1 day, does it make sense to get Park Hopper?

[BobaFettFan]

such terrible advice. I’m out.

Can we keep it kind here?

Different opinions are not a negative.

 

[VicgirlBC]

Hello,

My family of 4 (kids are adults, 20 and 18) have 1 day to go to Disneyland before we head on a cruise. Sadly the day we have is December 27th, which I know is going to be very very busy. We are planning to get to the park for rope drop. Does it make sense to get Park Hopper? We know we will not be able to go on many rides, but are just happy to have the experience. We have been to WDW in the past, but a long time ago (kids were 12 and 10 that time).

So yes to Park Hopper? If so, then which park should we start in?

Lightening Lane passes make sense, or since it's so busy, not even worth it?

Thanks for any information.

With the ages of your kids (similar to my eldest two) I say go for park hoppers with LLMP and go from rope drop to closing. There are rides in DCA that will appeal to your kids and, for me, I'd have severe FOMO if I wasn't able to park hop for my one and only day at the parks.

Read up on how to maximize your use of LLMP and modify so you can stack them for the end of the day.

I would start at DL and move on to DCA later in the day, if only to experience the magic of entering DL and seeing the castle first thing.

Have a great trip!

 

[A&Amomma]

With the ages of your kids (similar to my eldest two) I say go for park hoppers with LLMP and go from rope drop to closing. There are rides in DCA that will appeal to your kids and, for me, I'd have severe FOMO if I wasn't able to park hop for my one and only day at the parks.

Read up on how to maximize your use of LLMP and modify so you can stack them for the end of the day.

I would start at DL and move on to DCA later in the day, if only to experience the magic of entering DL and seeing the castle first thing.

Have a great trip!

Great, Thank you so much. I don't think we will be back to Disney or California even in the near future, so this advice makes sense.

 

[twodogs]

With the ages of your kids (similar to my eldest two) I say go for park hoppers with LLMP and go from rope drop to closing. There are rides in DCA that will appeal to your kids and, for me, I'd have severe FOMO if I wasn't able to park hop for my one and only day at the parks.

Read up on how to maximize your use of LLMP and modify so you can stack them for the end of the day.

I would start at DL and move on to DCA later in the day, if only to experience the magic of entering DL and seeing the castle first thing.

Have a great trip!

I agree with this 1000%. We have the same ages of kids, and they would be terribly sad to miss all of the big rides at DCA, like GOTG, Incredicoaster, RSR. My DH would be sad to miss all of their local beer selections! The food is another reason we often hop to DCA, as we love Lamplight Lounge and some of the QS places. We come 1-2 times per year from Texas, and I would not consider going without PHs. Especially on a shorter trip, because you need to have all the options each day on a shorter trip (rather than a longer trip, where if a major ride goes down, you still have plenty of other days to catch it, etc).

Since this is your only trip, you may not want “a relaxing day” as some others have mentioned, but if you do want that type of day, skip the PH. If you go a lot, then yes, a one day trip would be more relaxing and “soak it all in” if you only did DL park. But if you are trying to hit the highlights of all there is to see and do and have a busy, full day, then a PH is a must, IMO.

I agree that LL is also a must. And it becomes twice as valuable if you have a PH, since the price to add LL is the same for a 1 park per day ticket or a 1 day PH ticket; then you can book a LL on all the applicable rides in BOTH parks for $34! On very busy days, LL is very worth it, but it will be most helpful if you learn to use it to the maximum, generously using modify, and all of the tricks before you go.

Have so much fun!!

 

[vacay77]

Definitely LL but I’m going to be the minority and say to get the park hopper if you are just there for one day. My family was just there and 2 big rides were broken down at Disneyland at the same time. One of them was Space Mountain and it was closed most of the day. Matterhorn also kept breaking down (not unusual). And Big Thunder was under refurbishment (not sure for how long, it might be back up and running during your visit). With the park hopper, you’ll have more options and though I might be partial, I love the rides at DCA too. If your kids like roller coasters, they will probably like the Incredicoaster.