Spend 1st day (Sat) "just looking"?

[Joybelles]

If researching a trip to Disneyland is this much fun I can't imagine how wonderful the actual trip will be!!

We don't have our official schedule yet, but one option can give us 6 days in the park. I'm asking a little help from all you experts....

Option 1:
Fly to LAX Arrive at hotel Friday, Oct 15 late day and just relax (well, as relaxed as we can be knowing how close we are)
Saturday Oct 16 go to the park and just look
Sunday-Thurs go to the park (Halloween Party Tues night)
Go home Friday

Option 2:
Fly to SNA Arrive Saturday, Oct 16 late day and relax
Sunday-Wednesday go to the park (Halloween Party Tues night)
Go home Thursday

I'm not a big fan of crowds (hence the fall trip during school). Would it make sense to go on Saturday but just look and enjoy? Make ride plans for the next 5 days? Or am I just kidding myself? Will scoping it out just make it more overwhelming?

We are flying (limited flight options since we're flying out of Bellingham, WA to avoid driving/parking at Seattle airport). No car. No plans to see anything outside of the parks. We're still working on hotel decisions but first priority is walking distance. (recommendations welcome---esp if they are Marriott related since we're likely getting a Friends/Family rate)

This trip will include my husband and I and two kids ages 9 & 11 (tall enough for everything). DH was here when he was 4 and the rest of us have never been---so really it's a first real trip for all four of us. Excited to experience all the rides, parades, some shows (no character meals); nervous about DD9 and I wimping out on some rides...


Thank you for any and all help regarding "just looking" on the first day. Normally I think I'd want to do it all and then step back and just enjoy, but a busy Saturday makes me wonder...

 

[splash5]

I think it is wise to rest the day you travel (it's about a 3 hour flight right?). However, I think you should actually ride some rides and enjoy the Saturday. You could always walk over to DTD on the night you arrive and get some maps from one of the booths and plan your day (ie. what rides you want to ride). If you want to do Fantasyland rides, head straight there first thing in the morning. Other rides that build up lines are Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, Space Mountain, Nemo, etc. So head to those first thing, or get a fastpass.
Check out Hydroguys tips too.

There are lots of hotels just right across the street from DL, which cuts down on your walking.

 

[dalepool]

Personally I would fly into SNA over LAX any day. Depending on Airlines you are taking Flying Sat is USUALLY CHEAPER. Flying Thursday over Friday on return flight SHOULD also be cheaper.

You never know what attendance is going to be like. I have been to DL when weekend was slow and weekday was busy-- go figure.

No matter what you decide have a good time. (In the old days I would come home from DL so tired I needed another week off to just rest from my trip)

Patty

 

[skiingfast]

I don't know that you need a day to just wander. It's fun but you will end up doing some ride if the lines are short, or maybe the railroad or the Mark Twain. Think of it as more a slow paced casual time.

I will say with you plans, if you want to see fireworks, WoC and F! you may want that extra weekend night. Without checking the schedule for your nights, I will just say that F! and fireworks are not during the week in the offseason. Halloween party though will have some. It's like a bonus night.

 

[sportbettor]

I agree with skiingfast that you should go on rides with short lines when you are just looking around. We also hate lines and when we go later in the day (as opposed to rope drop) we will ride some things that don't require waiting in lines such as:

DL
Railroad
Pirate's Cove
Small World
Tarzan's Treehouse
Columbia/Mark Twain
Lincoln

DCA
Flik's Fair
Animation Building
Muppets
ITTBAB
Tortilla/Bread Factory
Blue Sky
Redwood Creek Challange

We also ride stuff we want if there's a short line when we walk by. I would also recommend fastpassing either Space/Splash or Indy at DL and Soaring at DCA so you can ride one headliner with minimal wait.

 

[Joybelles]

Think of it as more a slow paced casual time.
.

I like that term! That's what I'll shoot for.

Thanks to everyone for the tips. I'm sure we'll get some rides in when we see not terribly long waits. Maybe it'll be a good day to go to Pixie Hollow...for the first time.... That's the place DD9 wants to see most!

Personally I would fly into SNA over LAX any day. Depending on Airlines you are taking Flying Sat is USUALLY CHEAPER. Flying Thursday over Friday on return flight SHOULD also be cheaper.

I would prefer to fly into SNA. Downside: layover in Seattle

Yes, it's cheaper to fly Alaska to SNA on Sat/Thurs than other days, but it's even cheaper to fly Allegient direct to LAX. Of course then we factor in hotels and meals for the extra time, etc etc etc. I have spreadsheets coming out my ears with possibilities!! With the possibility of $69/night hotel it makes it easier to spend extra time.

I think I've made DIS boards my new home. (shouldn't I be feeding my children now??)

 

[HydroGuy]

Option 1:
Fly to LAX Arrive at hotel Friday, Oct 15 late day and just relax (well, as relaxed as we can be knowing how close we are)
Saturday Oct 16 go to the park and just look
Sunday-Thurs go to the park (Halloween Party Tues night)
Go home Friday

Option 2:
Fly to SNA Arrive Saturday, Oct 16 late day and relax
Sunday-Wednesday go to the park (Halloween Party Tues night)
Go home Thursday

I agree with the previous poster that SNA is far preferable to LAX. I would pay extra to do that.

I'm not a big fan of crowds (hence the fall trip during school). Would it make sense to go on Saturday but just look and enjoy? Make ride plans for the next 5 days? Or am I just kidding myself? Will scoping it out just make it more overwhelming?

Pay attention to the entertainment schedule once it comes out because DLR often reduces weekday entertainment when it is not peak season. So weekend nights can be precious if you want to see World of Color, Fantasmic and fireworks.

See "Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

 

[Judy from Boise]

there are two parks, Downtown Disney, and the Resorts to explore...I would never go to the parks to not ride, but you could save a day of passes and shop and eat at DD, and explore the GC, or swim in your hotel pool.

 

[WannaseePooh]

Did you look at the Allegiant to long Beach option? It is a direct flight that goes to a nice small airort.

 

[Joybelles]

Did you look at the Allegiant to long Beach option? It is a direct flight that goes to a nice small airort.

Yep, I looked. Highest price and fewest days. We'd only have 3 or 3 1/2 days in the parks.

I'm personally leaning more toward SNA, but DH prefers a direct flight and of course DDs want to be gone as long as possible!! I may have to fight for this one...

We'll figure it out eventually... well soon I guess. The park schedule for our week is slloooowwlllyy coming out--looks like we'll get a chance to see WoC for sure, can't remember what else but it appears that we won't have to miss too much.

Thanks for all the advice!

Joy

 

[bumbershoot]

I would go, and we have gone, to DCA on the day you get in, if it's after noon. You're not as "behind" when getting there late as you are when you get to DL.

We adore DCA!

 

[Colfireman]

I have taken my girls (2004) when they were 7 and 10 from Vic - SNA for 5 days in Disneyland with no down day. I wish I had of had one day to relax by the poolside. We were always at the park and in a rush to do everything once, twice and then some.

We went again in 2008 for 10 days over the holidays flying into LAX. I agree with all of the others for the preferance to fly into SNA but if it gives you an extra day in the parks with a down day i would sacrifice the LAX,SNA arrival.

Like Hydro guy said it will give you more options to see shows, entertainment and fireworks.

Have a good time we will be there just before you 10/03-10/08 for our 20th (No Kids) oh and yes I choose SNA this time.

 

[Diznut84]

I fly into both LAX, SNA, and even ONT frequently. While I prefer SNA and/or ONT, I would fly into whichever airport gave me the best flight times.

As for Saturdays at DL, the reports of huge crowds are widely exaggerated. On MOST weekends, Saturday is less crowded than Sunday. Plan a full day, and have the time of your life!

 

[Brady's Mom]

You might get a bunch of Utah visitors that weekend. Our school district's Fall Break is that weekend. I would plan for Sat. and Sun. to be crowded since Utah families love to take their kid's to DLR during that break.

We went to DLR as a family our first time 4 years ago during Fall Break and it was crowded. You should definitely read ALL of Hydroguys tips and maybe even check out Ridemax. We used it for our first trip and it really helped.

On a busy Sat. we love to get to the park at rope drop (early) and go for 4 or 5 hours while gathering Fast Passes and then go back to the hotel for a nap and a swim and then return refreshed and rested for our evening entertainment. We use our FP's and see any shows that we might want to see (Fantasmic, Fireworks and now WOC) and stay late since our kids (and us) have rested/slept so we can stay up late.

Check out Howard Johnson Anaheim and see if they have availability and the Entertainment Rate (use the Ent. Card) available. It doesn't look like it's available right now, but it could open up. The Fairfield Inn is (I think) a Marriott property and it is across the street from DLR. They are about a 5-6 minute walk and they have Mimi's Restaurant in their parking lot. The only time we seem to go to Mimi's is when we go to Anaheim.

 

[wdwfan22]

I would not use that day to just walk around the park. I can't imagine walking around the park and not getting on any rides! That would freak me out!! Now, you dont have to rush either. I would just add it as another park day. That way you don't feel like you have to cram so much into fewer days. Take your days slowly as you would like. You should have plenty. Get there for rope drop, go until lunch or just after lunch, go back to the hotel for a rest, then come back for evening activities. Or, if the hours are short during the week, just go until you are tired and done for the day.

As far as airports, I would certainly fly into LAX if it gives you extra days. I am choosing LAX over SNA because it gives me extra hours. So it's another hour drive, I don't mind that. And a big airport does not bother me either. Sure I would prefer SNA, but my flights into LAX have the times I want and are non-stop, so that's good with me!!

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I tried that last trip and failed miserably. The first thing that DH and DS5 and DS6 from the moment we entered the parks wanted to do was go on rides the entire day, while I wanted to go at a more laid back pace. You are better off exploring Downtown Disney the day of arrival, getting some park maps, then plotting your next day for the parks at the hotel relaxing.

 

[Hound 109]

There are lots of different types of people. Belle, it sounds like your DH & your kids are like me.

I tried that last trip and failed miserably. The first thing that DH and DS5 and DS6 from the moment we entered the parks wanted to do was go on rides the entire day, while I wanted to go at a more laid back pace. You are better off exploring Downtown Disney the day of arrival, getting some park maps, then plotting your next day for the parks at the hotel relaxing.

Your "failing miserably" would be my "successful beginning" to a 3 1/2 day trip.


Joy, I agree with many above who suggest (especially) on a shorter trip....to go ahead & go in to the parks &:

- Get a feel for the parks & for FP etc.
- Go at that slow pace & smell a rose or two.
- Ride some rides that aren't too crowded.
- See a show (or a parade or fireworks) that might crowd your other days.
- Retire early if tired.

Then you'll be able to hit the ground running the next day.

If your family wants to "check out" or shop () in DTD....do it when it's crowded (at the parks) in mid afternoon or early evening.

Have a great time at Walt's Park, Joy.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Too bad you can't do Sea-tac to LGB... I see $69 and $79 each way flights for your dates (Sat-Thurs) on Jet Blue... we love Jet Blue!!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Too bad you can't do Sea-tac to LGB... I see $69 and $79 each way flights for your dates (Sat-Thurs) on Jet Blue... we love Jet Blue!!

We do too ~ and LGB!

 

[sierranevada]

I think I've made DIS boards my new home. (shouldn't I be feeding my children now??)

- and yes, you will find that this a great Disney home!

I am usually one of the first to tell people not to fly into LAX but SNA instead. However, in this case, of the two options you presented, I would do the LAX one since it gives you 6 days in the parks instead of 4 days! I am all about spending more time at DL!!!

With 6 days, no matter the crowds, you can take it at a slower pace, get to the gates early, utilize fastpass and you will be able to ride and see everything that you want wit some nice long breaks to recharge! You can spend time in DTD and at the Gardenwalk. Maybe take either an entire day off or all afternoon and go to the movies in DTD.