Disneyland Plan (in 30 days!)- Critique Pretty Please

[CamdenLab]

I've been painstakingly planning for our Disneyland trip and want to run our basic plans by some people in "the know." Please tell me your thoughts and suggestions! I'll have a detailed plan once the Disney calendar is updated (entertainment, parades and fireworks).

Background: Parents, three kids (9 boy, 11 & 13 girls) who have never been to Disney! All very adventurous, love rides and super into movies (as is their Dad). Due to airfare we are driving as we live in Portland, OR.

Friday Sept. 26: Depart.
Saturday Sept. 27: Arrive in Anaheim in the afternoon. RELAX.
Sunday Sept. 28: DL is open until midnight, we'll spend the entire day there.
Monday Sept. 29: Universal Studios
Tuesday Sept. 30: DL
Wednesday Oct. 1: Relax at the beach!
Thursday Oct. 2: Universal Studios
Friday Oct. 3: DL
Saturday Oct. 4: Go home.

Is three days in Disney enough? We have an annual pass to Universal (they were $2 more p/p plus 10% off food and merchandise, which will make up for the extra cost) and they are all big-time movie buffs. Plus, one day at Universal we'll stop in Hollywood because the kids want to see the stars. I keep thinking that another day at Disney would be best, but I'd like to take a day to relax, too.

Thoughts?

 

[CrazyDuck]

Get a 5 day hopper and do DL on Saturday night and Wednesday night. 2 days at Universal eh?

 

[sunshinemummy]

I personally think that one day at Universal is enough, we did everything plus rode the big rides a few times each...all in a day. Since you are going during the week it shouldn't be a problem. I'd add another day @ DL, we did 5 days at DL/CA and that was great for us with kids about the same age. Have Fun!

 

[CrazyDuck]

but I'd like to take a day to relax, too..

What are you some kinda crazy???

 

[dizneekrazee]

What are you some kinda crazy???

I agree. You want to relax on vacation, that is against the rules. Vacations are not for relaxing, thats what sick time is for!!!

No, seriously, I agree with PP, I would not do 2 days of Universal, one should be plenty. If you want to do something else, maybe try Knotts. But I would do 4 days at DL.

HTH!!

 

[perlster]

You can definitely do all of Universal Studios on one fall weekday - I'd just be sure to be there at opening so you can go on the Simpsons ride before the line grows long.

I vote for visiting Knott's Berry Farm. Whether or not it's really "America's First Theme Park", it's unlike any other you'll probably visit. Where else (except Philadephia) can you visit Independence Hall and touch the Liberty Bell?

 

[lulubelle]

Well, I agree that one day at Universal is plenty. But if you want to check out Hollywood, maybe go to the Disney soda fountain and catch a movie at The ElCapitan Theater. We had a really memorable time there. I also agree that you will want to go to DL Sat night and probably Wed night. Maybe a 4 day hopper? But keep your Wed for the beach. Anytime you have for than four days on a theme park vacation, it is important to have a "rest day" in the middle. Otherwise, it is just too much activity. With the ages of your kids (older), I think your itinerary sounds pretty spot on! And the crowds will be low, have a great trip.

 

[Whidbey5]

I'd suggest heading to Universal first. Nobody does service like Disney. Universal tries, but they don't match up. We've found if we go to Disney, and then to another park (Legoland, Universal, Knott's) we just feel a huge let down.

Last month we went to Universal before hitting the Disney parks and I'm so glad we did. We spent around six hours there and we were done. Later, the kids said they were glad we went to Universal first.

Just a thought!

 

[CamdenLab]

We can't go on Saturday, no matter what. Our full days are Sunday through Friday.

Thoughts?

 

[northshoremama]

I agree. You want to relax on vacation, that is against the rules. Vacations are not for relaxing, thats what sick time is for!!!

love this! that is totally what sick time is for! LOL!

 

[CrazyDuck]

We can't go on Saturday, no matter what. Our full days are Sunday through Friday.

Thoughts?

Why not? No one is saying you have to go there for a full day! you can upgrade a 3 day hopper to a 4 or 5 day hopper for like $15 or $20. After you arrive and check in skip over to Disneyland and have dinner at Blue Bayou and/or catch the fireworks ride Splash Mountain. Even if you only get 3 or 4 hours o park time it would still be worth the extra $!

 

[Mililani Mouser]

i agree with Sy in saying dump the second day of universal. if your kids are roller coaster fans, go to knotts or six flags. the bummer about universal now is that king kong perished in that big fire, any word if that is going to be rebuilt?

you can add another day at the parks, and go to the block at orange during the mid day. they have dave and busters, a cool pet shop with the cutest puppies ever (especially the $5000 english bulldog pups), johnny rockets for lunch.

 

[Mililani Mouser]

I agree. You want to relax on vacation, that is against the rules. Vacations are not for relaxing, thats what sick time is for!!!

No, seriously, I agree with PP, I would not do 2 days of Universal, one should be plenty. If you want to do something else, maybe try Knotts. But I would do 4 days at DL.

HTH!!

amen to using sick time!!

 

[julw]

I SO agree with everyone else. Two days at Universal is too much. One is plenty, and actually you will probably be ready to go by 4pm. If you can go more days to DL or DCA!