If you only had one day, which I do

[baseballmom51]

what would you do at Disneyland? We will be in the area the end of August and received free tickets from a co-worker of my hubby. So what should we not miss?

 

[Todd Lee]

Indiana Jones
Pirates
Matterhorn

Most recommendations will be based on if you ever go to any other disney parks around the world. Do you, or have you ever?

 

[Mister Toad]

what would you do at Disneyland? We will be in the area the end of August and received free tickets from a co-worker of my hubby. So what should we not miss?

I've done one day trips before. I have been able to pack MUCH of Disneyland into a single day. Including a sit down dinner and fireworks, fantasmic, etc.

My tips? 1) Use ridemax and readup on all of Hydroguys tips to making the most of visits. 2) Get there at open (8am) and chug all the way through to close (Midnight). Yea its a long day but i've done it and its worth it.

 

[baseballmom51]

ooops guess I should have left more info.

We have been to WDW several times (like 10 or more) and son is 16. So this trip can be a little different than the Mickey/Minnie search.

Our tickets are free from a co-worker of my DH, and it will be August...hot already...lol

 

[Todd Lee]

With that additional information, I'd do all the disneyland/california adventure specific stuff. ie, indiana jones, matterhorn, pirates, etc..

 

[Gisele]

Have an awesome time at Disneyland. If this is your first trip, remember to ask for your first visit buttons.
Like others have stated, be at the park at or before the time that it opens. Also, collect fast passes through out the day, for your must do ride attractions. The time that is stamped on the FP, is really more like a guideline, for it can be used beyond it's time stamp.
Most definitely visit the pirates, the Haunted Mansion, BTMRR, the Matterhorn, go on safari on the Jungle Cruise. And visit the Enchanted Tiki Room too. Say hello to Jose for me. And of course, do not forget to go on expedition with Indy. Just beware of the poisoned blow darts, and the ancient curse..... also... keep your head low, as bats sometimes like to land in your hair, so as to pull some of it out, so they can build their nests in their caves. Don't worry.... no one has lost their head since 1938, that I am aware of anyway.... for it is believed that the last of the head hunters had since turned vegan, and of course long before vegan became popular with some people.

 

[HydroGuy]

At DL I would add (because of uniqueness from WDW):

o Alice in Wonderland
o Storybookland Canal Boats
o Roger Rabbit (not that great but worth doing)
o Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (also not that great but worht doing)
o Captain EO (maybe - just returned to DL - depends on whether you are interested in Michael Jackson)
o Pirates Lair on TSI (maybe - depends on your DS16)

and if you make it to DCA:

o California Screamin
o Grizzley River Run
o Monsters Inc

If you could only see one show it is hard to say at the moment - becasue World of Color opens Friday - but probably World of Color at DCA. If you are not doing hoppers then Fantasmic at DL is better than at WDW and worth doing.

 

[Brancaneve]

ooops guess I should have left more info.

We have been to WDW several times (like 10 or more) and son is 16. So this trip can be a little different than the Mickey/Minnie search.

Our tickets are free from a co-worker of my DH, and it will be August...hot already...lol

Definitely check out the rides that are not in WDW, like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Indiana Jones and Pinocchio to name a few. The Blue Bayou restaurant is also unique. Have fun!

 

[Gisele]

I second the Blue Bayou ... for dining, as well as for the floor show that occurs quite often where upon pirates and privateers alike will dazzle you with their riparian delights, which combine elements of pilfering, plundering ( And with much abandon I must say!) setting fires, sword play, and beware.... they like red heads! OMG! So if your wifes hair happens to be red, then either color it, or wear a good hat! Or else me mateys! Arggh!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

This is a link to our 1 day visit last mid July ~ when in August are you visiting *I suggest you avoid the end of the month when AP block outs are lifted* I also suggest you visit on a non MM day ~ MM days are S & T days.

 

[Hound 109]

At DL I would add (because of uniqueness from WDW):

o Alice in Wonderland
o Storybookland Canal Boats
o Roger Rabbit (not that great but worth doing)
o Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (also not that great but worht doing)
o Captain EO (maybe - just returned to DL - depends on whether you are interested in Michael Jackson)
o Pirates Lair on TSI (maybe - depends on your DS16)

and if you make it to DCA:

o California Screamin
o Grizzley River Run
o Monsters Inc

If you could only see one show it is hard to say at the moment - becasue World of Color opens Friday - but probably World of Color at DCA. If you are not doing hoppers then Fantasmic at DL is better than at WDW and worth doing.

Definitely add Pinocchio, Matterhorn & Toady to the Alice & Storybookland recommendations as "must do's" in Fantasyland. & I agree with HG that Nemo & Roger Rabbit are both at best "not that great but worth doing" (I'd put Nemo late in the evening, as it can be a huge time eater).


Since you're a WDW veteran, I'd read this:

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


& since you're doing only one day, I'd read DisneyMomma81's trip report link in her post above, my trip report link in my signature below.....& also Hydroguy's report below:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132



& know how to use FP....it is your friend:

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718 (see my post #4 in that thread)

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197



If only one day, (imo) you should get to the Security tent 40 min. before opening (which will put you near the front at the turnstile), have your first two hours mapped out (Both touring AND FP collecting)... I'd hop late morning to DCA

(See this thread for reasons why: "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

....& then back over to DL later in the afternoon....you can use the FPs that you collected in the morning...& enjoy them that evening.



Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[Hound 109]

Have an awesome time at Disneyland. If this is your first trip, remember to ask for your first visit buttons.
Like others have stated, be at the park at or before the time that it opens. Also, collect fast passes through out the day, for your must do ride attractions. The time that is stamped on the FP, is really more like a guideline, for it can be used beyond it's time stamp.
Most definitely visit the pirates, the Haunted Mansion, BTMRR, the Matterhorn, go on safari on the Jungle Cruise. And visit the Enchanted Tiki Room too. Say hello to Jose for me. And of course, do not forget to go on expedition with Indy. Just beware of the poisoned blow darts, and the ancient curse..... also... keep your head low, as bats sometimes like to land in your hair, so as to pull some of it out, so they can build their nests in their caves. Don't worry.... no one has lost their head since 1938, that I am aware of anyway.... for it is believed that the last of the head hunters had since turned vegan, and of course long before vegan became popular with some people.

Giselle, your posts are witty, delightful, naughty & fun.

Please keep mining your fertile imagination & continue to riff away.


hound <-----a fan.