How many days do we need....

[AmyBeth68]

We are VERY excited to be planning an early November 2005 trip to DL. It is our family's first trip to DL and I am bursting with excitement ...too bad it's a whole year away LOL!

Anyway, we have been given a wonderful opportunity to stay with my in-laws for *free* at the Marriott Newport Beach resort. I know it's a bit of a distance from the parks, so we need to take that into consideration. We definitely want to visit DL, CA and possibly another attraction in the area (any suggestions?). How many days *should* we plan for. Originally I was thinking of 5 days, but we do have the option to extend it if that isn't really enough.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Generally, most people will tell you that three days minimum for Disney. Two for Disneyland and one for California Adventure. Our first trip to DL was three days and we left feeling like we had missed plenty! I think an additional day or two is nice so that you can see things again that you really liked, shop like a maniac in Downtown Disney and have time to take it at a slower pace (a must if you are travelling with small kids). As far as other things to do, cannot help you there once we get to Disneyland we cannot seem to leave the resort until its time to head to the airport!

 

[disneychrista]

When in November do you plan to go? If you are going Thanksgiving week / weekend you will need more time then if you go before or after. So adjust your timings accordingly.

When going during a less busy time you need at least three days just for the parks. But for a first timer I would deffiently go longer, 5 days is about right. This gives you time to explore, visit DTD, the hotels, etc. IMO anything less then 3 days just isn't enough.

The last few years we have gone for 1 half day and 3 full days. We either had AP's or hopper passes that gave extra days over the 3 we "needed". It was so great to be able to go to the parks the day we arrived, something we had never done up until then. Then we would hit Disneyland in the AM and hop over to DCA in the afternoon, and then back over to Disneyland. I think we hop at least once every day we are there. It is so easy and really makes the best use of time.

So in summary. At least 3 days. 5 is better, especially for a first time visit.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks for the great advice. We will be there the 2nd week in November. I think we'll try to arrive on a Monday evening...that will give us Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat. As we are from the Northeast, we will need leave early on Sunday.

 

[disneycrazzzy]

You mentioned your "family". What ages are your kids? If you are still planning visiting another park...I would suggest Legoland if your kids are into Legos and they are under 12. I've been to Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm in the last year and I would only suggest Magic Mountain for teenagers. Knott's Berry Farm was okay for all...not great. We've visited DL twice in the past two years. We definitely need 3 days minimum for the two Disney parks. I haven't been to the San Diego Zoo for years, but that can be a great outing as well. Happy planning!

 

[Betty Breed]

If we're flying in on Sat AM and leaving on Weds afternoon what length ticket should I get?--3 or 4 days? Thanks for advice Betty

Ps How do I change my signature timeclock?

 

[PryncessChrysty]

If we're flying in on Sat AM and leaving on Weds afternoon what length ticket should I get?--3 or 4 days? Thanks for advice Betty

Ps How do I change my signature timeclock?

I would get a 3 day. That is enough time to spend a whole day at DL & DCA each, then the third day I would go to DL in the morning, DCA in the afternoon, and back to DL at night. While it would be nice for a 4th day, I don't really think there is a need, it might be $ wasted. I would take a day in between those days to check out the hotels and all of the shops at DTD. The World of Disney store can be a 1/2 day adventure all in itself!!

In regards to you changing you signature time clock -- right now, they are still working all of the kinks out for the new boards. If you change your sig it can only be less than 500 characters, a time clock in itself is more than 500 characters. So we have to wait for webmasters to adjust the sig allotments before we can make any changes to time clocks.

 

[Betty Breed]

Thanks. I was thinking of getting the 4 day, but your idea makes sense.

By the way how can I subscribe to a thread? Is that also one of the kinks?

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Thanks. I was thinking of getting the 4 day, but your idea makes sense.

By the way how can I subscribe to a thread? Is that also one of the kinks?

Here is the link for changing your countdown clock once they fix the signature requirements.

I believe that with the new boards, once you post to a thread, you are subscribed to it. To subscirbe or unsubscribe though, go to the thread and at the top, above the first post there is a box that says "Thread Tools" (it's under where the page numbers would be). Left click on that once and there will be three options that pop up in a little menu. The third option will say either 'Subscribe to this Thread' or 'Unsubscribe to this Thread'. If it says 'Subscribe', then left click on it once. If it says 'Unsubscribe', then there is no need to do anything!

 

[disneychrista]

I personally would get a 4 day hopper. We love going to the parks the day we arrive (even after a 8-9 hour drive).