How Many Days to See Everything?

[GoofySon'sMom]

Including all the little things like the Musical Chairs with Mad Hatter and all of the musical and other entertainers? We also want to check out the tortilla and bread tours, the wine tasting, the Animation class and just about everything else we have read about here on the Dis!

And of course there are those other things like rides, parades and fireworks!

Seriously, we want to see/do everything that we can. Right now I have us with three full days in the Parks and two morning til late afternoon days (we are going to the Red Sox/Angels games while there).

Is it realistic to think that with a good plan we can see it all?

 

[Lissame]

I think it's definitely possible, but you are going to have to really plan things out well. Make sure that you arrive before park opening every day, and utilize the calendar on Disneyland.com.

What we found last year was that certain parades, shows, etc only happen on certain days, so I had to be careful to plan out which things we were going to see/do on which days.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I think it's definitely possible, but you are going to have to really plan things out well. Make sure that you arrive before park opening every day, and utilize the calendar on Disneyland.com.

What we found last year was that certain parades, shows, etc only happen on certain days, so I had to be careful to plan out which things we were going to see/do on which days.

Being a WDW planner, I am hating the wait for DL hours! I am used to having a plan 180 days in advance! Definitely waiting anxiously for the hours to be posted.

Thinking of also doing Ridemax. I have never really followed a touring plan in WDW but I am thinking it may be worth it for this trip. Although with the wealth of information on this site, I think we could muddle thru without it.

 

[HydroGuy]

With three full days and two half days you will see most everything. To see everything you will have to go for more times than I have, that's for sure! Four days is a good, solid visit.

 

[bnbheartdisney]

Three days should do it - just do your planning well and it should be enough time!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

With three full days and two half days you will see most everything. To see everything you will have to go for more times than I have, that's for sure! Four days is a good, solid visit.

Thank you! I know I have been to WDW many times and haven't seen it all ... but it is much bigger so I don't go with the expectation of seeing it all every trip. We pick one new thing to be sure to do each trip. But I am not sure if we will get back to DL so I really want to try to get it all in!

I should say that one thing on our side may be that DS and I are really wussy's when it comes to rides ... no Space, Splash or TOT for us! We do like BTMRR so I am hoping we can convince ourselves to try the Matterhorn. DH will want to try Indy and California Screamin so we will work that in for him. Not us though ...

 

[HydroGuy]

Thank you! I know I have been to WDW many times and haven't seen it all ... but it is much bigger so I don't go with the expectation of seeing it all every trip. We pick one new thing to be sure to do each trip. But I am not sure if we will get back to DL so I really want to try to get it all in!

I should say that one thing on our side may be the DS and I are really wussy's when it comes to rides ... no Space, Splash or TOT for us! We do like BTMRR so I am hoping we can convince ourselves to try the Matterhorn. DH will want to try Indy and California Screamin so we will work that in for him. Not us though ...

Four days at DLR will feel like 10-12 days at WDW. Enough time to do everything you really want - probably multiple times (except for Indy I guess ) - and see most everything. You will leave feeling like you had enough time.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

You will leave feeling like you had enough time.

This is just what I wanted to hear! THANK YOU! I just read all of your summer visit trips! Thank you very much for those as well.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thank you! I know I have been to WDW many times and haven't seen it all ... but it is much bigger so I don't go with the expectation of seeing it all every trip. We pick one new thing to be sure to do each trip. But I am not sure if we will get back to DL so I really want to try to get it all in!

I should say that one thing on our side may be that DS and I are really wussy's when it comes to rides ... no Space, Splash or TOT for us! We do like BTMRR so I am hoping we can convince ourselves to try the Matterhorn. DH will want to try Indy and California Screamin so we will work that in for him. Not us though ...

Well, I am with you on the thrill rides. I don't do space or TOT, and I finally did Splash. My friend convinced me that if there are no harnesses or seat belts or pull-down bars to hold you in, how bad could it be. So, in January, I rode Indy. I was so scared throughout the whole line, and almost chickened out, but did it, and I loved it. I can barely to BTMRR, so I would say, if you can do BTMRR that you can do Indy with no problem whatsoever--believe me this comes from a certified, card carrying, chicken. No way I would ever consider Screamin' though. Truly, you might want to rethink Indy, it is one really cool ride that I sure wish we had at WDW.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I should say that one thing on our side may be that DS and I are really wussy's when it comes to rides ... no Space, Splash or TOT for us! We do like BTMRR so I am hoping we can convince ourselves to try the Matterhorn. DH will want to try Indy and California Screamin so we will work that in for him. Not us though ...

I too am a ride wuss. I had no problem with the fact that DS10 didn't want to ride any "fast" or "bumpy" ride for a long time because it gave me the perfect excuse to sit them out when DH and thrillseeker DS8 went off to ride them.

Gradually DS10 came around to little brother's way of thinking though, to a point, and now enthusiastically rides everything except TOT and Screamin' (although he's made some noises during the last 2 trips about maybe being ready for TOT). What this meant is that I, not always wanting to be left behind (but still content with it occasionally), suddenly found myself on thrill rides for the first time.

I admit that I do kind of like BTMRR now. If you can handle that and even enjoy it, you might do fine on Matterhorn and probably Indy. In fact, DS10 and I tried Indy before any of the others at the urging of DH and DS8 with the argument that it's not really a rollercoaster. Even my parents were ok with riding Indy although they didn't like it that much, but my mom says she would never consider riding a rollercoaster. My main complaints about MH and Indy are just that they're a bit rough, and I feel like I get somewhat thrown around. Anyway, despite my ride wussiness, I have discovered that I can ride BTMRR, MH, Indy, Space, and GRR, although I don't tend to feel too well when I come off Space (once per trip limit) so that kind of shows where my threshold is.
You and your DS will, of course, know your own limits best, but I know sometimes it helps to hear about other people's ride experiences, comparisons, opinions, etc. In the end, I have to admit DH's predictions of which rides I would probably like, have mixed feelings about, and hate based on his knowledge of me and the rides did pretty much pan out.

Anyway, if you don't ride the big thrill rides, that will free up plenty of your time for other touring and shows, so you should have plenty of time to do and see lots even though not everything (I know we haven't seen everything yet even with all these trips).

 

[Vexorg]

Having been to both parks now, I'd say that three days is plenty of time for Disneyland. On the other hand, I spent four days on a first-time trip to Disneyworld a couple of years back, and found that to be way too short. Too much rushing around, park-hopping and generally trying to cram everything in (and I ended up skipping Animal Kingdom entirely on that trip due to lack of time too.) On the other hand, with Disneyland everything is close enough that park-hopping requires basically no transit time, getting to the hotel and back generally doesn't take 45 minutes each way, and the parks are also physically smaller too.

 

[Mister Toad]

Having been to both parks now, I'd say that three days is plenty of time for Disneyland. On the other hand, I spent four days on a first-time trip to Disneyworld a couple of years back, and found that to be way too short. Too much rushing around, park-hopping and generally trying to cram everything in (and I ended up skipping Animal Kingdom entirely on that trip due to lack of time too.) On the other hand, with Disneyland everything is close enough that park-hopping requires basically no transit time, getting to the hotel and back generally doesn't take 45 minutes each way, and the parks are also physically smaller too.

I would say that a lot has to do with the age. I have gone with my fiancee, (both of us 25) and we have done close to everything in DL in a single day. We probably could have done it all in two very easily. In one day we did everything but:

Sailing Ship Columbia
Mark Twain Riverboat
Explorer Canoes
Casey Junior train
Storybook Land boat
Disneyland RR
Autopia
Monorail
Innoventions
Tiki Room
Gadget's Go Coaster
The Character Houses
Small shows

But we DID ride the major rides at LEAST twice (POTC, HM, Splash/Space Mountain, Indy). I feel like you can do all that in another day, so if you really hit all of it, you could do ALL of DL in 2.5 days, and all of DCA in 2. You should have plenty of time i would guess.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would say that a lot has to do with the age. I have gone with my fiancee, (both of us 25) and we have done close to everything in DL in a single day. We probably could have done it all in two very easily. In one day we did everything but:

Sailing Ship Columbia
Mark Twain Riverboat
Explorer Canoes
Casey Junior train
Storybook Land boat
Disneyland RR
Autopia
Monorail
Innoventions
Tiki Room
Gadget's Go Coaster
The Character Houses
Small shows

But we DID ride the major rides at LEAST twice (POTC, HM, Splash/Space Mountain, Indy). I feel like you can do all that in another day, so if you really hit all of it, you could do ALL of DL in 2.5 days, and all of DCA in 2. You should have plenty of time i would guess.

Yes, but while rides are important they are only part of DLR. Did you see a fireworks show? Fantasmic? Parades? Disney Electrical Parade at DCA? DEP is gone now but we have World of Color. And then what about Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and other smaller shows? Did you stop to see any characters? Did you take any kids to Jedi Training Academy (and have to see the show multiple times waiting for your kid to get chosen)? Princess Fantasy Faire? Pixie Hollow? Did you wait in line to see any princesses? Winnie the Pooh? Did you visit DTD? How many restaurants did you eat at? Any character meals?

If one wants to see fireworks, Fantasmic and World of Color that will take three days there. Just for the major shows. Yes, it is possible to do fireworks and Fantasmic on the same night. Depends on size of the group and whether you have any kids that can stay up that late.

Bottom line IMO is that three days is the absolute minimum to visit DLR and four days is better. But you will not see it all. If you are the type that comes lates each day, does not use Magic Mornings effectively, does not know how to use FP, etc., etc., then five or more days would be a good idea.

 

[DisneyWithTot]

I agree, four days is better. We did three full days with preschoolers and we got a lot done, but did not see any parades or Playhouse Disney. We were out of the parks for about three hours a day for naps but if I were to do it again I'd want to do four full park days.

You should really try Indy. My DH, who never will ride any rollercoasters (or even the teacups) and who told me I tried to kill him when I had him go on TOT with me years ago, really liked Indy. (For comparison, that same trip he decided he'd try Gadget's Go Go Coaster - a kiddie rollercoaster in Toontown - since everyone else was going on it and after it was over said he didn't like it and he'd never do it again.) Indy really is an awesome ride. You will be marvelling at the special effects more than anything else. You probably would not like the Matterhorn however.

 

[Canadian Traveler]

We usually have 5 days for both parks with the last day to do anything over again!!! We use Ridemax and like to take lunch breaks (bring our own lunch) and not run like crazy!!! We do not however do the little kids rides ex. tea cups, dumbo etc.... Have a great holiday....

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Well, I am with you on the thrill rides. I don't do space or TOT, and I finally did Splash. My friend convinced me that if there are no harnesses or seat belts or pull-down bars to hold you in, how bad could it be. So, in January, I rode Indy. I was so scared throughout the whole line, and almost chickened out, but did it, and I loved it. I can barely to BTMRR, so I would say, if you can do BTMRR that you can do Indy with no problem whatsoever--believe me this comes from a certified, card carrying, chicken. No way I would ever consider Screamin' though. Truly, you might want to rethink Indy, it is one really cool ride that I sure wish we had at WDW.

I too am a ride wuss. I had no problem with the fact that DS10 didn't want to ride any "fast" or "bumpy" ride for a long time because it gave me the perfect excuse to sit them out when DH and thrillseeker DS8 went off to ride them.

Gradually DS10 came around to little brother's way of thinking though, to a point, and now enthusiastically rides everything except TOT and Screamin' (although he's made some noises during the last 2 trips about maybe being ready for TOT). What this meant is that I, not always wanting to be left behind (but still content with it occasionally), suddenly found myself on thrill rides for the first time.

I admit that I do kind of like BTMRR now. If you can handle that and even enjoy it, you might do fine on Matterhorn and probably Indy. In fact, DS10 and I tried Indy before any of the others at the urging of DH and DS8 with the argument that it's not really a rollercoaster. Even my parents were ok with riding Indy although they didn't like it that much, but my mom says she would never consider riding a rollercoaster. My main complaints about MH and Indy are just that they're a bit rough, and I feel like I get somewhat thrown around. Anyway, despite my ride wussiness, I have discovered that I can ride BTMRR, MH, Indy, Space, and GRR, although I don't tend to feel too well when I come off Space (once per trip limit) so that kind of shows where my threshold is.
You and your DS will, of course, know your own limits best, but I know sometimes it helps to hear about other people's ride experiences, comparisons, opinions, etc. In the end, I have to admit DH's predictions of which rides I would probably like, have mixed feelings about, and hate based on his knowledge of me and the rides did pretty much pan out.

Anyway, if you don't ride the big thrill rides, that will free up plenty of your time for other touring and shows, so you should have plenty of time to do and see lots even though not everything (I know we haven't seen everything yet even with all these trips).

I agree, four days is better. We did three full days with preschoolers and we got a lot done, but did not see any parades or Playhouse Disney. We were out of the parks for about three hours a day for naps but if I were to do it again I'd want to do four full park days.

You should really try Indy. My DH, who never will ride any rollercoasters (or even the teacups) and who told me I tried to kill him when I had him go on TOT with me years ago, really liked Indy. (For comparison, that same trip he decided he'd try Gadget's Go Go Coaster - a kiddie rollercoaster in Toontown - since everyone else was going on it and after it was over said he didn't like it and he'd never do it again.) Indy really is an awesome ride. You will be marvelling at the special effects more than anything else. You probably would not like the Matterhorn however.

Thank you all for this info! We have been under the assumption that the Matterhorn is very similar to BTMRR ... is that not the case? Maybe I should ask on a separate thread?

As for Indy -- DS and I were absolutely terrified on Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom. I didn't think he would ever trust me again because I told him it wouldn't be that bad. Is Indy like that? I am completely freaked out by the thought of the snake room but I can probably close my eyes.

Looks like I may be off to Youtube ....

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thank you all for this info! We have been under the assumption that the Matterhorn is very similar to BTMRR ... is that not the case? Maybe I should ask on a separate thread?

I think if you can handle BTMRR, then you should be able to handle Matterhorn. DH's comment was that in the overall scheme of rollercoasters, yes, they are similar. I enjoy BTMRR more than Matterhorn.

As for Indy -- DS and I were absolutely terrified on Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom. I didn't think he would ever trust me again because I told him it wouldn't be that bad. Is Indy like that? I am completely freaked out by the thought of the snake room but I can probably close my eyes..

I've never been to WDW so can't compare, but I have seen many people comment that Dinosaur is similar to Indy, only Indy is better. Maybe you should send your husband on first and ask him what he thinks about the ride with respect to you and your son riding.

One piece of advice I would give based on my own experiences is to space the "thrill" rides out a bit if you're planning on doing more than one. I know that everyone is different, but I find I feel the worst if I do the big rides too close together. I don't know if it's just too much adrenaline rush for me or if it's too much being tossed about physically or what, but whatever it is I have learned to ride Matterhorn, for instance, then do some calm rides and activities for a while, then try BTMRR later in the day.

 

[Susie63]

I have to disagree. We spent 6 days at DL in Feb and still did not see everything. It was our first time so we also spent time looking at EVERYTHING. I can't wait to go back and see the rest.

 

[seadd67]

So i was feeling pretty good with 2 and a half days. Until I seen 6 days at the park and did not see everything!!. We will be at DL for 2 and half days me and my 17yo DS,we do wdw every year so I wqas pretty confedent about getting all DL in 2 days,now I dont know??. Well If we miss a few no big deal,just a good exuse to come back

 

[rentayenta]

I have to disagree. We spent 6 days at DL in Feb and still did not see everything. It was our first time so we also spent time looking at EVERYTHING. I can't wait to go back and see the rest.

I agree.