Two Parks 1 Day

[Nikisha421]

We have two kids DD11 and DD2 we will only be there for one day which park should we pick...in your opinion

 

[sunflare]

Both! They're so close together...

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

The park that has the most rides/shows/etc. that your family wants to experience. My preference would be for DL, but you'd miss Cars Land. You could do park hoppers and sort of sample a few highlights of each park, too.

 

[bryanb]

Is this your first visit? I'd personally consider park hopper passes. But that's a tough call because one day really isn't enough to enjoy both parks.

If you want an experience that's mostly unique to California, Disney California Adventure has plenty of original shows, rides, and atmosphere you won't find elsewhere. Depending on how crowded it is, you can hit most of the major attractions there in a one-day visit.

As a theme park nerd, I would probably choose Disneyland if I had only one day on my first visit. It's the original Disney park and still the most packed with attractions (both classic and new). I can't imagine visiting the resort and not stepping foot in Disneyland.

 

[Geemo]

We have two kids DD11 and DD2 we will only be there for one day which park should we pick...in your opinion

When do you think you'll be going to Disney? Time of year can sway an opinion on how to tour the parks.

I agree, with the parks so close together, purchase Hopper Tickets. That is if you have the time to hop.

Check the hours for both parks. Know when they open and close.

During a season where the parks open early and close late......
If the parks don't open at the same time, begin your day in the one opening first.
End your day in the park closing last.
This is how I'd spend the day. Even if it meant hopping more than once.

During a season where the parks do not open until 9am or 10am and close at 7pm or 8pm.
My touring strategy would be different.
If it was our very first trip, I choose Disneyland for the entire day.
If the family had been to the parks before then I ask DD11 to help decide the touring plan.

Knowing the general travel date would be helpful.

Good luck

Geemo

 

[djanddisneygirl]

I guess it depends on what you and your kids really want to see and what your past Disney expierences are.
We have passes- so we park hop every time- if you really work it and its not too busy you can do a lot n both parks in one day. If you want a more "go with the flow" pace, I would say pick one.

California Adventure finally has enough stuff to fill a whole day, and it has stuff that you won't find anywhere else so I would not take it off the list. If you have "Cars" fans- Carsland is small but amazing! World of Color is always wonderful and a great show for all ages. Tower of Terror is prob my favorite rides between both parks- but it is not the best ride for small kids.

Disneyland- is the all time classic- If it is a first visit it is hard not to go with Disneyland- it is home to all of the original and classic rides but if you live by or frequent the Magic Kingdom at WDW... you may want to go for California Adventure since many of the rides and attractions at Disneyland are similar to the MK.

Either way- you will have a great time- the best thing about both- is a whole day with the family!

 

[cmpeter]

My pre-teen (well, she's a teen now) would pick DCA over DL...she likes the more adventurous rides. If I was going at a really busy time, I would also pick DCA as it always feels less crowded to me.

But, we have been to both parks many times. If it was the first time or the only trip for a long time, I would pick DL just because it's Disney and would probably meet your expectations of what DLR is supposed to be with all the classic rides and characters.