Is this 2 day DL/DCA trip doable?

[daisyx3]

We are going to visit my daughter in San Diego in late June. Of course she thought we would want to go to DL! I have only been once and it was 30 years ago. She went last year with her DH. My DH and DS (who will be 17) have never been.
I was thinking we would leave really early one morning, go to DCA, stay at a DL hotel (I'd like to stay in the Disneyland hotel), put bags in car early the next morning and spend the next day at DL itself. Our focus would be rides that are not the same at WDW or do not exist at WDW.
I know I may not get to do everything but I that's OK. DD is saying how expensive the hotel is, but we could get a AAA discount through me or a military one through her (my SIL will be in Kuwait when we go visit). She can also get us military tickets.
Daisyx3

 

[figment_jii]

I think you can get a fair amount done in two days and you seem to already know that you won't be able to do everything. I would highly recommend taking a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets to help you figure out which attractions and shows you want to prioritize.

It's worth pointing out that the two parks are less 110 yards apart, so it's very easy to park hop. So, you might want to consider getting park hoppers (although, they do add a fair chunk to the price of tickets) so you have more flexibility. That way, you can visit both parks in the same day and if things are not running or the shows don't fit into your schedule, you can try them on the other day. If you do stay on-site, be sure to take advantage of EMH (extra magic hour).

 

[daisyx3]

DD says she can get us either military family tix or southern california resident tix. I don't know about that since only she lives there, but she is hard to get ahold of--she works while I am up, and when she gets home I am getting to sleep.
Daisyx3

 

[SMD]

The So Cal ticket offer this year ends in May. The AAA discounts for Disney owned hotels were discontinued. I'm not sure what the current status is for military hotel discounts. You might want to research the current military ticket offer to make sure your party will be elligible.

 

[rizzle64]

We've done DL/DCA in two days quite a few times, it's definitely doable! I'd also suggest park hopping. When we go, we generally do Day 1 all at DL and then Day 2 we spend the morning in DCA(for RSR FP's and TSMM) then hop to DL around 11 or noon, then back to DCA around 4 or 5. DL has too much good stuff to do in one day, but a day and half helps us get most of what we want in. You don't always get to see a lot of shows, but we can usually get to the parades, fireworks and nighttime shows in both parks.

It does make for some busy days, but we have really enjoyed it! I'd highly suggest checking out RideMax software. It's extremely useful for maximizing your time.

Have fun planning!

 

[daisyx3]

DD says she can get us either military family tix or southern california resident tix, so hopefully those are hoppers. I don't think she is right about the SO CA tix. With the time difference I have a really hard time connecting with her.
Daisyx3

 

[figment_jii]

I recommend you take a look at the various ticket options yourself so you have as much information as possible. Mousesavers has a listing, as does Disneyland itself. As SMD said, the current SoCal Resident offers expires in May, meaning you have to use the the tickets by May 21, 2015 which is before you trip. They may have another offer in the future, but the current one will not work for you if you're going in June. In terms of Military Tickets, it looks like you can buy either hoppers or non-hoppers, so if you want to hop, you need to make sure you tell your DD that so she buys the park hopper add-on.

 

[daisyx3]

My research looks like the military tix will work fine, as long as she buys them with her ID, since she will be with us the whole time. And what a savings! As for the hotel, if we can't get a Disney hotel we would get the Howard Johnson's or the CCI. Since they are a lot less we may even be able to go the night before. It means less time at her home in SD but I've already seen the zoo, LOL.
Daisyx3

 

[daisyx3]

Here's a question----now my 20 year old daughter wants to tag along as well (I guess missing 5 days of work is not a big deal to her). I think that puts me out of reach of CCI and Hojos because I'll have 4 adults and one child. What suite hotels are in walking distance?
Daisyx3

 

[figment_jii]

This thread had some information:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/accommodation-options-for-large-family.3356809/#post-52714902

 

[l4dyj8]

It's definitely doable. Hoppers are best if you have the budget for it. You can go with the flow away from crowds. People do DLR in 1 day all the time!

One note, I'd recommend checking In your luggage with the front desk/bell hop. It's safer and it won't be trapped in a hot car.