How long for Disneyland?

[k5thbeatle]

First time trip to Disneyland and I was curious how much time is appropriate to set to see it all? Not looking to go "commando" but just a nice leisurely pace to see it all.

 

[Nevada Jen]

It kind of depends when you are going and if you are staying on site and will use early entry. 3 days with hotel on site and using early morning during normal busy time. 5 days for staying offsite I would say.

 

[Leopardstars]

Most planning sites recommend at least 2 days for DL and 1 day for DCA. On our last trip we had 4 day park hoppers and got everything done that we wanted to and we went late March. That was 2 adults and we did skip a few attractions/rides that did not appeal to us and rode some that we liked several times.

Other things that can impact how long you'll need or want is who your are travelling with and the size of your group. We don't expect to move through the parks as fast with our daughter and my parents.

 

[k5thbeatle]

Most planning sites recommend at least 2 days for DL and 1 day for DCA. On our last trip we had 4 day park hoppers and got everything done that we wanted to and we went late March. That was 2 adults and we did skip a few attractions/rides that did not appeal to us and rode some that we liked several times.

Other things that can impact how long you'll need or want is who your are travelling with and the size of your group. We don't expect to move through the parks as fast with our daughter and my parents.

Thanks for all replies. To "healthy" adults only staying at Grand Californian. We have several days free if needed. No rush or hurry.

 

[Scribble Kitty]

My husband and I do 5 days. We like taking our time to eat, enjoy shows and parades, and take breaks if it gets too hot or crowded.

When I go with friends it's usually 3 days. They are less interested in shows or parades are are all about rides rides rides.

 

[Disney_Alli]

Hubby and I like to do at least 5 days. This allows some leisure time and lots of repeats of favorite attractions. With staying at GC you'll probably want time to enjoy the hotel too.

 

[ronandannette]

We've made several trips and always go for 3 park days (regardless of where we stay). We get 3-Day single-park tickets and usually devote the first full day to DL, the second to DCA and then upgrade to a hopper on the last day and go back to both and do whatever we missed or whatever we really want to repeat.

 

[Nevada Jen]

We've made several trips and always go for 3 park days (regardless of where we stay). We get 3-Day single-park tickets and usually devote the first full day to DL, the second to DCA and then upgrade to a hopper on the last day and go back to both and do whatever we missed or whatever we really want to repeat.

You know the hopper option covers all days for the same 40 dollar price right? No reason to wait until the last day!
OP, Three days (with park hoppers) will be fine I think (again, unless they are crazy busy days). Definitely use the extra magic hour daily. Especially in DCA where it is really empty because only hotel guests get it. With three days you may have to pick and choose a bit on the night time shows and fireworks (or miss them all together if it is mid week non busy season) but you won't leave feeling like you didn't finish. You just might leave wanting to go back!

 

[Jedi Mouse]

I think 5 days is enough to not feel like you left anything major out and enjoy your favorites a few extra times.

 

[Angel Ariel]

We just spent 6 days in the park (we used 2 Armed Forces Salute tickets, which are 3 day park hoppers, per person), and it was pretty much perfect for us. We rode pretty much everything in DCA, almost everything in DLR, and saw quite a few shows..both the scheduled sit down theatre shows and the random live entertainment throughout the park. We also saw the parade, watched the fireworks twice, saw World of Color, and had a lot of character meet and greets.

6 days allowed for us to take it slow. Dh and I both ran races (I ran the 10K, he ran the 10K and the 1/2 marathon) during the Avengers run weekend, so on those 2 days we didn't make it into the park until later. I think on the 10K day we made it in for a long leisurely breakfast at Carnation Cafe around 10:15am. On the 1/2 marathon day, we didn't make it in the park until almost 11:30am. The day before the 10K was a late start day as well. We have a 4 y/o, but she is a 4 y/o that likes to sleep in (and therefore does OK staying up later). So 6 days, but 3 days were shorter days, while the other 3 we were there pretty close to rope drop and stayed until after the evening show.

Before having DD, DH and I would spend just the 3 days in the park and with it being just us, that worked out. We did open to close every day, and generally went at a time of year when there were longer park hours. But having the 6 days this year was very nice!

 

[chickapin parterre]

depends if you are there to photograph the history or just ride attractions and what time of the year.

 

[Littlebitofsunshine]

I think 4 days allows you to see at all at a good pace.

 

[whoever]

Minimum 4 days. 5 is better... We really enjoyed our 10 days in park last October.

 

[minnieralyks]

I would say at least 5 days, especially if you have not been before. We've been too many times to count now and always shoot for at least 8 days if we're only going once a year. Been able to book several trips within a year, both this year and last and have averaged about 5-7 days or so for each trip. I think the longest we've ever been is 11 full park days and didn't get tired of it at all.

After all that rambling- if you want a nice and leisurely pace, try to do at least 5 days.

 

[biochemgirl]

A leisurely pace to me is: time to enjoy dining, parades, shows, and minor attractions. For two adults I'd want 4 days, anything less feels rushed.

 

[goooof1]

Agree with others...... for a nice leisurely pace, 5 days hopping. We have done 3 and 4 days in the most recent past and have not been able to do nearly as much as we wanted!

 

[proud mom]

I'm planning 4 days with my adult daughter. That's in June or July. We will park hop. At this point I think we will be staying off site.

 

[disneymom0104]

I think no less than 4. We prefer at least 6 and were sad when they stopped doing the 6 day tickets. So the last few times we have done 5 days. It is enough to feel like we can get everything in but still leave wanting more (we travel from CO to get there, so prefer to stay longer) I can't imagine doing less than 5 days if you wanted a really leisurely trip!

 

[sherilaine]

This question is always met with a wide range of answers - anywhere from 2 days to 1 week. Until you go you won't really know how long you need because it's so subjective. Since you can buy a pass and always add days on - it's great to get at least 3 days and then if you feel you want more time, add on before your ticket expires. We always put a few days in between so as to catch up but we always stay in the area for more than a week each visit. I can't imagine doing less than 5 days but it all depends on how much you want to see before you feel you are done.

 

[maltdizzy]

Leisurely and do everything? 5 days at moderate times of the year.

I couldn't imagine us keeping ourselves occupied for more than 3, we are usually happy with 2. We still find we are done with DCA by mid-afternoon and ready to go back to DL. But we used to live in LA and used to go for a Sunday every 4-6 weeks, so we know what we like and what we don't. For us, DLR is just one part of much larger So. Cal. vacations.

I miss L.A., I hate living back East.