Only One Day...What would you choose?

[alievans719]

Me and my fiance are going to be going to Disneyland for one day in early February of this year. So I'm trying to find the best day to go for. The options are Feb 6th(Saturday) or the 8th, 9th, or 10th. The 6th has basically a full five hours longer than the other days, but it's a Saturday, and from what I've searched, they're predicting a packed park. The other day I was leaning to was the 9th since that is Mardi Gras, and I've read they do some special meets and such. That day is one of the shortest we'd go for, but it's also supposed to be pretty light on crowds. So I'm not sure what to go for. We're paying a premium to go for one day, so I want to be there as long as possible, but at the same time, I don't want to spend my day in lines(if they can be avoided). Any thoughts or recommendations, other than changing when we go or adding another day? Unfortunately both are out of the picture. Thanks!

 

[sherilaine]

I think it depends on how familiar you are with the park - if you know where things are - if you could go on a packed day and really get the full days worth even when it's crowded, then I'd go on the Saturday. Going on a busy day, if you go early and you have a plan, can see a lot achieved. Are you only going to DL and not DCA? If you are then Saturday is early entry at DL and that will mean you will be going into a park at 8 when it's already been opened to magic morning and onsite guests for an hour - that is not that big of a deal as even at 8 it can be much slower than later in the day. If you are getting a PH then I'd be there for rope drop for DCA and make the most of that place early on, as it closes earlier than DL. I'd make sure you know what fast passes you want to get and used the efficiently as that is crucial. However, I think being two adults you can work a packed park much easier than families, as you can walk faster, and get through the crowds better and you only have to find a spot for four feet for fireworks and parades!

 

[tarheelalum]

Go on a Saturday so you get a full day with all the shows and fireworks. Disneyland is ALWAYS crowded so don't let that stop you from going and having a great time.

 

[chickapin parterre]

tarheel always has sound advice. Wednesday is a consideration because it is a level playing field for all visitors, no early entry , all enter at once. "Paying a premium" what does that mean??

 

[ADLFAN]

I would study up on Disboards about how to effectively use Fastpasses and which order to get them, like how people are getting Hyperspace Mountain FP's early before they run out. If you download the Disneyland app, you can watch it get an idea of crowd flow and FP availability for the next month or so, and memorize the map, if you are not familiar with the lay of the land!

And I would go on Saturday when you'll have the longest operating hours, and enjoy the park till you drop!

Just make a rough plan so you don't miss anything either of you really want to see!

There's still time to make a lunch reservation at Blue Bayou, Café Orleans, or Carnation Cafe for a nice sit down lunch which would also serve as a nice break off your feet. All 3 restaurants are awesome, but I would say BB is definitely most impressive! Menus are all online so you can compare and see what sounds best, and to get a feel for prices. Plaza Inn is a cafeteria style restaurant with a huge fried chicken meal that is legendary and share-able for a more economical lunch, and a Corn Dog from the Red Wagon on a bench in the hub can be pretty enjoyable, too!

Have fun planning!

 

[alievans719]

tarheel always has sound advice. Wednesday is a consideration because it is a level playing field for all visitors, no early entry , all enter at once. "Paying a premium" what does that mean??

Since we're only going one day, and doing Park Hoppers, it's basically the most expensive per day.

 

[chickapin parterre]

OH....you wrote Disneyland, didn't know that you were hopping.....which means your worry for lines is a forgone reality with all the line waiting to enter each park and threading your way thru Main street to arrive at your next plan for the late day. Single rider may be your friend on this trip. And the question of rope drop, the problem with rope drop for DCA is that you are at a disadvantage for window to RSR, that may be a couple of hours into RSR and RSR is a long walk to to other attractions. Whereas ROA with 2 or 3 fastpass is an easy morning on rope drop.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I do DL and DCA in a single day quite often (but, we're AP holders right now, so we've got it down to a science). Since you're hopping, I'd definitely go for the Saturday. I can't say what will work for you, but in my experiences, we've found that if you go at rope drop, start at DL. Spend your time there until about 1PM, then head over the DCA for the rest of the day as 1PM is when DL gets packed. (Of course, if you want to see PtN or the fireworks, this option is out, but I personally can't stand the crowds at DL once the parades get under way.)

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree with the others, and would plan on going to Disneyland first thing, get a fastpass for Hyperspace Mountain, then go get in line for Star Tours. After you've done those two, head to California Adventure for Radiator Spring Racers - if the fastpasses are gone for that, then do single rider if the line is really long. I don't advocate going back and forth because of the time spent in lines to go from one park to another, but if you list the attractions that are must-do's you can plan your day better. We were there during the holidays, and spent one day at DCA and New Years Eve at Disneyland. We were able to hit all the major attractions early in the day.

 

[tarheelalum]

Since we're only going one day, and doing Park Hoppers, it's basically the most expensive per day.

A week day in February is going to have very short hours and probably no parade or fireworks. Saturday costs the most but you get the most for your money. Longest hours of the week with all shows and fireworks. You will still have a good time most any day of the week at DLand but some days offer a lot more than others.

 

[smartlabelprint]

A week day in February is going to have very short hours and probably no parade or fireworks. Saturday costs the most but you get the most for your money. Longest hours of the week with all shows and fireworks. You will still have a good time most any day of the week at DLand but some days offer a lot more than others.

I think this post is from last year.

 

[mamapenguin]

I think this post is from last year.

Good catch because I went that weekend last year, and doing the same this year with the 6th landing on Monday. I had to check my calendar.