Short trip....advice?

[ColoradoGirl85]

Hi all! So I just booked a short trip to Disneyland for me and my son (6) November 1-4th. I figure we have the afternoon of the 1st and all day the 2nd and 3rd in the parks. It's a shorter trip then I'd like, but oh well. This will be our third trip to Disney , Its been three years since our last trip so I'm sure I have quite a bit to catch up on.
So a few questions:
1) I assume my 6 year old is required to be in a booster so my only options are either the Disneyland express or to bring the booster, right?
2) do I spend the extra money for park hoppers or do I plan to do 2 days at Disney, 1 day at CA Adventure? I just can't decide!
3) it seems like it will be worth it to splurge on the photo pass since I won't have anyone with me to take photos of the both of us.... Do you think I can get enough photos taken in the 2 1/2 days to make it worth the cost?
4) is Radiator Springs racers still crazy busy all the time ? Last time we were there it was pretty new, I just I'm sure it's died down a little since then but I'm assuming I need to be in line early to get a fast pass ?

Thanks!!

 

[millie0312]

1- yes, he will need a booster still. I believe there are car services that could provide one. All he probably needs is the small part to sit in so it should be cheap to buy if you don't have one and easy to bring since its smaller then a regular car seat. We have a child in a booster and infant seat so we are trying the shuttle this time.
2- I wouldn't worry about hoppers for the short trip myself but maybe come up with a game plan of what you want to do and see if hoppers really are needed. I would recommend day 1 and 3 in DLR and day 2 in CA personally so you can start and end in DLR unless there are events going on making that park too busy (which I doubt).
3- we did pp with 3 days and used it a ton!! I think we had around 300+ photos after editing- so for us way worth it plus we were all in photos and didn't worry about taking as many photos ourselves. If you order in advance the price is a lot better.
4- RSR is busy but do-able. We were there during the prime holiday season and I think FP ran out between 11 am- 1 pm depending on the day. Your days shouldn't be too busy so probably later leaving you plenty of time to get a FP after the initial burst of people plus pull another one later to ride after it gets dark even. Have a great trip- hope that helped!

 

[tarheelalum]

On a short trip I would be even more inclined to get hoppers. I would not want to waste a minute at one of the parks if a bunch of rides break down or the crowd levels get crazy. A lot of times it will be packed at DL and DCA is not bad at all but if you don't have the hoppers you won't be able to take advantage of it. I would also get the photopass. He is only going to be 6 once! And RSR has calmed down a bit. The fastpasses still run out everyday but you can often still get them around 11 am most days. Have a great time.

 

[ColoradoGirl85]

Thank you both for the advice!!!! It's much appreciated

 

[kappyfamily]

I never buy park hoppers initially, you can add them on to your tix if you decide you want to go to the other park. Then you waste no money if you decide not to ph. We leave in 20 days for a 2 1/2 day trip and thats what I'm doing too.

 

[ColoradoGirl85]

I never buy park hoppers initially, you can add them on to your tix if you decide you want to go to the other park. Then you waste no money if you decide not to ph. We leave in 20 days for a 2 1/2 day trip and thats what I'm doing too.

That is a great idea, I didn't even think about that! I might go that route, and play it by ear. I don't mind paying the extra if we area going to actually want to park hop, I just hate to spend the money if we won't end up using it. I feel like I don't know what to expect from this trip because my son is a little older now and I think his ride priorities have changed! Thank you so much!

 

[Indiana Scott]

We always buy PH and use them often and I can't imagine not having them.
As for strategies, your going during one of the slowest times of the year. My best advice is to NOT stand in long lines! There's always something to do so don't waste your time that way.
Also, Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain will only be running on Sunday (11/1) so if you want to ride those, you'll have to do so then.

We'll be in the parks at the same time (1st~6th).
Hope you have a great time!

Scott