3 days to play all DL or maybe 2 DL 1 DCA?

[mv1175]

Hey everybody,

I soo exicited!! I will be at DLR on the 18th-20th. Just got my 3-day park hopper w/ 1 EE day tickets yesterday. I will be taking my girls 1yo, 4yo, and the wife. I have made several ridemax itineraries and noticed with ridemax and EE we can cover DL in 2 days. We have never been to DCA. From what I've read and heard DCA is not as fun for the little kids as DL is. Oringinally, I planned to do all 3days at DL. Now I'm wondering if we should try DCA for a day or maybe a half day. Or should I just enjoy 3 days at DL? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[PigletGurl]

yeah they are probably too little for DCA. their best place would be at disneyland, but you could still take them to the playhouse disney show at DCA. i always go to both parks in the same day. DCA opens at 10. what i do is i go to disneyland from 8 - 10 and stay in DCA from 10 -3. but judging by their ages, you could spend at least 2 days at disneyland, and one of the days go to both parks, even if its just to watch playhouse disney or enjoy the block party bash or something. she could still do the 3d attraction and the nemo and monsters inc ride. =) good luck!

 

[pikaboo27]

I would definately do DCA. You could do Aladdin, and playhouse disney, as well as the wandering that's fun to do there. Plus, electric light parade!!! yay!! Oh, and it's always less crowded than DL, so that's even better. Oh, but don't do It's Tough to Be a Bug. Too scary for little ones. Have a great time!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I wouldn't miss DCA. There are some areas for the little ones. Playhouse Disney, Muppets 3D show, Bug's Land (wouldn't do the 3D show on that one though!) where they have small rides for the little ones. Monsters Inc. ride should be okay if they handle the dark rides at DL (like Peter Pan ect..). The Electric Parade is over there, little kids love all the lights and music.

Not quite as many things to do there as DL for little ones, but what we do is hop back and forth.

 

[lulubelle]

Definately spend at least a half a day at DCA. In Bug's Land there are three very cute fun rides for toddlers. I wouldn't miss Turtle Talk w/Crush and the Playhouse. There is a lot to do and see at DCA and the Electrical Parade is a must. Please don't count it out. Plus, the crowds are much smaller there and it is just a three minute walk from DL. Have a great trip.

 

[pouncingpluto]

My niece (3) and nephew (7, but autistic and scared of many rides) LOVED Monsters, Inc.

I definitely think you should check out DCA, especially since parkhopping is so easy at Disneyland.

 

[VegasMike21]

You'll be there the exact same days we will be there!!! I would say go do DCA for a half day. Check out Bugs Land they have a bunch of stuff for kids to do plus the parades and shows there too! There's not a whole lot of rides but the parades and shows are two things that you probably won't want to miss out on.

Have Fun!!!

 

[princesskim]

I usually to 2 in DL and 1 in DCA, you might want to try to do your EE on the day you do DCA, that way you can do any of their favorites as well as trying the new things at DCA.

 

[NVDisMom]

Don't skip DCA. Aladdin is definitely worth hopping over there. Play House Disney would be a big hit and a bugs land will give them a few rides to enjoy. Have lunch ver there too. They have some amazing dining choices in my opinion. There are characters there you won't see in Dl too. I would recommend hopping over there for an afternoon sandwiched between DL in the Am and DL in the evening. Its more relaxing and laid back b/c of the lack of crowds and it is worth seeing. Its just different from Dl is all.

 

[alohaliilo]

DCA has a lot of thrill rides, but there is a ton to do with little kids there. There is A Bug's World (i think that's what it is called) which has a little train and other small rides for little kids. Then there are all the shows and the games on the board walk. There is plenty there, but a lot of walking as the rides at DCA tend to be far apart.

 

[Zoemakes5]

I agree with PP. Spend a day, or even a half day at DCA. Things that my youngest one really liked:
Muppet 3D
Monsters Inc.
Alladin
Electrical Light Parade
Soarin' (DD went on it when she was 3 and loved it then, too. I don't know how their ride swap works, but maybe you could do that and then you and DW wouldn't miss this GREAT ride)
The Princess character meal. (That was really the highlight of her trip, both when she was 3 & when she was 5)
the Carousel
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephr

 

[casaazul]

Plenty to do at DCA. My son loved the water area in the Pier area when he was little.

Your passes should be hoppers, so you can choose when you go.

Have fun.

 

[stagemomx3]

There is plenty to do to spend a whole day at DCA and then some! Don't miss the Animation Academy, especially the downstairs part!!!!

 

[mv1175]

Thanks for all the inut everybody I'll take your advice and do at least half a day at DCA. gotta start planning out for DCA now

Thanks,
Matt

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Yeah I'm glad to hear your changed your mind on that. I don't think you'll regret it, half a day should be just fine! Have fun!

 

[Hound 109]

Do people with Park Hoppers really spend an entire day at one park or the other?

If i was at DLR for 3 days (w/ 3 day park hoppers) with a couple of little ones, I would plan a 2-3 hour stop in DCA each day. (Either late morning or late afternoon)

I assume you are staying nearby & are planning a mid day rest? (2 hour nap, minimum w/ a 30 min. swim)

If so, do DL early & in the evening. Do DCA during the more crowded mid day (2-3 hours per day)

note: It's right next door to DL - 150 yards from Main St.

hound -

 

[Hound 109]

I agree with PP. Spend a day, or even a half day at DCA. Things that my youngest one really liked:
Muppet 3D
Monsters Inc.
Alladin
Electrical Light Parade
Soarin' (DD went on it when she was 3 and loved it then, too. I don't know how their ride swap works, but maybe you could do that and then you and DW wouldn't miss this GREAT ride)
The Princess character meal. (That was really the highlight of her trip, both when she was 3 & when she was 5)
the Carousel
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Golden Zephr

I agree with all of these (for toddlers) but would add:

- Turtle Talk with Crush (& alot of charcters hang out near there)
- The Redwood Trail area (for romping)
- The 4-5 bugs life area rides are designed for Toddlers. (as others have said, the bugs life 3-D might scare them.....see the Muppets 3D instead.)