Need help planning days

[Dsny1sttimer]

We (myself, DH, DD (8), and DS (6) will be in DL for 3 days. We will arrive in the afternoon on Sunday, March 16 and check out of the hotel Wed., March 19. We are staying at the Tropicana, so I know we can walk to DL and DCA. We have a 3-day park hopper ticket. I noticed on the DL website it lists the hours for that week (Spring Break) as open til midnight.
My question is...on the Sunday that we arrive, which park should we head to, and what areas/rides would be best to see at this time? We will have one full day for each park on Monday and Tuesday.
I tend to be a "commando" type, and my DH tends to be the "fly by the seat of my pants" type. (What can I say, opposites attract!)
Any advice is helpful for us to plan our days!

 

[DLR29]

Now I'm assuming, but based on your post, I would say that you've never been to the Disneyland Resort. I think you're underestimating the convenience of the resort. It takes about a minute to "hop" from park to park. So instead of designating a day for each park, I'd say always start at Disneyland and hop over to California Adventure during the busier part of the day (afternoon).

With that said, I'd visit Disneyland only on your first night. Hit some rides and see the fireworks or Fantasmic! Depending on what time you arrive, try and pick up at least one set of Fastpasses if possible.

Then Monday hit Tomorrowland and some other Disneyland rides. Hop to DCA in the afternoon and hit a bunch of rides there. Then hop back to DL for the evening and see the nighttime entertainment that you missed the night before. Be sure to get a good night's sleep to wake up early the next day.

Tuesday is the only Magic Mornings day possible in your situation. Being the last day of your trip you might be tired, but believe me, MMs are soooooo worth it. You can literally walk onto the very crowded Fantasyland rides (Peter Pan, Matterhorn, Alice, teacups). And then take it from there. Maybe hop to DCA later to see the Aladdin Musical (isn't shown on Mondays). It's a great show.

 

[Dsny1sttimer]

Yes, this is our first visit to DL.
Thanks for the advice. I think we'll plan to hit DL on Sunday evening and hopefully see Fantasmic (we missed it at WDW!). Monday, we'll head back to DL to cover some more rides, then head to DCA in the afternoon. Tuesday we'll probably start the morning at DCA, then hop between the parks as we want.
It will be great to have the parks so close to each other!

 

[trodrigue]

Do not give up your early entry on Tuesday. It is just fabulous and the only opportunity to get to Fantasyland rides without the long lines. Also, if Nemo is on your list, first thing in the morning on early entry is awesome. There is no EE for DCA. So as a minimum, do the EE at DL, and then go to DCA after they open, which is an hour after DL.

You simply must read the early entry threads. Sorry, old habit, but early entry is now called morning magic.

 

[Hound 109]

Yes, this is our first visit to DL.
Thanks for the advice. I think we'll plan to hit DL on Sunday evening and hopefully see Fantasmic (we missed it at WDW!). Monday, we'll head back to DL to cover some more rides, then head to DCA in the afternoon. Tuesday we'll probably start the morning at DCA, then hop between the parks as we want.
It will be great to have the parks so close to each other!

The above posters are correct. Your plan needs re-tooling.

You will be visiting during Spring Break (for many) & the week before (i think) Easter.....& since you're a commando-detail type person, you need to do some background reading before putting together a "plan".

Start with this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

Then read the rest of HydroGuy's tip threads. Which can be found here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Some basic primers (especially if the park is crowded):

- DL as early as possible. Ride rides & collect FPs the first 3 - 4 hours.
- Have 3-5 FPs in your pocket for evening touring. (when it's crowded)
- Hop to DCA for 2-4 hours. (the front gaves are 125 yards apart!!)
- Take a break. (Swim/Nap)
- Return to DL in the evening. (with the 3-5 FPs in your pocket)
- Repeat each day.

As far as Sunday afternoon (arrival day). What I would do:

- Step into DL. Take pics, look at characters, walk down main St.
- Pick up a SM or Indy FP (for later).
- Maybe ride the Jungle Cruise or Pirates (or both) & pick up a Dole Whip. (But if even if you don't want to ride these, step into DL & send a runner to SM or Indy....you know you want to see Main St. your first hour at DLR. )
- Hop to DCA for a couple of hours. (Maybe catch Aladdin show - a must do - since it's closed (dark) on Mon. & Tues.)
- Return to DL at night. (But picking up a FP first for Buzz or BTMRR)

Regarding Tuesday morning. As Trodrigue said...using MM at DL is a must. Let us know if you don't have a handle on how to tour during MM. Then you can hop back to DCA at 10am - 11am.

It could be crazy crowded that week. You'll want to tour early & have FPs at night. Have a great time planning a trip to Walt's Park.