Is this crazy? Day visit next weekend

[Ladybugx87]

we are going to be in San Diego with a free day on Sunday November 5 - is it crazy to plan an impromptu trip to Disneyland? Family is my husband and me with 7 and 3 year old daughters. We’ve done cruises and Disney Paris. WDW is coming up for us in february.

What do I need to know to make it work? Should we try to do both parks or just one? Is there a restaurant I should still try to get (even off time) reservations for?

Thanks!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Sunday Nov 5 is Dapper Day. It will be insanely crowded, but the crowds will all be dressed in amazing clothes. We are going Sun-Tuesday but we don't plan on doing much on Sunday outside of admiring all the Dapperness. It is also currently slated to rain a little on Sunday but that could change by Sunday.

 

[Ladybugx87]

Sunday Nov 5 is Dapper Day. It will be insanely crowded, but the crowds will all be dressed in amazing clothes. We are going Sun-Tuesday but we don't plan on doing much on Sunday outside of admiring all the Dapperness. It is also currently slated to rain a little on Sunday but that could change by Sunday.

Thank you! If I could change to Saturday, is that any better??

 

[SteveMP]

we are going to be in San Diego with a free day on Sunday November 5 - is it crazy to plan an impromptu trip to Disneyland? Family is my husband and me with 7 and 3 year old daughters. We’ve done cruises and Disney Paris. WDW is coming up for us in february.

What do I need to know to make it work? Should we try to do both parks or just one? Is there a restaurant I should still try to get (even off time) reservations for?

Thanks!

Is it crazy? Sure. Have I done crazy things before? All the time!

 

[PoohsFan1]

I think that sounds like fun. A few years ago, DH and I went to Las Vegas (adults trip) and decided to do an impromptu trip to DL during our stay. We got up really early and drove to DL stayed until the park closed and decided to spend the night and the next morning (very early) drove back to Las Vegas to finish out our trip. We had so much fun and would not hesitate to do it again, and this was in the middle of July .

 

[DznyPrnces]

Do it! Would you really regret a day at Disneyland? I wouldn’t.

I suggest picking one park to focus on. Maybe DCA since you will be in WDW soon. And honestly, my kids are 5 and 8 and it’s their favorite park. When we can only go for 1 day, that is always the park they pick. Disneyland is different when it comes to reservations, so I wouldn’t worry about that. We always just do quick service.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Thank you! If I could change to Saturday, is that any better??

I think the whole weekend will be busy but if I had to wager a guess I think Saturday would be preferable to Sunday. Especially if you get a little rain Saturday as is currently forecasted as more locals might skip the parks if it's raining.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I considered going on Sunday, but decided not to. Between Dapper days and potential for rain, driving to and from San Diego to go for a few hours isn't worth it to me. I couldn't imagine doing the drive with kids in the car, either. While it should be a 90-120 minute drive each way, intense traffic can happen at any time. Add a little bit of light rain and forget it. The drivers become paralyzed. If the forecast changes, perhaps would still enjoy going.

Plenty of stuff to do in San Diego, but I am sure you are already aware of all of that stuff.

 

[hootey]

The entire weekend at DL will be packed: with that being said, Yes-GO! Pick one day and GO! We used to be "West-Coasters" and went to DL several times a year BUT, we relocated to the midwest for jobs we could not say no to. Now, we always go for the week of Christmas and maybe a weekend or two during the year when we can. We, always plan on the parks being FULL and plan accordingly. We still have a lot of FUN and enjoy ourselves. Be there for rope-drop and enjoy the whole day at a nice relaxed pace. Should New Orleans square get packed, grab a soda and get on the train for a couple laps around the park. Enjoy the train ride and get off at the least crowded area. Relax and enjoy yourself, don't try to get in a hurry. Just remember to ride your favorite rides first thing in the morning, take the rest of the day to just enjoy being there

 

[StormyCA]

A day at DL is never a day wasted. It's not about 'crazy' to go at all, it's about managing expectations. As long as you go knowing it's going to be crazy crowded and that you might not be able to do and see everything you want, you'll be fine. One caveat to that would be your daughters. If they're easily tired or disappointed or won't be able to understand why they can't do <insert ride/character meet> and will be upset or frustrated, then maybe give going a second thought.

I would, however, try to make a reservation for at least one meal, probably lunch. Nothing's worse than running around when you're starving trying to find a place to eat without a long line. Especially if you're a child.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Could you get there for rope drop (8:00am) or close to it? It would mean leaving SD very early (6:00am) but I think it would be worth it. Even better if you could get a hotel room the night before in Anaheim (preferably walking distance to the parks). Arriving at rope drop will allow you to get more done. I would also have a plan, like choose a few rides or shows that you really want to try to do and try to get those done as early as possible then everything else you do is a bonus.

 

[LegoMom3]

I live just east of San Diego and second the hotel idea. Either the night before and get there for rope drop, as has been suggested, or head up early the morning-of and plan to stay that night somewhere. Esp. with young kids. I'm a mature adult and I find the up-and-back in one day exhausting!! Yes it can done, of course, but it's easier not to. And as others have already said, if you go with the knowledge that it's going to be nuts, and keep your expectations reasonable, you should still have a good time! I'm [originally] an east-coaster (and WDW vet) and still love the whole concept of DL being "Walt's park."

 

[Ladybugx87]

Thank you all so much. I’ll update once we decide our plans. Might be last minute call.

 

[Daisybelle]

We were there last year for Dapper day and it was super crowded and a little rowdy. BUT at about 430 people started a mass exodus out of the parks and the evening was magical. Short wait times and a lot more room to breathe. I don't know if that will happen again this year, but the whole day might not be wall to wall people.

 

[Ladybugx87]

after much thought (and our girls loving the beach at Coronado), we skipped Disneyland this trip. I look forward to going sometime (soonish) - thank you for all your advice.