One day trip worth it?

[skoi]

Oldest dd (16) and I are thinking of going to look at a college for her in the area. When I saw how close it was to Disneyland I thought, hmmm, one day, is it worth it? I haven't been to DL since the early '90s (one day), and we do WDW yearly.

So here are some questions:

#1: Is a day, or a day and a half, worth it to make the trip?

#2: If there are no events listed on the calendar (we're headed out there 11/9 or so) does that mean there won't be a showing of WoC?

#3 Is staying in an official hotel much better than staying at a good neighbor hotel?

#4 Is it possible to do both DL and DCA in a 10-8 day? Or would it be better to just concentrate on DL- daughter is a huge MK fan.

Thanks in advance and sorry if these are often repeated questions.

Julie

 

[spacemermaid]

To me, a day would be worth it...especially if I'd not seen the Park in almost 20 years...ALOT has changed!

The events during the day will be filled in on the calendar as the date gets closer. I've not been to WDW, but have checked out their events calendar for comparison, and...I wish DLR would take inspiration from WDW in that respect; it'd be nice to know more than just a month in advance what the shows (or hours, for that matter) were going to be when planning a trip!

There are plenty of great hotels of various price ranges around DLR; personally, I can't justify spending 2X (or more) as much money for a Disney hotel that I'd pretty much only be sleeping at. Especially since they're not connected by Monorail to the Park, and also because there are non-Disney hotels that are actually a closer walking distance. The Disneyland Hotel is going through some major remodeling/construction now, as well.

It's possible to do both parks in one day, because they're so close together. California Adventure is also going through some major remodeling/construction, and there are construction walls up all over the place. What I would do in your situation is spend the majority of the day at Disneyland, and go do a few of the "must-see" attractions at California Adventure for a much shorter part of the day, seeing how DCA is all torn up right now & your daughter is a huge MK fan. Be sure to check out the Aladdin show at DCA if possible...it's amazing!

 

[superme80]

I usually only go to each park for 1 day each so yes it would be worth it. I have never stayed on property so I would just save the money and stay at a good neighbor. Hope that helps some.

 

[kkmcan]

One day or a day and half is absolutely worth it! We've done many 1 day shorty trips when I'm dying to go and a full blown vacation isn't in the budget.

Go with a plan and get there at rope drop and you'll be fine. You can get tons of rides done in the first -3 hours of the day.

 

[JH87]

You can get tons of rides done in the first -3 hours of the day.

this is so true.
this past august we got there at rope drop and went on matterhorn, indiana jones, jungle cruise, pirates, haunted mansion, space mountain, thunder mountain rail road and even stopped for a pretzel all before noon!
just get fast passes and you will do fine. with the rides i mentioned, we only had a FP for space mountain, which we got at around 9 and came back to use it around 11:30. oh, this was on a friday during on season...so it did get pretty busy later in the day!

 

[Eeee-va]

I'm going out to Anaheim for a trip of one day and a bit less than a half-day (4 to noon for the Halloween party) in October, so yes, I definitely think it's worth it, especially since you'll be out there anyway!

Disney has not been updating the calendars very quickly, so odds are that entertainment offerings will be added. That said, a 10-8 day there MAY not be any nighttime entertainment at all. I just read that WoC's platforms were having problems, so the off-season (which is when you're going) might be the time to take it down to try to fix those. No one knows for sure, though.

You CAN do both parks in one day, but you can also have a great time in Disneyland in one day. I'd say it's up to you. It is slightly cheaper to buy two one-day/one-park tickets (not separately, but together), if you wanted to do Disneyland one full day and then DCA for a half-day.

On-site hotels are sometimes a LONGER walk to the parks than off-site ones! I'm sure there is more "Disney magic" on-property but if you're looking for a budget trip, off-site is the way to go. (That's what I always do.) It's not like WDW where you almost "have" to stay on-site.

Have a great trip!

 

[skoi]

Thanks all. We're still debating whether to take the trip out due to airfare prices, not to mention the three kids left at home with their dad will be so mad.

If we can't use DVC points onsite, we'll be staying off site- one of the places that look close on the map. However, now we're looking at Sat and Sun of Veteran's Day weekend so I'm thinking it'll be crowded.

Being there at rope drop is always the strategy for us, and Space Mountain is definitely number one on her list.

 

[Mister Toad]

I have done many one day trips. If you are spry you should be able to make it no problem and see SO much. I have done the opening to close at the park (8am-midnight) and I just crash after the trip. Its a lot easier to fit in. I would suggest a good neighbor. If you are only there for a day and I assume most of that day in the park, there really is no point in staying at a more expensive hotel that you would hardly spend time in. You can get a very nice or very close good neighbor for a great rate.

Good luck!

 

[DSNY4ever]

Is one day worth it- yes! Well, that sort of depends- what colleges are you going to look at? How close will you actually be?

And knowing from experience, you really don't want to rush looking at colleges. Take your time and truly get a feel for not just the campus but the city and the area surrounding the college. Where is the closest grocery store, shopping center, hospital, restaurants, what are the nearby activities, what do the apartments in the area look like (for when they move off campus), what is within walking distance of the campus etc. This is probably common sense, but I know so many people that don't look at all that stuff they just go on a tour and that is that.

But if there is time to spare... I would go to Disneyland

 

[wdwfan22]

Tes, yes, yes. 1 1/2 is better than 1, of course. But just make sure you prioritize before you go, so you don't miss the rides you really want. You wont be able to do everything in that amount of time, but can do the ones you want.

Don't miss CA, it is a great park, even though it is undergoing construction. California Screamin is a great coaster, by far the smoothest coaster I have ever been on.

 

[skoi]

Thanks all again. Looks like we'll be going.

Is one day worth it- yes! Well, that sort of depends- what colleges are you going to look at? How close will you actually be?

And knowing from experience, you really don't want to rush looking at colleges. Take your time and truly get a feel for not just the campus but the city and the area surrounding the college. Where is the closest grocery store, shopping center, hospital, restaurants, what are the nearby activities, what do the apartments in the area look like (for when they move off campus), what is within walking distance of the campus etc. This is probably common sense, but I know so many people that don't look at all that stuff they just go on a tour and that is that.

But if there is time to spare... I would go to Disneyland

Thanks for the advice. We're mainly heading out to look at one school in Azusa. She has a very tight list of schools already, plus back ups. When I went to college, I went sight unseen to University of New Mexico. But my first choice was Arizona State, which I visited but didn't like. We'll be there for a few days, then planning to come down to DL for two days.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Vet's weekend is the start of Xmas season so you can see all the Xmas decor!!!! Do it!!!!!

 

[skoi]

Vet's weekend is the start of Xmas season so you can see all the Xmas decor!!!! Do it!!!!!

When I saw the date for the Xmas going up, I decided to change from going the two days before the college thing to the weekend. Love WDW at Christmas, but have never seen DL.

I think we're on. Which hotel do people suggest: Tropicana or Park Vu? If we can get a magical deal on Grand Californian- we'll stay there, but I doubt we will.

 

[Hound 109]

Which day of the week are you going into the parks?

If for only one night.....compare the best deal onsite (like at the Paradise Pier) & if you are going into the parks on an MM day it might make sense to stay onsite. MM would be the best time to knock out the majority of Fantasyland rides (& many of them are DLR exclusive & are must do's), along with SM.


Have you seen Hydroguy's "DLR for WDW vets" thread? If not it's a must read.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And also Mary Jo's excellent thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084


See my trip report below for an example of how one might maximize a one day trip....utilizing MM, hitting it hard early, picking up FPs & hopping when it makes sense.


Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[skoi]

Thanks all. Really looking forward to it now.

Hound 109: Thanks for the links. We'll be there Nov 13 and 14- which is the weekend after Veteran's Day so I'm assuming it's going to be crowded. We'll be staying two nights, and two days, so I'm wondering if it'll be worth it to get a three day bonus pass for the early entry on Sunday.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

So worth it! Do it!! That is the beauty of Disneyland--it was designed for one day trips. Sure, multiple day trips are great, but really--when Walt created Disneyland he made it for the purpose of one great day. It is very walkable in one day, and you can cram so much into it. This is one of the biggest differences between Disneyworld and Disneyland.