Last minute trip - 4th of July

[Amy162]

We just found out a friend of ours who has been stationed in Japan for 3 years will be in CA for a few weeks, so we are flying out to see her and plan on going to Disneyland for 1 day. Unfortunately it will be during 4th of July weekend! eek!!! I'm from VA and have never been to CA or Disneyland.

I have absolutely NO intention of seeing and doing everything. My family has done WDW multiple times, my main intention for Disneyland is just to be there, soak it all in, and see it. I would like to do some of the rides that we don't have at WDW.

I am just beginning to research but thought I would ask for some advice here to help in my planning. Our party will be 3 adults, and 3 kids age 10, 12, 12. My 12 y/o daughter is NOT a coaster fan (never does ToT or RNR at WDW), so rides are not as important. We are only going to Disneyland, not California Adventure.

My friend is from CA and has done Disneyland many times, so she is familiar with everything and should be able to guide us around, but what are your opinions on must do attractions/shows during one of the busiest weekends of the year???

Thanks!!

 

[ADLFAN]

There is Mickey and The Magical Map, which I have honestly not had a chance to see yet, but it is exclusive to Disneyland and the seating area is pretty big, and can accommodate lots of people. I plan on enjoying an afternoon showing before our mid day break on our next trip. I think they do it 4 times a day, and there are tons of characters in it, based on the pictures I've seen!

Definitely the Matterhorn for the daring members of your party! It was DL's first thrill ride and they just updated it with awesome new effects!

Toontown is also unique to Disneyland, and walking through the character's houses is cute and fun with lots of photo opportunities. There are a few rides in there, too, one of which is a fun little kid coaster and the other is Roger Rabbits CarToon Spin, which I don't think they ever replicated.

New Orleans Square is adorable and beautifully detailed with lots of restaurants and shops, I would highly recommend lunch in that area to enjoy the atmosphere. Maybe even a reservation at Café Orleans if the menu sounds appealing to you, they can all be found on Disneyland's website.

Maybe take a round trip tour on the Disneyland Railroad, I believe it was probably Walt's favorite tthing. I would suggest hitting it before it gets too warm though, because the cool dioramas get stuffy and warm in the afternoon, and they slow down so you can get a good look.

The walk through in Sleeping Beauty Castle is very cool, followed by ride on the beautiful carousel.

Autopia is unique and your kids will get to drive their own little gas powered car around a cute landscaped course, with the option for a sweet fake license souvinier in the photo booth after your ride.

INdiana Jones is a wild jeep ride that is my very favorite! It uses Fastpass, and even if everyone doesn't want to go on, you can scan their tickets for extra Fastpasses for the daring ones!

Have fun planning!!

 

[Girimama33]

Too bad you are not going to DCA. Cars Land is definitely worth checking out.

 

[GoBears 1980]

My best advice DO NOT DO IT. You can not begin to imagine how miserable it will be.

The park is sure to close at some point during the day, which means if you leave, you may not be able to get back in.

July 4th is a Saturday, normally an awful day in July & August, but this year you have the 60th Anniversary going on.

The Fast Passes will be gone in nothing flat and the standby lines will be packed.

No way would I pay the one day price to be miserably crowded.