DLR experts: do I really need park hoppers for a single day in each park?

[duckboyone]

It really depends on your situation and mobility. We used to get hoppers, but haven't for our last 3 trips (including the trip two weeks ago) and we've never wanted to get them again. Flexibility is nice, but to me it's just not worth the extra cost. We just do one park per day now.

So if cost/money isn't really an issue, go ahead and get them. But who doesn't have an issue with money these days? lol

 

[mouschievous]

Something else to thing about. If it's not in your budget to get both Park Hoppers and Genie+ with you only being able to do one of them. I'd easily select Genie+ on both days, as the ability to skip the long standby lanes trumps over having the ability to hop back and forth between the parks.

The best value of G+ is when you have a hopper. That said, we just did 3 days with hopper, without G+, and we did absolutely everything we wanted to do multiple times by doing rope drop, utilizing single rider lines, and closing down the park. With the long hours, we were able to take a break midday for lunch and rest/nap.

If I were choosing I would choose hopper over G+, but it really depends on your touring style.

 

[DLRExpert]

Disneyland is easily a one day park.
DCA can be completed by mid day.

I usually recommend 3 days at the parks. With a mid day break for each day 1-4pm. So the day would be 730am-1230pm and 430pm-1030pm (have to wake up early the next day).
For two days you won't park hop. Enjoy the night shows from each park the day you there. For example, at DL choose between Fantasmic and FWs or MSEP and FWs. At DCA see World of Color.
Third day is the best of day at both parks plus either Fantasmic or MSEP.