California Adventure on July 4, 2017

[jrose529]

My DD (28) and I are attending a wedding in CA on July 2 and decided to visit Disneyland on July 4, which is our only free full day. Our visit to CA is only for 5 days and 2 1/2 are in Camarillo. I am a DVC member and we are staying at Paradise Pier from the evening of July 3 and leaving July 5 for a 2 PM flight out of LAX. I am looking for suggestions for a one day ticket to California Adventure. We usually go to WDW and haven't visited DL in more than 20 years. California Adventure wasn't built when we were there!

Here are my questions:

• Can we do Cal Adv in one day?
• Are we crazy to go on July 4?
• What attractions, entertainment and dining are considered not to miss?
• I will have a rental car, is there parking at Paradise Pier?
• Do we need Magic Bands?

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but this is our only option. I would appreciate any ideas and recommendations.

Thanks!
Judy

 

[leahlefler]

We did DCA last year in late August and it was quite busy - it will be packed on the 4th of July. I would definitely get a fast pass for Radiator Springs Racers - that ride is fantastic and gets really long lines. There are no magic bands for California (at least, there weren't last year and I don't think that has changed). You can't get fast passes in advance for California, but you can go up to a machine in the park and obtain a fast pass from the machine. Go there immediately to get the RSR fastpass. Cars Land is cool. My kids loved the California Screamin' roller coaster and Toy Story Midway Mania as well.

We parked at the ginormous parking garage adjacent to Disneyland/Downtown Disney.

 

[jrose529]

We did DCA last year in late August and it was quite busy - it will be packed on the 4th of July. I would definitely get a fast pass for Radiator Springs Racers - that ride is fantastic and gets really long lines. There are no magic bands for California (at least, there weren't last year and I don't think that has changed). You can't get fast passes in advance for California, but you can go up to a machine in the park and obtain a fast pass from the machine. Go there immediately to get the RSR fastpass. Cars Land is cool. My kids loved the California Screamin' roller coaster and Toy Story Midway Mania as well.

We parked at the ginormous parking garage adjacent to Disneyland/Downtown Disney.

Thank you so much! I am worried about the crowds, but have no choice.

Judy

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Single rider rsr if it's too busy grab a fp to soarin or gaurdians.

Single rider the screamer

Make use of fastpass on soarin guardians and toy story

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Grab a fastpass to world of color sometime in the morning its by the little mermaid ride its not connected to the ride fastpasses

 

[jrose529]

Single rider rsr if it's too busy grab a fp to soarin or gaurdians.

Single rider the screamer

Make use of fastpass on soarin guardians and toy story

rab a fastpass to world of color sometime in the morning its by the little mermaid ride its not connected to the ride fastpasses

Sounds like a plan. Thanks! What is the world of color?

 

[hjgaus]

My DD (28) and I are attending a wedding in CA on July 2 and decided to visit Disneyland on July 4, which is our only free full day. Our visit to CA is only for 5 days and 2 1/2 are in Camarillo. I am a DVC member and we are staying at Paradise Pier from the evening of July 3 and leaving July 5 for a 2 PM flight out of LAX. I am looking for suggestions for a one day ticket to California Adventure. We usually go to WDW and haven't visited DL in more than 20 years. California Adventure wasn't built when we were there!

Here are my questions:

• Can we do Cal Adv in one day?
• Are we crazy to go on July 4?
• What attractions, entertainment and dining are considered not to miss?
• I will have a rental car, is there parking at Paradise Pier?
• Do we need Magic Bands?

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but this is our only option. I would appreciate any ideas and recommendations.

Thanks!
Judy[/QUOTE

Welcome home fellow DVCer !! Don't forget you have Extra Magic Hour starting check in until check out morning !!!

This is definitely ALWAYS an advantage of being DVC especially when you don't have fast pass + on the west coast ! You may really want to use if you have concerns of over crowding and long waits ! Although the traditional FP here works fine as well. We will be at VGC the same 3 days!! Not sure if you want to do Guardians of the Galaxy Breakout ride that replaced TOT but I hear that EMH for onsite guests is the best way to ride minus the REALLY long wait time at least for now !!! We will be using it next weekend 6/9 - 6/11.

Also.... no you are not crazy for wanting to be there on that day! This will be our third time going on a 4th of July holiday BUT it's usually not THAT crowded until evening time for the locals (me included ) that come late for the fireworks ! Although a new ride brings out more people !!!

Have fun !!!

 

[jrose529]

Thanks hjgaus! I feel much better about our visit and am getting really excited!

 

[hjgaus]

Thanks hjgaus! I feel much better about our visit and am getting really excited!

YOU'RE VERY WELCOME !!!!

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

World of color is a water show in front of Mickey fun wheel at night u gotta see it

 

[Nonsuch]

...I am a DVC member and we are staying at Paradise Pier from the evening of July 3 and leaving July 5 for a 2 PM flight out of LAX. I am looking for suggestions for a one day ticket to California Adventure...

If your budget allows, you might consider a multi-day (or even hopper) ticket. July 4 is a "Peak" day, so single day tickets are more expensive -- multi-day ticket do not have "demand" pricing.

While paying for a extra day and only going for Monday evening (and/or Wednesday morning) seems wasteful, you will be able to see another evening spectacular (Main Street Electrical Parade, Fireworks, WOC). Staying at Paradise Pier hotel gives access to Extra Magic Hour every day.

 

[cattywampus]

DLR Vet (Socal native)

1. Yes, you can do DCA in one day but it will be harder on a busy day -- use Early Entry and FP);

2. You are not crazy as long as you are prepared for a very busy day.DCA handles crowds better that DL but will still be busy. If you exit the park, ask if they are getting close to any closures due to max occupancy before leaving (this happens MUCH less than DL.

Best attraction: Carslandas a whole (racers for sure; Mater if little be is 30 mins or less; skip Luigi);

Screaming, Toy Story (skip if you do at WDW) Grizzly (if you want to get wet), Soarin (again, same as WDW); Guardians of Galaxy (though I have not been since theme change), Monsters inc is very cute (do if wait is 30 mins or less.

Carthay Circle is the signature restaurant and it is themed old Hollywood. Very nice place to get out of the heat with yummy food, but your credit card will feel it.

Bugsland is cute; Ferris wheel swinging cars are fun but long wait

WOC doesn't thrill me like F! But a lot of people love be it.

Downloaded ad the app. It shows wait times, temp closures, etc.

4. Yes, PP has a garage where you will be charged

5. No magic bands or advanced FP.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

With only one day (or possibly 2 evenings), you may want to look into booking the WOC Dessert Party. That is a dining package that gives you reserved seating (= an actual chair, whereas all other regular viewing is standing only) with a dessert plate and your choice of beverage (including sparkling wine, sodas, coffee, etc.). It is a nice package and a fun way to see the show with the least amount of waiting. WOC is well worth seeing. You can look at videos on YouTube to see if this is something that interests you. Currently, the original WOC is showing.

 

[msteddom]

It might have been a fluke, but DCA was empty last 4th of July (15 minute wait for Soarin'). Who knows if history will repeat itself though.

 

[luish9]

It might have been a fluke, but DCA was empty last 4th of July (15 minute wait for Soarin'). Who knows if history will repeat itself though.

I was about to say the same thing. I was expecting the worse last year and it was very calm. Both parks were very accessible even the employees were surprised. On July 5th it was crazy busy over at MK

 

[cruisehopeful]

• Can we do Cal Adv in one day? Yes
• Are we crazy to go on July 4? My instinct is to say yes, but that doesn't mean not to go. And, it seems that holidays haven't been as busy as regular days this past year. Perhaps everyone is afraid it will be too crowded and they no longer go on holidays.
• What attractions, entertainment and dining are considered not to miss? World of Color - since it is just the 2 of you, spring for the dessert party if you can. It will let you sit and watch the show while eating snacks. It's a nice way to end a long busy day off your feet. Carsland is a must. Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout is excellent and you need to get there right after park opening to ride or to get a fast pass. When you go to Monster's Inc, ask for a buddy pass. They will send you in through the exit and you can bypass the line since there are only 2 of you. You can escape the heat by having a drink in Carthay Circle lounge. I like It's Tough to be a Bug. Grizzly Rapids is a great ride and you will get wet on it. Grab a paper fast pass for it.
• I will have a rental car, is there parking at Paradise Pier? Yes. They normally charge for parking, but if you booked with DVC points, you may not need to pay.
• Do we need Magic Bands? No. We still use paper fast passes. They run out quickly for Guardians of the Galaxy and Radiator Springs. If you don't mind riding separate, you can do Radiator Springs single rider instead. Goofys Sky School also has single rider.

 

[mich311e]

My friend was at Disneyland on July 4 last year. She didn't go to CA but they had a suprisingly light day on July 4th. I feel like CA might be busier, with the Summer of Heros promo and GOTG ride just opening. Hopefully it's not too crowded - especially since it's the only day you gcan go. Go early, utilize fast pass, keep cool*, and have fun!

*I took a black umbrella last August to help with the lack of shade in CA. Something to consider!

 

[jrose529]

Thank you everyone! You have all been so helpful. Now my daughter and I need to sit down and decide our plan. Of course I want to do everything!