How many Disney days for a week in California?

[tss2]

In the summer 2010.....3 moms and 3 teen daughters are planning a week staying in Anaheim. We have never been to California and are trying to figure out how many days to spend in Disneyland and California Adventure.

My daughter and I are big Disney fans, but this is a trip to see lots of things not just Disney related. Any hints from people who have done this. We are also not looking to be going to theme parks every day that is why we weren't thinking of Universal or other parks like that. Unless someone has hints to why we should go to other theme parks.

Below is a list of what else we want to do during our week in CA:

1. Drive to San Diego Zoo one day
2. Go to the Ocean
3. Hollywood & that area
4. Queen Mary ship tour
5. live show
6. Disneyland/California Adventure

Thanks for any help!

 

[PHXscuba]

I think you could combine some of the activities on your list depending how intensely you wan to do them.

For example,

Day 1 -- San Diego Zoo -- full day needed coming and going from Anaheim, could do something in the evening

Day 2 -- Disneyland/California Adventure

Day 3 -- Queen Mary tour in morning; beach for the afternoon (Huntington and Newport are the ones many people recommend)

Day 4 -- Disneyland/California Adventure

Day 5 -- Hollywood tour during the day; live show at night (presuming the show is up in LA you'll be in that direction already

Day 6 -- Disneyland/California Adventure

Day 7 -- Sleep in, shop, vegetate, etc.

Obviously these can all be re-arranged. I think you will be happier splitting the Disney days up. You will obviously need the show tickets and perhaps the Hollywood tour arranged in advance, but most everything else you could plan as you go based on the weather for the week (beach on a sunny day, making sure you like the DLR hours for the days you pick to go)

Two days to do both DL/DCA will have you very, very busy, especially if it's summer crowds. In three days you could have a better pace.

Happy to answer any other questions,

PHXscuba

 

[tss2]

Thanks for your sample itinerary. We have been to WDW several times and always just do Disney all week so I wasn't sure how to handle DL/DCA and how much time it would take. I like to idea of switching off days between Disney and other things.

Are crowds and lines really bad in the summer? Comparable to WDW in the summer? Just wondered.... (We usually do WDW in the summer and take our time and go in and out of the park to "work around" the worst crowds.)

 

[PHXscuba]

I know it varies a lot depending on when you go. If you go before school lets out in Southern California (around mid-June) the crowds are generally lower, but you'll miss some of the big summer entertainment not running yet. The local annual passes have a lot of blackout dates in the summer -- for good reason because they expect more tourists, so it's a mixed blessing.

I can't compare actual lines because I've never done WDW in the summer rush, but my opinion is that even in high season, DLR can be pleasant with a good plan. That's another reason I'd seriously consider three days -- you won't feel as stressed about getting everything done.

If you haven't already, I'd read a few things by DLR guru HydroGuy.
His tip compilations have great advice, especially the "DLR for WDW vets" thread. Also scroll down to the "Seasonal at DLR" section because much of it applies to you. There is alot that is different from WDW for high vs. low season.

Good luck planning your trip!

PHXscuba

 

[Jollean]

Its been a long time and this is totally based on my own opinion and one tour company, but personally I would skip the Hollywood Tour.

The Hollywood homes tours was nothing more than driving up a fancy street looking at a whole lot of gates and intercoms.

Then they took us to Hollywood walk of fame which was also very dirty and run down. The Mcdonalds charges a fee to use their washroom to prevent drug users from using it. It had a lot of tourist trap style stores where they pushed their merchandise pretty hard.

For me it actually took away from the glamour of what we know as Hollywood. I have heard that with all the movies being created in new areas it is just not the same.

Again it's been a few years and things can change but I would take a day on Catalina Island or even at Knott's over the Hollywood Tour.

Best of luck with your planning!

 

[tss2]

Great hearing different people's opinions and ideas. Thanks for the extra help! I will keep reading!