How many days?

[MuseumMouse]

How many days should we plan for in the parks? DLR is essentially all new for us. I was there once but 15 years ago and this will be DH's first trip. We want to have plenty of time to take it all in but will also be on a budget so I don't want to pay for days we won't need. We'll be going in May, so I am thinking the crowds will be average and we'll have some longer lines but nothing too horrible. I was thinking 4 day park hoppers... is this overkill? But is 3 days enough to fully experience both parks? We are WDW vets, and usually go commando from open to close in the parks and would plan to do the same at DLR. What do people recommend?

 

[Teki]

3 days is min, 4 is better gives you more time to do it leisurely.

 

[charmama4]

I'd do 4 and that allows you more time to people watch, see more, ride more rides, eat more food, swim at the pool, relax, etc etc. Just do four!!

 

[spaceace510]

agreed. I would go with four. dividing it like a day and a half to DCA and 2 and half days to DL. thats more or less how i would do it.

 

[Eeee-va]

Assuming you're already in the area, the incremental cost for a 4th day is relatively low. With current discounts on the Disney site if you buy online, only $15 extra per ticket for 4 days instead of 3. If I were already in Anaheim anyway, I think it would be worth that price to just go into the park for a couple hours first thing in the morning, when the lines are shorter! So I don't think it would be a waste to get a 4-day hopper, even if you only use a bit more than 3 days of it. (4 full days would certainly be nice as well!)

Of course, if you tour checklist-style--only wanting to do all the rides, and your favorites a couple times--3 days would probably be sufficient. But if you're going for the whole experience, the more time the better, IMO.

(And I'm all for commando-style, but if you stay at a hotel within walking distance, you can go back to your room and take quick naps in the afternoon. It's not like WDW in that regard. I think I would try the nap thing if the weather were warm/hot and the park opened early and closed late. By napping, you shift some of your sleeping time to a time when the parks are crowded, as opposed to when they are emptying out late at night, or when they are closed. )

 

[hurleysweety]

I agree with the other posters. I would suggest about 4 days. It was perfect the last time I was there with my family. We didn't feel rushed and we spent most of our 4th day redoing all of our favorite rides and picking up souvenirs.

Of course, it also depends on who you are traveling with and their personalities. When its just DH and I, we are constantly on the go and can get alot done in a day. With other friends though, we take it slow and just enjoy the scenery and people watching. Also, some people will do the parks for a whole day, and then spend the next day just doing some hanging out in DTD and some time by the pool. This way you're not constantly surrounded by crowds (well depending on the time of year and the hotel) and waiting in line. I would suggest to allow yourself more time to take it all in since its such a new experience and you definitely don't want to feel rushed. Enjoy it all and be thankful for every day you get to be in such a happy place! Have fun!

 

[mystic_path]

Anything under 3 days is too little. Id suggest 4-5 days to go at a decent pace where your not rushing yourself.

 

[Belle Ella]

I still have no idea how I can do DL in 3 1/2 days, let alone adding in DCA into the mix as well. If you have the time, 4-5 days (or more, I'm crossing my fingers for a full week in the future) is a must.