Seeing Disneyland in Two Days

[askias]

Like many others, we will be making our first trip to Disneyland with our 4 year old in May 2012 for the Memorial Day holiday. We're actually flying in and out of San Diego, but my thought was to drive to DL on Saturday, spend Saturday afternoon at CA Adventure, overnight in the GC, then see Disneyland during Sunday day/afternoon before driving back to San Diego.

First of all, does this sound feasible for those who know the area? It looks to be about a 2 hour drive.

Second, is the concierge level of the GC worth the extra $$$? What appeals to me is the priority check in, since we'll probably arrive around 11 am to DL. Also, it sounds like there is story time for the kids in the evening. But is there any other value to it?

Third, has anyone used the child care center in GC and can they comment on whether or not it's worth it?

Fourth, my thought was to buy 2 day Park Hopper tickets, so that we could go to CA Adventure during Saturday day, but then go watch the fireworks at night at DL. I'm assuming for a 4 year old, that fireworks at night will be better than a water show.

What else am I missing? Given the compressed time frame, I'm trying to plan everything down to the minimum. Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

Like many others, we will be making our first trip to Disneyland with our 4 year old in May 2012 for the Memorial Day holiday. We're actually flying in and out of San Diego, but my thought was to drive to DL on Saturday, spend Saturday afternoon at CA Adventure, overnight in the GC, then see Disneyland during Sunday day/afternoon before driving back to San Diego.

Are you going other things in SD? If not may want to try flying to SNA(Orange County), LGB(Longbeach, or even LAX and go carless.

First of all, does this sound feasible for those who know the area? It looks to be about a 2 hour drive.

Yes that's in the ball park for a weekend.

Second, is the concierge level of the GC worth the extra $$$? What appeals to me is the priority check in, since we'll probably arrive around 11 am to DL. Also, it sounds like there is story time for the kids in the evening. But is there any other value to it?

For such a trip, I wouldn't plan on making use of the ameneties to make it worth while.

Third, has anyone used the child care center in GC and can they comment on whether or not it's worth it?

No but like I said above do you really want to waste time on a short visit to use something like this?

Fourth, my thought was to buy 2 day Park Hopper tickets, so that we could go to CA Adventure during Saturday day, but then go watch the fireworks at night at DL. I'm assuming for a 4 year old, that fireworks at night will be better than a water show.

I would get the hopper since it's easy to hop and you can maximize your time using one. I would see WoC for your son's sake because he will like it most because of the characters in it. Also it would be possible to do two show in a night, or try to leave late on Sunday after seeing a show and let DS sleep on the drive down.

What else am I missing? Given the compressed time frame, I'm trying to plan everything down to the minimum. Thanks!

Use FP like crazy, it may be very busy and your visit is short.

Basic intro to FastPass(FP)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

This is how to take advantage of hopping and DL's and DCA different opening, closing time. While the hours have been different it's possible this could change for your visit.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

How to get the most out of FP
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

 

[miss.potatohead]

I wouldn't bother paying the extra $$$ to upgrade to concierge, especially if your trip is short and you will hardly be spending time in your room/at GC. Concierge benefits include priority check in (doesn't 100% guarantee your room would be ready though) but you are able to leave your bags and an txt msg will be sent when your room is ready. You have access to snacks and drinks but only you would be able to tell if you'd get your moneys worth. It might make the trip a bit more special, but you could also save the money and treat yourself to a nice dinner or character meal?

Good thinking about the park hopper, most people on here recommend purchasing them over a 1-park ticket. I'm not 100% sure, but you may be able to see both World of Color and the fireworks on the same night, just depends on what time each are on during your dates. WOC is amazing yet so are the fireworks but I guess it depends on whether you want a decent spot for one show (many sit out for the fireworks hours before hand, similar with WOC as soon as you are allowed).

I can't comment on the childcare but it hasn't had negative reviews as far as I've read on here.

Weekends are busy during a non-holiday period, so it may be busier than normal on Memorial Day weekend but again I wouldn't be sure of that! Maybe one of the regulars can help out there. As you are travelling with a young one, make sure you get the rides you definitely want to ride done as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Use FastPasses to your best advantage if it is busy.

Finally, just have fun and absorb the Disney magic and I hope you have a wonderful trip

 

[askias]

Thanks very much for the responses!

We're staying with friends in San Diego, which is why we're pretty much anchored there. I assume we will go and see Seaworld as well as the Zoo.

I will read the FP info so we will be prepared. There are usually very few rides that we can do at this age, I know we will go straight to Ariel first in CA Adventure, and then just sort of play it by ear.

 

[skiingfast]

I will read the FP info so we will be prepared. There are usually very few rides that we can do at this age, I know we will go straight to Ariel first in CA Adventure, and then just sort of play it by ear.

It will depend on his height, and if he is scared or not of speed.

Don't go first to the Little Mermaid. That ride has one of the shorter waits in DCA. You should head to Toy Story Midway Mania first after roped drop onto the Pier. Your son will enjoy that ride and it often has a wait of two or threes times longer than Little Mermaid.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

It will depend on his height, and if he is scared or not of speed.

Don't go first to the Little Mermaid. That ride has one of the shorter waits in DCA. You should head to Toy Story Midway Mania first after roped drop onto the Pier. Your son will enjoy that ride and it often has a wait of two or threes times longer than Little Mermaid.

I agree, by 4 my kids have been able to ride most of the rides in DL (minus GRR, Indy and Ca Screamin'....theres one or 2 more maybe)

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Your 4 year old would be too young for the child care center at GCH. The minimum age for Pinocchio's workshop is 5.

 

[askias]

Thanks for the tip about Toy Story. Is that a FP ride? I think I'd rather FP Toy Story and go do Ariel and then come back. All roller coasters are out. She rode one at Sesame Place in Philadelphia and laughed all the way up and cried and screamed all the way down. So the kibosh has been put on roller coasters and ferris wheels.

 

[DLR29]

Thanks for the tip about Toy Story. Is that a FP ride? I think I'd rather FP Toy Story and go do Ariel and then come back. All roller coasters are out. She rode one at Sesame Place in Philadelphia and laughed all the way up and cried and screamed all the way down. So the kibosh has been put on roller coasters and ferris wheels.

No FP for Toy Story. As skiingfast said, Little Mermaid has one of the fastest moving lines in the entire resort. There's no need to do it first thing in the morning when lines for other rides are short too. I second going straight to Toy Story.

Also for DCA you can check out Soarin in the morning or grab a FP for that too. That's really gentle and an awesome ride for everyone.

 

[askias]

Bumping this as we've settled on the Disneyland Hotel as the place to stay. I'm leaning towards just going to CA Adventure, doing Little Mermaid and Ariel's Grotto for lunch and then going over to Disneyland for the rest of the day. Am I crazy? I just think that there is so much more to do over there, and we've only got Sat night and Sunday day to do it before driving back to San Diego.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm leaning towards just going to CA Adventure, doing Little Mermaid and Ariel's Grotto for lunch and then going over to Disneyland for the rest of the day. Am I crazy?

That is a common assumption that is often prooved wrong. DCA has many child appropriate things.

Some people will think that everything within the height limitations in DL is going to work, and then thier kids are scared in the Haunted Mansion, or Mr. Toad. They think the height is fine for Space and the kid is freaked out by the dark.

DCA has 4 attractions in FFF that should be fine and maybe a Bug's Life too. In the Hollywood Backlot, Playhouse Junior, Animation building with a few great things, Monster's Inc, Alladin Musical. In Paradise Peir TSMM, carousel, Silly Symphony Swings, Golden Zephyr, Jumping Jellyfish and TLM. In the Golden State, the Redwood Creek Recreation area. These can all take up a full day and doesn't include the great for children entertainment.

 

[Midnightred]

Don't miss Monsters Inc., the line is usually short for that one too, and it's great!

Midnightred