Can you see both parks in 1 day?

[jonmar]

We are taking a two day stopover in LA to take our daughter to Disneyland. We have been to Disney World but have no idea the size of Disneyland in comparison. In Orlando, we could only do 1 park per day. Would the same hold true in California? Also, do they typically have fireworks on Thursday nights in March? The 15 of March specifically. I checked the calendar and while it does not go that far into the future, it seems fireworks are only Friday Saturday and Sundays. Is it different during spring break season?

 

[KCmike]

You could go "commando" and try to see all the headliners from both parks but you will miss alot. I would focus on Disneyland and take it all in. If you have to park hop then only see Aladdin, Screamin, Monsters Inc. and World of Color.

Disneyland is simply amazing. It will feel very small at first when you get to the gate but it is hands down the best Disney park.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

During the off season, fireworks are only shown on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Disneyland is in the middle of an urban area, unlike WDW which is in the middle of no where.

However, during spring break they may show fireworks during the week. You'll just have to check the schedule.

Disneyland is smaller in area as compared to Magic Kingdom, but it has a lot more attractions. California Adventure is just a short walk away through a plaza. It is possible to see both parks in one day, you just have to determine how much you want to do in one day.

 

[skiingfast]

In Orlando, we could only do 1 park per day. Would the same hold true in California?

In DLR, DL and DCA would fit into Epcot no problem, but have so many more attractions, that you can't do everything. You may want to focus on what is only at DLR, or attractions that are different. Skip the ones that are nearly the same.

Read section 7 of this link to see more about the attractions.
DLR guide for WDW vets

Read sections 13 as well, but skip part 2, as this has changed and it's unknown if it will be true at the time of your visit.

While the DL night shows may be weekend only, I think it will be busy enough they will all show. Make the effort to see World of Color and the fireworks. On is not at WDW the other quite superior. Fantasmic probably but it's more similiar to WDW.

 

[pixarmom]

jonmar, I do think you can enjoy both DL and DCA in just one day - this is what we're doing on March 2! We're WDW vets (although DL was originally my "home park" as a child.) But part of the reason it's easy for us to do this in one day is that our most recent DL/DCA visit was in August 2010 and we'll be back again next year. We also go to WDW relatively frequently. So we know which attractions/shows we want to target for our single DL/DCA day and we've developed a touring plan based on those shows and attractions. And if we miss something, that's fine because we'll be back again next year. We also arrive before rope drop and take advantage of those first couple of hours in DL, start collecting FPs, etc.

So I think it could be great fun if you target a limited number of rides and attractions, have a plan to reduce wait time and keep expectations for the day reasonable.

 

[Eeee-va]

Unless you're patient enough to wait for WDW's version, I'd add "The Little Mermaid" to your list of "should dos" at DCA.

If the parks are open late for Spring Break and you can be there from park open til close, I think you'll do very well. If you just want to hit what DLR has that WDW doesn't have (or that WDW doesn't do nearly as well), you should be able to fit most of that in at both parks. One advantage to going to Disneyland and DCA in the same day is that you can get FPs for rides in DCA even when you're not eligible to get them at DL.

There's no way you can do/see everything, but you should be able to get a good sense of both parks. (A few years ago I went to WDW on a very cheap trip and saw most of Epcot and about half of Hollywood Studios in one day...in a perfect world you'd devote 2 or even 3 days to the 2 parks at Disneyland, but you can do a lot with the time you have.)

Have a great trip!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

DLR has almost as many rides as WDW but in a smaller space.

 

[Gisele]

Yes,one can see very easily and clearly both parks in one day. Just look to the right, then to the left, and voila! .......................................

~~ I love you Phil, and you will forever be with me! Forever my very best and most special friend! I love you to no end. ~~
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