Newport Beach Conference in February - Which park(s) to visit?

[eacatwork]

OK, DL experts...I need some advice. I will be coming to California in February for a conference. I will be arriving on a Saturday and departing the following Friday (six days later). Saturday will be a wash because my travel will take all day (I'm coming from Pennsylvania). Sunday will be a half day session at the conference and I'll be able to "cut loose" at 1 PM. Wednesday will be another half day session when I'll be free after 12 noon. Friday could possibly be another free day, if I opt to take the red eye flight home Friday night I could have most of Friday for the parks as well.

I've already looked at the park calendars and see that DL Park is open until 11 PM on Sunday night, 8 PM on Wednesday, and opens at 9 AM on Friday. DCA closes at 10 PM on Sunday, at 6 PM on Wednesday, and opens at 10 AM on Friday.

Given these park hours and my available times and the fact that I will be traveling alone (presumably able to take advantage of any single rider lines), which parks would you recommend on which days? Can I see everything in just two visits (one to each park?). Or, if I opt for one park over another, which should I choose and why?

Thanks!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Sunday - it's a weekend day, so the parks, especially DL, will be crowded. I would go to DCA first, grab a fastpass for Soarin' Over California, then ride Grizzly, Monster's, and Tower of Terror. Then use your fastpass for Soarin'. Maybe grab a bite to eat and grab a good spot to watch the Block Party Bash parade. After that, I would ride whatever else I hadn't that I wanted to ride.

Then I would head over to Disneyland for the evening, enjoy the sights and sounds, ride whatever had the shorest lines, grab a treat and drink, and stakeout a great spot to watch the fireworks. If you still have energy to burn, after the fireworks, make your way over to the Rivers of America to watch the second showing of Fantasmic.

Wednesday - it will be much less crowded at Disneyland, and a better day to try to hit Nemo and the more popular rides. Use fastpass and you should get your fill of all your favorites.

Friday - A great day to wrap up. Maybe ride some of your favorites again (at either park) this afternoon. It will get more crowded at DL later in the afternoon and evening, so keep that in mind. If you missed the fireworks on Sunday, you'll get another chance this night, and you'll also have another opportunity to watch Fantasmic. What a great way to wrap up your conference/mini-Disneyland trip!

 

[audrabolster]

I would choose a weekday over any weekend, but February things can be very slow. I am a season pass holder and usually go on Sundays and never have problems with crowds (unless it's the summer time!)

 

[eacatwork]

Bumping for more opinions and thoughts...thanks!

 

[Hound 109]

- FP & single rider is your friend (& much more user friendly than WDW).

- Use park hopping to avoid the crowded times in DL. (see below)
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

- Read & Understand HydroGuy's tip threads. Especially his "DLR Guide for WDW Vets" & "Getting the Most Out of FP during High Season Threads".
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Basic strategies

- DL at rope drop & in the evening. DCA in the afternoon.
- Logically collect FPs so you have 3-5 in your pocket at 6pm.
- Do the wonderful DL only FL rides at rope drop (on Friday?) Alice, Toad, Pinocchio, Matterhorn. (none have FP & lines build on them thru the day).
- Know how FPs are disconnected.
- Have a dole whip.
- Have fun at Walt's park.

 

[eacatwork]

Bumping...with a few questions...

1. If I'm staying in Newport Beach and rent a car, how long will it take me to get there?

2. Is there any feasible public transportation?

3. What might the estimated cab fare be?

4. Am I crazy to think I should go by myself?!?

***I'm really hoping to find another Disneyphile at the conference and hope that they have a rental car already!***