One day with 5-year old

[Rebsy]

my husband is taking our 5-year old to Disneyland for one day at the end of the month and can't decide on which park. He was originally leaning towards California Adventure as we've been to WDW twice with our son and he thought Disneyland might be repetitive of MK, but now he's worried there won't be enough to do at CA. He'd prefer not to do park hoppers Bc of the cost. Our son's favorite rides at WDW are the two Toy Story rides and teacups. I've never been to Disneyland, so am no help. Any thoughts?

 

[Tigger Trainer]

Do Disneyland, you will not be disappointed. There are about as many attractions between the two parks in California as all four parks in Florida so there is plenty to do. Yes there are some similarities, but also some major differences.

 

[lcp9]

How tall is he? if he's not 40", for sure DL. If he's 40" and loves Cars, it's a tossup but I would probably still lean DL.

 

[chickapin parterre]

is there a toontown at WDW?

 

[mel2014]

I'd definitely do California Adventure. Carsland is unique and wonderful and if he likes the teacups, he'll probably love all of the spinning rides -- Francis Ladybug boogie is the teacups by another name and then there is Flik's Flyers and Mater also, plus the swings. Radiator Springs Racers was my kids' favorite ride between the two parks from age 4 on until they became tall enough for California Screamin. And now that Toy Story Mania has FP, you can get multiple rides per day.

 

[Rebsy]

is there a toontown at WDW?

No. They removed the similar area (at least what I think was a similar area) when they built new fantasyland.

 

[chickapin parterre]

your husband will have more interactive time with son At disneyland on Autopia, over and over and over, then Nemo, small world, toon town not so much as son will romp around on the playground equipment environment. Main street,....oh that nap on the train as it goes around and round till you husband wakes up!!

Having never been to Disneyland.....that train ride is good comfort.

 

[DznyPrnces]

My kids (5 year old boy and 9 year old girl) prefer DCA over Disneyland. Sometimes we are only able to do 1 park, and those times they always pick DCA. Especially considering you have been to WDW, I think you really should see Carsland, it’s pretty amazing and my son’s favorite land.

 

[Lm3js]

My vote is Disneyland. We had to make a similar choice for early May. We had one day to go to a park. The cost of the park hopper + having screamin' & pier closed + grad night on the day we were going made the decision a bit easier. DL will have plenty of variety for your 5 year old.

 

[bumbershoot]

Dca 100%.

Bugsland. It has a teacups-like ride. Carsland. There’s a carousel. Toy story. Monsters Inc!! We love dca.

Compared to it, almost everything at Disneyland is terrifying lol.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Dca 100%.

Bugsland. It has a teacups-like ride. Carsland. There’s a carousel. Toy story. Monsters Inc!! We love dca.

Compared to it, almost everything at Disneyland is terrifying lol.

FYI, he carousel is gone

OP if you’re son loves Cars and is 40 inches or taller (which I would assume most 5 year olds are), give DCA a lot of consideration. Carsland is truly amazing for a Cars fan.

If he doesn’t care about Cars, I would lean to DL.

 

[Rebsy]

Thanks! I think the husband might be more confused than before about which park to go to, but he feels better about there not seeming to be a wrong answer. Two additional questions: 1) because of the construction at DCA (our son loves Ferris wheels, but it looks like it's closed for now), does that impact the visit? And 2) DCA will have extra morning hours the day of their visit, will that lead to larger crowds? He's planning to go on a Monday and would like to choose the park with the smaller crowds, if possible. Thanks!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Thanks! I think the husband might be more confused than before about which park to go to, but he feels better about there not seeming to be a wrong answer. Two additional questions: 1) because of the construction at DCA (our son loves Ferris wheels, but it looks like it's closed for now), does that impact the visit? And 2) DCA will have extra morning hours the day of their visit, will that lead to larger crowds? He's planning to go on a Monday and would like to choose the park with the smaller crowds, if possible. Thanks!

In my experience Mondays are almost always very crowded. I don’t know why. Maybe so many people go on a Monday thinking the weeked will be too crowded that it causes Mondays to be crowded? If his day is flexible, I suggest a Wednesday if possible.

I wouldn’t worry about the extra morning hours. After the first few hours it won’t make much of a difference in their day.

Yes, the Mickey Fun Wheel is down until June, as is the big roller coaster (which I’m guessing your son couldn’t ride anyway due to the height limit). Other than that, I don’t this the pier area being down would detract from their visit if they wish to choose DCA.

Another thing to consider is parades and nighttime entertainment. Would they be staying late? If so, DL has the Pixar Play parade and new Pixar fireworks show and DCA has the Paint the Night parade.

 

[AndreAggie]

We went for 4 days when my son was (almost) 5. If he had a choice, he would go to DCA. Toy Story Mania and Radiator Springs Racers...over and over. He also loved Goofy's Sky School and Soarin'. If he's been to WDW and Magic Kingdom, I'd personally give DCA a try, assuming he's at least 40". Carsland is so cool! Get there early, spend the extra $20 and get MaxPass and have fun.

 

[agamble]

Tough call. I would also lean towards DCA. We really like the park and find it has a lot to do. That is also where all the super hero M&G are right now. Carsland is amazing and he can meet Mater and Lightning and get pictures with them. I also think DCA has less copycat rides to WDW. Grizzly River run is a lot more fun than the water ride at Animal Kingdom. There is the new Guardian's which is a blast if your son can do thrills. Goofys is one of our almost 5 y/o son's favorites. It really is a cool park.

 

[Rebsy]

Thanks for all your advice! They went to DCA yesterday and had a blast. Both of them loved Radiator Springs Racers and Bug's Land; my husband loved Grizzly River Run, the 5-year old said it was too wet. My husband said it's now his second favorite park after Epcot. My son was excited to see Captain America and Lightning McQueen. I jealously lived vicariously through all their photos

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Thanks for all your advice! They went to DCA yesterday and had a blast. Both of them loved Radiator Springs Racers and Bug's Land; my husband loved Grizzly River Run, the 5-year old said it was too wet. My husband said it's now his second favorite park after Epcot. My son was excited to see Captain America and Lightning McQueen. I jealously lived vicariously through all their photos

Yay! So glad they had a great time! I love DCA almost as much as DL.