How many days for a first trip?

[jpolak]

So we are planning our first ever trip to the west coast. We are WDW vets and DVC members. Travel party is myself, DW, DD (15), DS (10), DD(8). Who knows if or when we will get back out there. That being said, how many days to really take in all DL has to offer? We are the get out early, take a mid day break and go back later type. TIA.

 

[bdiddy]

We were in your exact situation and just got back last week and we did one day at each park and I wish we had had another day. We also went open to close pretty much. We just constantly felt rushed and missed a lot of the shows and some of the nightime stuff because we were trying to get those last minute rides in.

If I could do it over I would have done 3 days with a hopper at a minimum. But honestly 4 may have been perfect. Two was fine and I feel like we did 80% of what we wanted but it was really rushed and we were so exhausted.

 

[jpolak]

Thanks. I really don't want to rush. I'd like to take it a little slower and take it all in. That's what I hate about WDW always feel like we are always running and we come home exhausted.

 

[PHXscuba]

When are you planning to go to DL? How many other days/activities do you plan in California?

PHXscuba

 

[3monkeys4me]

I think 3 would be my minimum, for a trip that was primarily to visit Disney. 4 would be even better.

Our last park trip, and the next few we have planned, are at non US parks. With one trip completed I felt we didn't get enough time to really see the park and get into the Disney spirt, but then again the main purpose of the trip was not to see Disney and the Disney day was an added bonus. However, the next trip I am hoping to carve out a little more Disney park time.

 

[chickapin parterre]

depending on your dates=weather, holiday, locals= how slow you can go.

 

[YukonMommy]

3 at minimum, but I would think 5-6 days and then that is depending on what time of the year you are going (for hours and crowds). BUT, we are that crazy family that takes our whole 2 week Spring break and spend most of that 14 days at Disney!!!

How ever many days you spend at Disney, I wish you a magical time!

 

[minnieralyks]

5 at minimum, especially if this is your first and maybe last time for a while. 4 at Disneyland, 1 at California Adventure would be my preference.

 

[bdiddy]

5 at minimum, especially if this is your first and maybe last time for a while. 4 at Disneyland, 1 at California Adventure would be my preference.

I think I loved California Adventure just as much if not more than DL. It was like the old Hollywood Studios with a little Epcot and AK mixed in. We loved that park and personally wouldn't cut it short.

 

[chickapin parterre]

interesting....your observation about days in DCA is common among out of area visitors....but curious about the epcot view?

I think I loved California Adventure just as much if not more than DL. It was like the old Hollywood Studios with a little Epcot and AK mixed in. We loved that park and personally wouldn't cut it short.

interesting....your observation about days in DCA is common among out of area visitors....but curious about the epcot view?

 

[minnieralyks]

I think I loved California Adventure just as much if not more than DL. It was like the old Hollywood Studios with a little Epcot and AK mixed in. We loved that park and personally wouldn't cut it short.

I guess personally, we just don't care for California Adventure as much as Disneyland. We enjoy most all of the rides/experiences at Disneyland while only a handful at CA (Soarin', TSMM, Grizzly, Monster's Inc., RSR, Mater, Screamin' and maybe Ariel). There just isn't that much over at that park compared to Disneyland, IMO.

Edited to add: We're from out of state and get to the parks once or twice a year.

 

[Stefne]

We just returned from our first trip last Friday. We did 5 days in the parks at a leisurely pace and did most everything that we wanted (some even multiple times). We probably would have been okay with 4 days but it was really nice having that last day to really take everything in one last time and revisit some of our favorite attractions.

 

[rentayenta]

It sounds like we tour similarly. Are you stay at the GCV? With midday breaks I would say 5 days.

 

[VandVsmama]

If money is no object, 5 days. If all you can afford is one day, then 1 day is better than zero days. Go for however many days works best for your budget and other travel plans.

 

[HydroGuy]

So we are planning our first ever trip to the west coast. We are WDW vets and DVC members. Travel party is myself, DW, DD (15), DS (10), DD(8). Who knows if or when we will get back out there. That being said, how many days to really take in all DL has to offer? We are the get out early, take a mid day break and go back later type. TIA.

Four days minimum and five is better on a first trip. But anything less than four days will make you feel like you just did not have enough time.

A rough rule of thumb is that a 2 day trip to DLR will feel like a 4 day trip to WDW. A 3 day trip to DLR will feel like a 5 day trip to WDW. A 4 day trip to DLR will feel like a 6-7 day trip to WDW. So think about a first trip to WDW with those amount of days and use that as a guide.

 

[LoriLovesDisneyland]

At least 5 days if you can swing it. We go to DLR every 4 or 5 years and get 5 day hoppers, but next time we go we are buying a one day hopper in addition to the 5 day hopper. We go in late August, most everyone is back to school, but the summer hours are still going, so it is hot! Everything takes longer in the heat!

 

[goooof1]

5 days hopping......more is always best.....gives you time to really enjoy and take in lots of the little details!

 

[SteveMP]

I walk fast, take no mid day breaks other than eating lunch indoors or in a shady spot, and for me 3 day hoppers are great. 4 day are more relaxed. If you take mid day breaks for hours then 4-5 day hoppers at least.

 

[Butterfly123]

I agree with the overall feeling of four is good, five is better. We have a five day trip planned. It's just more relaxing and fun to take your time, enjoy a meal, take breaks in your day, and not feel the pressure of go, go, go. There are so many amazing Disney details in the parks that it's a shame to miss them by just focusing on the rides.

 

[bdiddy]

interesting....your observation about days in DCA is common among out of area visitors....but curious about the epcot view?


interesting....your observation about days in DCA is common among out of area visitors....but curious about the epcot view?

I think it's more of a feeling I had. Like the level of immersion. I feel most immersed into the themes at Epcot and out there it was DCA. And Soarin of course.