5 Days - What would YOU do?

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

Found out last week that I will be in Anaheim for business at the end of August. So, I can't go to Anaheim and not go to Disneyland. Now as you can see by my sig, I have not been there in almost 30 years (felt old just typing that) and it has changed quite a bit. Heck, I was 9 years old and although I do remember some, it is not much.
I will have at least 1 full day and 2-3 free open afternoons. Is there enough to do that I should get a 3 day hopper? I have been to WDW quite a few times and 7-8 days there is not enough, but not sure about DL and DCA.
So what would you do with this type of schedule? Obviously I have not been to the California Adventure Park and would like to see that. I will be staying in a Hotel 2 blocks from the Parks entrance.

Really feel bad that my DDs and DW won't be with me, but hey, they are going to WDW in March of 09 with me... .

Your help is much appreciated. Looking forward to all the ideas, must do's and experiences.

 

[MATTERHORN]

How fun, an unexpected trip sounds great!! I would definitely do a 3 day if it's before most schools get back in, and actually I would do a 3 day anyways since it's not that much more than a 2 day.

Anything you buy will be a park hopper so you don't have to pick and choose which park. I would go afternoons to CA till about 6, then over to DL for the rest of the night. It would depend on the hours though, do you know yet if any days are weekends or is it all weekdays?

If you have the time, spend it there, that's what I say!!! Have fun!

Andrea

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

Trip days = Sunday - Thursday and thanks for the first tidbit goodies

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I think 3 days is a good amount in the parks. It can be done in less. And you can easily spend more time there too. It's all a matter of what kinds of tihngs you'll want to do and and what you don't want to miss.

Which hotel will you be at?

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

Anaheim Hilton -

Would like to see some of the different shows and parades - Fantasmic is a favorite of mine. Hit all the classic rides, BTMR, Splash and Space Mtn and a must do is go back and see the Abominable at MH, he was bigger than life 30 years ago. Although I think the Yeti could take him now .

Plus try and get in the things you can't get at WDW.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Yep, definitely get the three seeing as how only 1 will be a full day. There are lots of must do's on your list (including my favorite!!!!) and shows take a while. Your best bet of getting F! will be Sunday night. The parade is great, Aladdin is a must do for an adult (I think!)

The ART shuttle goes right in front of the Hilton so transportation will be a breeze for you. Once a schedule comes out (nowhere near as far in advance as WDW, usually 1-2 months at most!) you can plan your days a little better.

Andrea

 

[emmalou]

California adventure could probably be done in an afternoon or maybe two if you choose. The highlights of that park include Soarin' Over California and Aladdin the Musical are must sees. For the more thrilling highlights, I would do California Screamin', Mullholland Madness, and Orange Zinger. Actually I practically just named all the attractions in the park. But it shouldn't take you too long. Late August means maybe half the schools in the area are back in session, so the summer crowds will still be there. And if you have some extra time, I would definitely see the animation hall. It's my favorite. There is a huge room with classic disney songs playing and walls creatively covered with video screens showing scenes and early sketches. It's quite a nice sight.

In Disneyland, there isn't too much that differs from the Magic Kingdom. I do think that our Pirates and Small World is better. Space Mountain was refurbished last year, so that's good. Star Tours.

Overall, you could probably use your full day in Disneyland (utilizing the morning to do the more popular attractions such as Space and Splash Mountain). The afternoon can just finish up the park, and Fantasmic and the parades could be evening. Since CA is significantly less crowded, it would be a good choice to fill up your other afternoons. The plan in there is probably best to grab a fast pass for soarin' over california or california screamin'. And then do the rest of the park while you wait for that later time on the fast pass.

 

[tink2dw]

Are you there for a conference? If so ask about the special Conference DLR Passes to see if they will work for you.

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

Are you there for a conference? If so ask about the special Conference DLR Passes to see if they will work for you.

Yes for a conference - I will check into that.

Excellent info everyone, exactly what I needed and expected from you all

Anything else????

 

[Judy from Boise]

At DL you must do Indy a few times, the new Sub ride, and the original Tikis, Mr Toad, and Pinocchio....if you want to hit some DR only rides.... At DCA don't miss the ToT, and Monster's Inc.

 

[ballarinamom]

Don't forget Alice at DL! Also look up at the Queen when you're in line at Peter Pan.Ditto on the Indy ride. It blows away Dino IMHO. We really missed that on our last trip to WDW. If you are at DCA at night, we love to walk through the Bug's Life area. There's never really any lines for those rides but they are quick and really cute.

 

[mt mommy]

Soarin' Over California is AWESOME!!!

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Soarin' Over California is AWESOME!!!

True. But it's the exact same ride as Soarin' in Epcot. So it could always be skipped if you've done it before. We skipped it at Epcot last month since we've been on it 100 times at DCA.

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

I agree it is a favorite of ours too and we have rode at least a half a dozen times at Epcot.

I would love to do it all and will do some of the classics as mentioned, would like to try and fit most everything in you can't quite experience at WDW.

All of the ideas are very helpful

 

[tink2dw]

You must go on the extended DL, Pirates of the Caribbean - There is
much more to see at DL it is 13 minutes and at WDW it is 9 minutes long!!

 

[*Dreamin'Dad*]

Excellent! The plan is coming together thanks to you all. Also I just remembered - SINGLE RIDER. That will make a time saver or some quick "re-rides"

And since I will most likely be the Lone Ranger on my Disney quest, does anybody know how I could get a date with Belle for dinner .

I am sure the Beast wouldn't mind......then again she is looking over my shoulder now .