One day, both parks

[Stacied68]

My husband and I will be in Southern California for August 17th only. We have done WDW many many times. We were planning on only doing DLR, but am now thinking of the possibility of doing both parks in one day. Is this a doable scenario? If so, what advice to you have?

TIA
Stacie

 

[mom2rtk]

Parks are side by side so it's easy to hop. But you still are limited by the clock. I don't think you can do both parks well in one day. But you can do both parks.

If it was me, I'd consider getting the hopper and doing it, but I would only pop into DCA to do a couple rides (probably GOTG and the Incredicoaster, formerly California Screamin) then spend the other 90% of my time in DL.

Definitely plan on getting MaxPass to help optimize your time. You can schedule in the other park without being there. But don't get sucked into hopping back and forth all day. With one day, you need as much time as possible in DL. At least in my opinion you do.

 

[katyringo]

Get there at opening, and buy max pass and a park hopper ticket. You deff cannot do everything in 1 days but with a bit of planning you can do a lot. The parks are literally right across from each other so park hopping is super easy.

Here is a good resource

https://www.facebook.com/DisneylandDailyCasey/

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you lots of good information: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. I would get the park hopper since hopping is so easy at DLR. Do try to see Cars Land, especially at night. If you can be there at sunset (use Google to get the time for Aug. 17th and be on Rte. 66 about 10 minutes or so before that) to see the neon lighting, it's magical. And RSR is a great ride at night -- MaxPass can help you get FPs for a nighttime ride. I wouldn't even try to see everything (so overwhelming!), but would aim to get a feel for both parks. DL was Walt's original dream and the only park he lived to see. All the other parks have grown out of that dream. Get a good look and feel for the 2 parks, see some of the highlights, and decide whether/when you want to come back again for a more in depth visit.

 

[Stacied68]

This thread will give you lots of good information: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

Reading it at this very moment. Very informative!!

 

[StormyCA]

Sure you can, if you moderate your expectations. Just don't expect to see/do 'everything'.

Since you're WDW vets, first peruse lists of attractions and skip any that are basically identical to WDW. Then focus on your 'can't miss' things. Parades and shows take up valuable time so unless they're a big deal, skip them. The only 'show' we made a point of seeing was Illuminations. Get MaxPass and get there early. Make dining reservations or eat at off peak times. When we went to WDW we had 1 day at AK, Ep, & DHS and 2 days at MK, so that was what I did (except FP+ instead of MP).

Since nothing wastes park time like arguing about 'what shall we do next?', I suggest you & DH work out your compromises ahead of time!

 

[cruisehopeful]

Do plan to spend the entire day and visit both parks. It really is a very fun way to do it. You will want to purchase MaxPass to save some time from running around to get fast passes. You can be inside one park and book a fast pass at the other park. Look at park maps and restaurant menus ahead of time to choose your most important things to visit so you don't waste park time figuring out where to go and what to do.