Quick and dirty

[carmel]

My parents, hubby and two daughters are taking a cruise out of LA the second week of December (not DCL). My hubby is also from LA so we are flying in a day early and visiting his family.

Well, my mom called me yesterday and begged me to find a way that she and dad could visit DL while we are out there. We land at LAX at 11am on Saturday and need to board the ship by 2pm on Sunday. Sunday morning we are having a brunch with hubby's family. So, that leaves Saturday afternoon and evening for a 'quick and dirty' at DL.

Honestly, if it were up to me, I wouldn't attempt it. I don't know how much we can accomplish from about 2pm on Saturday until the park closes (I think we will stay at the CCI). I also should add that my parents just got back from a 9 day vacation at DW with my BIL, sister and two nephews. My BIL is a Disney fanatic (vacation club member and all) and spent the better part of a year planning the perfect vacation for them all. In the height of summer, my parents said they didn't have to wait in line for longer than 12 minutes the whole trip. My BIL had the fast pass system down to a science. He showed them the trip of a lifetime.

I'm not trying to compete - in any way - with my BIL. I'm so glad they all had a fantastic time. However, this quick trip to DL is going to pale, so badly, in comparison. By the time we get to the parks, the FPs will be return times in the evening if not 'sold out'. It is a Saturday so it will be crowded. I have no idea how much time to alot to DL vs. DCA. On one hand, DL is very much like the Magic Kingdom in DW so maybe we should concentrate on DCA. But to be honest, that park isn't as much fun if you are not into thrill rides...

I'm rambling, I know. Sorry. I just feel lost on how to even go about planning a quick and dirty visit to DL. I know we can't see everything. What to leave in vs what to leave out? How to show my parents all the wonders of DL (which I happen to like better than DW) while still letting my girls ride the rides they want which will eat up time in line.

I know - if everyone had such trivial things to worry about!

I guess I'm looking for advice and suggestions. Given that we will have only a few hours in the park on December 9th, what are some ideas I can do to show everyone a good time?

Thanks!!!!!

 

[4girlsmom]

How about having your parents do Fantasmic! balcony while you, DH & girls run around and go on rides. Then meet up after.

 

[Califgirl]

See if you can take a tour. That will give them a fairly structured look at DLR and will get you off the hook. Then go back and do a few of the attractions that most interested you. It will be more expensive than trying to do it on your own, but it may be the easiest way for them to see the most of Disneyland. There is usually a Holiday tour, so that might be fun.

You are lucky you have months to think about this. It will all work out! It's Disneyland, it should be fun. Don't stress!

 

[stampinshauna]

Even though it may be crowded and you only have a day, I'd still go. DH and I went on a cruise in May and decided not to go the day before to DL. We wish that we would have. It may not be as perfect as a 10 day trip in WDW, but who would expect it to be. There are some differences at DL that are fun to see.