Never been to Disneyland..Need Help!

[knieriem]

My husband and I have been talking about going to Disneyland next year since we've never been. Looks like I'm going to put aside my fear of flying and make the trip out.

How many days would you all recommend spending at the parks? We're planning on splitting the trip between Disneyland and Napa Valley so we want to make sure we have enough time in Napa but I don't want to miss anything at Disneyland!

Also when do you all recommend going for low crowds?

 

[HydroGuy]

Most would say three days is the minimum to get a solid visit at DLR and four is better. IMO three days at DLR is roughly equivalent to a 6-7 visit to WDW and four days is like 8-10 at WDW.

Be careful trying too hard to miss crowds at DLR as you may miss other things unintentionally as off-season at DLR does not work the same as WDW. For more info see: "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889.

Also there is an unusual AP holder dynamic at DLR that can hit off-season hard. See "The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322

FYI, the next few years are going to be especially dynamic at DLR. In April 2010 a new spectacular show will open at DCA called World of Color that promises to exceed Fantasmic and draw unprecedented crowds to DCA. That is a good thing but I would try to visit after April to catch it if I were you and as April approaches get educated on how it will impact the parks. See "Al Lutz - New DLR Prez, World of Color to open April 24, Passes needed to see WoC?"

In 2011 and 2012 new rides and major refurbs will come online at DCA. For more info see: "Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker VIII"

 

[Dizneydaz]

As far as how many days, that's probably best answered by someone who goes for a vacation-unlike us, we live nearby and have AP. Though I think 4 days would be good. 5 if you go during high crowd times.

As far as crowds go, January is a great time to go. My favorite month as far as crowds go. May isn't too bad either, start away from the end of the month.

Early Sept. is good to. With all the hoopla about Halloween stuff going on though the later in Sept. you go, the more crowds you'll see. October is also now pretty crowded.

One thing to consider is if you go during slower months, the parks aren't open as late (or as early) and the entertainment is less (Fantasmic, Fireworks, parades, shows, etc.)

Have a great time!

 

[gatorfreud]

Will you drive between Napa and DLR? If so, just keep in mind that is a long trip and will eat up a chunk of the day each way.

Kim

 

[rentayenta]

Because you've never been, I would say you need 5 days at Disneyland/DCA. I have been a gazillion times and find 3 days are not near enough. Four may be okay but 5 will give you time to really soak it in and repeat your favorites. Plus DTD is pretty cool too.