Attempting DLR & DCA in one day - this saturday!!

Caitsmama

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Well, we only have 1 day to do DLR / DCA - and it's this saturday.
My plan -- please let me know if it is doable--
To hit Matterhorn and any rides at DLR that are different/new vs WDW -- (we go to WDW every year) -- then head off to DCA -- and stay there for a bit - then hop back to DLR to close it at midnight..

It's me and my 7 yr old girl.. as i said we are WDW vets, but it is my first trip to DLR in about 13 yrs, and dd's first.
But, due to where we are staying and our schedule and others that we are traveling with, we only have 1 day.. then on sunday for a few hours we are gonna do DTD.

So, am i totally nuts, or is this doable in one long day??
As i said, i am not out to try to get on every ride -- if we don't make it on Space Mt. or Splash Mt. it's not the end of the world -- as we will be at WDW in May AND Nov. I am just looking to do the different stuff..

I know DLR opens at 8am, and closes at midnight..
 
Well, we only have 1 day to do DLR / DCA - and it's this saturday.
My plan -- please let me know if it is doable--
To hit Matterhorn and any rides at DLR that are different/new vs WDW -- (we go to WDW every year) -- then head off to DCA -- and stay there for a bit - then hop back to DLR to close it at midnight..

It's me and my 7 yr old girl.. as i said we are WDW vets, but it is my first trip to DLR in about 13 yrs, and dd's first.
But, due to where we are staying and our schedule and others that we are traveling with, we only have 1 day.. then on sunday for a few hours we are gonna do DTD.

So, am i totally nuts, or is this doable in one long day??
As i said, i am not out to try to get on every ride -- if we don't make it on Space Mt. or Splash Mt. it's not the end of the world -- as we will be at WDW in May AND Nov. I am just looking to do the different stuff..

I know DLR opens at 8am, and closes at midnight..
Some lingo clarification first. ;) DLR is Disneyland Resort which includes DL itself and DCA, as well as the hotels and DTD. DL is Disneyland the park.

Now, onto your questions. Are you saying you plan to open at DL at 8AM and stay all day until midnight? It sounds like you are saying that and unless you have superhuman stamina I doubt you will make it. We can open and close DLR if we take a 3-5 hour break in the afternoon and sleep.

In any case, if you are judicious you can get a lot done at the two parks in one day. It will be tough in that Saturdays and Sundays are both Magic Morning (MM) days and thus people will be in DL an hour before you can get in. Doing anything in Fantasyland will be very hard. I would save Fantasyland for the evening if at all.

Try to load up on Fastpasses. Here is some info that might help:

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

I would start at DL at 8AM, get your FPs and ride the non-Fantasyland rides until 10 or 11AM, then hop to DCA and ride selected rides there. Then hop back to DL. With a nap break in there at some point if possible.
 
Hey there, I am used to seeing you on WISH!

You can make it work. Get there 30 minutes before opening, and be prepared that the parking garage can be a nightmare to get into first thing. So allow plenty of time for that. Then get to the gate of DL 30 minutes before opening.

I would say do Space Mountain for sure! Its totally different than WDW's version, recently updated and a very cool ride. Far better than WDW's. The Nemo subs are up and running and your dd would love those. No fastpass. So I would actually ride that first thing, then get a fp for Space Mountain and then head over to Fantasyland and do anything over there that appeals. There are quite a few rides that they don't have in WDW's Fantasyland. Then ride Space on your fp. From there I would fp Indiana Jones (if your dd likes Dinosaur, this is the same type of vehicle and ride experience). I would get to DCA around lunchtime, that's when the crowds at DL are starting to gear up. And know that you can hold fastpasses at DCA and DL at the same time, they aren't hooked up. So before you leave DL to go over to DCA, make sure you get a fp for something so when you go back you will have that. DL and DCA both take fp's that are past the return time. They just won't take them before the return time, which is the way it is WDW for that matter.

Make sure you see Aladdin at DCA, its a wonderful show your dd will love. And that can give you a nice break to rest.

I also noticed on the DL calendar that the Electrical Parade is at 8:45 and that Remember Dreams Come True fireworks are at 9:25. Its really hard to see both of those shows the same night. I love the Electrical Parade but have to say if you can only see one of the nighttime shows, I would pick Remember. Get a good spot in the hub area about 30-45 minutes before the show and see it. Its so much more detailed than Wishes, it will start out the same but then branch off into something very different. There are some people that see the EP and Remember on the same night but its hectic and requires fast feet and some planning. Maybe one of those posters will tell you how to do that!

Disneyland on a Saturday is always going to be very crowded. Especially if its a nice day, the locals all arrive in droves. But I think you can get quite a bit done, just enjoy your day and whatever you get done is great, and anything you miss will be there for another trip!

Here is what I would encourage you to do:
Disneyland:
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Indiana Jones ride
Pirates of the Caribbean, different and longer than the MK version
Space Mountain
Alice In Wonderland, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Storybookland Canal Boats, Pinochio's Daring Journey and Matterhorn (all in Fantasyland, all not at WDW)
Walt Disney Parade of Dreams. If you like parades I think this is a good one, my dd loves this more than the one at MK and its not at all the same.


At DCA:
Aladdin Show
California Screamin (if your dd will ride that type of rollercoaster that is!)
Grizzly River Run (if you have slickers and like Kali River Rapids, this one is actually a bit longer with two drops and very fun. But you get drenched).
Monsters Inc. Ride

Also know that the Grizzly River Run fastpass machine is not hooked to any others. So you can get a fp for that and California Screamin at the same time.

I hope you and your dd have a wonderful time this Saturday!

Edited to add: Hydroguy is right about the Magic Mornings thing. Which means by the time you enter the park, Nemo will have a very long line most likely since it is open for Magic Mornings and still very new and popular. So I would grab a fp for something else first, then think about if you really want to wait for Nemo. The line starts early and pretty much stays that way. You can sometimes find a shorter line late, late at night. So you could always do that last thing. Its a cute ride, but in my opinion, not worth a huge long wait of longer than say 45 minutes. And to be frank, its not that much different than the little Nemo ride at Epcot in my book. Longer and you are in a sub but it uses some of the same type tecnology. But again, if you want to ride it, by all means do. Just make sure you get a fp before you do for something else so that at least you have done that before you get in line.

I'll also agree that 8 -12 could be tiring but I think with some time midday to see the Aladdin Show, maybe ride the train around DL and literally let your dd doze (I have done that with my kids!) and maybe even go to DTD to see a movie you might be able to do it. If you are staying nearby and can go back for a break, then for sure you can. There is a nice little movie on Main Street that has a very nice area to look at Disneyland memorablia and is never crowded. That makes a nice midday break too. Good luck!
 
The current forecast (though it can change several times before the weekend) is for rain, so you may be in luck regarding crowds.
 

You can make it work. Get there 30 minutes before opening, and be prepared that the parking garage can be a nightmare to get into first thing. So allow plenty of time for that. Then get to the gate of DL 30 minutes before opening.

However since it is a MM day, the parking garage will be open at 6:30, which gives plenty of time to get to the gates by 8. Great advice by both Hydroguy and Amy&Dan. A couple things I might add.

-Grab a Roger Rabbit FP whenever. It's a ride not found at WDW and it's FP system is disconnected, allowing you to grab a set even if holding onto FPs from another ride

-I don't recommend riding Nemo. Although I agree that your DD would love it, for a one day trip it will eat a large chunk of your time. It's a good ride, but not a "don't miss".

-Definitely agree with Hydroguy about seeing Fantasyland in the evening. In the morning, Fantasyland will be very crowded because of Magic Morning guests. I suggest going to Fantasyland immediately after the fireworks. I have found extremely short lines during that time.

-Just to reinforce this. Just because WDW has a ride with the same name, does NOT mean that they are the same or even very similar. Pirates, Space, and Buzz (IMO) are all better at DLR and I recommend all 3 for WDW vets. However, if there were some rides I would not recommend to a WDW vet with limited time they would be Big Thunder, Splash, Winnie-the Pooh, Tower of Terror, Soarin, Peter Pan, and Jungle Cruise. Either they are extremely similar, or they (IMO) are inferior to the WDW versions.
 
However since it is a MM day, the parking garage will be open at 6:30, which gives plenty of time to get to the gates by 8. Great advice by both Hydroguy and Amy&Dan. A couple things I might add.

-Grab a Roger Rabbit FP whenever. It's a ride not found at WDW and it's FP system is disconnected, allowing you to grab a set even if holding onto FPs from another ride

-I don't recommend riding Nemo. Although I agree that your DD would love it, for a one day trip it will eat a large chunk of your time. It's a good ride, but not a "don't miss".

-Definitely agree with Hydroguy about seeing Fantasyland in the evening. In the morning, Fantasyland will be very crowded because of Magic Morning guests. I suggest going to Fantasyland immediately after the fireworks. I have found extremely short lines during that time.

-Just to reinforce this. Just because WDW has a ride with the same name, does NOT mean that they are the same or even very similar. Pirates, Space, and Buzz (IMO) are all better at DLR and I recommend all 3 for WDW vets. However, if there were some rides I would not recommend to a WDW vet with limited time they would be Big Thunder, Splash, Winnie-the Pooh, Tower of Terror, Soarin, Peter Pan, and Jungle Cruise. Either they are extremely similar, or they (IMO) are inferior to the WDW versions.

My 3 cents. :hippie:

- With only one day, I agree with DLR 29 that Nemo would be a huge time waster (& imo is a third tier ride).

- I would pick up an Indy FP first then ride SM & then Matterhorn (& then look at Alice & Toady lines)

- I wouldn't leave DL (hopping to DCA) until i had 3-4 FPs in my pocket for the evening touring. (Possibly SM, Buzz & BTMRR)

- Assuming you don't ride Matterhorn, Alice & Toadie the first hour, then......If you are strolling thru Fantasyland late morning or afternoon (on your way to Roger Rabbit or Toon Town), glance at the Pinocchio, Toad, Alice & Matterhorn lines. (I bet Pinocchio will be short). If short (or manageable) lines, you might want to try those "DLR only" rides then....in the event your 7 y/o can't stay up late. (& late is the only way you'd be able to do PP or Nemo, imo)

- Agree that Aladdin is a must do a great way to relax & if your child likes star wars (& she hasn't done it at MGM/Disney Studios) then you might want to do Jedi Training.

Have fun. :thumbsup2
 
Thanks so much guys!! However, i have great news.. i talked the family into 2 days.. LOL So, we will either be going to DCA tomorrow or Thurs. and then just Disneyland on Sat. :)
So, things should be much easier now!
 
Thanks so much guys!! However, i have great news.. i talked the family into 2 days.. LOL So, we will either be going to DCA tomorrow or Thurs. and then just Disneyland on Sat. :)
So, things should be much easier now!
If you go Wednesday I would vote to do DL on Wednesday and then DL and DCA on Saturday. No MM on Wednesdays. Even if you go on Thursday it will be a better DL day.
 
Thanks -- however, the people we are going with don't want to do Disneyland -- they are So. Cal residents, but they haven't done DCA yet, so they want to go there.. so that kind of determined our schedule..
But, i am sure DL on a Sat. isn't any worse than WDW on the holidays - namely Thanksgiving Day (which we are use to) LOL ;) So, i am confident we will be ok. :)
 
Thanks -- however, the people we are going with don't want to do Disneyland -- they are So. Cal residents, but they haven't done DCA yet, so they want to go there.. so that kind of determined our schedule..
But, i am sure DL on a Sat. isn't any worse than WDW on the holidays - namely Thanksgiving Day (which we are use to) LOL ;) So, i am confident we will be ok. :)

I don't know if they will be with you all day, but if aren't and they just want to do DCA, I don't know why you couldn't go to DL from 9AM-10AM or from 8PM-10PM without them because you will have hoppers (I assume, unless you have some strange 2 day non-hopper that I don't know about). Or you could have them buy a 1 day park hopper and join you. But I certainly wouldn't ever spend just one day at DCA. You might run out of stuff to do.
 
I don't know if they will be with you all day, but if aren't and they just want to do DCA, I don't know why you couldn't go to DL from 9AM-10AM or from 8PM-10PM without them because you will have hoppers (I assume, unless you have some strange 2 day non-hopper that I don't know about). Or you could have them buy a 1 day park hopper and join you. But I certainly wouldn't ever spend just one day at DCA. You might run out of stuff to do.

I've spent a whole day at DCA before, but I also went to the Aladdin show as well as having a nice sit down meal. And didn't really use FP's on that day either.

I've also done the commando 8-12 touring thing, and while tiring, if properly motivated then it is doable!
 
I don't know if they will be with you all day, but if aren't and they just want to do DCA, I don't know why you couldn't go to DL from 9AM-10AM or from 8PM-10PM without them because you will have hoppers (I assume, unless you have some strange 2 day non-hopper that I don't know about). Or you could have them buy a 1 day park hopper and join you. But I certainly wouldn't ever spend just one day at DCA. You might run out of stuff to do.

Alot of Disers just thought the same thing when reading your "we're going to do DCA tomorrow & save DL for Saturday" comment.

- Go tomorrow (or Friday) not Thursday (which is an MM/EE day).
- Have them drop you & DD off at 8:25 at the gate (or 8am if you don't have a ticket yet).
- Tell them to park & get something to eat & you'll meet them at 10:30.
- Buy a 2 day Park Hopper.....as in a "Park Hopper". Best if bought ahead of time. (Why a Hopper??)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961
- Be in the DL line 25-35 min. before 9am.

Do in order:

- PP
- Dumbo
- Alice in Wonderland (bathroom next to Alice)
- Matterhorn (perhaps do both sides)
- Toadie

then do any or all (or none) Storybookland Canal, Casey's Train, Teacups, Carousel, Pinocchio, Buzz.
- Grab an Indy (or SM) FP just in case.

- Then hop over to meet up with family at DCA at 10:30am.

Follow all of the great advice above for the rest of Wed. (or Fri) & on Saturday.

Have fun. :thumbsup2
 
Thanks guys again.. It's just not going to happen that way.. If it were me and dd alone, it would be much different..but the others that i am with are just not as "disney excited" as we are--LOL
And my grandmother wants to come now - who is going to need a wheelchair/scooter - so that definately hinders us a bit.. And we just aren't getting up and moving (obviously as i am typing this at 7:30 am cali. time, and gram is still sleeping.. ) So we are planning on leaving here at about 9am since DCA opens at 10.
Too bad the weather isn't cooperating with us today. :(
 
Well we spent the day at DCA yesterday.. We had a great time dispite the off/on drizzle -- it cleared up later and got windy/cool though..
We just don't have good luck this week with weather.. all week has been kinda yucky.. the only 2 nice days were the first couple we were here.
I am glad we took the whole day to do the park though, We put in a full day from 10am-6pm, So, for the person who said they wouldn't ever spend a full day at DCA - i am not sure why? Speaking from a newbie point of view, it took us a full day to do everything -- and there were hardly no lines at all.. and we did Soarin' twice - once first in the a.m. and then with a FP later (our only FP that we had to do) But, it was definately a full day.. and we didn't end up having my gram with us..

We are doing DL on Sat. as we are switching to a hotel that is only 1 mile from DL..

I just wish the So.Cal. weather would cooperate with us here.. i have never seen so many cloudy days in So. Cal. before!!! Jeeeeez.. LOL
 















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