Only 1 day? Maybe a 1/2 day?

[PaulDavid's mom]

My husband has to go to Ontario,CA for business at the end of August. I'm tagging along since I've never been there. I must see something Disney related! I will have a 1/2 day (1 full day if i'm lucky), is Downtown Disney worth it? I can't see paying for a park ticket for a 1/2 day.

 

[albertamom]

I'm sure you'll get lots of replies, but I'll start!

I absolutely love wandering through Downtown Disney. It was one of the best things about staying at the Grand Californian. I definitely think you could spend 1/2 day there, as long as you like to window shop (or, better yet, "shop shop").


The Disney store is humongous, and will definitely give you a Disney fix. Of course, you can also wander through the 3 Disney hotels. Personally, it would kill me to be that close to the parks and not go in, but I can definitely see where it would be easier to just stick to Downtown Disney.

 

[pixiewings71]

Yes, if you've only got half a day go walk DTD and go to the hotels and see their lobbies. Enjoy yourself!

 

[kim3339]

Don't know if they still do this, and what time you are planning on staying at DL area until, but they used to sell Twilight tickets. They are good from like 4pm until closing. They don't cost as much as 1 day tickets and that way you could get in to the park for a little bit.

 

[PaulDavid's mom]

Thanks everyone!

My husband actually just said to me "can you handle being that close and NOT go to the park. We may never get to DisneyLand again" Uhhhh

Maybe I can talk him into a full day at the park.

We've been to DIsneyWorld and know that we will definetly go back there, but DL might be a one time deal!

Does anyone know where I can find out more info on the twilight tickets that a previous poster mentioned??

 

[sportbettor]

Maybe I can talk him into a full day at the park.

This is your best plan. Especially because you can do so much more at DL in one day compared to WDW. The attractions are much closer together and parkhopping to DCA only takes a minute.

Does anyone know where I can find out more info on the twilight tickets that a previous poster mentioned??

Im not 100% sure but i think they only sell these to people that are attending certain conferences. I could be wrong.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Thanks everyone!

My husband actually just said to me "can you handle being that close and NOT go to the park. We may never get to DisneyLand again" Uhhhh

Maybe I can talk him into a full day at the park.

We've been to DIsneyWorld and know that we will definetly go back there, but DL might be a one time deal!

Does anyone know where I can find out more info on the twilight tickets that a previous poster mentioned??

Unfortunately, the 1/2 day or "twilight" tickets are only occasionally available if you are attending a conference at DLR. If I were that close, I think I would definitely buy a one-day, one-park ticket to Disneyland. If you think about it, the cost of that ticket is less than what you end up spending on entry and cheap carnie rides at a state fair. At least, that's the case with the California State Fair!

Otherwise, I could definitely enjoy myself just strolling DTD and the hotel lobbies and grounds for 1/2 day.

 

[skiingfast]

Depending on the day, because of DLR reliance on locals, the park could be calm and even a half day would let you try the DL only rides. If you have a full day I wouldn't miss it no matter what.


Many times when I was young my family would go for the day while my father was on business and he would join us in the evening.

 

[pixiewings71]

Is there any way you guys can make it a trip of a couple of days?

 

[DLtorgo]

Are you there on a weekend? How many hours can you spend in the park because even a half day might be worth it if you can be in the park for 6-8 hours. I would not be able to be that close and not go inside DL, even if I just had a half day. If I couldn't afford the ticket I would probably go to one of LA's other tourist attractions because I would just be too tempted.

 

[mika911]

Honestly, if you don't want to do a lot of Fantasyland rides, but big rides and just walk around the park, you can do a *LOT* in a day.

Honestly, I'd buy a park hopper and check out both parks.

Disneyland in the morning, walk around California Adventure and maybe get lunch during the busy time of day, and go back to use a couple of your saved up Fast passes at Dinseyland late in the afternoon.

You really can do a lot at the california park in not much time, again, unless you're into particular things that do take a long time.

 

[CMHusband]

Don't know if they still do this, and what time you are planning on staying at DL area until, but they used to sell Twilight tickets. They are good from like 4pm until closing. They don't cost as much as 1 day tickets and that way you could get in to the park for a little bit.

They don't sell the Twilight tix anymore.

 

[PaulDavid's mom]

Is there any way you guys can make it a trip of a couple of days?

I wish we had a couple of days

 

[PaulDavid's mom]

Are you there on a weekend? How many hours can you spend in the park because even a half day might be worth it if you can be in the park for 6-8 hours. I would not be able to be that close and not go inside DL, even if I just had a half day. If I couldn't afford the ticket I would probably go to one of LA's other tourist attractions because I would just be too tempted.

We arrive late Tuesday 8.24.10, then my husband has a mtg all day on Wednesday 8.25.10, Thursday 8.26.10 is our free day (he also wants to check out some Star Trek exhibit in Hollywood), then Friday 8.27.10 we fly home.