How many days to thoroughly do both parks?

[kd2226]

My husband and I went to DL many years ago, but have never been to DCA. We are planning a trip in 2008 with our 2 children. We really like to see and experience everything and still have time to relax, not rush around too much. How many days do I need to allow to fully do both parks? Thanks!

 

[Lithium_picnic]

For Disneyland, about 3 or 4 days is enough to do everything at least once. However, 2 days is fine for California Adventure, as there is less to do.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

No less then 3 days I'd say, a lot of people like 4 or 5. But with 3 we seem to be able to see everything we want to, plus do some favorites a few times over. Last year we were there 5 and did just about everything a few times! Which was fun, but really it takes about 3 days to see it all, in a relaxing way!

 

[munchkinsmom]

I'd say four or five days (2 @ DCA; 2-3 @ DL).

 

[kd2226]

Thanks for your helpful and speedy replies!

 

[slp87]

I agree that you can do it all in 3 days. If you get to DL at park opening, then hop over to DCA about 10:30 or 11:00, you'll get a lot done. Be sure to take advantage of Early Entry to do Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, then on regular opening go to the left to do Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Frontierland. Everytime we entered DCA we sent someone to get fastpasses for Soarin, then we went to ToT and the other attractions in the Hollywood section. Then we were able to work around and get lots done before we were ready for a break about 1:00 - 2:00. We typically headed back out around 5 or 6 in the evenings.

 

[HydroGuy]

Four days.

 

[lulubelle]

I agree with Hydroguy - four days.
Make it five if you plan on doing anything else. A lot of times it is nice to spend the "middle" day of your vacation just hanging around at the pool and shopping in DTD and taking in a movie at the AMC theaters.

Have a wonderful trip whatever you decide

 

[karylrocks]

I also think 4 days is just about right. We just returned and had 3 1/2 days which gave us two half-days at DCA, time for brunch at Goofy's Kitchen, ESPN Zone, shopping at Downtown Disney, and time to do our favorite DL rides multiple times.

 

[Disney Magic]

On our first visit to DLR, we wanted to see and do everything as well. We did everything in both parks, except for the rides designed for the very young children, in three days. It was great fun.

 

[abby]

How long also depends on what time of year you will be there, will it be crowded with long hours, or not so crowded and shorter hours? Also depends on how you want to do it and how old the kids are. My dd who is 6 really can't take open to closing on long days, we need to rest in the middle. Teens can last a whole lot longer. If you go open to close, I'd say three days, if you want a more relaxed time I'd say 4 or 5.

 

[Mom2micayla]

How long to me would depend on what time of year you're wanting to go. If it's a busy season, I'd say at least 5. If it's off season, 3-4 would be fine.

 

[TheZue]

Four or Five would be my preference. Of course I don't just want to do everything just once and like to go back to my favorites a few times We basically feel that we've stayed just the right time if we are looking forward to go home without being anoyed at the parks on the last day; that for us is five days. Also with our two year old we went on the teacups about 15 times which took up a lot of our time so the age of your children is a huge factor.

 

[Bunchkin]

I was curious about this topic myself!!

We will be going around New Years Eve and will be there for 5 days.
I'm guessing it will be busy there then. So I hope 5 days is enough!!

 

[CamColt]

I feel 3 days is adequate if you are really running commando and just want to do the highlights, but 4 days is ideal and with 5 you can really relax and do it all.

 

[kd2226]

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to respond. We are planning on being in DL early May 2008. The children will be 10 and 7 - and like to ride everything from the thrill rides right down to Dumbo and the teacups.
It sounds like the opinion is that, while it is possible to push it all into 3 big days, it would probably be more enjoyable to have 4 or 5. Thanks again!