Both parks at Christmas goal

[YogaDis]

Hi! I've been to WDW several times, but as an east coast gal I've never visited Disneyland! This Christmas I'm taking a trip out to California and have exactly one day to get as much out of the park(s) as I can! I apologize if this has been asked before, I've poked around the threads a bit but haven't seen this particular question on the first few pages.


Is this completely insane?

The day I'll be able to visit is either Sunday December 27th or Monday December 28th. The LA/Anaheim portion of the trip is very brief, as much as I would love to spend several days in town.

Experienced recommendations please! Would it really make a difference between that Sunday or Monday? My plan was to visit on a weekday, but I don't know if that would make a considerable difference given the fact that kids are out of school for the holiday.

Also, would park hopping between DL and Cali Adventure be too ambitious? I'm not particularly attached to riding each and every ride or seeing every attraction. I mainly want to take in as much as I can, given that it may be a long time before I can come back.

I plan to be at one of the parks before open to ensure making it in before max capacity is met. Would you have suggestion for which park to start with? Am I being too lofty in hopes of even getting into both parks a few days after Christmas?

Thank you!!

 

[Girimama33]

You are going during a really busy time.
I would definitely get a PH so you can experience both parks. Use FP and the Single Rider line. Get to the parks at opening and start at the one that does not have EMH. I would probably opt for Monday vs. Sunday. If you are going on Sunday or Monday, start at DL since DCA has EMH. I would get a list of your must do's together, so you can have a clear plan as to where to start, etc. Park hopping is very easy, and can take just a few minutes.

 

[Mividadisney]

I personally, would stick to one park ( the Disneyland park and skip DCA) This is your first time and it will be busy and it can be overwhelming.

 

[Malcon10t]

A reminder that Disneyland will probably have turnstile closures both of those days, so calculate that into the mix.

 

[YogaDis]

I appreciate the insight!!

 

[Tyggress]

I would go on Monday.
Start at Disney...get over to DCA by mid-morning; ride a couple of "must-do's" and grab lunch...and then get back over to DL by about 2pm....then stay there. DL is more likely to hit capacity than DCA.

 

[rentayenta]

I think I would stick with one park. It'll be really crowded so either you'll be waiting in line to ride rides in DCA or having to grab FPs which will put you back in DCA past 2 pm if this year is like year's past.

 

[az4boys]

Going alone? Single rider line might be good for you. I would focus on DL. With only one day, the only thing in DCA that is a must-do for me is RSR and Cars Land. I wouldn't waste time on WOC with only one day. If you can: start at DL well before rope drop, after a few hours hop over to DCA, check out Buena Vista street, ride RSR single rider, then hop back before DL reaches capacity.

 

[CassieF]

Last year the parks reached capacity at least at some point those days, often by mid day with it easing up in the afternoon to evening, however I would not except the same pattern this year. It has been much more crowded and with the new night parade I expect if it reaches capacity (very likely) it will hold through the first parade and fireworks so it might make park hoping difficult or not possible. So you need to decide which evening entertainment you'd like to see, Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever or World of Color (Winter Dreams and/or Celebrate) and if it's the DL side, you probably should stay in that park after 10am, just to be safe.... You shouldn't have trouble getting into DCA in the afternoon/evening so you could have time in DL before hopping over. Either way, plan for extremely heavy crowds and long waits for both rides and shows/parades.

 

[agamble]

I would only go to Disneyland if I only had one day. There are some great rides at DCA, but Disneyland is the best. One day, and a crowded one, is only enough to scratch the surface. Is it really worth another $50 to go to DCA for a few hours to try to get on RSR? Probably not. Especially since Disneyland may reach capacity and close, and RSR FP will likely run out quickly. I say go to Disneyland, enjoy the day as best as you can, and use that extra $50 to eat some yummy food at the park because you don't want to leave and risk being shut out.