One Day at DL

[DrGaellon]

Neither my BF nor I has ever been to DL; he made his first visit to WDW last June, though I've gone at least once a year for the past few years. We are spending a week in San Diego in March; we'll be about 90 minutes from Anaheim.

If we decide to to a one-day trip up to DL, what are some of the can't-miss attractions? (I already know I want to see 20K Leagues and Mr Toad, which have been gone from Orlando since my teenhood.) Which day of the week is likely to be least crowded?

 

[sonnyjane]

What week in March? Starting around mid-March, it's going to be pretty crowded with Spring Breakers. The weekdays will still be better than the weekends, though.

Just a head's up... 20,000 Leagues was re-themed into the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. It's still there, but it's not the ride you have memories of.

If you're only able to go for one day, I'd make sure you were there early and stay late to make it worth it! I'd also strongly consider getting a park-hopper ticket so that you can check out California Adventure.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

The Indiana Jones ride! That was cool.

I'll be chaperoning a group of kids from my sons high school in DL for one day so I've started the research.

I wish we could go for longer but the Vex Robotics High School championships will be taking up the rest of our time in Anaheim. I'm sure the kids will have fun there too.

 

[DrGaellon]

We fly into SAN on March 10 and leave on March 17, so we have that entire week. We have no fixed plans, so we could go up to Anaheim any day.

 

[skiingfast]

We fly into SAN on March 10 and leave on March 17, so we have that entire week.

It will be start of Spring Break that week, so busy all week. The best days will be Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

If you can, go more days, 1 is not enough. Definitely get a park hopper open and close each park. See World of Color, Remember Dreams Come True.

You should read part 7 of the DLR guide for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DrGaellon]

There's no way I'm getting DBF up early enough to open; I couldn't do that in Orlando when were staying 20 minutes from the parks. I'm also sure I'm not getting him to drive up to Anaheim two days... (though I'll ask).

 

[sonnyjane]

There's no way I'm getting DBF up early enough to open; I couldn't do that in Orlando when were staying 20 minutes from the parks. I'm also sure I'm not getting him to drive up to Anaheim two days... (though I'll ask).

I think Ski was probably suggesting getting a hotel near Disneyland in Anaheim for the night, not driving up twice. I live in SD and I do overnight trips to DL a lot. Get a budget hotel nearby so that you don't have to worry about making the 90-mile drive back to SD at midnight. It can get pretty hairy after a long day in the parks.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

*Here's* how we spent 1 day in DLR, we got a lot done - me & 2 kids. We were also staying in San Diego ~ we drove up the evening b4 and stayed right across the street, stayed at that same hotel after our day in the parks and drove back to San Diego the next morning.

 

[Huff]

If driving to Anaheim on a weekday then it will take considerably longer than 90 minutes if driving before 9am. I-5 is a parking lot much of the mornings and late afternoons. Weekends are generally not a problem.

 

[sonnyjane]

If driving to Anaheim on a weekday then it will take considerably longer than 90 minutes if driving before 9am. I-5 is a parking lot much of the mornings and late afternoons. Weekends are generally not a problem.

To be honest Huff, it's not TOO bad. When I drive up for a day trip, usually on weekdays when they open at 10, I leave my house near downtown SD around 8 and I almost always make it by rope drop or shortly after, and that includes the time of parking my car and taking the tram or bus to the esplanade. There are only two trouble spots... The first is near Pendleton if they have border patrol doing vehicle checks, and the second is near Irvine.

 

[croppincolburn]

On I5 use the carpool lanes when available. There was an exit from the carpool lane to Disney's parking.

 

[scoker]

I like the book "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" and the related website. You will find the website if you google the book title. It is called touring plans I think.

You can customize a plan based on when you are visiting, expected crowds, what type of attractions you are most interested in.

If you can do an overnight I would certainly recommend it. But you can still do a lot in a day.

 

[DrGaellon]

We decided to do two days; I got us a room at the Hilton Anaheim for $109/night. I'm assuming two days is plenty to see most of the two parks? (Neither of us does the kiddie-ish rides like the Teacups, Merry-go-rounds or Aladdin's Carpets.) Thanks for all the advice.

Any suggestions for where to eat (two lunches, two dinners and a breakfast) for two New York foodie-types?

 

[OKW Lover]

Any suggestions for where to eat (two lunches, two dinners and a breakfast) for two New York foodie-types?

For real foodies you need to do Napa Rose (at the Grand Californian) one night.