3 day hopper vs 4 day 1 park per day

[underminer]

We usually always get hoppers but with a bigger family and a 3.5 day time window we are trying to decide which way to go. It is actually about $30 less per person to do the 1 park per day with an extra day we could use on our half day. Being on a budget with a bigger group I’m trying to decide which way to go. Would you rather have an extra half day in the parks but be constrained to 1 park per day or have the park hopping flexibility for about the same price?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Personally we’re going to try one park per day on our next trip. It’s just not the same with hopping postponed until 1 pm.

 

[Whistlebee]

Such a hard decision. We always do park hoppers but I’m strongly considering getting 1 park/per day for our next trip. I guess we won’t know until we try. The benefit to me is the days may be more relaxed. The drawback is we really love the rides and food at DCA.

 

[amandacfmartin]

I'm considering a similar situation. I agree that with the park hopping restricted to 1pm, and the Genie+ not allowing repeated ride reservations, I'm going to go with the 1 park per day. It will be really different, but I'm hopeful it will still be a good experience!

 

[Geemo]

We usually always get hoppers but with a bigger family and a 3.5 day time window we are trying to decide which way to go. It is actually about $30 less per person to do the 1 park per day with an extra day we could use on our half day. Being on a budget with a bigger group I’m trying to decide which way to go. Would you rather have an extra half day in the parks but be constrained to 1 park per day or have the park hopping flexibility for about the same price?

Hopper do give an added flexibility to a Disney visit. Especially if you are spring for Genie+

I feel it really depend on the time of year you are going and park hours.
To me 3 hopping days with longer hours is = to 3.5 non-hopper days with shorter hours.

During the winter season when the parks hours are shorter, I think non-hoppers and 3.5 days would be fine. However, when the parks have long hours I think I would really like the option to be able to hop at 1pm.

I don't see Genie+ as cost effective product if you don't have hoppers. Other than the photo pass option it offers.
I would like to know who came up with the bright idea of "The one ride per attraction limit"

Can't wait to see what Disney Dreams up next for us.....

 

[disneylover102]

We usually always get hoppers but with a bigger family and a 3.5 day time window we are trying to decide which way to go. It is actually about $30 less per person to do the 1 park per day with an extra day we could use on our half day. Being on a budget with a bigger group I’m trying to decide which way to go. Would you rather have an extra half day in the parks but be constrained to 1 park per day or have the park hopping flexibility for about the same price?

I really prefer park hopping but an extra day is better so I would do 1 park per day

 

[LovesTimone]

We are going in March, and I went back and forth... and then back and forth again... We decided and pulled the trigger on a 4 day 1 park per day tickets... Booked park reservation 2 days in each park...
Here are some of the reasons..

* We just don't do rope drop - yep not getting up at the crack of dawn on vacation... we normally hit the parks around the 10:00 am mark.

* We don't do commando park touring - We all like to enjoy all the little stuff, and being able to soak up the atmosphere... sitting down and really enjoying that Mickey bar...

* We enjoy the nighttime in the parks when everything is lit up, fireworks and parades..

* With our 7 year old grandson along honestly one park per day is enough for him at this age... and if he gets tired or over stimulated a slower pace is better.


As well we are thinking about Genie+, but not decided on it yet... we still have time to add it to the tickets... its a wait and see for sure.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

Even two months ago, I would have been team 4 day ticket by a mile. However, I have newer thoughts in light of recent events. One thing with the now (reportedly) more contagious virus I have heard a couple of reports of people getting sick late in their trip, effectively ending their trip early. We had one such trip report here.

In light of that, I am leaning toward a get in, and get out quick philosophy to DL for now and spending your money (and time) over fewer days. I am not settled on this, but I am considering it.

 

[ftbaker1313]

I am all in for Hoppers. I think the flexibility is king. I subscribe to the TP site and use their expected wait times to determine where we are hopping. Most times it works and we end in least crowded part for the evening.

 

[CharleneTheDM]

I love the flexibility of the hopper, but now with the 1pm hopping restrictions, it's not the same.
Last time I visited in early December, I didn't hop as much as I would pre-pandemic and don't think I got my money's worth.
Especially with Genie+. you're limited to the rides in one park until the afternoon.

With the new parkhopping restrictions, I would take the extra day with one park per day instead!

 

[gelatoni fan]

It depends on how you like to do the parks.

Reasons why park hopper may be preferred:

• If you also get Genie+, getting park hoppers means getting more value out of it per day.
• If there are things in both parks that you'd like to do on the same day. For example, if you know you really want to do Web Slingers and see the fireworks every day or if you really prefer the food at DCA but rides at Disneyland.
• If one park has short hours on days you plan to visit and you'd like to spend time at the other park before/after those hours.
• If you're people who go from rope drop to closing, some people in your group may not have enough stamina to handle 4 days in the parks.

Reasons why an extra day may be preferred:

• You didn't mention if your half day is afternoon or morning. If it's afternoon, it could mean seeing the fireworks an extra time and if it's morning it could mean an additional rope drop. You'll be able to spend more time in the parks when wait times are low.
• If you are planning to go through the parks one section or area at a time rather than jump around between both sides. Some people cannot handle long walks so crossing through both parks can be too tiring.

 

[Aspencreek]

For the last few trips to DL we've decided to get the 1 park per day tix and not do parkhoppers. We usually end up doing 4 days in the parks and will do 1 at DCA and 3 at DL. DCA has a lot less that interests us, so 1 day is usually enough there whereas we could easily spend more time at DL and never get bored. Also as you mention there is a significant cost savings if you do 1 park per day, so that money can go towards more treats or merch or whatever.

 

[underminer]

Thanks for all of the great points! We will be there in mid-March so if fireworks are only on weekends then we better take the extra half day afternoon option on the Sunday we arrive. I love the flexibility of park hoppers but it seems pretty spendy when you are buying 9 tickets!

 

[Pluto468]

I would always take an extra half day in the park . We have done hoppers in the past and I really like the flexibility but I think it depends on how much you think you would do in each park. Perhaps just one full day in DCA is enough. As you said, that extra cost adds up fast!