Should we spend 1 day or 2?

[jamieann]

DH and I are planning a trip to Disneyland in the spring of 2016. He's been several times (he grew up in California) but it will be my first time (though I'm a WDW vet). We're planning on starting a family soon and are basically going to plan our trip around when I will be in my second trimester of pregnancy - hopefully March. My question is this: considering it's my first time, but I'll be pregnant and therefore not able to ride a lot of the headliners, should we do 1 day at each park or just get a 1 day park hopper and do both parks in the same day? Money isn't really an issue as the price difference is just $60. I'm more just wondering if we should spend 2 of our days on vacation there or just 1. I'm assuming we'll be able to hit most of the attractions I can/want to do with pretty low waits given the time of year. Anything else I should consider? Are there lots of ride closures in the spring? Thanks in advance!

 

[figment_jii]

March is not necessarily a low time of the year anymore. Easter is on March 27 in 2016, which means Spring Break-season will likely start in mid-March. This year, Easter is on April 5 and the parks went into Spring Break-mode on March 13. So, it's something to keep in mind as you plan your trip. It also depends if you're going on weekdays (Mon to Thu) or weekends (Fri to Sun). The weekdays tend to be less crowded, while the weekends are generally busier.

Personally, I would do 2 days in the parks so that I can tour at a more relaxed pace. While you won't be able to do the thrill rides, there are still plenty of other attractions, shows, and entertainment to enjoy. My family likes to have at least one TS meal per day and that can easily take up 90 or so minutes. We also enjoy watching fireworks and/or Fantasmic, which also take time. So, if money isn't necessarily an issue, I would get a two day ticket with hoppers.

 

[Imdboss]

I would definitely do 2 days. There is still plenty to see and do even when pregnant. Plus if you are feeling tired you can take a break knowing you have more than just one day to fit in all of you must see items.

 

[figment_jii]

That does bring up a good point...a friend of mine went when she was late into the second trimester and starting to show. She moved a lot slower than her normal pace and spent more time than normal looking for and visiting bathrooms. So she didn't get as much done as she would have if she wasn't pregnant. She also enjoyed just spending time watching the parade (and off her feet) and things like that.

Also, the weather can be highly variable and may impact how much you can get done. I just got back from DLR and it was unseasonably warm in Anaheim (mid-90's), so we didn't feel like moving around as much during the mid-day (mornings and evenings were okay).

 

[jamieann]

Good thoughts, thanks! As for the weather, after living in Florida for 2 years and doing a week at WDW in the month of June, California 90's would feel breezy and easy

 

[figment_jii]

True(ish)...definitely a lot less humid! Not sure about the breezy part...

 

[Diszona]

I would definitely recommend 2 day hoppers so you can go at a more relaxed pace and you aren't relegated to one park. While there is plenty to do at DCA, I think it has a higher ratio of rides that may be an issue for you (even the non-thrill rides like Maters and Toy Story may be a no go in your 3rd trimester.) I you are going in March, the earlier you go the better. From what I can tell California schools tend to be out for spring break during the weeks before and after easter. We went for our spring break a couple of weeks ago, when there weren't as many California schools out, and while it was moderately crowded it really didn't impact us much.

 

[avalon451]

If you're planning on a trip in your second trimester, I would definitely get trip insurance and refundable airline tickets. Personally, I would probably hesitate to plan to go on such a trip with the unknowns of pregnancy. Even with my 3 healthy pregnancies, I worked out during all 3 of them-- I wouldn't have enjoyed the parks very much. Swollen feet, over-active bladder, kiddo kicking your ribs out... Can you go before you start your family? Just a thought. You might enjoy it more. And you can ride everything! They won't want to let you ride the fast, bumpy stuff.

 

[YukonMommy]

I would recommend a 2 day park hopper. Like others have said you can take your time.

Have a magical time!

 

[SnowBelleAlice]

Three days, whether you're pregnant or not. Have fun, and best baby wishes sent your way!

 

[Davey Jones II]

If walking all day is difficult for you with your pregnancy, just get a wheelchair and have the hubby push. The theme park wheelchair benefits will compensate him for the extra effort. Trust me, I know.

 

[Amommy21]

Two days so you can enjoy the shows and spread out any yummy treats you want to have and don't overdo the trip. It will feel more like a vacation!

 

[Angrose]

So, all pregnancies, just like people, are different. You may feel great in your second trimester and want to do everything, most women seem to get a burst of energy during that time, before the 3rd trimester when everything is just so much more intense. If you go when you are early in your 2nd then you may even be able to do BTMRR and RSR. We went to Vegas when I was in the middle of my 2nd trimester. The heat and the walking really did me in, so we ended up doing a lot of pool time which was great! Therefore, I would recommend 2 days because you can spread everything out and take the breaks you may need. Good luck with everything!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Two days. You will not regret it at all. If you only did one day you will leave wishing you could do more.