California Adventure Park ... in one day?

[Amunet]

So DH and I are looking at a mexican cruise AND if that happens, I'm thinking about taking an early flight so we can spend a day (and spend the night) at Disneyland.

I'm thinking just California Adventure because I've never been there.

Would it be possible to experience these in one day (flight would arrive at 9:30am):

• California Screamin
• Disney's Aladdin Musical
• Grizzly River Run (do you get soaked?)
• Ariel's Undersea Adventure
• Sorcerer's Workshop
• Toy Story Mania
• Tower of Terror
• World of Color
• Lunch/Dinner reservation Ariel's Grotto (for the characters, not the world of color package)

Just checking to see if all of that would be possible ... if at all for one day?

Any suggestions for transportation?

This trip has about a 50% chance of happening ... and it would be in April, so I thought I'd try to figure this out if I end up booking even more last minute

Thanks!

 

[JollyHoliday23]

Totally doable!

 

[HeyItsNickCA]

You can totally do it. However, you'll have to focus - it'll be busy in april for spring break - but - it'll be open longer.

 

[GrandBob]

I agree with the others - totally doable.

As soon as you arrive, get a ShowPass for WOC and a FastPass for California Screamin. You can get both these back to back - WOC doesn't stop you from getting a FP. While you're at the back of the park for your CS FP, get in line for TSMM; that will be your longest line of the day. Then later, when you're allowed to get another FP, get one for ToT. You'll easily be able to fit in the rest of your plan in between these 3. Also, when you enter the park, get the show schedule to check times for Aladdin.

Have fun! I think you'll be able to do all the above and more.

-Bob

 

[Amunet]

Thank you all so much! This has helped me so much ^_^

Bob ~ THANK YOU! That is exactly what I needed

I'm used to game plans for WDW, not so much Disneyland or California, so this helps me so much.

If we are able to do this, I'm not going to tell DH that I have this planned

 

[SeattleRedBear]

I agree with the others - totally doable.

As soon as you arrive, get a ShowPass for WOC and a FastPass for California Screamin. You can get both these back to back - WOC doesn't stop you from getting a FP. While you're at the back of the park for your CS FP, get in line for TSMM; that will be your longest line of the day. Then later, when you're allowed to get another FP, get one for ToT. You'll easily be able to fit in the rest of your plan in between these 3. Also, when you enter the park, get the show schedule to check times for Aladdin.

Have fun! I think you'll be able to do all the above and more.

-Bob

We've used this game plan as well (have a runner get the FPs for WoC and CS while everyone else gets in line for TSMM). When you're eligible to get another FP after ToT, you might consider gettting one for GRR. If it's a hot day, GRR can be a pretty long line as well.

And to answer the OP's other question about GRR, I've managed to make it through a couple times with only minor wetness but there will always be at least a couple people who get completely soaked. My memory is there are free time-limited lockers by the ride entrance that you can store things in (because the storage compartment on the raft is pretty small).

 

[Amunet]

We've used this game plan as well (have a runner get the FPs for WoC and CS while everyone else gets in line for TSMM). When you're eligible to get another FP after ToT, you might consider gettting one for GRR. If it's a hot day, GRR can be a pretty long line as well.

And to answer the OP's other question about GRR, I've managed to make it through a couple times with only minor wetness but there will always be at least a couple people who get completely soaked. My memory is there are free time-limited lockers by the ride entrance that you can store things in (because the storage compartment on the raft is pretty small).

Thank you very much ^_^

Do we get the FP for WoC at the location in which it will be shown later that night? How does that FP work for a show like that ... is it reserved seating or just a guaranteed spot?


ANOTHER QUESTION
For us, it looks like the cheapest transport from the airport (LGB) to disneyland would be a taxi. How long does it take to get from the airport to disneyland?
I'm guessing after de-boarding (carry-on only!) and getting a taxi, it would be about 10am.
We would also need to check into the hotel (park resort) before going to the park.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Do we get the FP for WoC at the location in which it will be shown later that night? How does that FP work for a show like that ... is it reserved seating or just a guaranteed spot?

This thread will answer any question you could possibly have about WoC. (Mods, it would make a lot of sense to sticky this. Seems like I see referrals to this at least a couple times a week).

To answer your specific questions

• the WoC FPs are distributed next to GRR (there are two separate lines with two different entrances, one for WoC FP's and one for GRR FP's)
• The FP guarantees you SRO in a specific section. Because there is not a dedicated seating area for WoC (unlike Fantasmic at DHS), everyone just stands in roped off areas on the terrace in front of the Paradise Pier lagoon.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

ANOTHER QUESTION
For us, it looks like the cheapest transport from the airport (LGB) to disneyland would be a taxi. How long does it take to get from the airport to disneyland?
I'm guessing after de-boarding (carry-on only!) and getting a taxi, it would be about 10am.
We would also need to check into the hotel (park resort) before going to the park.

Sorry, just noticed your other question. GM shows it as 27 minutes. I think if there's little traffic (and if your taxi driver drives like a typical Angelino) it would be a little less. But depending on traffic, could be more. 10 am would mean the worst of morning rush would have died down and you're headed away from LA downtown in any case, so I'd estimate 1/2 hour and might be less if you're lucky.

As for checking in before you go the park, unless you're staying either onsite or someplace close by, I'd be tempted to just head right the park and call the hotel for a later checkin. Although the crowds at DCA aren't typically as bad as DLR, it's still a good idea to get as early a start as you can (esp. since you just have the one day).

 

[Amunet]

This thread will answer any question you could possibly have about WoC. (Mods, it would make a lot of sense to sticky this. Seems like I see referrals to this at least a couple times a week).

To answer your specific questions

• the WoC FPs are distributed next to GRR (there are two separate lines with two different entrances, one for WoC FP's and one for GRR FP's)
• The FP guarantees you SRO in a specific section. Because there is not a dedicated seating area for WoC (unlike Fantasmic at DHS), everyone just stands in roped off areas on the terrace in front of the Paradise Pier lagoon.

Thank you so very much! I am reading the thread and the various links.

I love DIS So much useful information

 

[taaren]

• Grizzly River Run (do you get soaked?)

I have one word to add for you: Pancho.

 

[GrandBob]

We've used this game plan as well (have a runner get the FPs for WoC and CS while everyone else gets in line for TSMM). When you're eligible to get another FP after ToT, you might consider gettting one for GRR. If it's a hot day, GRR can be a pretty long line as well.

And to answer the OP's other question about GRR, I've managed to make it through a couple times with only minor wetness but there will always be at least a couple people who get completely soaked. My memory is there are free time-limited lockers by the ride entrance that you can store things in (because the storage compartment on the raft is pretty small).

Yep, I agree. You may also want a GRR FP. Actually, depending on weather and time of day, you may want the GRR FP before ToT. (Also, ToT is one of those rides that are more fun at night).

I always forget about FPs for GRR, as my DW and I tend to skip GRR, now that DGD is old enough that we feel comfortable allowing her on the ride by herself. Why do we skip it? Because you can get soaked! I mean, I've been lucky a couple of times merely getting damp while either DW or DGD look like they've gone swimming in their clothes. But you can't count on getting off light - you may get dumped on.

And yes, use the free lockers by GRR. Your camera, phone, and other sensitive items will thank you.

-Bob