1 day in DCA-highlights or can we hit it all?

[abookworm]

We did DL in 2 days last March and saw/rode most everything we wanted but missed a few things so we're going back in Dec
We will only have 1 day in DL and I want to do 1 day in DCA since we didn't go there at all last time. I'm fine with just having 1 day in DL to hit the things we missed and the favorites.
But can we get everything in DCA in one day? Or should we plan for highlights then see what else we can fit in. I know they close earlier too-I think we'l be there on a Wednesday (Dec).
We're talking littles too-kids ages 3,6,9 so I know we'll hit Flik's area and the Monsters Inc thing.
Thoughts on how to work DCA?
Thanks

 

[minniecarousel]

You can def do DCA in one day. Try to do Soarin' over California first thing (even snag a FP for later). Not sure if you're going to want to do Tower of Terror with little ones - but that's the other big ride. Gotta do It's a Bug's Life & Muppets 3D. The Rapids (water ride) may be too cold for December. December is a great time to go - it's decorated for the holidays!

 

[biolabetty]

The problem with DCA is there are too many rides that small children really can't go on due to height requirements. We've done the rider switch thing at Soarin' because one of our children was too small. We usually end up doing DCA in about 3 hours since there is so little for them to really ride on. Bugs Land doesn't take very long, Monsters hasn't had very long lines lately.

Our kids aren't ready for TOT, too scary for them. California Screamin' is another ride that needs a fastpass, but once again there is a height requirement. Just to be safe, I would doublecheck with the Disneyland.com website and find out what the height requirements are. It's no fun to plan a day there only to find out your kids can't go on anything.

 

[abookworm]

Actually, I'd be fine if we were only there a half day-that means more time at DL
We would like to see more shows this time too since we only saw 1 last time so maybe that will take a bit more time in both parks.

 

[Hound 109]

We did DL in 2 days last March and saw/rode most everything we wanted but missed a few things so we're going back in Dec
We will only have 1 day in DL and I want to do 1 day in DCA since we didn't go there at all last time. I'm fine with just having 1 day in DL to hit the things we missed and the favorites.
But can we get everything in DCA in one day? Or should we plan for highlights then see what else we can fit in. I know they close earlier too-I think we'l be there on a Wednesday (Dec).
We're talking littles too-kids ages 3,6,9 so I know we'll hit Flik's area and the Monsters Inc thing.
Thoughts on how to work DCA?
Thanks

Assuming you have 2 full days at DLR, I would be at DL rope drop each morning, spend a couple of hours there (picking up FPs & riding FL rides).

I would "hop" over to DCA each morning at 10ish each morning (again picking up FPs - start with Soarin' & Griz).

Spend 3-4 hours each day at DCA (& have lunch) prior to taking your afternoon break & then go back to DL in the evening (unless you want to go back to DCA).

With your aged kiddos, the following are "do not miss":

- Soarin'
- Griz Rapids
- The Redwood Trail
- All of the Bugs Life Rides
- Tough to be a Bug
- Alladin Show - A Must!!
- Monsters
- Crush
- Muppets

Perhaps Screamin (& ToT) for the older kids & alot nice little carnival type rides around the pier. (Jellyfish, Carousel etc.)

What hotel are you staying in?

Have fun.


hound

 

[mariezp]

I would think you could get it done in half a day. In addition to the ones mentioned above, my DD, who will be turning 7 this year also has always enjoyed the carousel and Playhouse Disney. You can put to use the switch pass system or if you don't mind splitting up that would speed things along.... such as take the younger ones on the carousel while the older one does Soaring, or Playhouse Disney/Animation Studio or even Redwood Trail /GRR.

 

[abookworm]

With your aged kiddos, the following are "do not miss":

- Soarin'
- Griz Rapids
- The Redwood Trail
- All of the Bugs Life Rides
- Tough to be a Bug
- Alladin Show - A Must!!
- Monsters
- Crush
- Muppets

Perhaps Screamin (& ToT) for the older kids & alot nice little carnival type rides around the pier. (Jellyfish, Carousel etc.)

What hotel are you staying in?

Have fun.


hound

Good list, we'll be sure to hit those and the jellyfish ride looks cool.

We are booked at the HoJo again but I'm still looking