Disneyland in half a day?

[crosscan]

Hi, First day on the Boards.

I am an annual WDW visitor but haven't been to DL since 1998. I'm flying (solo) to LA (John Wayne airport) on Friday April 30 for a weekend event and only have the rest of Friday free. My planes arrives around 11:00am and I am renting a car. Is it worth it to go to DL? Or DCA? Both? (that seems unlikely).

I'll not a thrill ride guy so long lines at the Mountains don't matter but would love to see unique atttractions and classics that are different from WDW.

Thanks

 

[Judy from Boise]

off the top of my head, and not checking hours, assuming you are in the park at 1 pm, and it closes at 9pm, absolutely ! That would be worth it to me.

 

[PinkBudgie]

You won't see nearly everything, but it is better than nothing. Be sure to research what rides are different or unique before you go so you have a plan when you arrive.

 

[crosscan]

Thanks for the responses. I checked the hours and DL is open to midnight, DCA 9:00pm so the parks will be open longer than my body will be able to handle, given a 4:00am wake up that morning for my flight.

I think I'll stick to DL, unless someone has a compelling argument to spend the extra money on DCA?

 

[specialks]

My husband loves Soarin' and Tower of Terror. Both are in DCA. Also, we really like the Pixar parade (even as adults) so if you like things unique to Disney you could try to catch it at DCA. It is really easy to walk between the parks so if you do decide to splurge you can easily catch those few things at DCA then head back over to DL to finish off your night.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Thanks for the responses. I checked the hours and DL is open to midnight, DCA 9:00pm so the parks will be open longer than my body will be able to handle, given a 4:00am wake up that morning for my flight.

I think I'll stick to DL, unless someone has a compelling argument to spend the extra money on DCA?

Stick to DL. DCA is doing a major expansion and if you can swing it, I would come back when all is completed!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Stick to DL. DCA is doing a major expansion and if you can swing it, I would come back when all is completed!

Agreed. I love DCA, but out of a 5 or 6 day trip, we only spend a day and a half there without feeling like we're missing anything.

 

[barefootmomma]

Stick to DL. DCA is doing a major expansion and if you can swing it, I would come back when all is completed!

Completely agree. I'd stick to DL, and I'd definitely say it's worth it to go.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Stick to DL, BUT -

Do yourself a favor... do not excuse Disneyland as a tiny WDW before you even arrive. I find that WDW'ers do that and short-sell the magic and "amazingness" that DL has.

A lot is going to look familiar, but there is lots that is different. And so much of it is in the details.

Also, unlike WDW, the 2 parks at DLR are literally a 3 minute walk from each other (front gate to front gate). And Downtown Disney is less than a 5 minute walk away. Give yourself a chance to take it all in.

I think you'll find it truly magical.

- Dreams

 

[Mister Toad]

Completely agree. I'd stick to DL, and I'd definitely say it's worth it to go.

I agree. I have done absolutely everything in one day at disneyland (8am-midnight). If you just decide what you want to go on and make a plan for that, you should have no trouble. If you land at SNA at 11am, and you aren't checking a bag, you can make it in the door easily by 1pm, if you are lucky, maybe earlier.

I feel like i've plugged it many times today already, but you may want to get Ridemax. Just plug in the rides you want to go on and the day/time you will be there, and it will spit out a schedule minimizing your wait time. I have used it every time I have gone to DL (except as a kid, internet was new), and it has always made me very happy.

Good luck

 

[crosscan]

I understand what you are saying Dreams. Disneyland was the park I first visited when I was young and the place where I first felt the magic.

The point of my query was not really "can I do it all in a day" but more "can I do enough to justify the cost of a day". My concern was that by the time I landed, got my rental car, drove, parked, bought my ticket, etc., I would only have a few hours and they would all be spent waiting in lines at the busiest time of the day. Given the responses and the late hours on the Friday it sounds like the answer is yes.

I am a believer that some Disney is always better than no Disney, and there are never enough hours to absorb it all. I'll just have to come again!

 

[jenniferrose]

Not sure why everyone is saying 9pm, but DL is open til midnight that night. (DCA is only til 9) I say go and enjoy. Personally, I love DCA and think park hopping is so easy that I would hop over if there are any attractions over there that are of interest to you.

 

[Dobie]

Make sure to get a Fastpass for Indiana Jones as soon as you arrive--you won't want to miss this one! Pirates is significantly better at DL than at WDW, and Haunted Mansion is as well. Neither of these rides typically has a really long wait. I would get a FP for Splash as well, if you don't mind getting wet, but after I snagged Indy. Mr. Toad is unique to DL, and the wait is often bearable, even in the late afternoon. I much prefer DL's Small World to WDW's--the queue is outside. If you can, you might want to call Disney Dining to see if you can snag a PS for Carnation Cafe--it is a lovely outdoor dining area on Mainstreet and you can people watch while you eat. Dinner is usually only about 15 bucks. Rivers of America will still be under refurbishment, which means Fantasmic is down (bummer) but that might cut down on Friday night crowds, which is a good thing! Late in the evening is a good time to ride everything.