Going in July to DL - need help please

[j_lehr]

My husband has to go to Anaheim for a work thing so my DD-15 and I are going along and plan to go to the two parks for two days. We will be out there July 16-21st so we can go to the parks anywhere between the 17th and the 20th (a Thursday through a Sunday).

I have been to Disneyland once before, in 2005, for one day that my DH and I split between the parks. It was in August I think and it was a Sunday and I remember it being really dead for a Sunday, at least in my mind. However, I didn't plan the trip, not like I do now for DW and we just got really lucky I think...

So my questions are:

1) What days are the best days to go? I would assume Thurs & Fri but then again it is summer, so does it really matter? Did I get lucky the last time going on a dead Sunday?

2) Can we do two parks in two days? I know that my husband and I probably missed a lot...what are the don't miss atttractions - esp stuff that isn't at Disney World.

3) If I am pregnant at the time...since we are trying...will it still be enjoyable? I am not sure if my daughter will want to ride stuff by herself although I might try to convince hubby to let her bring a friend.

Thanks in advance!
Jes

 

[HydroGuy]

1) What days are the best days to go? I would assume Thurs & Fri but then again it is summer, so does it really matter? Did I get lucky the last time going on a dead Sunday?

Yes, go on Thursday and Friday. Normally I would say that it is a no-brainer to avoid weekends in the summer and anytime during high season. However, July 17 is the DL anniversary day (#53 this year) and does draw more visitors than a typical summer Thursday. I would still do it though.

IMO you got lucky if it was a slow Sunday in the summer in 2005. Really lucky. That was when the 50th anniversary celebration got started and it was a very busy time.

2) Can we do two parks in two days? I know that my husband and I probably missed a lot...what are the don't miss atttractions - esp stuff that isn't at Disney World.

Not only can you, but you should. Parkhopping at DLR is best done with a whole different philisophy than WDW. We hop almost every day to maximize time, catch shows, collect more Fastpasses, and avoid lines.

For more information on this see: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

The above link also discusses the "Not To Be Missed" rides and shows at DLR from a WDW vet's perspective.

3) If I am pregnant at the time...since we are trying...will it still be enjoyable? I am not sure if my daughter will want to ride stuff by herself although I might try to convince hubby to let her bring a friend.

Good luck in your efforts.

The closest personal experience I can give on this was when my DW was 2 months pregnant with child #4 and she and I went to Cedar Point in Ohio and rode rollercoasters all day. She was a little nervous but the doc said it was OK and she and baby did fine. Check with your own doc on this of course.

If you are pregnant you may be tired and in need of naps. Even if you are not pregnant, taking nap breaks each day in the summer is the way to go IMO. See the following link for more info on this:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Have a great visit.

 

[c&m]

Hi HydroGuy!

I am sorry if I'm threadjacking, but while we're on the subject of the best days to go during July, I would like to throw my question to you out there.

We'll be there from July 21 (Monday) to July 24 (Thursday). What do you think would be the best days of the week to do DL/CA?

Many thanks for your opinion...and sorry to the OP for cutting in on your thread!!!

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

Even though it is summer there are still parents who are working on the weekdays so it may be better to go on a weekday. I guess any day over the summer is hard to choose so I guess you just have to be set for big crowds.
You can do both parks if you ask me but we usually go off season. Plan ahead with maps and see what you would really like to see and do and go there first and leave the rest for last so you know that you dont have to jump around without a plan when you are there. We plan to do that when we go to disney world so we can make the most of our time.
Good luck in trying for a new buddle of joy! I was 5 months pregnant when I went to disneyland. Back in 2003 when I was pregnant, I went to the city hall and told them that I was pregnant and if they had any advice on what I could do and they gave me a disability pass to go on the rides exit so I didnt have to stand in long lines. Make sure to drink lots of water and sit a lot and stand in shade and bring a spray bottle and fill with cold water to spray yourself. I didnt go on any rides that said you couldnt go on if pregnant. The city hall has a book that can tell you which rides to not go on. There is a good reason why they have a warning, not good to chance it.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi HydroGuy!

I am sorry if I'm threadjacking, but while we're on the subject of the best days to go during July, I would like to throw my question to you out there.

We'll be there from July 21 (Monday) to July 24 (Thursday). What do you think would be the best days of the week to do DL/CA?

Many thanks for your opinion...and sorry to the OP for cutting in on your thread!!!

Were you planning on being at the Disneyland Resort Parks all four days? (& i recommend you do)

Are you staying on-site?

However many days you plan to visit, you should park hop each of the days.

Have fun.

 

[HydroGuy]

I have the same question as Hound. Are you planning all four days at DLR?

Whether you are or not, IMO Wednesday is the best day of the week at the DL park in summer. Tuesday and Thursday are MM days so if you have MM you should start at DL on those days. If you do not have MM those days are good days to start at DCA.

 

[michelle1]

Yes, go on Thursday and Friday. Normally I would say that it is a no-brainer to avoid weekends in the summer and anytime during high season. However, July 17 is the DL anniversary day (#53 this year) and does draw more visitors than a typical summer Thursday. I would still do it though.

IMO you got lucky if it was a slow Sunday in the summer in 2005. Really lucky. That was when the 50th anniversary celebration got started and it was a very busy time.

Not only can you, but you should. Parkhopping at DLR is best done with a whole different philisophy than WDW. We hop almost every day to maximize time, catch shows, collect more Fastpasses, and avoid lines.

For more information on this see: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

The above link also discusses the "Not To Be Missed" rides and shows at DLR from a WDW vet's perspective.

Good luck in your efforts.

The closest personal experience I can give on this was when my DW was 2 months pregnant with child #4 and she and I went to Cedar Point in Ohio and rode rollercoasters all day. She was a little nervous but the doc said it was OK and she and baby did fine. Check with your own doc on this of course.

If you are pregnant you may be tired and in need of naps. Even if you are not pregnant, taking nap breaks each day in the summer is the way to go IMO. See the following link for more info on this:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Have a great visit.

That link to that thread is very helpful...thanks!!

 

[c&m]

Were you planning on being at the Disneyland Resort Parks all four days? (& i recommend you do)

Are you staying on-site?

Hound and HydroGuy,

We're only buying a 3-day hopper. Only plan on being in the parks for those 3 days and then spending the 4th day driving to Long Beach to do Aquarium of the Pacific and to shop at the Grove/American Girl in L.A.

We're not staying on-site. We got a good deal at the Marriott Anaheim Suites. Staying on-site would be great though, but too expensive.

Given what you said, I guess we should go on Mon and Wed for sure. Should we go on Tues or Thurs for the remaining day?

Thanks very much!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hound and HydroGuy,

We're only buying a 3-day hopper. Only plan on being in the parks for those 3 days and then spending the 4th day driving to Long Beach to do Aquarium of the Pacific and to shop at the Grove/American Girl in L.A.

We're not staying on-site. We got a good deal at the Marriott Anaheim Suites. Staying on-site would be great though, but too expensive.

Given what you said, I guess we should go on Mon and Wed for sure. Should we go on Tues or Thurs for the remaining day?

Thanks very much!

IMO Tue and Thurs are equal. The Aladdin show at DCA is a "must do" IMO, and is dark Mon and Tue year round. Because of that I would lean towards Thurs over Tue as it gives you two days to work it in (Wed/Thurs). Other than that I would say do whichever day works best for you.

With a three dat ticket you will have one day of MM which you should for sure use. If you get tix thru getaway.com you can get two days of MM which menas you could do Tue/Wed/Thurs. All else being equal that is what I would do personally.

 

[c&m]

I think only 2 out of 4 of us will get MM. That's because we have enough airmiles to get 2 3-day hoppers, and their tickets don't have MMs.

Thank you, Hydroguy, for helping us figure it all out! We really appreciate it!