Only have 3/4 of day. WWYD?

[lifesavacation]

DH and I are flying in on Thursday. Arrive at LAX around 10am. We have the rest of the day off and are thinking of either going to Universal or DL. Universal is closer, but I'm prone to motion sickness. We haven't been there in years. DL is closer to where we are staying and we've been there a ton of times with the kids, but never alone. We spend the rest of our trip at the beach. WWYD?

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Personally I'd do Disney - less driving since it is closer to where you are staying, and I just prefer Disney to Universal although it has also been many years since I've been to Universal.

 

[lifesavacation]

Personally I'd do Disney - less driving since it is closer to where you are staying, and I just prefer Disney to Universal although it has also been many years since I've been to Universal.

I have such happy feelings being at Disney. We haven't been to Universal in years, though, and with the Harry Potter theming I thought it might be fun to see. We also haven't seen the Star Wars theming so that would be fun too. We haven't gone to DL since COVID hit and I think I'm just getting a little intimidated by the app rather than the paper fastpass we've done before.

 

[Pluto468]

I would go to Disneyland. Between DL & DCA there's so much to see. I bet you would really like Galaxy's Edge, too. Not sure if you're into the Avengers, but there's that whole new Avengers campus at DCA.

Most people seem to think Genie+ is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.

 

[lifesavacation]

Thanks! You've talked me into it. I just bought our tickets--Park Hopper with Genie+ Service. Yay for us

 

[DonnerB]

On a Thursday, I am assuming crowds would be more manageable for a lunchtime arrival at Universal but I'd still probably pick Disney. Not to mention, DL will be open until midnight and if the app is correct, Universal closes at 6 pm. Leaving LA at that time of day will not be enjoyable. Standby is always an option, but Genie+ is pretty easy to use!

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks! You've talked me into it. I just bought our tickets--Park Hopper with Genie+ Service. Yay for us

You'll have a great time

 

[smartlabelprint]

Thanks! You've talked me into it. I just bought our tickets--Park Hopper with Genie+ Service. Yay for us

Did they have reservations available?

 

[lifesavacation]

Did they have reservations available?

Yes. I had to select the park I wanted to start in when I purchased the tickets. Is there another step to it?

ETA: It said we can Park hop to CA Adventure at 1:00pm. I'm pretty sure I made the park reservation properly.

Getting a dining reservation is another story, though. Not much is available for a sit down dinner.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’d skip Disney. What if your flight is delayed? Cancelled? If that’s NBD to you then go for it, but I’d hate to be out the dough. Yes, the value can be applied towards future ticket but that’s it’s own annoying world.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thanks! You've talked me into it. I just bought our tickets--Park Hopper with Genie+ Service. Yay for us

Welp that ship sailed Hoping for safe and timely travels for you!

 

[limace]

With only 3/4 of a day I’d skip a sit down dinner anyway. Have some wonderful food at quick service and maximize your play time!

 

[evilmommie]

You’re going to have a great time! So happy you get to have some Disneyland magic back!

 

[chezcurrie]

Totally do a Disney Date Night (or date day, YKWIM). enjoy!!!

 

[lifesavacation]

With only 3/4 of a day I’d skip a sit down dinner anyway. Have some wonderful food at quick service and maximize your play time!

You're absolutely right. Thanks!

 

[chezcurrie]

You're absolutely right. Thanks!

I mean, you could also do your own pub crawl/apps and drinks sort of progressive dinner at a few places (alch or non alch) being a disney adults trip ..

One of my fondest memories is riding Indiana Jones after a Manhattan and eats at the Carthay Circle Lounge - we got a MaxPass (back in the day) while signing the check and booked it over to DL to ride. Ah, disney date nights….

 

[China Expat]

I would do Universal. Not that many thrill rides, and the backlot tour is amazing!

 

[lifesavacation]

Would you start at DL or DCA? I initially chose DL, but now I'm thinking a better strategy would be DCA.

 

[lifesavacation]

Thanks for your advice. We had a great time. Genie+ was fairly simple to use; though, my battery was used up by the end of the night and we had to switch to DH's phone.