Disneyland in one day?

[roseburghughes]

I am trying to wrap my brain around going to Disneyland in June for just one day. We are using are GAD coupons and do not have extra money for another day (Big Trip - Disney Cruise/WDW in Sept).
We are going for our DD's (27) birthday and the grandkids (4 and 6). We are visiting relatives on both sides of DL and will be in Anaheim for two days. On the first day we are going to do Downtown Disney, catch a movie and go to lunch to celebrate our daughter's birthday .
We can watch the fireworks that night from either Downtown Disney or our hotel (Menage Hotel).

I am a little nervious about doing Disneyland in just one day. Any ideas on how to make the most of just one day?

 

[Mugglemama]

What day of the week will you be in the park?

First, look on the Disneyland calendar to see if the day for your scheduled visit is up yet...that way, you'll know what the park hours are that day.

Next, f your goal is to ride the maximum amount of rides during your one day, you might want to check out Ridemax. I used it 3 years ago and will be using it again this summer. It was a lifesaver, and I really loved using it. You pay $15 for a 90 day subscription, click on everything you want to get done on your scheduled date of visit, punch in the hours you will be in the parks, and it spits out an itinerary that allows you to get the most done with the shortest wait times in lines. Be aware though, that at the moment, the software only does schedules through about June 28th of this year. You can create as many different itineraries as you want during your subscription.

Lastly, a lot of people on these boards feel that HydroGuy's Tips are just as good (if not better) than Ridemax, so you may want to read his tips! I use both, but that's because I really haaaaaaaaaaaaate to stand in long lines.

Hope that helps!

 

[heather_sue_98]

What about a character meal sometime during your day before? Then you can cross some of the characters off your list and spend less precious park time waiting for them...

Also, I know everyone says it a lot, but BE THERE AT PARK OPENING! Everyone says it, but not everyone does it, because you can still walk on rides for about your first hour in the park.

And HAVE A PLAN. Decide before getting there what you are going to do and in what order. For us, with small kids, it's always Fantasyland first.

USE FASTPASS. Look for the Fastpass Superthread on this board if you don't know how Fastpass works.

Lastly, don't be disappointed. It's not the end of the world if you don't get to do everything you wanted. It just means you'll have to go again sometime, and really is that all that bad?

Have so much fun!

 

[mcnerthney]

When we go to Disneyland, we only go for one day. I suggest judging your speed of touring by the ages of the kids. Do only what they would like (throw yourself on the grenade!) and don't push them when they're tired. Have planned rest times and just enjoy. Remember GAD vouchers are blocked June 21 and 22 (we'll be there on the 23rd).

Kristi
3 weeks to go!