O.K., How much time is needed for DL?

[OFF TO WDW!]

Being a WDW lover and wanting to go to DL with our family we are trying to figure out how much time we should allow. I mentioned to a friend today about DL and he says it's a day thing and compared it to Great adventure (I'm in N.J.). I figured about 5 days being this will be our only trip (as we know of ) and would like to go back to WDW after this trip. We figure 2 days in DL, another 2 days in CA and 1 day for whatever in the parks. I have read so many opinons form one day to many days that I am confused. I really would like a reasonable perspective (if possible!) on this question!

Is 5 days simply too much even at a slow to moderate pace for DL? (Our trip would be the first week of February)

Any opinions appreciated!

 

[helenb]

It depends on the time of year. If you go during off season, you will need a day or so less than if you go during a busier season.

 

[TiggerFanatic]

It's been years since I last visited -- currently planning a trip for November -- but when it was just Disneyland, before CA Adventure, I used to think a day wasn't enough. I'm planning 2 1/2 days (flying in on Sunday morning -- going the rest of that day, all day Monday and Tuesday, and flying home Wednesday) and I'm told by friends who go more often that it should be just about right.

 

[AndyR]

If slow to moderate pace means not doing stuff from rope drop to closing (park hours will be shorter in Feb), and not going crazy about FastPass optimization then I'd say 4 days, especially if you want to do all the rides in both parks and the sit down shows and the evening shows (WOC & F!)

 

[GrandBob]

You can certainly spend 5 or more days at DLR, and enjoy yourself the whole time. For myself, by the 5th day it feels like we're just re-doing favorites; 4 seems to be about right.

The one thing I'd advise - don't think in terms of 2 days at each park. Park-hop each and every day! The two parks are only 100 yards from each other, so getting back and forth takes less time than going from FutureWorld to World Showcase in EPCOT. Plus, they each have their own Fastpass system, separate from the other. That means that it makes a lot of sense to collect FPs at DL in the morning, hop over to DCA to collect there; and then come back in the afternoon and evening to spend those FPs.

Savvy DLR folks hop every day, multiple times.

-Bob

 

[sonnyjane]

The one thing I'd advise - don't think in terms of 2 days at each park. Park-hop each and every day! The two parks are only 100 yards from each other, so getting back and forth takes less time than going from FutureWorld to World Showcase in EPCOT. Plus, they each have their own Fastpass system, separate from the other. That means that it makes a lot of sense to collect FPs at DL in the morning, hop over to DCA to collect there; and then come back in the afternoon and evening to spend those FPs.

Savvy DLR folks hop every day, multiple times.

-Bob

This is so crucial. Don't do 2 at DL/2 at DCA. Just get a hopper pass and go back and forth between the two parks as you like. It is a far more efficient use of your time and money. Don't limit yourself by doing only one park per day.

 

[sophies*mom]

Our next trip will only be 2 days, but I've been there a lot. If it's your first (and maybe only) time then I'd say 3 or 4 days would be plenty to really take it all in and do everything you want to do.

 

[Master Mason]

I think it is reasonable to say you can do it in 3 days, however at that time frame you might have some issues with shows not happening etc.

I'll also agree with the other, don't think in terms of days at a park, it's not like WDW, it's really to me a single park with two entrances.

 

[marcemc]

I voted 4 days, having young children we always take time to go swim at the hotel pool & maybe take a short nap so in a way, our days are shorter.

In the 4th day, we just ride our favorites

 

[tiffntwins]

I voted 4. We have done 3, 4 and 5, and I always feel like we are missing out when we do 3. 5 is awesome, so leisurely and you can do your favorites a few times easily (rides and shows).

 

[KCmike]

First let me say we love to package our vacations with other things in California. We have done San Diego (which we love), San Fran, Monterey, and Yosemite NP (which is absolutely amazing. We have also done DL just by iteself. I think the perfect one is 5 full days. We usually do 2 at DL, 2 at DCA and one day to just relax at the hotel pool, downtown disney, and go to the ocean. I wouldn't do Hollywood. It is not worth it at all. The last vacation we actually did 6 days and took a sunset cruise out on the Pacific which was amazing. You can catch these for about $15 a person from Newport. The more time you have the more leisurely you can do the parks. It is sooo important to do the little things at Disneyland. For instance:
All of fantasyland including Storybook Canal and Casey Jr.
Golden Horseshoe with Elvis Billy
Ride the Lilly Belle train car
Fantasmic!, Fireworks, and Parades
Walk thru Sleepy's Castle Dioramas
Ride IASM at night
Eat at Plaza Inn oustide
Swing Dance at Carnation Plaza on Saturday nights (Date Night at Disneyland)
Do jungle cruise at night after you've done it in the day

At DCA
Aladdin (twice!)
Toy Story
Grizzly RR
Screamin'
Soarin'
Monsters Inc
Silly Symphony Swings
and most definitely....
World of Color

The fun thing about more time is it gives you more chances to find the fun places in both parks that people don't mention like the Animation building in DCA, Grand Californian Chaisse lounge chairs, Downtown Disney in the night when the bands are playing, Disneyland's marching band in front of the castle when the characters come out, and so much more.....

Have fun planning and if you have any more questions feel free to ask. Congrats on your decision by the way to go to DL.

I agree with the above poster that said to park hop. It really is so much fun and so doable!
Remember there are as many rides and attractions in two parks at DL as there are at four parks in WDW.

 

[ssuriano]

I voted three days; even during peak season I can get everything I want to get done at least once over the course of three days. With that being said my most recent trips have been with peers my age (early 20's); while we enjoy shows we have skipped out on the parades and focused on rides and shows.

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

Our last 2 trips were for 6 days, and we love being able to do one or two "lands" on a day, leave to swim, go to DTD, etc. That being said, I suppose it could be done in 4 depending on crowds, and how fast you like to move. We always go at the end of Oct. and enjoy the crowds that time of year. I voted 5, but it could be done in 4, especially without kiddos to worry about. Have a wonderful time!

Traci

 

[nottellin']

We go for minimum of 5 days each time. And it still feels like we miss things, for example I have never been inside the Tiki room and we have gone at least twice a year, for the last 4 years. Last time we went, we went for 6 days and we missed Tom Sawyer Island and didn't get to Aladdin, or the parade.

I have no idea how people get so much done in only 3 days.

 

[specialks]

We've done 3, 4, and 5. 5 was a bit much but still a blast. 4 seems like the best since you will want to get in all you want since you won't be back (perhaps ). Again as others have said, parkhop - don't just stay in one park per day. Also, arrive for opening (20-30 min prior) to make the mostof you time with little ones. Another recommendation is writing down all your MUST SEES before your trip. Then make sure you get it done!
I hope you have a fabulous trip!

 

[HydroGuy]

I mentioned to a friend today about DL and he says it's a day thing and compared it to Great adventure (I'm in N.J.)

 

[TeddiBarra]

I mentioned to a friend today about DL and he says it's a day thing and compared it to Great adventure (I'm in N.J.)

Maybe he hasn't been since 1992?????? You know.. pretoon town, pre Splash, pre Indy, pre.. um... DCA....

5 days is great. Who wants to go do DL just to do everything once? OMG, I have to do pirates 3 times each trip ...

 

[stubby]

Maybe he hasn't been since 1992?????? You know.. pretoon town, pre Splash, pre Indy, pre.. um... DCA....

5 days is great. Who wants to go do DL just to do everything once? OMG, I have to do pirates 3 times each trip ...

We went for 3 and a half last time. And although we did everything we wanted we are going for 6 this time. Gonna make sure to get in WOC and F! which we missed last time(wasn't in our plans but now we are sorry we didn't) and now that ST is open along with TSMM and Goofy's opening there is more to do.
I think 5 days to someone who has never been is great. Gives them time to take it easy and not have to rush.

 

[D23Ry]

depends when you go. If its in the off season, you can easily do it all in two days, if its peak, i'd allow 4

 

[candygirlIRE]

As a kid we always only did 1 day as that's what a family of six could budget for... In recent years we did 1 day in 2003 and then 2 days in 2010. We are excited to do 4 days later this year. Two days is great however, does give you enough time to really enjoy yourselves and see things more than once (unless I guess if you are going at a super busy time).
This year we are doing a full day, taking a day break by the pool, and then 3 more days. We are thinking the kids will enjoy that and be so excited about going back after the tiny pool break
We likely won't go again for a few years after this year (will wait for the baby to be 3-4yrs next time) or we will save up for WWD.