Only I day in the magic

[tiggerlady]

Hi we will only be able to go to DL for 1 day Sunday 22 may as we arrive from the Uk late on the 20th, figure we need a day to relax and see Newport Beach as that is where our hotel is ( after an 11 hour+ flight) and on Mon 23 we drive to LV, plan at the moment is to be very early at DL get a 1 Day hopper do DL until 12.00 get lunch then hop over to DCA do most important rides then back to DL for the fireworks not bothered about Fantasmic or parades.

My question is which rides are not too be missed and where could we go to chill out for a couple of hours to re charge batteries. Was thinking of back to car for a nap or maybe the movies.

Also we have not bought any tickets yet, how early does the ticket booth open, also we have 4 days left on our WDW passes could we utilise these and would 1 or 2 days be taken off for hopping.

 

[iceskatejen]

Here are the attractions that DL has that WDW doesn't:
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
Pinocchio's Daring Adventure
Storybookland Canal boats
Casey Jr Circus Train
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Alice in Wonderland
Disneyland: The First 50 Years (film)

Now, as for my list of do not miss attractions, some that are in WDW, but are different (and in some cases, better, at DL):
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
Pirates of the Carribean (longer, more developed story)
Haunted Mansion (just a bit different)
Buzz Lightyear (easier scoring)
Splash Mountain (though this one is fairly close to WDW)
I would also include the above film--it's really good and you get to sit down in air conditioning, plus the exibit in the lobby is great.
Any Fantasyland dark you're interested in.

The Casey Jr train and the Storybookland boats essentially see the same thing, but with the boats, you get more narration.

Personally, if I came all that way and had only one day at DL/DCA, I wouldn't waste time seeing a movie or taking a nap. Go see the Aladdin show or the Snow White show instead and use that for a break. Also fun are Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.

 

[Dobie]

How about a nice break in the Grand Californian Hotel lobby? It will be hot, noisy, and uncomfortable in your car.

Actually, Newport Beach is not that great. If I were you, I'd go to DL on Saturday and Sunday!

Either way, enjoy your trip.

 

[prov3v56]

While at California Adventure take advantage of fast passes and don't miss:

Soaring Over California
California Screamin
Tower of Terror
Grizzley Rapids

and if you have kids:
Bug's land

 

[Judy from Boise]

other nice ways to add little breaks into your day, and maybe be able to pace yourself:

Take the train around DL. Stay on twice if you want ! Do the "5oth" movie.

In DCA make sure to see "california dreams" it is well done and in a nice cool theatre. Also you could spend a good 30 minutes chilling in the lobby of the animation building ( although you will have to wait for a bench to open up usually) it is beautifull and also cool. Also spending time in the Grand CA lobby is a great idea.

 

[tiggerlady]

Thanks for your input, I would love to do 2 days in DL but my DH loves the beach, so he will want to spend some time there so doing the 1 day hopper is a compromise, How long will it take us to get to DL from Newport,and is it a safe route?

Also trying to find out the times of the fireworks so we can gauge what time we will be back at our hotel.

 

[iceskatejen]

Fireworks will start at 9:25 and the show is a little over 17 minutes long.

 

[RADOPT]

for the best view of the fireworks try getting a place under the Partner statue. Tink does alot of flying so when she is in the air, the fireworks are to the left of the castle. You also want to be able to see the Matterhorn as it is part of the display. The fireworks are wonderful - definately worth finding the right spot early and waiting.

Have a wonderful trip.