Disneyland and CAP Time at Parks vs The World?

[ScottJayhawk]

We've been to WDW 3 times in the last 6 years - always at low attendance times (Sept Twice, October) and spent 6-7 days at the parks, usually something like this - 2.5 days at MK, 1 day at AK, 1 day at Epcot, each Waterpark and 1 day at HS (give or take). We don't NEED that much time, we can do usually do everything we want to at each park - including a few character meals, and meeting lots of characters. We aren't trying to do absolutely everything.

So my question is this.....we (Me, Wife, DS (7), DD (4)) are headed to Disneyland this winter (right after Thanksgiving-ish Tues - Fri) and plan to stay at the Grand Californian DVC Villas (love DVC!) and go to both CAP and DL of course. So how many days in each park is enough? We don't want to rush but want to ride most (not all however) rides for that age group (and the 4 year old fears little!). So is a 1/2 day at MK (on arrival day) then a full day at each CAP and MK and a 1/2 day (on departure day) enough??

My thought is that we are going at a low attendance time and shouldn't have too much trouble. But we've only been to WDW, not yet the West Coast version of The Mouse.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

Scott

 

[Castillo Mom]

I'd recommend 1 day at DCA and 2 at DL. I'm a California native and have been to both many times. You definitely need 2 for DL in order to see and do everything you want without having to rush.

 

[DLR29]

A common question from WDW vets is "How many days should we allot for each park?" However, unlike WDW, at DLR it is MUCH easier to park hop. Taking only a few minutes to walk from park to park (no buses, boats, monorails, no nothing but your feet), it the question isn't "How many days for each park?", but "How many days total?" because each day you should hop back and forth constantly, taking advantage of the short distance between the two.

So, I would recommend a solid 3 days bare minimum for a first timer. That's if you go from park opening, maybe take a short afternoon break, and return in the evening for a long time. 4-5 days is good if you want to take it easier. But definitely hop every day. It allows you to stock up a ton on FPs and get in a lot of attractions each day.

Also, some terminology:
DL-Disneyland park
DCA- Disney's California Adventure park
DLR- Disneyland resort (encompasses DL, DCA, Downtown Disney, and the 3 onsite hotels)

WDW is to MK as DLR is to DL.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Also factor in things that are not rides, if that interests you. DL and CA both have parades and shows that are wonderful. I so oftern read about people who plan a trip to DLR that is just a checklist of rides. There is SOOOO much more that the Parks both have to offer that are not just rides. I could (and have) spent hours wandering through Disneyland enjoying entertainment of all sorts and not go on one rides. Clearly, it depends on your interests, but my point is that DLR has lots to offer beyond just the rides. Don't miss it.

Also, just a note about "frame of mind" to make your visit better. While at WDW it is great to plan Monday at AK, Tuesday at MK, Wednesday at EPCOT, etc...., that is not necessary (and not advisable) for enjoying DLR. The 2 Parks are literally minutes apart from 1 front gate to the other. You can enjoy some of each Park each day very easily.

Try not to think of it as "The West Coast Version" as WDW and DLR are very different (even while they are similar in many ways). You are not planning a trip to the West Coast WDW - no such place exists. You are coming to Disneyland and California Adventure. It's an important difference that will make your trip more enjoyable

- Dreams

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

If it's your first time at DLR, I wouldn't go for anything less than 5 days. You can easily park hop between both parks and you should to take advantage of all the various shows and attractions each park offers. In addition, they are on separate FP networks so you can hop on over to get FP for rides at both parks -- and you should so you can ride whatever you want multiple times. Have fun!

 

[DisCookie]

I went to DL and DCA recently as a first timer and I wanted to do everything the parks had at least once (ride all the rides, watch the shows, parades, and fireworks). It took about 3.5 days for that, but I stayed off site and there was rain during my visit which canceled the parades and fireworks during some of the days/nights. So doable in 3 days, but 4 days should allow you to enjoy everything. I park hopped every single day, the parks are literally right next door to each other that I wonder why they even bother to make them separate, lol. Usually head to DL first and then DCA, because DCA opens later.

 

[ScottJayhawk]

As always - great advice coming in quickly!!!

Keep it coming everyone

How does DL compare in overall size to MK at WDW? Same size, much bigger, a little smaller, etc...???

And are these time estimates for touring based on peak times or low attendance times - specifically the 2 weeks right after Thanksgiving - how will the crowds be?

Thanks again!!

Scott

 

[DLR29]

As always - great advice coming in quickly!!!

Keep it coming everyone

How does DL compare in overall size to MK at WDW? Same size, much bigger, a little smaller, etc...???

And are these time estimates for touring based on peak times or low attendance times - specifically the 2 weeks right after Thanksgiving - how will the crowds be?

Thanks again!!

Scott

DL is smaller in size than MK, but has more attractions believe it or not.

Peak season or not, the same number of days applies because:
-Low season, the crowds are low, but the park hours are much shorter
-High season, the crowds are high, but the park hours are much longer

So even if you go during a less crowded time, you might not be able to get as much done simply because DL might be open for 6 less hours (10AM-8PM) than during a more crowded time (8AM-12AM). And that time right after Thanksgiving was not a very crowded time this past year, but crowd patterns at DLR have been difficult to predict with the recent HUGE amount of AP holders that greatly affect park attendance. But my guess is that early December will remain a relatively slow period (10AM-8AM during the week)

 

[HydroGuy]

As always - great advice coming in quickly!!!

Keep it coming everyone

How does DL compare in overall size to MK at WDW? Same size, much bigger, a little smaller, etc...???

And are these time estimates for touring based on peak times or low attendance times - specifically the 2 weeks right after Thanksgiving - how will the crowds be?

Thanks again!!

Scott

You are asking lots of good questions. Have you found this thread yet?

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

It answers all the questions you are asking plus to ones you have not thought of yet?

 

[ScottJayhawk]

Great resource - thanks!