For those of you who say DLR is a 5-day trip...

[corinne76]

Would you honestly say 4 days is enough? We don't have to do it ALL, but is it enough to hit most of the main attractions? Especially if you're the type of person who'd love to spend 5+ days in the parks if you could DH is no help. he's not as excited about this as I am. he's basically going for me and the kids.

We'll likely skip WOC and Fantasmic. We do have to see the PtN parade and maybe the fireworks. Our last trip was in 2013 and DS was only 2. He'll be 5 and now old enough to ride things like BTRR and RSR (huuge Cars fan btw)

We're thinking of going the first 2 weeks of April 2016. The kids want to do Legoland and the San Diego zoo as well as DLR.

We'd likely get in early Tuesday morning, do some grocery shopping and hit DTD because last trip we had just one hour there. DD is looking forward to BAB and Rainforest Cafe.

Then we'd do DLR Wed-Sat. Maybe a half day after DTD? But I'm sure DH would love to rest since our flight would be a red eye and only 5 hours long so the kids would be running on 5 (or less) hours of sleep.

Then head to Carlsbad for the remainder of the trip.

 

[ADLFAN]

We just did 4 days with some first timers and it did not really feel long enough! I would have loved 2 or 3 more days to get them into the shows and on the attractions we had to miss! We wore the kids out park hopping and trying to get them on RSR as many times as possible! We were dragging them back to the hotel every night, but oh well- you can sleep when you get home, right!? We missed a lot, and the rides were too enticing to avoid in favor of shows and parades.

We took hotel / swim breaks in the hot afternoon which may have helped the adults, but the kids did not take a nap, and were totally worn out at the end of each day. We kept trying to get to DTD with the Lego store and Build a Bear, but didn't make it til the last day. The build a bear has the cutest Disney outfits, and I loved that our grandsons picked Starwars bears, one a Jedi and one Darth Vader with his mask, too cute! I was even tempted to get one myself with the little Disneyland T Shirt and mouse ears!

Have fun planning!

 

[corinne76]

I'm with you. We did 4.5 days last time and I could easily have done more.

I would love to ride RSR as much as possible since DS is now tall enough and will LOVE it!

We also saved DTD for the last day (it was our first trip, we had no idea what was there). We only had about an hour before we had to leave for the airport. The kids are older and DD would love a BAB since we no longer have a store in Hawaii, and DS would love to build a race car. I'd love to walk around a bit more this time.

Right now I have the plan at 2 days for LL. Maybe I can cut it to 1. We did just one last time and it was fine. Though, again, DS was too small to do a lot so it was mostly catering to what one kid wanted to do. And it'll most likely be our last visit to LL.

argh! I wish we could just do it all! Too bad DH has to go back to work

 

[az4boys]

I think it really depends on your family and how you do the parks. If you go in the morning and take a long break then come back, then you might want 5 days. We typically go from rope drop to close and are completely exhausted after 4 days. However, we don't go often and try to cram in as much as possible. If we were ever to do AP's, we'd take it slower and more spread out. Sorry, I probably didn't help any. I guess I would say that 4 days is enough, but if you want to spread things out and be more relaxed, then 5 might be best.

 

[corinne76]

I think it really depends on your family and how you do the parks. If you go in the morning and take a long break then come back, then you might want 5 days. We typically go from rope drop to close and are completely exhausted after 4 days. However, we don't go often and try to cram in as much as possible. If we were ever to do AP's, we'd take it slower and more spread out. Sorry, I probably didn't help any. I guess I would say that 4 days is enough, but if you want to spread things out and be more relaxed, then 5 might be best.

This was actually helpful! We don't go often either. Last trip was June 2013. We were supposed to go next month but due to some health issues I had, we cancelled it. We're looking to reschedule next year, and it can't come soon enough!

I'm sure DH would love to break during the day, but we'll see. I may convince him to go from morning to night like we did last trip. No breaks, and DS napped in the stroller or in the carrier.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

We are ap holders and just recently took our first 4- day trip. Even with going frequently, we wished we had another consecutive day. That being said, if you don't need to see and do everything, 4 days should be fine. Make a list of priorities and go for it!

 

[Imdboss]

We just took our annual 5 day trip and I always wish we had more time! We were there in Aug when the park ours were shorter, we averaged 10-11 hours in the park per day. We took an afternoon swim/nap break to get out of the extreme heat and humidity each day. Our 5th day was only partial, about 6 hours in the parks. That said since the cost of going from a 4 day PH to a 5 day PH is so minimal maybe on your arrival day you can try to do one or two bigger rides so you can cross them off the to-do list but then not stay up super late.

 

[corinne76]

We are ap holders and just recently took our first 4- day trip. Even with going frequently, we wished we had another consecutive day. That being said, if you don't need to see and do everything, 4 days should be fine. Make a list of priorities and go for it!

Thanks! I have a list of attractions I want to hit. There are a select few that we don't really need to include, especially when my kids will be 5 and 8. Some rides are just too much for them still.

We just took our annual 5 day trip and I always wish we had more time! We were there in Aug when the park ours were shorter, we averaged 10-11 hours in the park per day. We took an afternoon swim/nap break to get out of the extreme heat and humidity each day. Our 5th day was only partial, about 6 hours in the parks. That said since the cost of going from a 4 day PH to a 5 day PH is so minimal maybe on your arrival day you can try to do one or two bigger rides so you can cross them off the to-do list but then not stay up super late.

I'm thinking about doing that, taking a few hours in the evening to get to DL side one more day.

or I just very well may cut LL down to one day. I'm sure we can do it all in one We're not visiting the water park and the aquarium isn't a necessity

 

[Indiana Scott]

we usually do 5 days but this year we'll do 6 by getting an AP.
So no, 4 days is not enough for us even when it's slow.

It's hard to explain.
It's not a matter of being able to "do everything". It's a matter of being in the experience and saturating one self in the Disney environment - some call it the Disney magic. It's like spending time in a nirvana - a quick dip in it isn't enough, you have to immerse yourself in it to be satisfied.

 

[VandVsmama]

Can I make a suggestion? Go to DL two days in a row. Then on day #3, sleep in. DON'T go into the parks. If the weather is nice, go swim in the pool. Or take the kids to the Discovery Cube museum in Anaheim. It's a couple of exits south on I-5 and it is good for at least a couple of hours of interactive science fun. Your kids are a good age for it. Go to bed early that evening.

Then on day 4 and 5, do your 3rd and 4th DL days. Spend 1 day at Legoland instead of 2.

 

[lorijohnhill]

I've done several 4 and 5 day trips this past year. I also did a nine day trip and our final trip coming up will be twelve days. We continue to find things we still haven't done. It blows my mind. Anyway, that said, four days is doable, but I would prefer five, especially if I want to see any shows or nighttime spectaculars.

 

[corinne76]

we usually do 5 days but this year we'll do 6 by getting an AP.
So no, 4 days is not enough for us even when it's slow.

It's hard to explain.
It's not a matter of being able to "do everything". It's a matter of being in the experience and saturating one self in the Disney environment - some call it the Disney magic. It's like spending time in a nirvana - a quick dip in it isn't enough, you have to immerse yourself in it to be satisfied.

Oh no, I get it. I'm sure I could technically get what I need to done in 4 days. But does it feel like enough? Probably not for me. That's why I posed this question to those who typically say DLR is a 5+ day type of vacation. I know there are some that say 3 days is enough for them. It's just not for me...

Can I make a suggestion? Go to DL two days in a row. Then on day #3, sleep in. DON'T go into the parks. If the weather is nice, go swim in the pool. Or take the kids to the Discovery Cube museum in Anaheim. It's a couple of exits south on I-5 and it is good for at least a couple of hours of interactive science fun. Your kids are a good age for it. Go to bed early that evening.

Then on day 4 and 5, do your 3rd and 4th DL days. Spend 1 day at Legoland instead of 2.

This is a nice idea. thanks for the suggestion! I'll check out your recommendation.

I've done several 4 and 5 day trips this past year. I also did a nine day trip and our final trip coming up will be twelve days. We continue to find things we still haven't done. It blows my mind. Anyway, that said, four days is doable, but I would prefer five, especially if I want to see any shows or nighttime spectaculars.

Thanks. I'm starting to lean toward adding another day, at least a half. If 5 days is the most I can get, I'm going to do my best to take it!

 

[ADisneyFamilyof5]

We have done two 5 day, a 7 day and a 6 day with only 5 in park trips. Seriously, the more the better! We are a serious rope drop people, but after we return from our afternoon break we let the kids decide when to head back. We usually do one late night to include the entertainment, the other nights we head back around 7-8 to swim and get some shut eye. We find this to be the best touring plan to ensure our kids will be having minimal meltdowns. So just consider how leisurely you want to be.

Please reconsider Fantasmic! It is one of my DS5 favorite things. I think your son would really love it.

We did Legoland & SD Zoo in March. We LOVED the zoo and was less than thrilled with Legoland (and my boys love Legos). We are glad we went to see it, but we will never go back. Maybe spend one day there and add an extra day to DL or to SD?

 

[Charlie_Y]

I am on day 3 of a 5 day trip. I have done nearly all the headliners at least once by now (including RSR 3 times). I've done Fantasmic (really incredible show), Paint the Night and Forever Disneyland. (WOC will be tomorrow night) Haunted Mansion and Space are closed, but will be open on Friday. I've had breaks, table service meals, and shopping at Downtown Disney (gotta stock up on Lego - so much cheaper here than in Oz). I also spent half of today doing Walk in Walt's Footsteps. I've gone to shows, and focussed on rides at other times. Granted, it's not a hugely busy time of year, but depending on when you go, and how flexible your family is with meals and breaks, 4 days is definitely doable!

 

[whistlinmickey]

I just very well may cut LL down to one day. I'm sure we can do it all in one We're not visiting the water park and the aquarium isn't a necessity

I wouldn't be surprised if most people would feel pretty reluctant to do a second day at Legoland. It's a pretty cute little theme park and fun to do once. But after one day, especially without intending to go to the water park and aquarium, you will likely feel DONE with Legoland and would probably regret any solid plans for a second day.

My personal preference would be for more time at Disneyland Resort. But if an extra day in San Diego county is in the cards, a visit to the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park could make a decent alternative.

 

[McNs]

We had the Aus/NZ 10 day pass last year, it was awesome, hit the parks early when quiet then headed back for swims etc for the afternoon. We STILL didn't do everything, but did our favourites lots of times. Our kids love collecting autographs, so it was nice to have the time to do that. Plus not rush around, we did what we wanted to. We split the 10 days with a couple of nights in San Diego, found that worked well to keep it fresh.

We did hit DisMax on the last morning though...

 

[stephanie22]

We almost always do five day trips, but 4 would be doable. Anything less then that, no lol. We don't do afternoon breaks, my son wouldn't nap in the hotel. If anything is slightly different at nap time he has a hard time falling asleep. However he would fall asleep in the stroller, so we just go from open to close everyday.

So like someone else said it depends on your touring style. If you want relaxed and breaks then I'd go for five, but if you don't need breaks in the middle of the day four is completely doable if not ideal.

Btw we still tour super relaxed. We usually only have a plan for the first couple rides and then we wing it. We never walk away feeling like we didn't get to do everything we wanted to.

 

[mom2rtk]

We have done shorter trips (less than 5 days) and I always left feeling frustrated over all the things I couldn't get done. So we finally planned a longer trip only to find they were no longer selling more than a 5 day ticket. Last year we got APs and spent 7 days (one day in the middle was just a brief stop in the parks for lunch then a rest day). We loved that pace. This year my daughter is in high school so we're having to cut back a bit again. Sigh.

I will say this in pretty individual though. I have seen plenty of posts from people who thought 3 or 4 days was right for them.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I think 4 days is fine given your plans, and you're not going at a crazy busy time of year. We usually do three days, and last year did 4 days as we got a day free. It was nice to have the extra day as it made me feel less pressured about lineups, etc. This day we are doing 5 just because of how the schedule worked out, and because the crowds may be heavier than I would like. But I think 4 is a good amount of time, especially if you get there early and can cram in a bunch of stuff while the lines are short. There's always more to see, but a good visit can be had in 4 days.

ETA: Before we started going to DLR, If you would have asked my DH if he would ever spend more than one day in a row in a theme park, he would have said No Way! But I've slowly brought him around. If I had thrown him in for 5 days at the start he may have thought that was too much. But slowly I have him sold! If by Day 5 DH is going to be fed up, I would take that into consideration. Slowly you can win him over!

 

[whoever]

My personal experience has been 3 nights 4 days leaves us feeling rushed and unable to enjoy everything. 4 nights 5 days is better. 8 nights 9 days I'll report on later in October.