2 Days in Feb., driving in each day-Advice and park hopper thoughts?

[ChrisBB-8]

Howdy All!

We're going to be visiting my wife's aunt in February, who lives in Hacienda Heights. I have convinced my kind and loving wife (who is not yet a Disney fanatic) to spend two days at DL & DCA (2/17 & 2/18) with her mom, our 7 yr old daughter and 11 yr old son. We've been to WDW twice with the kids, and I was a "little" out of control with the touring planning, but we did see a lot, so I would be open to touring advice and we will be using touring plans. Both WDW trips were under the old FP system, so I'm delighted that this is how FPs still work in CA.


Google maps says that the 17 mile drive should take us 30 minutes. Any thoughts from locals as to how accurate this is? Official park hours haven't yet been released, but it looks like both parks will open at 10am.

We want to be there for RD, so with driving and parking would 8am be a reasonable time to leave for the park?

I've read that a lot of people endorse the park hopper, but I'm still on the fence about this. I could see how this would be great for people staying longer and/or having EMH. How beneficial is this for a 2 day trip? Our plan is to hit whichever park does not have EMH and then go to the other park the next day, but I could be swayed to the park hopper.

Any ideas for afternoon resting, since we won't have a nearby hotel. In WDW, we found the afternoon breaks to be crucial for the children and for our marital harmony!

I felt like I had a great handle on our WDW trips, but I'm feeling somewhat flustered putting this trip together. I think part of it is the idea of driving in each day. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SMD]

If you're going on consecutive days I'd consider investing in a hotel room. I'd expect that drive to take at least an hour in the morning and at night traffic continues on the 60 until pretty late. Check Google Maps for the rest of this week and next week as people go back to work to get an idea of travel times.

 

[starry_solo]

Agreed with above-poster. I would invest in a hotel night. You want to be trying to park in the structure (or Toy Story lot) around 9 a.m. (structures open approximately one hour before park opening). Wait time for the tram (or Toy Story bus) will eat up into that extra hour before the park opens, then bag check/metal detectors, and then waiting at the front gates.

 

[sherilaine]

For the past few years the week after Presidents Day has had longer hours than 10AM - 8PM, you'll likely have a 9AM opening, so if that is case then I'd agree with the other two above about getting a hotel for 1 night, even a cheap one, so as to not have to drive back and forth, especially considering a local has already suggested an hour commute in the morning. I think that would take care of afternoon rest spot as well.

 

[Ckkk]

Yes 8AM would be a solid time to leave, youll probably have time for breakfast as you should be through security before 930AM. The 60 and 57 arent too shabby for the direction youll be heading.

I prefer to park hop as disneyland starts to get super crowded around noon, which is when I like to head over to DCA as it is always less crowded. DCA is also alot easier place to relax(drinks, more space, less crowds). If at anytime you change your mind, you can upgrade your ticket to a park hopper for the price difference. I would suggest doing parkhopper tickets the first day and then just disneyland tickets the next day or vice versa. It'll give you flexibility to do everything you'll end up wanting to do.

 

[ADLFAN]

Well I hope your trip makes your wife fall in love!!

Some careful planning will help, just be careful not to overplan! Rushing around will wear everyone out, and there is NO WAY to see everything in 2 days!

Are you parade watching people? If so, the biggest headache currently is staking out a prime spot on the curb. If you're happy a row or two back, you can walk up to the Paint The Night Parade near the hub or Small World for a pretty good view. But I say that as a 5'11" person...

The fireworks show is not to be missed, and we loved watching from Main Street.

One advantage of Park Hopper tickets is that you can see the fireworks on either night, if the kids get cranky and you have to bail, or after the WOC show in DCA, or in case they get cancelled one night due to wind.

Another advantage is that you can hold FP'S for both parks, which means after everyone is in one of the parks, one of you can run for FP'S for Radiator Springs Racers or Tower of Terror or something else awesome while the rest of the party goes on a ride or two. Radiator Springs Racers is worth doing twice for sure!! And it's awesome at night, actually, all of Carsland seems cooler at night! If you wait around at dusk, they'll light the neon lights up and play the sh-boom song just like in the movie! Very impressive and fun!

Find your restaurant choices ahead of time so you aren't wasting time deciding and getting cranky. All the menus are listed on Disneyland's website, and you should download the Disneyland App to familiarize yourself with the park and those important restaurant and bathroom locations. The app is also super great in the park for navigating and finding wait times, characters, and bathroom locations.

You can bring in drinks and snacks and save a few bucks and time in line.

Maybe if the hours are shorter and you take your time and don't run the kids to death (which is next to impossible and even harder if you're trying to get your value out of those Park Hopper tickets!!) you can get by with a relaxed lunch break and some rides on Pirates of the Carribean for rest? Maybe find somewhere nice to make a lunch reservation at each day? I have not been, but I know others have enjoyed Wine Country Trattoria I'm DCA. There is an outdoor seating area and I believe you can watch the DCA parade from there if you time it right. In DL, the Carnation Cafe is a good choice, or Blue Bayou if you want to get fancy!

Have fun planning! Hope it is a magical trip!

 

[ChrisBB-8]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate them! I have decided to book a room, so far the best option I've found with availability is the Fairfield Inn. Any other options I should look at for 5 in a room? The HOJO has availability as well for just a few more dollars. How do they compare or should I start a new thread for that questions?

Does anyone know if you can leave your car at the hotel in the morning and walk across to DL or should I plan to park in the Disney lot and then move the car later?

Also, I'll spring for the park hoppers because it sounds like the flexibility is totally worth it. After all, it is vacation!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate them! I have decided to book a room, so far the best option I've found with availability is the Fairfield Inn. Any other options I should look at for 5 in a room? The HOJO has availability as well for just a few more dollars. How do they compare or should I start a new thread for that questions?

Does anyone know if you can leave your car at the hotel in the morning and walk across to DL or should I plan to park in the Disney lot and then move the car later?

Also, I'll spring for the park hoppers because it sounds like the flexibility is totally worth it. After all, it is vacation!

I stay at Hojo regularly and really like it. Parking is free there. You are able to check in early and park and also to stay parked after check out so no need to drive over to Disney parking. I have stayed in the deluxe rooms in building 2 and a premium room in building 1 and had friends who stayed in a standard 2 queen room in building 1. I found all of those rooms more spacious than those in the nearby motels I have tried. As far as comparing Hojo and Fairfield, they are both well-liked properties. Neither includes breakfast. Fairfield Inn is a little bit closer, so fewer steps to take. There is a parking fee at Fairfield. I believe you can stay parked after check out, but you will be paying an additional parking fee.