Walking Distances in DCA VS. Disneylad

[Qltrgrl2]

My big sis and I will be running the DL 1/2 marathon in a few weeks time. While in CA, we plan to visit both theme parks. Is there more walking at one versus the other or are the parks pretty similar in size. We were thinking about going to one the day before the race, but would like the smaller park for that day.
Thanks for any advice/suggestions.

PS We are staying at the Disneyland hotel, hopefully in the adventure tower (formerly the Dream tower)

 

[jdb in AZ]

DCA doesn't have as many rides, so that's the one I'd choose. Good luck with the half marathon.

 

[Patabel]

I believe Disneyland is 85 acres and California Adventure is 55.
Hope this helps....and good luck with the 1/2 Marathon!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Thanks, that is really helpful. We will definitely do the DCA prior to the race and wear our medals proudly the next day at Disneyland after the race!

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks, that is really helpful. We will definitely do the DCA prior to the race and wear our medals proudly the next day at Disneyland after the race!

Park hop both days.....especially if you're staying on site. DCA is merely CaliforniaLand & is less 100 yards from the DL front gates. (& KNOW the GCH side entrance from DCA on your way back to DTD & the DLH.)

Look at a map & it'll make sense. Those in the know.....park hop each & every day.

 

[Eeyore617]

I think it's actually easier to walk around DL because there are multiple ways to get from one place to another and you can pick and choose where you want to go. With all the construction at DCA, you pretty much have to make one big loop around the park.

 

[DisSarahK]

I much prefer walking around in Disneyland. There are more rides and you don't have to walk very far in between rides. CA just feels like a haul.

 

[smiley_face2]

We are here right now, I'm on a break in my cancer treatment and not very strong right now. They have the central walkway in DCA closed for the renovations they are doing and to get from the main gate to the other side of the park you have to walk aaaaaalllllll the way round either outside passage. It is a long walk!! at Disneyland, you can access the different areas (most of them) from the main hub, so I would for sure say you will do less walking at Disneyland. We won't even be going back into DCA during our last 2 days just because of the situation there. I refuse to get a guest assistance pass, or wheelchair/car thingy....I want to get stronger not weaker! but DCA is a killer for me right now.

 

[mrswh]

I agree with smiley_face - going from one place to another at DCA is totally inefficient right now, because what seems like half the park is closed off. It's a real pain right now getting from one place to another. However . . . you can spend a good part of the day just in one area of DCA and still see/do a lot. For example, go over to the Hollywood Backlot area and you can spend a solid 4 hours without walking far at all. (Monsters, Inc., Mupptetvision 3D, Turtle Talk, Animation Academy, Drawn to the Magic, Sorcerer's Workshop/Beast's Library, Aladdin, etc.) The same can be said of DLR . . . you could just do one land and call it a day. If you want to cut down on walking, from the DLH you could take the monorail right into Tomorrowland and just ride everything on that side of the park.

Good luck with the race!

And to smiley_face, sending good (healthy) vibes your way!

 

[ssuriano]

Qltrgrl2- Good luck on the half marathon! I'm hoping to do it next year.

smiley_face2- Sending positive vibes your way!

 

[shamrockshake]

Have a great time with the marathon. I agree with everyone else. DCA is a lot of walking, especially with the construction. either skip the pier part or stick to DL.

Smiley-face. All the best for your treatments. Hope some disney magic helped