Is 5 days enough to see and enjoy Disneyland?

[grandmadebby2]

We are considering Disneyland June 2012. I was thinking about arriving on a Sunday evening, going to parks Monday-Friday and then leaving Saturday. We would be staying at a condo 1 mile away that has some city shuttle to ride to and from the parks. Is 5 days enough time or to much time. We have been to Disney World several times. Will be traveling with 8 children who will be 2-12 at that time. Thanks for any input, just starting the planning stages.

 

[aurorae]

We are considering Disneyland June 2012. I was thinking about arriving on a Sunday evening, going to parks Monday-Friday and then leaving Saturday. We would be staying at a condo 1 mile away that has some city shuttle to ride to and from the parks. Is 5 days enough time or to much time. We have been to Disney World several times. Will be traveling with 8 children who will be 2-12 at that time. Thanks for any input, just starting the planning stages.

Common belief here seems to be that three days is minimum, four is better.

You might want to look at Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets.

You can find it in the stickies.

Or, here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[jdb in AZ]

Is there such a thing as too many daze at Disneyland? Probubbly. Three days should be plenty. Unless the new Carsland opens while you're there and makes the crowds horrendous. (They don't know the exact opening date yet.) One of your five daze you could go to the beach or down to Legoland near San Diego.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have to say 5 days should be just right. It USED to be 3 days was plenty, but they keep adding attractions. This July we are arriving Sunday afternoon and will enter the parks right away and then leave the next Sat morning. So, 5 1/2 days. Last Aug we went from Sun afternoon and left Friday morning and there will still things we wanted to do. So we added another day this year.

I'm calling 5 the new 3!

WOC, Ariel, Star Tours, and Carsland in 2012 will make it all more special to have 5 days. Also with a little one, it gives you time to go back to room during the day for a nap without feeling like you are missing out. I would certainly not do less than 5 days if you are able to stay that long.

If the June date isn't set in stone yet, you may want to look into July. You have more of a chance that Carsland will be fully up and running. It would be a shame to miss that by a few days or weeks. Also, Socal APs will be blocked and you will miss the June Grad nights.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We always do 5-6 days, allows us to do everything we want and not kill ourselves even though it feels like it when we return. We only get one vacation a year so we make the best of it.

Jack

 

[Naomi]

I say a min. of 4 days. We do 5-7 days normally, but that allows us a day or two to see all our favorite things one more time. Depends on the time of year you go as well, and what events are going on. Like someone said, if the Car's land is going to open, then I would definitely look into going for as many days as you can. The parks will probably be very busy at that point.

 

[grandmadebby2]

The June date aren't set in stone so July might work also. Is the Carsland just a meet n greet or is it something else with rides and all.

We don't usually go back to the room for breaks because with strollers, and all the stuff we need it is just to much hassle loading and unloading. At Disney World we schedule dining with characters for our breaks from the heat. I guess I need to ask if they have that type of stuff at Disneyland with out staying on property. I tried to read about the dining there but didn't quite understand how the plan works or if it is available when staying elsewhere.

Is rope Drop important for touring the parks at Disneyland? We never make them at Disney World becasue of the time change but going to California the morning time change will be in our favor, hope the kids can stay awake for the parades.

 

[aurorae]

Most people here do not recommend the DL dining plans. It's better to just pay out of pocket.

Rope drop is good if you want to hit a couple of headliners before the lines get too long.

 

[minniecarousel]

You need to remember that Disneyland is typically open from 8 AM - midnight in the summer.That's why the mid-day break is suggested. Getting there at opening is so important because the crowds are lower and the temperature is cooler. When you get to mid-day and the crowds get larger, going back to your room is nice. Nap and dinner, then back to Disneyland 'til midnight - which....may not be do-able with little ones.

Read the thread mentioned above to get the idea of how to "do" Disneyland and California Adventure Park.

 

[ddwlms]

My suggestion is DO NOT SWITCH from June to July. It is hotter and more crowded in July and according to the official Disneypark blog, Cars Land will not be open till 2012. (posted on May 13, 2011)

Disney junkies easily need at least 4 days during the slow season. June is moderate. (I would extend your stay if it were me )

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

My suggestion is DO NOT SWITCH from June to July. It is hotter and more crowded in July and according to the official Disneypark blog, Cars Land will not be open till 2012. (posted on May 13, 2011)

Which is when OP is going......

We love 5-6 days. We did a huge group (10 adults, 10 kids) last June for 5 days and it was perfect. And I agree if you can wait until July I would. If you are there during Carsland opening or right after the SoCal APs will flood the parks before they are blocked for the summer.

 

[Nonsuch]

The June date aren't set in stone so July might work also. Is the Carsland just a meet n greet or is it something else with rides and all.

Carsland is the largest project since California Adventure opened 10 years ago
It's worth waiting a few extra months

 

[nana50]

4 to 5 days is plenty, unless you want to see every single attraction they have. Not everyone does. I sure don't. 4 days will be plenty I'm sure. DL is not DW and requires less walking and traveling.

 

[wannagoback]

I think 5 days is perfect, especially with kids who will need to take rest breaks! It will give you flexibility in your schedule so that you can enjoy some down time. I have stayed 4 nights once and 5 nights twice and will stay 5 nights on my next trip!