How many days in Disneyland and California Adventure

[cndkanga]

We are a family of 7 and have been to Disneyland quite a few times and usually do park hoppers but this year we've opted for 4 day non parkhopper tickets as we haven't "hopped" the last two times. We haven't been since Cars Land opened, last time we went for 3 days in Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure. Wondering if that is the way to do it this time too or will we want 2 days in California Adventure -- kids 5,8, 13,15 and 17 (younger two are big Toy Story fans). We have Touringplans and trying to figure out a plan:
Tuesday: MM Disneyland
Wednesday: Disneyland
Thursday: California Adventure
Friday: Disneyland (must as this is the only day for the fireworks)

What do you think? Will we want 2 days in California Adventure?

 

[OneThree]

Conventional wisdom is that CA is only a one day park but if you haven't been since Cars Land you may want more time. I think you can definitely hit all the big ticket items in CA in one day but that's just my opinion.

 

[Niltiac]

I would be a little hesitant to lock myself in to only one DCA day and so late in the trip if your heart is set on any specific attractions. Since Friday has to be DL for fireworks, there's no opportunity to add another DCA day if something goes wrong on that Thursday. So I would say take a look at what DCA has to offer, and if anything is a "must do" for anyone in your family, either add a second DCA day or try to figure out a backup plan if that attraction is down when you try to ride on Thursday. If nothing is a "must do", and it's all just icing on the cake, then your plan is fine.

The second thing to consider is if you're just going to DCA for the attractions or if you want to soak in any atmosphere, eat at restaurants, etc. Personally I tend to enjoy just hanging out in DCA more so than DL because it's less crowded, calmer, the walkways are wider so everyone spreads out more, and some of our favorite foods are over there. We like to hop over there if DL is feeling too overwhelming and we just want to relax. If you want to take your time and enjoy DCA as well as hit most of the rides (your kids' ages cover quite a span so I imagine they're interested in a lot of different types of rides), then I'm not sure one day is enough.

 

[chirurgeon]

I think Radiator Springs can take a whole day. It's more than the rides. It is just so spectacular. You have to enter from Paradise Pier as far as I'm concerned. And seeing it at night is a must.

 

[cndkanga]

I would be a little hesitant to lock myself in to only one DCA day and so late in the trip if your heart is set on any specific attractions. Since Friday has to be DL for fireworks, there's no opportunity to add another DCA day if something goes wrong on that Thursday. So I would say take a look at what DCA has to offer, and if anything is a "must do" for anyone in your family, either add a second DCA day or try to figure out a backup plan if that attraction is down when you try to ride on Thursday. If nothing is a "must do", and it's all just icing on the cake, then your plan is fine.

The second thing to consider is if you're just going to DCA for the attractions or if you want to soak in any atmosphere, eat at restaurants, etc. Personally I tend to enjoy just hanging out in DCA more so than DL because it's less crowded, calmer, the walkways are wider so everyone spreads out more, and some of our favorite foods are over there. We like to hop over there if DL is feeling too overwhelming and we just want to relax. If you want to take your time and enjoy DCA as well as hit most of the rides (your kids' ages cover quite a span so I imagine they're interested in a lot of different types of rides), then I'm not sure one day is enough.

Good points. There are no "must do" attractions for the kids this time except the Buzz Lightyear ride. We haven't spent a lot of time in DCA so perhaps we haven't given it enough time to explore to enjoy it. We could do DCA on Wednesday but it it a Early Entry day and we will have used our Early Entry on Disneyland the day before so I was worried it would be too busy upon our arrival. But if we did it on Wednesday then we could opt for Disneyland or DCA on Thursday which might be a better option although we then hit the Early Entry for both parks when we won't be there early which might mean busier lines for us.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would alternate DL and DCA right away so you will know for sure if you want another day at DCA. I probably spend more time in DCA than I do in DL because there are more and better food options and it's so much more calm.

 

[Winnowill]

Even with EMH on a Wednesday, it shouldn't be too terribly crowded. We've done (non-EMH) rope drop at DCA on a Wednesday in August, and TSMM was still a walk on when we got to it. If you plan your FPs judiciously, it's eminently doable.

 

[Disney_Alli]

Since the EMH at DCA is only open to hotel guests (vs the EMH/MM combo at DL) it's a must smaller crowd and much more manageable. I'd just grab a fastpass for Radiator Springs Racers right away and go about your day. Enjoy!