Late July short solo visit

[Revan]

Hi Everyone,

I have a few questions, I'm a Disney World veteran and this will be the first time visiting Anaheim. I'm flying into San Diego on July 26th and have the 26th through the 28th free (need to be back in San Diego on the 29th).

My plan is to arrive in San Diego around 10:30 AM, grab a rental car and drive up to Anaheim. I was thinking of getting a two-day park hopper for the Thursday/Friday.

The first question, if I arrive around 3 PM, should I visit Downtown Disney for that day or get an extra day ticket for the parks? It looks like DL is open until midnight, so I could have a really decent amount of time there.

I have a reservation at Quality Inn on Manchester, looking for a budget hotel because I plan on maximizing my touring and just need a place to sleep. Any issues walking back late at night? Is it a decent hotel?

Will I make use of the park hopper given that I only have two days or should I plan on one park per day?

How busy will these days be? My priority is soaking up the atmosphere and doing attractions unique to DL. Taking advantage of single rider line when available.

Thanks in advance!

 

[figment_jii]

The first question, if I arrive around 3 PM, should I visit Downtown Disney for that day or get an extra day ticket for the parks? It looks like DL is open until midnight, so I could have a really decent amount of time there.

If you have the funds, I would add a day to the ticket and go to the parks. Disneyland's DTD isn't really all that big. While I enjoy looking around, it doesn't take more than an hour or so, unless you're really into shopping.

Will I make use of the park hopper given that I only have two days or should I plan on one park per day?

That depends on how you like to tour the parks. DL and DCA are very close to each other (about 100 yards apart). Think of DL like Epcot's FW, DCA as Epcot's WS, and the Esplanade (the space between the two parks) as the bridge between FW and WS. That being said, park hopping can end up making for a very busy day with some lost time as you move between parks. With only two days, I'd be tempted to focus on one park per day and not worry so much about hopping. However, if DL is open markedly later than DCA, it might be worth it have the hopper to get in a few extra hours in DL after DCA closes. Ultimately, if you have the funds, I'd consider a hopper, but I would put it as a lower priority than adding the third (partial) day.

How busy will these days be? My priority is soaking up the atmosphere and doing attractions unique to DL. Taking advantage of single rider line when available.

At this point, I haven't heard of any events or conferences that will make the parks markedly busier that what should be expected for the height of summer. That being said, the parks will be busy because it is summer. Also, if F! has debuted by then, I would expect high crowds as guests come to see the new show. Be sure to download the official Disneyland app (that will help with wait time and FP information).

 

[mich311e]

I have a reservation at Quality Inn on Manchester, looking for a budget hotel because I plan on maximizing my touring and just need a place to sleep. Any issues walking back late at night? Is it a decent hotel?

We stayed there 8 times in one year. We never had any issues walking back to the hotel after park closing. It's about .65 miles to the entrance of the park. You walk right by Mimi's Cafe, McDonalds, and Panera Bread - if you need a snack. The hotel does have a decent free breakfast, too.

We like the hotel just fine but we aren't picky. It's clean and we usually have good beds and pillows. (We've stayed in several different rooms there, some were better than others)

Have fun!

 

[tarheelalum]

If you want to ride a lot of rides, I would wait until the next day. Getting there around 3pm really puts you behind the 8 ball as far as riding a lot of rides. The parked will be very busy by then and you will be limited on how many rides you can ride. The first two hours the park is open is when you get ride a lot of attractions.

 

[pblack]

I'd go with both the park hopper and the third day. Since it's just you going solo, you should be able to utilize the rides that offer single rider and get a decent amount done. Plus then you have the option of eating in the parks instead of just DTD or somewhere on ball rd.

 

[Sergio S]

3pm is quite late to enjoy the rides and not sure how jetlagged you're gonna be that day to actually enjoy the parks. Additionally, they may stop letting people in if its too crowded. I've only experienced this during Christmas season though and not sure if others have experienced this on other times of the year.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you lots of helpful information (most of the info is up to date): A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

Agree with the above posters about adding a day to your ticket. 3pm to midnight is a good chunk of time to enjoy getting your bearings in the park (things will be in different places -- be prepared to be a little disoriented at times). Download the free DLR app so that you can see if FPs are still available and what wait times are. Regarding the gate closures mentioned above, it is unlikely that DL or DCA will hit capacity during your trip dates. If you can manage more time in the parks, go for it!

 

[Revan]

Thanks Everyone!