Awesome!! Getting a world AP next time!!! Going to be a fun year 
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Disneyland and DCA both open at 8am. Is Disneyland like MK where you can hang on main street an Hour early? I know there is no early entry. I guess I’m wondering what time should I be scanning in and getting there at?
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Yes. Procedures have changed recently since they did away with EE, but by my recollection, they start letting people through security around 7:15am, through taps at ~7:30am, and through the rope at 8:00am. I would arrive around 7:15 at security if you want to be ahead of the bulk of the crowd or 7:30 if you are ok being more in the middle of the pack. You will need to account for travel time depending on where you’re coming from.
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Thank you, we are coming from the Disneyland Hotel. So if we leave by 7:00, should be in a good spot.
Where is the rope at Disneyland? Same thing past the castle and by the lands?
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I think there will be three main areas for RD. One in front of the castle, one going into TL, and one heading into FL and SWGE. Maybe also a place to head into Adventureland as well. But all centered around the hub.
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Very helpful! Thank you!
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And actually the one in front of the castle is actually two parts - one on each side of the hub.
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Oh, and this is supposed to read Frontierland not Fantasy Land!
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Ok, I think I’ll try to go through the castle. Heading to toon town! High on the toddlers list!
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Thank you everyone- we had a fantastic two day trip to Disneyland. If you’re on the fence on visiting— just go! We kept our expectations low and we were blown away. I wrote down a few things I really liked about Disneyland.
Getting lightening lanes was easy. Hotel restaurants stayed open later- and stores plus the parks. Loved all of the dark rides we don’t have at WDW. Alice and wonderland was a fave. I also loved riding toads- used to love that one. Roaming characters were amazing! So casual to just grab a picture! Toon town with my toddler was amazing- wish we had that! He still talks about it. The chip and dales roller coaster (his first coaster) and the playground. Room service at the hotel- we stayed at Disneyland hotel. Radiator Springs and Indiana Jones! So great! New Orleans square- so cool.
A few things I missed… I didn’t see anyone else using magic bands. I’m sure there must of been some but didnt see that. They make it so easy to go around the park, so I don’t get that. I missed using it to charge back to the hotel and as a room key. The overall bubble feel of Disneyworld. Where were the groups of matching shirts? I’m not a matching shirt family but I do love that whole “we are on vacation”vibe I get at WDW. Last thing more personal to my family, finding GF food was a bit tougher. Room service did have GF pizza so that was a win. But in the parks it is not as easy as WDW- really have to talk to every chef to see what they can do for you. Which is fine but just a difference.
We LOVED Disneyland- it really is magical there. I thought it would be a one and done, but we are excited to visit again.
Thanks for all your help- I would have been lost!
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Glad you had such a great time!
I agree the bubble feel of WDW is unique, and MBs are part of that. Disneyland is more of a locals park that out-of-towners get to experience, so a lot of the logistical stuff is different, but it’s got a charm all its own.
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Okay yes— we were wondering if it was mostly a locals park. But how cool is that to have that as your local park?!? Makes sense.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m getting excited to see it for the first time, in October. 
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You must have just hit it on a day where they are few and far between. I see them often, and can’t keep myself from thinking, “Tourists!”
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I love hearing this from WDW regulars. Disneyland has a unique charm. I think a big part of that, aside from what you described, is that so many of the guests are local pass holders that there is a relaxed vibe: people go so often that they are not stressed to get it all done. It’s kind of like visiting a local city park, but with endless bells and whistles, and the only ones taking up the park benches are those just sitting for a spell.
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Yea it felt like peoples favorite hang out spot. Pretty cool vibe.
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