Anyone have a sample itinerary for a 1 day trip to DL?

[jazellesmom]

I am looking for an itinerary for a 1 day trip to Disneyland. I will be going with my DD (4) DH (25) and DS (19). We are looking for a magical fairy tale enchanting experience geared towards my DD (4) but with some fun for us adults too!

Thanks!

 

[lilpixie]

I have the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland which has a few sample itineraries. They are pretty much geared for adults w/ no kids -- or geared mainly for kids -- not really a mix of the 2.

Here is the plan geared toward kids: (this isn't my plan, but the book's plan )

Arrive at the gate 30-40 minutes prior to opening.
Go to Fantasyland -- ride Dumbo, then Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Tea Party
(we did all of the rides in Fantasyland that we wanted to at this point, but the book has you coming back to Fantasyland)

Go past Small World and cross under Disneyland RR to Mickey's Toontown
*Do the Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin, Gadget's Go coaster, Goofy's Playhouse, Mickeys house, Minnie's house, Donald's boat
Leave toontown -- take Disneyland RR from Fantasyland/Toontown station to New Orleans Sqare (walk if you have a stroller that doesn't collapse)

Go Left after exiting train station at go to Critter Country
*Go to Winnie the Pooh ride
(we also got some treat at Pooh's sweet shoppe and did some photo ops with Eeyore and Tigger here)

Go to New Orleans Sq. and do Pirates of the Carribean, then Haunted Mansion

Take raft to Pirate's Lair (there is a show at certain times here, too)

Catch Disneyland RR at New Orleans Sq and return to Fantasyland/Toontown station

In Fantasyland, ride It's a small world -- go to Casey Jr. Circus Train and then to Storybook land Canal boats -- ride King Arthur Carousel, then Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Head to Frontierland -- ride the Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia

Go to Adventureland -- go to Tarzan's treehouse and Enchanted Tiki Room

Go to Tomorrowland (cross central hub and follow path on the right side)
Get a fastpass for Autopia
*see Honey I shrunk the audience (may be too scary for little ones)
*Ride Autopia -- then get fastpass for Buzz Lightyear (when your window opens for getting another fastpass)

**We modified this general plan to fit our own needs. Don't forget parades, meals, potty breaks, etc. Also, adults will probably want to ride Space Mtn and Thunder Mtn, Splash Mtn and the Matterhorn. You might want to split up if your 4 year old isn't tall enough or is scared to go on these rides.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[DLR29]

Here's a summary of what I would do:

Get there early. Head straight to Fantasyland. Ride Peter Pan and Dumbo first thing. Then if she does ok on Peter Pan try Alice. If she's fine on Alice, try Pinnochio or Mr. Toad (though they are both a bit scary). Snow White would be the last of the dark rides to try because it is terrifying for little ones. Then have one of you grab Buzz Lightyear FPs and meet back at It's a Small World.

If she's into princesses, try the princess Fantasy Faire. If not, go to Toontown to do the characters, the kiddy coaster, and Roger Rabbit (assuming she does fine on the FL dark rides). Take the railroad to Tomorrowland. Ride Autopia if necessary. Also take in Buzz with your FPs.

Head into Adventureland and ride Jungle Cruise. The tiki room might be good too. Then ride Winnie-the-Pooh and go onto Pirate's Lair. If she does fine on the dark rides, you can probably be safe with taking her on Pirates or Haunted Mansion too. After that, just reride some stuff or go exploring.

 

[teacups]

I'd take your 4 yo to the Lilo and Stitch breakfast before the park opens, if you can.

 

[PrincessMommyof2]

I have the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland which has a few sample itineraries. They are pretty much geared for adults w/ no kids -- or geared mainly for kids -- not really a mix of the 2.

Do you, perchance, have the adult schedule? We leave in two weeks, 4 adults for one day of bliss and happiness.

 

[lilpixie]

Princessmommyof2 ~
I will post the "adult" schedule tomorrow. I'll get my book out and type it for you when I get a minute without kids

 

[Hound 109]

The days of week that guests are planning on visiting, (& the dates). The TYPE of rides / attractions that that you are interested in.....would be helpful in giving good information for a "one day" visit (or any visit).

 

[lilpixie]

Okay, here is the author's "Select Disneyland Park One Day Touring Plan" for adults from the Unofficial Guide to DL: (these are his favorites rides that he thinks are the best of DL)
*Arrive 40 minutes prior to opening with admission in hand
*Head to Tomorrowland, ride Space Mtn., ride Buzz Lightyear
*Go to Matterhorn and ride
*Go to Splash Mtn, in Critter Country -- go to Winnie the Pooh
*Backtrack to Adventureland -- Ride Indiana Jones -- exit to the right side and ride the Jungle Cruise
*Go through the central hub and castle to Fantasyland. Ride Peter Pan
*Go to Frontierland -- ride Big Thunder Mtn RR -- go to New Orleans Sq and ride Haunted Mansion -- exit to the right and ride Pirates of the Carribean
*Grab a bite to eat
*Go to waterfront in New Orleans Sq. andride Sailing Ship Columbia or Mark Twain riverboat
*check scheule for shows at Golden Horeshoe Saloon and arrive 20 minutes prior to start
*Go to Tomorrowland and ride Star Tours, then see Honey I Shrunk the Audience -- take the Disneyland RR for a round trip
*ride Finding Nemo (it says using a fastpass -- but I don't know if Nemo has fastpass yet???)
*go to Fantasyland and ride It's a Small World
*Check scheule for parades, fireworks, and fantasmic -- work these in if time allows
*See Disneyland, the first 50 years on way out of park

Obviously, certain rides will be down for refurb -- but you can modify to suit your own needs. Hope this helps! Have fun!

 

[azcater]

I'm browsing posts and see this mentioned.. why is this necessary?

I'm a Disneyland virgin....

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm browsing posts and see this mentioned.. why is this necessary?

I'm a Disneyland virgin....

So you're closer to the FRONT of the lines, and therefore the front of the herd rushing in to Fantasyland and Nemo.

 

[lilpixie]

The first time we went to DL, we didn't know about arriving at the gates 30-40 minutes prior to opening. We were there at a busy time, and when we arrived for our Early Entry day -- the line was so long that we had to wait an hour to get thru the gates and basically wasted our early entry.
This trip, we got there at least 30 minutes prior to opening -- it is *so* much better to get there early in the morning when it is less crowded. It is a great way to get all of the Fantasyland rides done fast! My brother and SIL never use their early entries and don't get there early enough --and they really missed out when we took our trip together!!