1-day experience?

[Aurora.M]

Hi everyone! So I am on a ultra thight budget and the tickets are really expensive (I'm not even adressing the housing >_>). But this is the only opportunity ever for me to discover DLCalifornia. I have read the first-timer guide, the WDWvets help threads and everything else, I still have many questions.

So, basically, I want to know if I can have an experience complete enough of both parks. I know it's crazy to think that I can do even half of it but my goal is to see the park, what is different and/or better and some shows if I can. I am French so I have been to DLParis a few times (and will go back by the end of the year, because 25th anniversary ^^), I have spent a week in WDW recently. I am a solo travelers so I have a good use of the single-riders line, fastpasses and lose no time in deciding where to go next.

Also (weird question coming), do you think I can sleep in my (rented) car? Yes, I am that broke. That's what you get for spending a year visiting the US XD. I have already done that but I want to know whether or not the security would be okay with that...
If your answers are a definitive, negative, absolute no, I might consider getting a 2-day ticket without the park-hopping option... Urgh, the sacrifices we make for Disney dreams XD.

Other question, there are different shows in both parks: which ones are not to be missed under no conditions (like World of Colors)?

 

[pblack]

Pretty sure security wouldn't let you sleep in your car. I'd maybe look into airbnb or flipkey. Depending on when you're going you might be able to find a share room/house pretty cheap. I'd definitely recommend doing a 2 day ticket, even if it just 1 park per day. You'd be able to cover a lot more ground that way. If you definitely only have one day i'd make a list of your must see's in both parks and then go from there.

 

[WonkaKid]

I definitely wouldn't sleep in your car. Most places in SoCal are wise to that are don't allow street parking between 2:00 - 5:00 a.m. Perhaps stay at a local Airbnb or try the hostel in Santa Monica (http://hilosangeles.org/)? I've stayed there many times and it's cheap, clean and awesome. Just make sure to leave super early to make the park by rope drop . Santa Monica is probably about 40 miles from the park but also the hostel is two blocks from the ocean.

Lastly, I feel strongly that DL is a much better park that DCA. In fact, in the last ten times (at least) I've visited, I've skipped DCA altogether. I wouldn't try to do two parks in one day, personally. I'd spend open to close at DL.

Hope this helps.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I agree about getting a 2 day ticket to allow for one day at each park at a more relaxed pace. Don't miss WOC, MSEP, the fireworks (RDCT -- try to get a view of the castle and Matterhorn). Soundsational is a charming parade, but MSEP has much more history at DL. Definitely see Cars Land, and try not to miss the neon lighting of Route 66 at dusk. (Ask CMs what time this will happen that day, then try to be on Rte. 66 by Flo's 5-10 minutes before that for a great view.) Please don't sleep in your car. I'm pretty sure that DLR security won't allow it (security has been tightened in recent months) and it may not be the safest thing for you. When will you be visiting?

 

[SMD]

You can't park a car overnight at DLR unless you're staying in an onsite hotel, let alone sleep in it. If you can't afford a place to stay, maybe drop the rental car from the budget and put the money towards lodging.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Depending on where you stay, there is public transportation that can get you to DLR inexpensively. For example, take a look at the OCTA bus schedules (http://www.octa.net/ebusbook/CompleteBusBook_feb2017.pdf). Route 43 would allow you to stay further away (in Garden Grove or Fullerton) for much less than it would cost to stay in Anaheim. And that route goes right by DLR. Bus fare for 2 days would cost much less than renting a car.

 

[wingednike]

Walmart used to allow RVs to park free in their lots; I do not know if that is still the case or if cars are allowed to do the same. There is a Walmart about 10 to 15 minutes away from Disney. I wouldn't recommend sleeping in your car but there's an option for you.

 

[SMD]

Walmart used to allow RVs to park free in their lots; I do not know if that is still the case or if cars are allowed to do the same. There is a Walmart about 10 to 15 minutes away from Disney. I wouldn't recommend sleeping in your car but there's an option for you.

Both WalMarts in Anaheim lease their retail space in larger centers and share their parking lot. They can't give permission to sleep in their lots. And would you like to get a rental car that someone has slept in the previous night?

OP, this may seem like the only opportunity to go to the parks, but if you can't afford to go, then this isn't your opportunity.

 

[Aurora.M]

Thanks everyone for your answers ! I'll check all the alternatives that you've mentionned. I think I'll drop the rental car like most of you advised. You have all been a great help!
I go on May 17th and 18th. Luckily, it's during the week and on value days ! New question: if I want to buy the tickets a little later, is there a risk for the prices to go up? Or are the prices fixed?

 

[WonkaKid]

New question: if I want to buy the tickets a little later, is there a risk for the prices to go up? Or are the prices fixed?

They typically only go up once a year. It wouldn't hurt to buy it now, just so you're sure you have it and you've locked-in your price. I always bring a PDF of a tix on my phone as well as a printed version, so there's a backup. The last thing you want is trouble at the last minute.

Good luck with the trip! Hope it works out. Not sure if I mentioned this previously, but I suggest packing a small lunch, which will save you money in the park. I almost always do. You're allowed to bring a lunch but they draw the line at amounts of food that look/seem like a picnic.

I may be there on the 17th myself. Let me know if you'd like to meet up briefly to discuss some pro tips .

 

[SMD]

I think the question is, can the value day become a regular or peak day. The calendar does say subject to change, but I'm not aware of a date that has been changed after the annual calendar has been released.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

One big tip to save money is to skip buying soda and bottled water in the parks. Almost all CS places will give you free cups of ice water if you ask (as many cups as you want). This saves so much money in the long run! And you don't have to carry heavy bottles around with you, either.
Also, since you will be going on Value Days, check if it will be cheaper to buy 2 single one park tickets (one for each park) than to buy a 2 day one park ticket. Someone in another post said that she saved $15 total buying the tickets separately.

 

[Aurora.M]

Thank you everyone! As usual when I have doubts regarding Disney trips I can always find great advice here! I think I'll manage now , you have all been a fantastic help!

One big tip to save money is to skip buying soda and bottled water in the parks. Almost all CS places will give you free cups of ice water if you ask (as many cups as you want). This saves so much money in the long run!

It is not my habit to buy bottled water or soda, though I noticed living in the US for a year that people here do that... I guess this is just one of those many differences between France and the US. ^^ I always just bring my own snacks and water that I can fill up in the park and eat without having to wait in yet another line XD.
But you are right, people spend so much money on water it's crazy!