How many days?

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

Looking for suggesions from DL experts please! We haven't been to DLR since Jan. '03. With 3 kids 11yrs and younger, how many nights should we stay in order to do the parks, resort, DD and pool at a RELAXED pace? We plan to stay at DLH or GC. Thanks!!

 

[rramstad]

I was there in July with three kids, 11 8 and 5.

We stayed at GCH for four nights, and had five day Parkhoppers.

We did a lot in DL and DCA and as a result really only had a couple of afternoons at the pool. (None of the kids had been to DLR.)

I wouldn't recommend staying for any shorter period of time, honestly. The longer you stay, the more it feels like a vacation...

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I'd say 5 days would be pretty relaxed. (Personally if we stayed more than 5 days we'd be going to Universal, Legoland, Knott's, or tour LA too. We just don't know how to really relax!)

 

[HydroGuy]

It does depend on time of year. But once the DCA refurb is done (supposedly in June 2012) then four days will be the minimum time needed for DLR. Right now it is about 3 and 1/2.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

If you want to maintain an unhurried pace and fit in lots of shows in addition to rides and have some pool and restaurant time, then I would recommend 5 days.

 

[DanT]

We usually do 3 days in the parks...
Get to see and ride just about everything! And some things multiple times.
Just need to know the crowd patterns, use MM effectively, fast passes collected well, and be willing to roll with what you are given on any particular day.
With kids it can slow you down when they are younger, so 4 days might be better for you.

 

[Vexorg]

I haven't ever done Disneyland with kids, but I always find that three days seems to be about right for an adults-only group or a solo trip. You're probably going to want more time if you're going with kids, and you'll definitely want to get some breaks in there.

 

[Brady's Mom]

We frequently stay for 6 days - off season. We love the slower pace, the shorter lines and are quite happy to put at least one weekend night in there so we can see F! and Fireworks (we like Sundays).

We get 5 day hoppers (if we don't have AP's) and always manage to spend some time at the pool and in DTD.

With the lower crowds we can ride our favorites multiple times and take DLR at a much slower pace. We've been during high season during Spring Break, December and summer time. When we go during high season we usually spend the same amount of time, but we always feel more rushed and less relaxed. And more like we need a vacation from our vacation!

My family's conclusion is that off-season works for us. We love early Nov. - before Veteran's Day, Sept. - before Halloween time and after Labor Day and Feb. - but not during Presidents day weekends.

 

[wannagoback]

You didn't mention how the travel time will cut in to your first and last days. We have a 2.5 hour flight and a 2-hour drive to the airport, so it's a good portion of the day for travel. For that reason, I've been happy with two 5-night stays. On our 4-night stay, we flew out so early the first day trying to squeeze more time in, that DD was exhausted and the grown-ups were pretty tired too. On our last trip, I bought 6-day hoppers but we didn't end up going the last day. We just slept in and went to the airport. I'm getting 6-day hoppers again this time just in case. We leave in 4 days!! (just had to throw that in there!)

 

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

Thanks everyone! Looks like we're planning a 6 night stay based on your recommendations!