Considering first family trip to Disneyland

[GillianP1301]

My son and I have been travelling to WDW annually for the past 5 years. We have our 6th trip planned for this August and it was my intention to book another bounce back and return next year but I've been thinking about going to Disneyland instead. I've been to Disneyland once on my own about 15 years ago. It was a quick one day that I added on to a business trip. This was pre Cars Land and I've always wanted to see that.

Our usual WDW trip is 10 days, with 9 days in the parks. I realize that DL is smaller and only 2 parks so not as much time needed, however, the distance for travel is over twice as far as WDW so I do want to make it worth my while. What are opinions on going for one week with a 5 day PH pass? I would have 5 days in the parks and one full off day for presumably pool/relaxation time. Is that too much time. Is there even such thing as too much time at Disney? I would love opinions as I start to think about planning this out for next year.

 

[agamble]

I think 5 days is a nice vacation at DL. We have done 5+ day trips with APs and it doesn't feel TOO long. I have also heard that you need to book half as many days as you would for WDW. So if you book 9 at WDW, then you need 4.5 at DL. So a 5 day hopper sounds good. There is plenty to do, and a LOT of attractions in those two parks.

 

[Niltiac]

I think that's a good amount of time. My first trip was 4 park days and at the end, my partner said she wished we had one more day.

5 days will give you enough time to ride many of the rides multiple times, sit around and enjoy the atmosphere, and/or get to some of the lesser-known attractions/shows. If none of those things interest you, and you really just want to ride everything on your list once and be done, then 5 days is too much time. But since you spend 10 days in WDW annually, I'm guessing you'll enjoy the extra time.

 

[Malcon10t]

We are Disney geeks, and known for going 2 weeks straight at Christmas. 5 days is great. We do 3 days once a month and it never feels like enough time.

 

[Miggee]

How old is your son? with my little ones (4 and 6), I always do 5 day PH so that we can take it slow and not be rushed to do all the rides in a day or two, take breaks in between to enjoy a show or two, or to go back to the hotel for some pool time,, if your DS is older, maybe consider adding couple days to Universal?

 

[GillianP1301]

Thanks for the info. My son is 9 but ride timid so we really only do Universal in Florida for Harry Potter. It's a consideration though. I'm also thinking a beach day would be nice. Sounds like a week will end up being just about right for us.

 

[mummabear]

We do 10 days each trip to DLR, while there are less parks than WDW there are a similar number of attractions (less the water parks)
I do also find there is less resort stuff at DLR than WDW.
I think your trip sounds like a great length.
You can also do Goofys Kitchen, Surfs up breakfast or Storytellers if you want to add something to your off day.

 

[Tattylou]

We went to DL for the first time as a family in 2015. (I had been once before as a teenager in the 90s, pre-DCA). We did 5 day hoppers and thought it was a great amount of time. My boys were 4 and 6 at the time. We are planning to go again next April (they will be 7 and 9 then). Even though WDW was always my main go to Disney place, there's a lot of things I like better about DL. It's just easier- on so many levels. You will love it. Give it a chance!!

 

[BriannaRuth]

We always do a week with 5 day hoppers. On our arrival day, we just get situated at the hotel and have dinner in DTD before having an early night so we can be first in line for MM. Then we do our park days, usually taking a full day off halfway through for a day at the pool (we rent a cabana). Usually we have a parents night out on this day, going to Napa Rose or just hopping around Uva Bar and other places while the kids (who are teens now) hang out in the room watching Disney movies. We fly back home in the evening of day 7 after taking the morning for a character breakfast at Goofy's or Storyteller's and early afternoon to shop DTD.