Disneyland in just 1 day in May?

[friedela]

We weren't planning on doing Disneyland for the first time until 2021 but it looks like things are aligning for us to go this upcoming May but the budget will be tight. We just did Disneyworld last Feb. so it hasn't been ages since our last vacation and we did 4 days which was good for us.

In order to see other things too we are thinking of only doing 1 day at Disneyland.. is it doable? Has anyone done it and regretted it later? Also, has anyone else gone in May? What was the weather like?

TIA

 

[ktlm]

I would try to do 2 days if you can. What are the ages, is it just adults or kids too? DH and I once did DL/CA in one day from open to close- it was breakneck speed all day long. With DD- especially when she was younger- that could not be done. Part of what you can get done is going to depend on the crowd level and if everyone is old enough to do single rider lines. If you can do single rider lines- you can use those for Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster, and Indiana Jones and that will save a lot of time. We did it long before MaxPass (and before Carsland), but if you can spend the money on MaxPass that will help because first thing in the morning, you may be able to bounce from FP to FP skipping lines DD and I did that one morning last July and it was great. It is a whole lot quicker doing it by phone and grabbing anything that is available nearby- as opposed to having to walk to the ride to get a physical FP. DH and I were getting in the FP line- pulling up the app the minute we scanned into the line and could get a new FP and grabbing whatever FP popped up for something close that kicked in immediately. Even though the lines were not too long yet---even saving 10 minutes gives you that time to do something else! If my choice was do 1 day or do no days--- 1 day would win every time!

 

[figment_jii]

When in May are you going? Historically, Memorial Day weekend is when the parks switch into their summer season mode, which typically means longer hours and more entertainment offerings.

In terms of being "doable", that also depends on what you mean by that term. It is very possible to see Disneyland and have a lot of fun in one day, but there is no way to do everything the resort has to offer in one day (you'd need 3 to 5 days to even get close to doing everything). You'll need to prioritize what attractions, shows, characters, and experiences you want to do the most and then build a plan from there. I would highly recommend getting MaxPass to help with getting more done ($10/person/day).

 

[tarheelalum]

One day is fine as long as you know you will not get to do everything you want. If I was only going one day, I'd make sure I was at the gate 1 hour before the park opens. I would buy my tickets and max pass online and take the print out to the gate. And I would download the Disneyland app and learn how to use maxpass on my phone before the trip by watching videos on youtube.

But three days is really the minimum to do most of the stuff in the parks.

 

[BadPinkTink]

When I first started going to Disneyland, it was just a one day visit with my friends. We stayed in LA and drove to Disney early in the morning , getting there around 9am and leaving about 11pm. We would get hoppers, start the day in the main park, go to California Adventures in the afternoon and then back to the main park for the fireworks. We would stay AFTER the fireworks as it was June and the parks closed at midnight.

It was a long long day, and we just hit the highlights. We just had lunch at The Plaza and then snacked for the rest of the day. This was before Maxpass so we would bounce all over the place to get Fastpass.

It is doable, as long as you expect crowds, expect to only do rides once and to miss out on shows, parades, character meets etc. For the experience, go for it, but just be there atmosphere and to be at Disney

 

[dina444444]

If your going this May I would avoid
May 18-23 as it’s the end of both ticket deals being valid for use.

 

[friedela]

We are planning on May 1-8

 

[Patty2005]

I would buy your tickets and max pass in advance. Buy direct from Disney so Max Pass is already available when you get into the parks. Make sure to be at the park when it opens. As soon as you get through the gate, schedule a ride. You can do a ton in the first few hours. Make a list of ride priorities. Make sure you get a new fast pass every 90 minutes. Use single rider lines where you can (if no small children of course). Don't make dining reservations. With a group of all adults, it can be done. Strollers and young children will make it harder.

 

[B3rlingirl]

You could also just do DL without CA if you “just” want to experience Walt’s park.

If you wanna ride “all” main rides in both parks and you could probably do that too especially with maxpass but you will probably miss a little from the “special Disneyland” feeling.
It really depends what you expect from your first trip do DL and if you want to come back later...

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We are planning on May 1-8

If you're only going one day during this time period I'd go on a weekday - assuming you don't need to see a nighttime show that may only be running on weekends.