that? the insanity of it all. It turns me off. It's way too much work.
I feel like Disney has turned from something that was meant for kids into this HUGE evil empire of money making. The price of admission to the park alone makes me want to vomit and boycott them.
I am ONLY doing this for my DD. I would love to tell them to shove it and not give them a penny of my money, but much like a lot of things, you have to sacrifice your own feelings for your kids.
So I am sure she will love it and I will love seeing her happy.
We are going to look into Disney LAND for next year maybe.
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| Posted 5/20/15 5:06 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Has anyone ever been to Disney LAND in California?
Disneyland would be a great choice as it is a tiny version of wdw. Great for say 2-3 days. I went before they built the other park. You can always just go to any Disney park, and just go with the flow you never have to plan. Just in my personal experience I prefer to see more, and stand around less in line so I plan. But if you don't care so much about seeing it all you can just show up and go. I remember going to wdw several times growing up. You are right, no FPs, no advance planning like today. I do remember as a child in the early 80s waiting 2 hours for rides like 20,000 leagues under the sea. I will say I at first hated the thought of FP+ but was surprised that it actually let us sleep in, show up later to the parks and run around less with 5 mins on the computer.
See I find Disney less annoying than say a park like great adventure but everyone has their favorites. I would say if you are not a Disney fan you should probably not try the cruise. If you don't love cruising and don't love Disney, you are stuck on a ship for several days with no escape. I would choose Disneyland instead. Plan a nice long California trip. Get a TA to book the Disney portion so you do NOTHING. Plan say 2-3 days at one of the local or Disney hotels, let your child get her Disney fix, you could hit the spa while she is at the parks if need be. But if you pair it with say some time in LA, San Diego and San Franscico it will only be a small portion of your overall trip. Just a warning. I know a few moms who swore they hated Disney, went saying they would rather be tortured than go, and ended up actually really enjoying their kids reactions, that they "gasp" planned another trip 2 years later. But even if you do hate it, at least you have the rest of the trip to look forward to if you go to Disneyland.
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| Posted 5/20/15 7:51 PM |
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