How many days? really...

[attagirl2]

I am thinking of planning a surprise trip from June 14th for a few days--- How many days do we really need to enjoy/experience DLR? I'm hoping to come to SoCal for a week and also hit Legoland and maybe Seaworld or just bum it on the beach for a while-- My kids are 5,7, and9

 

[DLR29]

Minimum 3. 4-5 allows for more a slower pace. DLR used to be done in 3 days easier, but, especially with the 2 new rides and the new parade, it has become much more difficult recently. And with Carsland opening next year, I would say a 4 day minimum. But for now, 3 could work if you plan a lot and figure out your priorities.

 

[attagirl2]

Do you think we would be ok if we stay onsite- they're offering a 30 minute early entry for Little Mermaid- So if we arrive evening June 14 and check out the 17th (but go to the parks the 17th) should we be ok? or should we stay until the 18th?

 

[skiingfast]

Do you think we would be ok if we stay onsite- they're offering a 30 minute early entry for Little Mermaid- So if we arrive evening June 14 and check out the 17th (but go to the parks the 17th) should we be ok? or should we stay until the 18th?

I'd stay to the 18th. Because 3 days+ will be much better than 2+. It might get much bussier during that time frame because a lot of school start summer break then.

I'd give Seaworld a day and Legoland a day+ maybe 2 if you do the aquarium and waterpark.

 

[mmmears]

I think it's a 3-day/3-night minimum at DLR unless you go often. 4 days and you'll have more time to enjoy the little things.

 

[pinktink83]

I think 3 days at Disneyland is perfect. You'll get to ride everything at least once, and your favorites multiple times. But if you want to things slow and easy, sure, you could stretch it out to 4 or 5 days. But I've never done more than 3 and its been just fine. Honestly, I'm not sure kids that age could last 5 days!! I think you'd probably end up spending more time at the hotel swimming or napping, etc, so in the end you may as well just do 3 days and get it over with!

1 day at SeaWorld and Legoland is fine, too. We've done both in one day and we didn't leave feeling like we missed anything. Again, you could stretch it to two days if you wanted, and I'm sure you would have fun. IIRC, we missed Dolphin Cove b/c the line was SO LONG and only saw 1 of the Sea Lion shows (they have a morning and night one). I don't think we rode both rides either. And we pushed ourselves hard to get through everything else in 1 day. With Legoland, ds9 was ready to go before it even closed. They didn't do the Aquarium though, or the water park.

So IMO, 3 days at Disneyland, 1 day at the beach, 1 day at Legoland, 1 day at Seaworld, 1 day at the beach would be great. If you have more time, or get some extra free at the parks, then sure, stretch it a little longer! But more downtime at the beach might be preferred than being in the parks every day!

 

[Bungle]

4 days were not enough for us. We are doing 5 this time. Just do as many days as you can and whatever you don't see just put on the list for next time.

 

[HappyHaunt]

I agree with no less then 3 days. I really like 4 days, but we can do everything we want in 3 pretty easily.

 

[Dobie]

Do you think we would be ok if we stay onsite- they're offering a 30 minute early entry for Little Mermaid- So if we arrive evening June 14 and check out the 17th (but go to the parks the 17th) should we be ok? or should we stay until the 18th?

Early entry for LM? How cool?

Is this posted on the Disney site?

 

[cyclenut]

For your age kids I would say 4 days and plan to have some down time during the hotest part of the day (and usually the most crowded as well). If you plan right you can step away from the parks in the early afternoon and get refreshed to make it through until closing. Lines start to get shorter after fireworks and you won't feel completely run down. Of course, you'll probably have enough energy to light a whole city the first day, but if you pace yourself, you and the kids will still have plenty of energy at 11pm on day 4.

Yes, you can do it all in 3 days but you'll have to really plan and prioritize and you'll need to keep going the whole time, or just plan to skip some things. Your kids will probably enjoy it more if you slow it down a little, plan to use the hotel pool, a character meal, things like that.

For your other days in So Cal, it sounds like you're planning on heading down to the San Diego area. I've never been to Lego Land but I know Sea World can be done in a day.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Early entry for LM? How cool?

Is this posted on the Disney site?

Also curious about LM. We always do 5-6 since it is our only vacation for the year.

Jack

 

[Susie63]

Maybe if you have been multiple times to DL,three days is enough. For a first timer....the more the better. We spent 6 days in the parks and stayed at the DLH and still did not see everything.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I know onsite guests get the LM special FP. If you are talking about getting into DCA at 9:30 that is for everyone, I haven't heard they are letting anyone over to LM though.

ETA: We like 5-6 days in the parks. Minimum 4 unless we have APs and just went the month before and will be back in another 6 weeks.