DL and DCA in one day?

[DisneyFanatik]

Can it be done? We would be willing to sacrifice MOST of the rides that WDW has (except Space Mountain, PoTC and Soarin) since we will be at WDW within a month of visiting DL & DCA. We also do not need to do anything in Toontown. I am sure that I once read a post here about doing both parks in a day, and I apologize for asking again, but I cannot come up with anything in a search. Thanks!

 

[casaazul]

You can do both parks if you are willing to skip certain attractions and only do the non WDW rides plus a few others.

The not to miss at DL: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of Caribbean, Matterhorn, Autopia, Mr Toad, Storybookland Canal Boats

The not to miss at CA: Aladdin, California Screamin, Animation Place, Monsters Inc ride,

Plus there are fun things in Downtown Disney, Lego store, World of Disney etc.

The parks are so close you can hop back and forth.

Any other questions, please post.

 

[TwingleMum]

Don't forget about Rodger Rabbits Toon Town Spin in Toontown. There isn't one at WDW and it looks like fun.

 

[Albort]

lol Autopia?

i mean come on, its great when i was a kid but i hate driving now in a REAL car!

 

[casaazul]

With kids it is great, especially if they can drive ahead of you!!!

I have always loved this ride and always do it at DL.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

We do one-dayers throughout the year. We just do what we absolutely love. We sometimes skip Fantasyland (except for Peter Pan) depending on the crowds.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

Thanks for the info!

Is Autopia the same as Tomorrowland Speedway at WDW?

 

[disney-super-mom]

Having only one day, you won't have time for any shows. Stick with the rides that you really want to see. My suggestions are...

Must do rides to hit at DL:
Indiana Jones
Space Mountain
Matterhorn
POTC
The new Nemo Sub ride (if it's open when you're there)

Other great rides/attractions at DL:
Splash (if you have time)
BTMRR (if you have time)
Haunted Mansion (if you have time)
Buzz Lightyear (if you have time)
The refurbed Tom Sawyer Island (if it's open when you're there)

Rides to hit at DCA:
Soarin'
TOT
Screamin'
Monsters Inc.

 

[casaazul]

as the ride at WDW. BUT it is at DL, so it is fun and the track is different. We love this ride and my 12 year od can't wait to drive it again!!

If you don't need to do all the "coasters" you can do both parks in one day.

Ask again if you need help!!

 

[DLR29]

Thanks for the info!

Is Autopia the same as Tomorrowland Speedway at WDW?

But with a nicer atmosphere and better looking cars.

Go early to DL and ride a few major things (Finding Nemo, Space, Buzz, Matterhorn), then grab an Indy FP on the way out and hop to DCA for its opening. Hit Tower and Monster's Inc. early and then head down to the Pier. Hop back to DL and use your Indy FP while getting another for either BTMRR or Splash. Then hit HM, PotC, the new TSI while waiting for your time frame to start. Depending on your desires, then hit Fantasyland and ride any rides unique to DL (Alice, Mr. Toad, Casey Jr., Storybookland, Pinocchio, Matterhorn)

 

[exDS vet]

Everyone has decent opinions here. I wouldn't skip most of the rides that are at WDW unless they are 10yrs old or newer. In many cases the DL versions are better.

Better at DL
It's A Small World
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Space Mtn.
Splash (debatable)
Peter Pan
Pooh (shorter wait, better atmosphere)
Fantasmic! (when it's showing)
Fireworks (better than MK)
Enchanted Tiki Room
DL Railroad (Toontown or Tomorrowland to Main ST)
Mickey's Toon Town (vs. Toontown Fair)

Better at WDW
Big Thunder
Jungle Cruise (depending on the skipper)
Innoventions

DL exclusives you can skip
Tarzan's Tree House
Toontown rides (Except Roger Rabbit)
Casey Jr. Circus Train or Storybook Land CAnal Boats (only do 1)
Pinocchio
Columbia
Snow White show (I think it's gone)
Astro Orbitor

Same at Both Parks (skip 'em)
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Tower of Terror
Soarin'
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Autopia
Mad Tea Party

DCA Must do's
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run
Aladdin Show
Maliboomer
Mulhallen Madnes (sp?)

I suggest doing DL in the early AM, head to DCA around 1-2ish, and back to DL til closing.

Also. Not many people are going to agree with this, but you've been to WDW, you probably love WDW. I do to, but DL is my home. Unless you go for one meal, or after DL closes, SKIP DOWNTOWN DISNEY!
WOD is nice but narrow and you can get better stuff inside DL.
Marceline Confectionary is also nice, but for the most part, the rest are just cookie cutters of places you have probably been to before.

Everyone will agree that WDW's DTD is by far much better than DL. Like Walt Disney said himself, they "have the blessing of size" that DLR just doesn't have, and nowhere is it more noticeable than DTD.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I think you must go on Alice since it is one of my favorites and not offered at WDW. Otherwise I agree with most of what everyone has said!
Have a great trip!


Andrea

 

[DisneyFanatik]

Thank you all so much for the advice! I am cutting and pasting all of the info to take along on our trip!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I would humbly suggest skipping Tower of Terror and Mulholland Madness at DCA. ToT is slightly better at WDW (IMHO) due to the fact that it's taller and the elevator moves through the extra "Fifth Dimension" room. Mulholland Madness is basically the same as Primeval Whirl at AK except the cars don't spin.

On the other hand, while the ride system on Indiana Jones is basically the same as the one on Dinosaur, it's definitely a must-ride.

*Brian*

 

[disneyluvbug]

We normally do a little of both each day depending on crowds..I have noticed when DL is packed DCA is empty..we have never had lines and get what we want done pretty fast over there..its nice to get away from the crowds..there is normally a line for tower of terror,soarin adn the rapids..as of last year that was how it was..I can't get enuff so we do both )