DL/DCA in 1.5 days

[PixieDust742]

Only 23 days to go, and I will be in Anaheim, and will have a day and a half (and the morning before my flight out at 1:00) to see DL, DCA and DTD! Any tips on how to maximize my time, must-do's, must sees, etc?

I live in Orlando, so I don't plan on doing too many repeat rides, with the exception of Pirates, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. Also I know all about Fastpass (but if you have a suggestion of where I should go to get my first fastpass of the day, let me know!)

Thanks so much!

 

[Hound 109]

Only 23 days to go, and I will be in Anaheim, and will have a day and a half (and the morning before my flight out at 1:00) to see DL, DCA and DTD! Any tips on how to maximize my time, must-do's, must sees, etc?

I live in Orlando, so I don't plan on doing too many repeat rides, with the exception of Pirates, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. Also I know all about Fastpass (but if you have a suggestion of where I should go to get my first fastpass of the day, let me know!)

Thanks so much!

Welcome to the DLR board.

Check out this HydroGuy thread which shows how much can be done in one day...then read most of the other threads in HIS sticky at the top of the DL board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

What days of the week will you be visiting?

Will you have MM priviledges?

Where will you be staying?

You can get alot done in 1.5 - 2 days, but you'll need to start early & zig when others are zagging. (3-4 days would be better).

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[PixieDust742]

We'll be there Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday all day, and Thursday morning. We are not staying at a Disneyland hotel, but we will be within walking distance and plan on getting there for opening on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

And luckily, I plan on skipping some of the popular attractions (Splash, Big Thunder, ToT) so that should help a bit as well. I'm thinking maybe Space Mountain will be my first fastpass of the day...

And to make the best use of my time, I am even writing down a whole itinerary so we don't miss anything!

 

[cheshiregirl]

I have never been on either the MK or DL Splash, but from what I have heard DL's is far superior and should not be skipped.

As for some other "repeat rides", skip ToT--the one in DHS is way better, but don't miss Soarin'. Although the one in Epcot is pretty much identical, it just feels different to soar over california in DCA! Also, if you've never been to the original Tiki room or on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, you are in for a treat!

As long as you are focused and willing to stay in the parks from open to close, you'll be able to do it all (or at least everything you want to do)!

 

[Wavy Blue]

Make sure to ride the Indiana Jones Adventure! It's one of the best rides in the park.

 

[Hound 109]

We'll be there Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday all day, and Thursday morning. We are not staying at a Disneyland hotel, but we will be within walking distance and plan on getting there for opening on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

And luckily, I plan on skipping some of the popular attractions (Splash, Big Thunder, ToT) so that should help a bit as well. I'm thinking maybe Space Mountain will be my first fastpass of the day...

And to make the best use of my time, I am even writing down a whole itinerary so we don't miss anything!

If you're there for 3 days, then get a 3 day park hopper & you'll be entitled to one day MM (magic morning/early entry)....which would be Thursday.

A good place to start researching is here:

HydroGuy DLR Tips Compilation: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[PixieDust742]

Is purchasing a park hopper the only way to have the MM privilege? I have admission already, so I won't need to buy a PH.

I've been checking those threads out, thanks for the recommendation. I feel pretty well educated and prepared, but I don't want to make a big mistake and miss something!!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Make sure that you do some research on attractions that are found in both parks. For instance, Disneyland's Splash Mountain has more AA figures than WDW's version. And even though Peter Pan is in both parks, the Disneyland one is a bit better. And then there's POTC, which makes the WDW version seem ho hum, extremely short, and well, underwhelming.

While DTD is cool, I wouldn't spend much time there at the expense of the parks. With your time somewhat limited, I'd really focus on maximizing the parks.

If you can't park hop, make sure to use your full day in Disneyland. You can really hit the highlights of DCA in half a day.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Is purchasing a park hopper the only way to have the MM privilege? I have admission already, so I won't need to buy a PH.

I've been checking those threads out, thanks for the recommendation. I feel pretty well educated and prepared, but I don't want to make a big mistake and miss something!!

Other than staying at a DL Resort, the only other way to get a MM is to have a 3 day park hopper or greater. Even without the MM, make sure you get to the parks at rope drop to maximize your time.

 

[PixieDust742]

I will probably be arriving around 2:30/3:00 on a Thursday. I was thinking of spending that half day at DCA, and making my full day (Friday) be a DL day. My flight does not leave until 1:00 the next day, so I figured I would go back to the parks for a bit to go back to some of the things I may have missed or want to ride again. Which ride (Indiana Jones or Space Mountain) should I head to first for a fastpass?

I know the parks tend to be busier on the weekends, but I will be there from the 19th to 21st of August, so nearing the end of the summer. Does this sound like a feasible plan? It seems to me that I can probably do most of what I want to at DCA in half a day but will need a full day in DL.

Also, is Fantasmic worth seeing? I know it is different from WDW in that it is not in a theater setting but is the show itself really that much different??

And where is the best place to watch the fireworks at DL? In front of the castle (but not TOO close)?

Thanks for all the assistance!!