First time coming to Disneyland-have a few questions :)

[Skiton]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but on a typical week, EMH for DCA is on Sun AND Mon, so you don't gain anything with switching your DCA day from Sun to Mon. On site guests will have already been in the parks for an hour. (DCA EMH is usually Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri while DL EMH/MM is Tue/Thur/Sat)

Bummer, that's right. I had every other day in my head. Sorry, OP, disregard my last post.

 

[SMD]

Relatively few people are eligible for DCA EMH and not all even use it. You're not at a significant disadvantage by going at the general open. And FP aren't distributed until the park opens, so no disadvantage on that front at all.

 

[d1gitman]

just a suggestion, but we have done Santa Monica Pier on the day we arrive. it's close to LAX, a great leg stretcher and the Pier is quite fun as well. if possible I think I'd group my Disney days all in a row.

 

[d1gitman]

also, FP's for Radiator Springs Racers go quick, very quick. I suggest getting them early as possible and the time you get is the time you get. if you are going on a morning EMH, then you can hit RSR first thing, maybe even twice, before park opens and FP's are dispensed

 

[smartlabelprint]

We usually park hop on all of our days. By afternoon the crowds in DL seem very overwhelming. We like to take that opportunity to go to DCA where the sidewalks are wider.

You don't have to do Casey Jr. Train and storybook canal boats. They go around the same gardens.

Call your hotel. I imagine they'd secure your rate if you're changing days. Which one is it? You said it's right across on Harbor BWPPI? Park Vue? They're both really good to work with from what I hear.

I agree with Pp that you need to combine the LA sites. Driving is horrible.