Report on my one whirlwind solo day in DL/DCA!

[Scrappygrrl]

Hi all -
Quick recap on my day in DL And DCA, Wednesday, July 9th. I am a WDW vet, but found myself solo in CA on a business trip with one entirely free day. Here's how it went:

Arrived at the Hilton Anaheim at 5:50 am. Miraculously they had my room ready, Disneyland view, King bed. I liked this hotel a lot. After I got settled in, I walked to the entrance and had breakfast at the Denny's right across the street. Easy walk on fresh legs in the morning, but I recommend using the ART, for later (I did!)
Purchased my one day hopper (ouch) and was at the DCA gates at 7:30. They let us through at 7:45 and then held us at the "hub" until 8:00. We then followed Lightening McQueen down the road. I immediately single ridered RSR, two times in a row. Amazing! Can't say enough good things about this ride! I took some pics, walked through Bugs Land and got on ToT. Different than WDW but still fun! Stopped to watched 5 guys and a Dime (cute!)
I then headed over to DL, and quickly did Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, DL RR, Pirates, Splash, HM. Loved Pirates and Indy!
Stopped and had lunch at the the Hungry Bear.
Did Big Thunder. Was getting hot so headed over to DCA for Grizzly River Run but it was down. Took that as a sign and went back to room for a nap and shower.
Headed back to DL for the 4 pm parade and then saw Mickey and the Magical Map.
Headed back to DCA for Soarin and Grizzy (so fun - and rode with a great family!) Walked over to ride Little Mermaid, and then over to Paradise Pier and hit up TSMM (probably the longest wait of the day - 20-25 minutes).
Walked to Cars Land again and had another Single rider RSR.
Quick dinner at Flo's, I was hoping to see the neon at Cars Land but I was getting pooped! I headed over to Tot to get my kids some Jack Skellington Merch. Wandered through the Mad T party and watched for a bit. Fun!
My original plan was to go track to DL and do the Fantasyland and Tommorrowland rides I had missed and then the fireworks, but I was done. The sun just did me in.
I was able to see the firework from my room though!
Overall, a successful day, I think?

WDW vs DL impressions: I liked the compactness of DL, though it definitely makes the it feel crowded. There is an oddness to crossing the street to the entrance with cast members in costume, yet out of character. But it did not detract from my experience at all.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[lk2500]

Sounds like great day!

I also have met some pretty cool families on GRR, great ride to have a quick conversation on.

Did you get to see the Rythm Nation performance and dancers at the Mad T Party? Good "old school" stuff!!

 

[superlarz]

It sounds like a busy day. It is a shame you missed Fantasyland, the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain. You didnt miss much visually in Tomorrowland if you didnt walk through... it is kind of a hot mess at the moment.

 

[bakerudall]

Great job on your (first, I assume) trip to DLR! It sounds like you had a fun day with a lot of variety, and any day with three rides on RSR is a successful day, IMHO. It's too bad you couldn't stay until midnight, but it's probably best that you didn't kill yourself and just enjoyed your day.

Was there much of an upcharge for the DLR view at the Hilton? The rooms look very nice there, so it's on my list of hotels to try out.

 

[Scrappygrrl]

Great job on your (first, I assume) trip to DLR! It sounds like you had a fun day with a lot of variety, and any day with three rides on RSR is a successful day, IMHO. It's too bad you couldn't stay until midnight, but it's probably best that you didn't kill yourself and just enjoyed your day. Was there much of an upcharge for the DLR view at the Hilton? The rooms look very nice there, so it's on my list of hotels to try out.

Yes, it was my first visit! I just couldn't make it to midnight, I was only in California for 48 hours and travelled from east coast, I think the jet lag killed me! I was trying to get my money's worth and am pretty happy with what I did. I definitely spent time soaking up the atmosphere!

I think the up charge was only $20?

 

[Scrappygrrl]

It sounds like a busy day. It is a shame you missed Fantasyland, the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain. You didnt miss much visually in Tomorrowland if you didnt walk through... it is kind of a hot mess at the moment.

Yes, my only real regret was fantasyland, I planned on doing that after fireworks, the jet lag killed me though! Not upset about Matterhorn and Space, I had a dull headache from heat and knew I would regret getting banged around, lol!

 

[mummabear]

Yes, my only real regret was fantasyland, I planned on doing that after fireworks, the jet lag killed me though! Not upset about Matterhorn and Space, I had a dull headache from heat and knew I would regret getting banged around, lol!

A good reason for a trip back sometime

 

[rentayenta]

Fun report, thanks for sharing. I think you did great for a first time and with only one day. Sure you missed some but that just gives you a reason to go back!

 

[AustinTink]

Awesome! Sounds like a really full day. It's amazing how much you can accomplish getting to the parks at rope drop. Glad you had a great time.

 

[Amilo]

Great report! Sounds like you had a great time! I can't believe how many great rides you managed to do in one day! Now I'm even more excited for my upcoming solo trip!

 

[Keels]

Thanks for the great post - I'm going solo in a little less than two weeks, so it was really helpful! I'm glad you had a good time and did A LOT in just one day!

 

[ginodeyoung]

Yay! I'm glad you did this with a PH, sounds like you saw a lot and had a great time! 3 trips on RSR was an amazing feat!

 

[Scrappygrrl]

Thanks, all! I was a little disheartened that I didn't make it until midnight - I really thought I had it in me! But I made an executive decision that I was so tired and pooped out, I probably wouldn't enjoy the rides as much. So better to leave on a high note, still enjoying everything.
I'll be back on day, this time with the kids and for more than one day. I'm calling this a scouting mission ;-)