4 days--which parks to do when?

[AZpharmacist]

I am planning a 4 day trip Dec 1st to the 4th for myself, husband and 16 month old daughter. What parks would you do on what day? Should we do park hoppers? If so, which park should we start at? When should we use our early entry? Not sure how to plan. Thanks

 

[ClaraOswald]

Park hoppers are a must for us. Have you been to Disneyland before? Both parks are right next to each other so it's quite easy to walk back and forth multiple times.

 

[Watchtower]

I agree with the previous poster. The parks are so close to each other, park hoppers allow you to enjoy the entire property like one, big park. I couldn't imagine only being able to visit one side of the "Disney bubble" per day. I always prefer to start my trips in Disneyland. It's the original park, lots of history, lots of memories from when I was a kid. After a few hours of riding classic and favorite attractions, I hop over to DCA for a few hours, then hop back to DL....etc.

As far as early entry....are you staying at one of the three Disney-owned hotels (Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, or the Grand Californian)? If you are, then you get early entry into one of the two parks every day. If you're NOT staying in a Disney hotel, then your park hoppers will include one early entry (Magic Morning) to Disneyland only, on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday...you get to pick which one. Based on your dates, you'll have either Tuesday or Thursday to choose from. Either day would be good, really, but you may be too exhausted by the time Thursday rolls around to roll out of bed early enough to make the most of the early entry that morning, so I'd vote for Tuesday.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Both parks are as close together as Future World and World Showcase in Epcot. There really isn't a huge crowd level difference between them.

 

[TheChapman6]

I love to park hop, Where are you staying? if you are on Disney property it makes the difference to me?

 

[thewelts]

As others mentioned park hopping makes sense at the DLR, especially if you are staying at the Grand Californian.

We rarely make EMH, we usually roll into the parks around 9. The parks are much less crowded before 11 or 12. We usually head back to the hotel for a break around lunch, and then make our way back into the park around dinner or parade time.

We begin our first night with California Adventure and the World of Color show. We save Magic Kingdom for the morning when we are fresh. We usually spend 3 nights.

I have not been to the park with a very young child. Even with a 10 year old we takes lots of breaks (mostly for my husband!).

Enjoy your trip!

 

[AZpharmacist]

I actually grew up in SoCal and have been to Disneyland more times than I can count, however, this will be my first time at DCA! I also havent been at holiday time since I was in middle school. I just wasnt sure how people decide where to start when visiting both parks. I'm thinking about starting at Disneyland on Dec 1st and then Dec 2nd bc I have MM. I will not be staying at a Disney Hotel so I only have one early entry. I'm thinking of planning when I hop over to DCA based on the shows I want to see.

I'll be with a 16 month old so we will probably have to go slow (sort of...she's used to traveling and being out with me all day although we will return to the hotel for 1 nap daily).

I havent decided if I should start the 3rd and 4th at DCA or not but I'm sure I'll have to start atleast 1 day there for Radiator Spring Racers.