How many days to see it all?

[jimmytammy]

Im sure this has been asked many times, so sorry upfront.

We are hoping to combine a Hawaii trip with a DL/CA trip in Feb. 2013. So how many days do we need to see all of DL/CA without commando touring?

At least to ride all rides, see all attractions, fireworks, parades and shows, eat a few restaurants, etc.

TIA

 

[HydroGuy]

You will need four days. And it will be hard to see all the major shows in on off-season month like February unless you plan carefully.

These links should help:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

 

[jdb in AZ]

February is generally not crowded, other than President's Day and Valentine's Day. The downside is the shorter hours on weekdays. You can do more rides in a shorter amount of time because the lines are so much shorter, but when they close before dark that makes it difficult to see WOC, Fantasmic, and the fireworks. So basically you could see everything during two or three weekdays, but you'd have to include a weekend to see the night time shows.

 

[hkkatie]

I agree w/ 4 days. Two days for each park. Or at least 1.5 days for DCA and 2 full days for DL. We just did a 2 day park hopper, and it really was not enough time. There was so much we didn't have time to do or see.

 

[floydfamily4]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering the same thing. Now after reading Hydroguy's tips it looks like for a Feb visit I need to plan a weekend. If that is not possible (M-Th) will that mean I won't see any fireworks or special shows? Sorry to hijack but thought it was a good next question

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering the same thing. Now after reading Hydroguy's tips it looks like for a Feb visit I need to plan a weekend. If that is not possible (M-Th) will that mean I won't see any fireworks or special shows? Sorry to hijack but thought it was a good next question

Unfortunately, yes. In the off-season (Feb.) DL generally closes at dark during the week and rarely has the nighttime shows like fireworks and Fantasmic on the weekdays. I do recommend a Saturday, or at least a Friday. The good news is that Saturdays in February are not that crowded, so you will still be able to get a lot done and have a good time.

 

[disneyguy1818]

You could do everything in 3 days as long as you check the schedule to confirm that Fantasmic, DL Fireworks, and world of color will be playing while you're there. I've been to both parks over 100 times and I really don't think you could find enough to do at DCA to require more than 1 day there and 2 days at DL would surely be enough. If you want to spend significant time at your hotel or downtown Disney then maybe you could stretch it over 4 days but you might notice less marginal enjoyment on your 4th day due to exhaustion and lack of new things to do. Just my two cents.

 

[disneychrista]

My answer is going to be different than everyone elses in that you would need a lifetime to see and do it all.

 

[DreamtheImpossible]

My fiance and I are going Sept 20-25th of this year and we had to plan over a Friday and Saturday to make sure we were able to see the shows. We planned on WOC Thursday with an Ariel's Grotto reservation, Fantasmic on Friday (mainly to see the Dragon, which we've missed. This gives us another chance to see it on Saturday) and then Saturday to see the Fireworks (which we have not seen yet either..shocking, I know!)

It took a little planning to get it right, but we've managed to get everything in order leaving the first two days for sheer sight seeing.

Hope this helps!

 

[KCmike]

4-5. You can hurry and do it in three but why when you can relax and enjoy it for 4, 5 or more days!!! Our best vacations are when we take more days. We like to take a day to relax and have a pool or ocean day.

 

[skiingfast]

I really don't think you could find enough to do at DCA to require more than 1 day there and 2 days at DL would surely be enough.

A. If you are going for 3 daysor longer, you should hop and not decide beforehand to allocate your days to one park or the other. This will give you much more flexibility to do and see all that you want.

B. In 2013 when the OP is going it may be impossible to do DCA in a day. Carsland is going to add a lot to see and do. Also it's difficult to see DCA in a day when you want to see Aladdin, Electronica and WoC, these all take more time than TSMM with a 45 minute wait. Also remember there are some small shows in DCA and a parade coming back, that need to be included in doing it all.


While I would adivse 3 days is enough you should add a 4th(likely if you want to see all three night shows in February) if you are going during a weekend, and a 5th if it's during a busy period, such as President's Day Weekend.

 

[Habfan888]

currently here at dlr, and think 5 days would be needed to see it all.. 4 days to see all you really need to see at a good pace. 3days if you force yourself to see everything just once.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Our best trips were 6 day trips... allowed time for afternoon breaks so we were awake for the nighttime stuff. With fireworks, WOC and F! you really need to be there a Fri, Sat & Sunday night... often in off-season those are the only 3 nights they are shown, then you can do 1 per night and not have to rush from one to another. So, yeah, technically you can do it in 4 days... Fri-Monday... but if you have a choice, do at least 5...