Disneyland Newbie ????

[Nicsmom]

I just found out that my DH employer will be flying my family (me, DH, DD13, DS3)to Cali for their Christmas party at Knotts Berry Farms. This will be our first time as a family to Southern Cali. Very excited. Unfortunately, we'll only be there from noon on Friday until early AM on Monday. The party is 5-9 on Saturday night. So, my thought is how could I be this close to Disneyland and not go, even for just one day. My questions are:

Can I use my WDW Annual Pass at Disneyland?
Tips/advice for a one day visit?
Would it be worth $ to go for 1/2 day on Saturday before party (open-3)?

Thank you!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Can you tell us the dates so we can estimate crowds ?

 

[DLR29]

The answer to your first question is no. Also I can't really tell you if it would be worth it unless you say which Saturday in December. December has the largest difference in crowds between weeks than any other month.

 

[Nicsmom]

We'll be there 12/15 (PM at Knotts) and 12/16. Thanks for the help!

 

[DLR29]

I think it would be worth it to go for a day if not 2. The only way I would go for 2 would be if you stayed onsite and got early entry. If not, jsut go Sunday. It shouldn't be very crowded because most schools have school on the 17th. Go for a day, it's fun! I went to DL for a day in June in 05 and got in a bunch of stuff.

As long as you get there early, use FP, and stay late you will be surprised at how much you can get done. With park hours 8-12, the crowds don't start to actually come until around 9 or 10, so for the first couple hours you can get on many popular rides with minimal waits. Try Space, Matterhorn, Peter Pan, or Indy.

See high capacity rides during the middle of the day (as long as using FP), such as Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Buzz, IASWH, Pinocchio, Snow White.

Also don't waste time eating breakfast for a day trip. eat before you get there. Also if you only are going for a day, you may want to take advantage of shorter lines during parades, Fantasmic, and fireworks, unless those are huge priorities.

 

[Nicsmom]

I think it would be worth it to go for a day if not 2. The only way I would go for 2 would be if you stayed onsite and got early entry. If not, jsut go Sunday. It shouldn't be very crowded because most schools have school on the 17th. Go for a day, it's fun! I went to DL for a day in June in 05 and got in a bunch of stuff.

As long as you get there early, use FP, and stay late you will be surprised at how much you can get done. With park hours 8-12, the crowds don't start to actually come until around 9 or 10, so for the first couple hours you can get on many popular rides with minimal waits. Try Space, Matterhorn, Peter Pan, or Indy.

See high capacity rides during the middle of the day (as long as using FP), such as Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Buzz, IASWH, Pinocchio, Snow White.

Also don't waste time eating breakfast for a day trip. eat before you get there. Also if you only are going for a day, you may want to take advantage of shorter lines during parades, Fantasmic, and fireworks, unless those are huge priorities.

Thank you for all of your tips. Which hotels are the best (moderate priced) hotel to stay in. I don't mind spending a bit more $ to stay some where that is convenient since it's just one day. Now we are thinking of going a day early which means a Friday visit. I would assume it would be less crowded on a Friday. I'm so excited. I wish I had more vaca time. I would love to see more of Southern Cali. Hear it beautiful. Thanks again.

 

[BillyFan]

You must go to DLR while you're there! I believe Knotts and DLR are only about 20 minutes apart, so if you have rental car, it doesn't really matter if you stay right by Knotts or DLR. Since you have WDW AP, then you're used to a bit of a ride to get to each park anyway.
I would get three day park hoppers and go Friday, EE on Saturday until you have to leave for Knotts and then Sunday.
Have a great time, and let us know what you decide.

 

[Hound 109]

You must go to DLR while you're there! I believe Knotts and DLR are only about 20 minutes apart, so if you have rental car, it doesn't really matter if you stay right by Knotts or DLR. Since you have WDW AP, then you're used to a bit of a ride to get to each park anyway.
I would get three day park hoppers and go Friday, EE on Saturday until you have to leave for Knotts and then Sunday.
Have a great time, and let us know what you decide.

I agree.

& read up on HydroGuy's tips (all of them).

You should know how EE works & how FPs @ DLR work (different than WDW) prior to planning your days.

(& if you only come on Sunday, be at the gates 30 min. prior to rope drop & have an early morning strategy mapped out.)

Have fun at Walt's park!

 

[Leofoenget]

Thank you for all of your tips. Which hotels are the best (moderate priced) hotel to stay in. I don't mind spending a bit more $ to stay some where that is convenient since it's just one day. Now we are thinking of going a day early which means a Friday visit. I would assume it would be less crowded on a Friday. I'm so excited. I wish I had more vaca time. I would love to see more of Southern Cali. Hear it beautiful. Thanks again.

I would suggest staying across the street on Harbor. Walking to the front gate saves soo much time. Best Western Park Place Inn, Desert inn and Suites etc. Have fun!!

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

Camelot and Carousel are also right across from the park entrance. We enjoyed Candy Cane Inn, but it is a bit farther to walk. (They do have their own shuttle.) I would definitely make time for Disneyland anyway I could!