Disneyland Trip (Some Questions)

[GeorgeY]

We are going to Disneyland June 6-12 (6 nights). Staying at the Grand Californian, this is after a 4 day stay at Yosemite. Webmaster Michelle has been so wonderful in answering questions as my DU agent, I thought I would give her a break and ask some here.

1. Is 6 nights (5 1/2 days) going to be enough time? We plan on venturing out 1 day to LegoLand. We want to take it easy and still see everything, and sometings multiple times.

2. Should we extend 1 day and visit Knotts berry Farm. (We have a 3 and a 7 year old, and think they should have plenty to do with legoland and DL) but what do you guys think?

3. DL hours are posted for that time and the park is open till Midnight F-S. Will that be a good chance that Beleive and Fantasmic will play on those nights. If Beleive doesn't play, We may reschedule. The parks close at 9pm the other nights, so I assume nothing plays then. (also the Mark Twain is down for rehab, would that prevent Fantasmic or would they work around it?)

4.Matterhorn Bobsleds are scheduled to come back from rehab on May 24, Does DL have a good record keeping to those schedules? My 3 yo really wants to ride, and I am sure he is going to be upset when big brother rides splash and thunder without him, so I want a coaster (I know gadgets go coaster is okay) he can ride and Matterhorn looks like it is a major coaster.

5. I know there is a gate from Grand Calif to Downtown Disney. Do they close that gate during the night? The reason I ask is one morning I want to go out "very" early and get Fantasmic Dessert seats, and I don't want to be locked away and have to walk a long ways to get there.

6. What is the height requirement for Calf Screamin? I have seen sites that say 48" and a few that say 52". My oldest son is now 48" and wants to try his first looping coaster, so if it is 48 then we shouldn't have a problem in June.

7. It appears there is no height requirement for the Golden Zypher and Sun Wheel(even moving cars), is that correct?


Thanks for any answers, I am sorry my questions are so long. But when it comes to planning a trip, I usually over worry about things.

George

 

[GracieB]

Hi, 6 days is way too long in Disneyland. It isn't a huge complex like WDW. However, you could do something like one day at CA Experience and 3 days at Disneyland, and then venture off to the many sights of Southern California. For instance, the amazingly beautiful island of Catalina is about a 2 hour ferry ride from Newport Beach or Long Beach Harbor, and is gorgeous. (Beware if any sea-sick types are on board as it is a bit rough.) Perhaps take a tour of the movie stars' homes and Mann's Chinese Theater, that type of thing.

Universal Studios Hollywood is quite wonderful also--one day is not enough time there--very fun for the whole family.

Have a fabulous *magical* trip!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I also think that that is a lot of time to dedicate to just Disneyland. I would say do DL, DCA, Knotts, DL, Legoland (take time to see San Juan Capistrano Mission while you're down there), DL --- like that - spread it out, but also enjoy some of the many many sights we have here in Los Angeles.

CA Screamin' is 48" - Maliboomer is 52" -- the rollercoaster is one of the smoothest I've been on, plus has cool music. Your son should have a blast on it.

As for the refurbs - yes, DL is usually on schedule, but you never know what can happen. I hope that the bobsleds are up for you since they are a blast - go at night, if you can.

btw -- I go to Yosemite a lot (check out the pics in my link) - let me know if you have questions on that beautiful park.

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo

Disneyland Board Co-Moderator

My Disneyland Site
My Sequoia/Yosemite Trip

Dress Up Your Posts

 

[Michelle]

Hi George! I'm glad you asked here for some other opinions, but of course I have to throw my two cents in as well!

1) I think you'll have a nice relaxed schedule with the time you have alloted, and one day for Legoland. The summer months will no doubt be more crowded, so it's good that you have multiple days here to be able to take in everything without having to rush around.

2) I think I would NOT recommend Knott's if you're doing Legoland. I agree, you'll have plenty to do with your current plan as scheduled.

3) During the summer the fireworks will definitely be showing, if not every night then at least on weekends. Fantasmic should be in full swing too...I can't imagine another rehab there so soon.

4) DL is usually pretty good about getting rides back up according to schedule, so I think your little guy will be in luck for his "big" roller coaster ride.

5) You know, I had lunch at the CG yesterday and just went through that entrance from the GC to Downtown Disney and I didn't see anything that locked. It may have been there but I didn't notice it. Does anyone else have any experience with this one?

6) Here are all the ride height requirements, straight from DCA...they publish them in their Guidebook for Guests With Disabilities:

40" minimum
Jumpin' Jellyfish

42" minimum
Grizzly River Run
Mulholland Madness
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (some parts)
Soarin' Over California

48" minimum
California Screamin
Orange Stinger

52" minimum
Maliboomer

These are the only rides that have height requirements.

Hope that helps!

Michelle
Assistant Webmaster
Cruise & Inspiration Board Co-Host
Disneyland Board Co-Host

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>When we were there on the 7th, we had dinner at DtD, and the gates were not only locked, they were closed to the GC. That could have been because of the huge crowd expected for the opening of DCA.

Best bet is to ask at the front desk.

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo

Disneyland Board Co-Moderator

My Disneyland Site
My Sequoia/Yosemite Trip

Dress Up Your Posts

 

[GeorgeY]

Thanks to everyone,

MaryJo, oh yea, I saw your site, it is really great. We are staying at Tenaya Lodge and I will take you up on your offer to answer questions. I will email you soon.

Thanks
George

 

[redhit96]

1. 6 days is a perfect amount of time.

2. Forget Knotts Berry Farm.

3. Yes, everything will be going full force, you will be able to see everything.

4.Matterhorn will be good to go when you are there, dont worry.

5. You are staying in the best Disney location on earth the GC, you will have convenience to everything a will be treated like royatly, ask guest services to get your Fantasmic dessert tixs for you.

6 and 7. See above post for numbers on Heights

 

[shadow2]

Mary Jo - We'll be visiting the area the week following Easter (April 16-23rd). Spending a few days in the SanDiego area then up to DL. Since we'll only need 2 days for DL and DCA, I'm wondering how far of a drive it would be to visit the Sequoia NP. (looks far on the map) Is it possible to do as a day trip or would it be better to visit the Joshua Tree Monument Park instead? The pictures you posted are breathtaking! I'd love to see General Sherman in person! Any recommendations would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks!!!!