Disneyland visit ... how many days?

[Solomani]

Hi all,

I am in the initial planing stages of a trip to Disneyland from Australia with my family (6 of us with 4 kids aged 10, 8, 5, 3). I am looking for advice on how long we should allocate for Disneyland and Adventure park? Is 3 days enough?

We have extensive experience with HKDL (1 day is plenty even with kids), TKDL/Sea (2 days per park works well) so just wondering what I should target for DL? I am thinking 3 days.

Our normal plan of attack is for me to take the older two early in the morning, grab fast passes for as many rides as possible and ride as many rides as we can. Then my wife with younger two usually join to have lunch with us and we swap - I take the younger two on age appropriate rides while she goes with the older ones and burns through the fastpasses. We also usually retreat to the hotel by 1400 for rest/nap then return for dinner and the night shows. This has worked very well in HKDL and TKDL/Sea.

Current target is September 2014 after school reopens in the US (so 10th for first day visit). However we are flexible with time.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tstidm1]

With the number of kids you have, I would say four days would be best. It depends on how many shows and attractions you like. The best way to figure it out is to see what attractions and shows look the best. You sound like you have a workable plan. I know you've never been to DL, but take a look at including some weekend days because those are more likely to have multiple showings of Fantasmic and World of Color shows.

Here are three good links even if you've never been to WDW you should read from Hydroguy on visiting that time of year:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 for the DLR guide to WDW vets.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602 for what Low Season vs High Season is like at DLR especially since your going Lower season.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862 for information about Walking Distance hotels because it sounds like you haven't decided on a hotel yet.

 

[tarheelalum]

I'd also say 4 days.

 

[Solomani]

Great. Thank you both.

 

[agamble]

If cost is a concern, a 4-day non hopper is cheaper than a 3-day hopper. That is what we did last year. We spent 2-days in each park. If cost isn't the problem though, hopping is a great option. The more days the better. We typically shoot for 3-5. If you've never been to the original DL, then 4 days is better.

 

[Solomani]

Thanks for the advice. Curious if anyone knows how it compares size wise to TKDL out of interest so I can get some idea of scope.

 

[aussie shaz]

Thanks for the advice. Curious if anyone knows how it compares size wise to TKDL out of interest so I can get some idea of scope.

Ask that question on Disboards Australia. A few of them have been to both (or all)

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi all,

I am in the initial planing stages of a trip to Disneyland from Australia with my family (6 of us with 4 kids aged 10, 8, 5, 3). I am looking for advice on how long we should allocate for Disneyland and Adventure park? Is 3 days enough?

We have extensive experience with HKDL (1 day is plenty even with kids), TKDL/Sea (2 days per park works well) so just wondering what I should target for DL? I am thinking 3 days.

Our normal plan of attack is for me to take the older two early in the morning, grab fast passes for as many rides as possible and ride as many rides as we can. Then my wife with younger two usually join to have lunch with us and we swap - I take the younger two on age appropriate rides while she goes with the older ones and burns through the fastpasses. We also usually retreat to the hotel by 1400 for rest/nap then return for dinner and the night shows. This has worked very well in HKDL and TKDL/Sea.

Current target is September 2014 after school reopens in the US (so 10th for first day visit). However we are flexible with time.

Thanks in advance.

I would caution you about visiting DLR Sept 10. Make sure you know what to expect.

See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

Comparing DLR to Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR), I would say it is roughly comparable. If you do four days at TDR then four days at DLR would be about right. If you do not park hop I would say 3 days at DL and 2 at DCA. But parkhopping at DLR is even easier than at TDR and if you hop then the best mix will be more like 2.5 days at DL and 1.5 at DCA.

Also note that late FP usage was allowed at DLR and TDR. Not sure if TDR still allows it, but DLR does not. So that will change your strategy you used at TDR.

 

[rentayenta]

I am in the 5 day camp for a first visit especially if you are staying on property. It will give you time to relax and enjoy the resorts as well. 3 for Disneyland and 2 for DCA though you can always park hop.

 

[canadiandisneycruise]

I am in the 5 day camp for a first visit especially if you are staying on property. It will give you time to relax and enjoy the resorts as well. 3 for Disneyland and 2 for DCA though you can always park hop.

I agree! Sure, you can rush and get it all done in four days, but I like it to feel like a holiday- if my kids say "can we go on that again?", I don't want the reply to be "we don't have time". We've been MANY times, but a five day pass allows us to really enjoy the park!

 

[Solomani]

Perfect. Thanks all. I try not to rush things like this so err on the side of more days but just couldn't gauge it without some local experience from others or a comparison to the Asian DLs.

 

[goooof1]

I think you will be able to enjoy everything more with 5 day hoppers. That gives you enough flexibility when there are crowds , rides breaking down or any other issues that may arise. You want to be able to relax and see all the incredible details and enjoy the atmosphere as well as the rides and shows.

 

[mummabear]

You can get a lot done in 3 days but if you can do 5 then I would. Bear in my that from Flight Centre you can buy a 10 day pass for about the same if you are going to be a LA for longer, this will allow you to do other things some days and pop in for the fireworks.
Also be aware that Sept 12th is dapper days so will be particularly busy and that this time of year F! And the fireworks are weekend only.
Lastly fastpasses must now be used during their printed period so you won't be able to stockpile them in the morning.

 

[Solomani]

Excellent, thanks for the tips. Ten day pass I dont think makes sense for us as we will be staying in LA/Anaheim mainly for Disney so will move on to San Diego after our pass is done - so 5 days.

That's good to know about the FW and Fantasmic! Was planing on doing Monday to Friday but may do Tuesday to Saturday instead.

They check the fastpass times now or its automated? Why did they do this - too many people coming out of order?

 

[tstidm1]

They check the fastpass times now or its automated? Why did they do this - too many people coming out of order?

They physically check Fastpasses still like the Asian Disney Parks. There isn't FP+ at DLR.

 

[Solomani]

Actually thinking on this more if 10 day pass is the same price I may pick it up instead. That way we can use it to visit on weekends for the shows without affecting our time in the park with tides.

 

[mummabear]

Actually thinking on this more if 10 day pass is the same price I may pick it up instead. That way we can use it to visit on weekends for the shows without affecting our time in the park with tides.

For us it was $20NZD more

 

[Solomani]

Hi all, just wanted to update this thread. We ended up allotting five days to Disney. Our current target date is firm now with accommodation booked - October 13th to October 17th.

Current plan is to use the soCal pass on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Will decide on those days if we need to add one or two more days to DLR. Just reviewing what to do in DLR I am expecting four days minimum. If I can swing it will fit in the Halloween Party on that Friday as a separate event to the park visits.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[losfp]

Hi all, just wanted to update this thread. We ended up allotting five days to Disney. Our current target date is firm now with accommodation booked - October 13th to October 17th.

Current plan is to use the soCal pass on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Will decide on those days if we need to add one or two more days to DLR. Just reviewing what to do in DLR I am expecting four days minimum. If I can swing it will fit in the Halloween Party on that Friday as a separate event to the park visits.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Yes, this is what we did in 2012 - We had 5-day passes but effectively had entry for 6 days because we went to the halloween party - from memory it allows you to enter from about 4pm. Loved it, felt like we could have stayed a couple of weeks

Our next trip for late 2015, seriously considering a couple of weeks at WDW, then a disney cruise, then about a week and a half at DLR.

Too much Disney?

Naaah

 

[Girimama33]

As far as Fast Passes go...they are printed with a one hour return window on them. This is the time you can ride the ride. If you show up before or after the time, you will not be able to use the FP. What Hydroguy was getting at is if you pull a bunch of FPs in the morning for your wife to use later...well, that is likely impossible. The FP's you pull in the morning will likely have return times before you are to meet for lunch.