3 days at DL - which park to spend 2 days in?

[LdnCpl]

For our 30th anniversary this coming July 4th I am surprising my wife and taking her to DL for 3 days. We have never been to DL but have been to DW 10+ times. If you had your choice and were in my boots would you spend 2 of the 3 days at MK or DCA?

 

[prestoncaldwell]

Easily Disneyland. DCA is much more robust than before, but you can do it in a day.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Which days??? Anniversary day and July 4th for sure in DCA, more room, better restaurants and very few people have traditional Jluly 4th in DCA. If you are there on the 5th, than that is the day for Disneyland. And if you are there on Prior Sunday and Monday, then your one day in disneyland will answer the question for yourself. It will be at 10 levels for the four day weekend in Disneyland.

 

[22Tink]

If you can, spring for park hoppers. Then you're not limited to only one park per day and if one is particularly busy when you get there, you can always hop to the other park. It's nothing like park hopping in WDW, DL and DCA are so close that you can just walk between the 2 parks.

 

[YukonMommy]

I agree with 22Tink. I would go for the 3 day park hoppers if you can swing it!

Have a Magical time!

 

[chickapin parterre]

i agree with Yukon Cornelius , you have far better chance of striking magical gold with the park hopper, as long as you are willing to arrive at Disneyland each morning one hour before opening. If you are not going to open the park, then don't bother with the park hopper, because all you are purchasing, as a first time visitor to California are those first two hours. After that, as a first time visitor, you will be playing catch-up with park hopper.

 

[Pintail]

DCA will be different for you, so you could spend a day or day and a half there.
Disneyland is very similar to Magic Kingdom, but it may still be hard not to go there 2 days.
You definitely should go on Pirates, Indiana Jones (Dinosaur ride vehicle), and Small World - for nice differences.
If you are going 3 days, the Park Hopper may be an option worth considering to give you some flexibility.

The Parks right across from each other. DCA used to be the parking lot for DL.
If you stay at the Grand Californian (best, with private entrance to DCA), Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier you can get in an hour early to Disneyland likely on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - and early to California Adventure on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

If you are able to do that, it makes the first 3 or 4 hours nice - before it gets too busy.
We were there last July, and that worked great for us.
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary, have a great trip!

 

[Gisele]

Happy Anniversary!

That is just so nice and sweet of you to do this for your anniversary.
I too, suggest park hopping, just in case Disneyland becomes a little too cozy with thy fellow park guest.
And 2 days at Disneyland and one at DCA is what I recommend. Maybe park hop each of those days or just on the day you visit DCA.
I recommend making a reservation at the Blue Bayou for lunch one day. And on another day Chef's Counter at the Napa Rose for dinner.
I haven't dined at the Napa Rose yet, but I have read and have seen nothing but wonderful reviews and views of it. It would be perfect for an anniversary meal. The Blue Bayou too, very nice for a special date.

 

[gottalovepluto]

DL but I'd consider park hoppers! We love getting evening drinks/appetizers in DCA & closing DL down at night!

 

[danceanddisney2010]

I would say 2 days in Disneyland! But like most ppl are saying I'd definitely go for park hoppers if you can swing it. It is nice to be able to go back and forth and we find it helps us accomplish more.

 

[LdnCpl]

Which days???

We arrive noon on Mon July 3rd and fly back home Thursday am. The park days would be Mon July 3, Tues July 4 and Wed July 5

 

[LdnCpl]

If you can, spring for park hoppers

Well I will look into that. Canadians get a deal on park tickets as long as we buy them before Feb 28th so it might be a good idea to do as you say

 

[LdnCpl]

DCA will be different for you, so you could spend a day or day and a half there.
Disneyland is very similar to Magic Kingdom, but it may still be hard not to go there 2 days.
You definitely should go on Pirates, Indiana Jones (Dinosaur ride vehicle), and Small World - for nice differences.
If you are going 3 days, the Park Hopper may be an option worth considering to give you some flexibility.

The Parks right across from each other. DCA used to be the parking lot for DL.
If you stay at the Grand Californian (best, with private entrance to DCA), Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier you can get in an hour early to Disneyland likely on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - and early to California Adventure on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

If you are able to do that, it makes the first 3 or 4 hours nice - before it gets too busy.
We were there last July, and that worked great for us.
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary, have a great trip!

Pirates is a must for our family and that's at my insistence *lol*

 

[22Tink]

Well I will look into that. Canadians get a deal on park tickets as long as we buy them before Feb 28th so it might be a good idea to do as you say

You won't regret it. The hoppers really do give you more freedom in the parks. Have a wonderful trip!

Side note, I'm Canadian, too! From central BC. I just purchased my discounted hoppers for our summer trip this year.

 

[chickapin parterre]

oh, I thought it was just you and wife, so how many are coming with you and ages???

 

[LdnCpl]

oh, I thought it was just you and wife, so how many are coming with you and ages???

It is just my wife and I going to DL. The Pirate reference was directed at POTC at WDW when we go. The trips to WDW are always a family affair. My 12yo son and my wife go on the POTC only because they know I love that ride and they do it for my benefit.

 

[chickapin parterre]

so wednesday for sure at Disneyland, eveyone will be driving out Tuesday night or flying out Wednesday mornng. The week within self has not been crowded, but the day and weekend have been. and with Tuesday the holiday, Monday might as well be the holiday. if you are staying on site, then you have early entry into the parks and no need for mulit day park hopper. As a Disneyland loyalist, sure I would say two days in Disneyland, but they are going to be misery , so enjoy your vacation on Monday and Tudesday in DCA and then put in a early entry,full blow till midnight Wednesday in Disneyland

 

[chickapin parterre]

arriving noon on monday, for sure that would be DCA, make your reservations ahead for your choice of eating, there are no romantic outside venues like NOS has to offer. Tuesday will work great for DCA as your are on the same playing field as all DCA guest, and then a great day in disneyland on Wednesdahy,, forgo the cost of the park hoppers, there is no gain.

 

[MacMama0930]

I have found great value in park hopping, and while Disneyland is bigger, I feel like DCA is more of an adult park. Depending on your ride interests, I could ride CA Screaming 10 times in row. And hopefully Guardian of the Galaxy will be up and running by then. Cars Land is awesome and it's so neat to check out the detail in that area. It's impressive. They serve alcohol, which I know is a plus for some people. Every time I visit, I find myself hopping. It's just too easy. Especially if you take an afternoon break back a hotel. It's like, spend the early part of the day at DL, then after break at hotel, go take in some early evening hours at DCA and then if you want to go back to DL for a nighttime show, easy peasy!

 

[cmpeter]

I would hop too..especially since you'll be here for our 4th of July holiday. When DL gets crowded it's nice to escape to DCA.