DL first timers

[dizneyrules]

DH and I decided to try to visit DL this year. This will be my first trip. He has visited DL about 17 years ago. We have visited WDW many times and know not to expect as much as what they have to offer. We are thinking of doing both parks in two days in mid June, a Friday and Saturday. Is this do-able? Any certain guidebooks that anyone would recommend?

Also, we will be driving from the Denver area. Anyone done this trip before and have any ideas what total travel time might be?

Thank you in advance for any tips or suggestions!

Ann Marie

 

[Jennifer03]

I think three days would be nice, but it definitely can be done in two (that's how long I usually stay). These boards are a great resource, but I'd also recommend the book, "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland."

 

[PinkBudgie]

I also like the Unofficial Guide. It is humorous and has good info. If possible, three days would be better. You won't see everything in two days but you'll get to see the most important things to you. I would recommend starting at DL each morning when it opens, then hopping over to DCA in the afternoon when DL starts to get more crowded. In the afternoons we will go back and forth several times between parks. Be sure to pick up a FP from DL before you leave, then go get one in DCA as soon as you enter.

 

[gtrain219]

Also, we will be driving from the Denver area. Anyone done this trip before and have any ideas what total travel time might be?
QUOTE]

I am unsure of the travel time but I would plan on spending the night somewhere. It is a long trip.

I would also reccomend the "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" my wife and I have found it very informative.

Unlike WDW DO take advantage of the MM hours (It's only available if you buy a 3 day pass or stay at a DLR property)

We have been several times and go for several days at a time (we are there for 5 in May) two would let you skim the surface and make you beg for more.
Have Fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

DH and I decided to try to visit DL this year. This will be my first trip. He has visited DL about 17 years ago. We have visited WDW many times and know not to expect as much as what they have to offer. We are thinking of doing both parks in two days in mid June, a Friday and Saturday. Is this do-able? Any certain guidebooks that anyone would recommend?

Doable? Yes. Recommended? No. DLR really needs three days minimum. If you do two days - in which you will have fun - you will leave feeling like you did not have enough time. Heck, one day at DLR is better than just about anything else!

Best guidebook is probably Unofficial Guide by Sehlinger. But some people like my detailed thread better "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

BTW, "DL" is a theme park and part of Disneyland Resort (DLR).

Also, we will be driving from the Denver area. Anyone done this trip before and have any ideas what total travel time might be?

We have done it! From Woodland Park. It will take about 14 hours of driving time plus stops. It can be done in one day if you leave early (5AM) and push it and weather is favorable.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

FWIW

The summer season starts on Friday, June 12, and starting on June 12 they should have the fireworks, 2 Fantasmic shows, the Pixar Play Parade, and the Electrical Parade scheduled every day.

With all that driving you ought to give yourself some more time in the parks.

Saturday is the busiest day of the week; maybe you could try to be in the parks Monday to Wednesday. Three-day ParkHopper tickets come with a Magic Morning, and 3 days would give you more time to see the fireworks, Fantasmic, and the Electrical Parade.

HTH

 

[mystic_path]

I found the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland very helpful as well. Just go to your local library, they usually have updated travel books on Disneyland there, so you dont have to worry about spending tons of money just a few days trip.

I would definitely say do 3 days minimum. Its going to be SO difficult to pack it into 2 days. You are going to feel so rushed. You can see it in 3 days at a decent steady pace as both parks dont require transportation and are more compact then WDW.

Although its a trade off. If you go during the week day you are going to be missing out on Fantasmic, Fireworks, Aladdin Musical etc. as all the big shows play during the weekends. If you go on weekends you can probably catch them but note there will probably be more crowds so your wait times for rides and such will be a bit longer. So you might waste a bit of time there.

I would suggest if you only have 2 days, going on a Friday and Saturday. You will get longer park hours, a week day before the big weekend rush hits, and then the weekend shows.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... If you go during the week day you are going to be missing out on Fantasmic, Fireworks, Aladdin Musical etc. as all the big shows play during the weekends. ...

Mystic_path makes a good point about the off season, but...

Dizneyrules (the OP) mentioned going in mid-June.

With the summer season starting on Friday, June 12...

Every day during the "summer season" (June 12 to late August) should have full hours (DL: 8am to midnight) and maximum entertainment (although I think the Aladdin Show (in DCA) will be dark on Mon., Tues., and Wed.; and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies (in the Golden Horseshoe) will be dark on Tues and Wed).

FWIW, here's the entertainment calendar from June '08:
http://www.laughingplace.com/guide-cal-DLR2-200806.asp