Considering 1 week at Disneyland hotel we have questions...

[dis2cruise]

Were thinking on going in January 6-13,2013 we are a family of 4-2 adults 21 yr old & a 19 yr old. Never been to Disney land before so not sure how many days we would need to visit the parks. Also, in January is there limited hours compared to other months like at Disney world.

Also, is there other attractions to see near by that might intest us?

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd say that 3-4 days is enough for DL/CA. If you're real Disney fans, then you'll find stuff to do for more days. If just the casual Disney visitor, then 3 is probably adequate and could just do 2 in a pinch.

Shorter park hours are an indication of lower crowd levels. Lower crowd levels means you can do more attractions in less time. So don't equate shorter park hours with not enough time to do everything.

 

[mpalmieri1203]

Were thinking on going in January 6-13,2013 we are a family of 4-2 adults 21 yr old & a 19 yr old. Never been to Disney land before so not sure how many days we would need to visit the parks. Also, in January is there limited hours compared to other months like at Disney world.

Also, is there other attractions to see near by that might intest us?

Personally, if you haven't been to California before, I'd suggest spending just a few days at DL and then taking a drive along Pacific 1 and stopping at various locales.

 

[dis2cruise]

Thanks for the quick responses....

Yes, we were thinking about 2/3 days at the parks so I guess it's workable. We also don't mind doing day trips that require even A 2 hour drive to the destination. A drive Near the coast sounds really nice too

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I'm guessing by your ages that your little ones are REALLY little. With that in mind, I'd say four days at DL. Use the rider swap pass (one adult stays with the kids while the other rides the thrilling ride, then trade places) it's free and will save you time in lines. Off site fun with little ones, I'd say the beach. With really tiny ones, I think Universal is too much.

Last year they extended the Christmas overlay to the 8th of Janurary along with the hours to include the celebration of Three Kings Day. It was a pretty good turn out so I imagine they will do the same again next year.

 

[HydroGuy]

Were thinking on going in January 6-13,2013 we are a family of 4-2 adults 21 yr old & a 19 yr old. Never been to Disney land before so not sure how many days we would need to visit the parks. Also, in January is there limited hours compared to other months like at Disney world.

Also, is there other attractions to see near by that might intest us?

At least three days, probably four, and overlap some weekend days.

Check these for more info:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Have a magical trip!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Were thinking on going in January 6-13,2013 we are a family of 4-2 adults 21 yr old & a 19 yr old.

I'm guessing by your ages that your little ones are REALLY little.

I think the OP really means 4 adults... Some parents always see their children as kids! 40 years later my mom still calls me her baby boy! Uhh!

 

[I❤MICKEY]

Our first visit was last June. My DS were 6 months and 3 at the time. We had 4 day park hoppers and for us it wasn't nearly long enough. I was shocked by how much we weren't able to accomplish. We stayed at the parks from morning to night. I'm sure having little ones made a big impact but I think it was the amount of stuff there is to see and do. We enjoyed watching the parades, fantastic, WOC, character meals (we did 3), character meet and greets, etc. I felt very rushed.

We went again December 30 - January 7. We anticipated large crowds due to the holiday so we planned for a longer visit and bought AP's. My husband felt it was a day or two too long but I thought it was perfect. I didn't feel guilty if we didn't spend the entire day running. We had what I would consider a leisurely visit. If a line was long we just moved on and planned to catch the ride the next day. We had dinner on Harbour rather than in the park which saved us money. We took the time to let the kids go swimming in the pool. We went back to our room for naps. My DS danced with Phineas and Ferb 4 times a day. We also lucked out with a hotel deal (good neighbor) which gave us every 4th night free. So we stayed 8 nights for the price of 6.

IMO 2 days isn't long enough. 3 is cutting it close. I wouldn't go for less than 4.

 

[Girimama33]

I think the OP really means 4 adults... Some parents always see their children as kids!

This is what I thought too when I read the OP.

You may want to look at:
Knots Berry Farm
Magic Mountain
Hollywood/LA
Beaches-Newport, Laguna
San Diego/zoo

 

[ValpoCory]

At least three days, probably four, and overlap some weekend days.

Check these for more info:

"Choosing When To Visit DLR: Summary of High and Low Season and When Each Happens" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Have a magical trip!

Thanks for those links HydroGuy. I appreciate all you do for us DISers.