1 1/2 day single park or 1 day hopper?

[ebenmax]

Our family will be in Disneyland for part of Wednesday, May 30 (probably could get to the parks by 3:00) and all of Thursday, 31st. We are trying to decide if we should get park tickets for both days, 1 park per day or rest the first day with the full hopper on the 31st. We would choose California Adventure for the partial day.
I’m also wondering if Max Pass would be of any help on a late partial day. I’m guessing most of the main attractions wouldn’t have any FPs left by 3:00.
This is not our first time at the parks, but it is for our 1 yr. old grandson.
Any thoughts would be appreciated...

 

[smartlabelprint]

I’d go both days. No maxpass in DCA. Just use regular fp if there are some left.

 

[ebenmax]

Thanks for your input. One of the reasons I’d like to do both days is to see both parks’ nightime attractions. I’d hate to choose between new fireworks or World of Color/Paint the Night.

 

[ebenmax]

I’d go both days. No maxpass in DCA. Just use regular fp if there are some left.

If I buy 2 day tickets early online, can I buy one with Max pass and one day without or is it all or nothing?

 

[gottalovepluto]

If I buy 2 day tickets early online, can I buy one with Max pass and one day without or is it all or nothing?

All or none but you could but just one day once you're at the parks. MP in DCA is not much use after 3pm since most of the food stuff is gone.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

All or none but you could but just one day once you're at the parks. MP in DCA is not much use after 3pm since most of the food stuff is gone.

lol. I assume you mean good stuff and not food stuff and I agree. Likely after 3 PM, RSR fastpasses will be gone. Guardians and Toy Story ones may also be gone. Screamin' may still be closed those dates and if so wouldn't be a factor. The only thing Maxpass could end up doing is giving access to fastpasses when they are gone for the day for the non-Maxpass guest if you are fortunate enough to come across some that have been returned. I probably wouldn't make the $10 per person investment though in the hopes of that working out.

 

[ebenmax]

All or none but you could but just one day once you're at the parks. MP in DCA is not much use after 3pm since most of the food stuff is gone.

That’s one of the reasons I’m not sure it’s worth it to buy the two day pass. DH will refuse to wait in line for much past 15 mins. (He’s been FP spoiled), so I’m not sure what will be best. I do want to see WOC and PtN, but we would definitely also want to ride some of the main attractions too without major wait times...Hmmm
Decisions, decisions!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

That’s one of the reasons I’m not sure it’s worth it to buy the two day pass. DH will refuse to wait in line for much past 15 mins. (He’s been FP spoiled), so I’m not sure what will be best. I do want to see WOC and PtN, but we would definitely also want to ride some of the main attractions too without major wait times...Hmmm
Decisions, decisions!

Since you have a 1-year-old, how late will you be staying? I think it would be worth to walk around the park, especially at night, have a nice dinner, see Paint the Night and World of Color and go on whatever rides you can. If you're planning on staying late and arrive around 3:00 you might be able to snag fastpasses for Soarin, Guardians, Grizzy River Rapids and possibly TSMM. Probably not Radiator Springs Racers, but you never know. Plus you can always try the single rider line on that one. You can probably get on the other two rides in Cars Land without too long a wait. Little Mermaid and Monsters Inc will be great for the 1-year-old as well as Bugs Land.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

I would easily choose the 2 days option. seeing WOC and the parade will be a great experience, and a fun way to start your trip. You could do single rider or rider swap to get on the bigger rides, since someone will have to stay back with the one year old anyway. Enjoy a great meal together and take in the atmosphere. It will be way more enjoyable compared to trying to see it all in one day.

 

[disneylover102]

I would do 1 1/2 days there. You might be able to get some Fastpasses at CA and have some short waits. At 3:00, Guardians might still be available, and Soarin’, Toy Story Mania, Goofy’s Sky School, and Incricoaster (if open yet) would probably still be available. Disneyland has more to do. If you spend 1 day for both parks, you’ll have less time and have to worry about 2 parks. 1 1/2 days you’ll only have to worry about 1 park per day which is much more relaxing. And if you need a nap, it’ll be easier if you only have to worry about 1 park.

 

[gottalovepluto]

lol. I assume you mean good stuff and not food stuff and I agree. Likely after 3 PM, RSR fastpasses will be gone. Guardians and Toy Story ones may also be gone. Screamin' may still be closed those dates and if so wouldn't be a factor. The only thing Maxpass could end up doing is giving access to fastpasses when they are gone for the day for the non-Maxpass guest if you are fortunate enough to come across some that have been returned. I probably wouldn't make the $10 per person investment though in the hopes of that working out.

You obviously haven't been to the parks in a while. DCA runs out of food about 3pm, by 3:45pm even the vendors are sold out. Gives DL an excuse to jack up the food prices just in time for dinner, sometimes mid-bite!

 

[Cactus girl]

I vote for 2 days and I would go ahead and get MaxPass. I’m frugal. I thought it would be a waste, but after the last trip, I am 100% sold on MP. I would agree that is is probably easier to get FPs at DL when doing a late arrival, but you just never know. One thought would be to book the dessert party for the night you arrive. That way you could have a very relaxed (and non-crowded) view of WOC.