Only 2 days' worth of passes at DLR and NO....

[kimmar067]

...park-hoppers. We are going to California [Carlsbad - Leo Carrillo Ranch] for a wedding, and decided to throw in a first-time [mini] vacay to DLR. We land around 10:30AM and plan on taking the Disney shuttle to PPH, so obviously we won't have a full day on Wednesday at one of the parks. Thursday would be our full day; we leave for Carlsbad around noon Friday.
So, my question is this: which park would you do on which day and why? I also would like to make a dinner ADR at Blue Bayou and one at Napa Rose. Okay all you DLR experts, give it your best shot....TIA!

 

[chickapin parterre]

what is the date of your visit?

 

[kimmar067]

....4/24-4/26...

 

[MATTERHORN]

Personally, I would do Wednesday at DCA because Thursday is Early Entry at Disneyland and one of the best perks of being on property is that first hour!! I get sooo much done during that time!! Plus I'll always pick Disneyland for the full day, for us, there is much more to do there!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Forgot the second part! Depending on hours, I'd do a dinner as late as possible (maybe after park close) on Wednesday at Napa Rose since you'll be in DCA (if you follow my plan, lol) already and then can cut back to PP through the Grand after dinner!

Then I'd book the earliest lunch Thursday at Blue Bayou and get a waterside table and spend the day in Disneyland!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Considering your tight schedule I wouldn’t waste valuable time using the “Disney shuttle” from the airport. Rideshare or car service. If you miss the scheduled shuttle it’s an hour before the next one. Even wasting half an hour waiting for your shuttle is a half hour more you could have been enjoying in DL.

I’d do NR your first night and BB Thurs with Disneyland.

 

[kimmar067]

....sooooo, I'm guessing NR on Wednesday and BB on Thursday....?

 

[kimmar067]

Considering your tight schedule I wouldn’t waste valuable time using the “Disney shuttle” from the airport. Rideshare or car service. If you miss the scheduled shuttle it’s an hour before the next one...

....does it leave at the top of the hour? Our flight arrives at 10:40 AM.

 

[kimmar067]

.....hey, here's another option: should I consider investing in park-hoppers? What would the price difference be?

 

[chickapin parterre]

park hoppers and maxpass would provide for you the best experience and worry free touring!!!!!!

 

[LilyJC]

.....hey, here's another option: should I consider investing in park-hoppers? What would the price difference be?

Yes to park hoppers and MaxPass!

 

[chickapin parterre]

A problem with our advice is that it biased toward our decades of sentimental experience to Disneyland rather than DCA. If your only priority on this visit is the two ADRs, then Wednesday at DCA and Thursday at Disneyland. Follow up on research when maxpass has no longer been issuing fastpasses so you will know how to prioritize your selections on Wednesday.

But if you have other priorities also....then ask your son on what he thinks would be a better choice for your full day....or share with us what advice your son is telling you about Disneyland and DCA. From the many WDW visitors who have posted Disneyland trip reports, DCA has been more like their WDW touring style.

so.....with throwing out the concept of an ADR for BB, I wouldn't even visit on Wednesday and instead visit Disneyland Friday morning using your maxpass to knock out the bucket list attractions.

The concept of early entry for Disneyland works if you know what attractions you want to experience in the very limited Thursday choices vs the very same attractions that could be max passed on friday morning

Radiator Springs Racers....I guess for WDW visitors that thrill is test track racers....so no harm in not enjoying that on Wednesday.

 

[kimmar067]

Yes to park hoppers and MaxPass!

...what is MaxPass? Sounds like......$$$$

 

[kimmar067]

....ask your son on what he thinks would be a better choice for your full day....or share with us what advice your son is telling you about Disneyland and DCA. From the many WDW visitors who have posted Disneyland trip reports, DCA has been more like their WDW touring style...

....I can't do that.....he's doing DCP at WDW till August...

 

[LilyJC]

...what is MaxPass? Sounds like......$$$$

MaxPass is amazing! It does cost an additional $15/day, but is so worth it! Disneyland Daily has a fantastic site which explains the intricacies much better than I can!

https://disneylanddaily.com/a-fastp...-and-california-adventure/#How_to_Use_MaxPass

 

[kimmar067]

...well, thanks for that link.

 

[gottalovepluto]

....does it leave at the top of the hour? Our flight arrives at 10:40 AM.

Idk what their schedule is, I think they post it online? But if you plan on collecting bags at LAX 20 mins is pushing it. I have gotten out in 20 mins with a bag, felt like a freaking miracle. Last time it was an hour and a half because American lost our bags between their remote terminal and baggage claim.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Personally I would skip MP if you're only in DCA afternoon and evening considering the good stuff can be gone by mid-afternoon. I would definitely purchase MP for your full day at Disneyland. Worth it's weight in gold MP is. I don't think park hoppers are as necessary for you. You can hit all the good stuff at DCA going noon-8pm, you should even be able to pull 1, maybe 2, decent FPs old school style (at the machines next to the rides).

 

[gottalovepluto]

Oh! The price difference. Look up the current price of the 2 day park hopper tickets, subtract the price that you paid for your tickets and that's the cost to upgrade. You'll need to do the upgrade at the ticket booths.

 

[agamble]

That is Spring Break week. Easter is the Sunday before. Fortunately crowds should be spread out over 5 to 6 weeks with Easter so late. But it will be packed. You should have long hours at the park though with DCA not closing until 10pm hopefully. I would skip the hoppers and go to DCA on Wednesday and DL on Thursday with your EMH. Get MP on Thursday for sure and play it by ear for Wednesday. It will give you the ability to book FP on your phone as well as collect ride photos. Have a fun trip.