We did it - DL and CA in one day!

[KristinandChris]

My DH and I visited California last week for our spring break, along with our 6 month old DD and his parents. His parents weren't interested in going to Disneyland so we took one day when we were visiting my husband's grandmother in Riverside. We decided to attempt both parks in one day - we knew we wouldn't be able to ride everything but I have never been to the West coast and I wasn't sure if/when we'd return.

We woke up early in Riverside and after nursing/dressing DD we were on our way. Traffic wasn't too bad but we should have bought our tickets online because that ate up a lot of time. My MIL is not a big Disney fan and she kept telling me how "different" it was going to be from WDW. Well, duh, that's why I was excited about going! That being said, I was a little nervous hearing from others about how the parks aren't as secluded as WDW but honestly I didn't notice it. If anything, it was nice parking so close!

As soon as we got into DL we got fastpasses for Space Mountain and hopped in line for the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn was fun but very jerky. We rode Space Mountain after we had a bite to eat - it was so fun! Much better than the WDW version so I hope they'll update that one soon.

The rest of the day was spent hopping from the two parks. We both really loved CA, mainly for the thrill rides and it was less crowded. California Screaming was great (rode it twice) and DH loved Maliboomer, especially since there was no wait. The rapids ride was really fun, Soarin' was great (we didn't get to it at WDW), always love Tower of Terror (rode it twice), and we loved Toy Story Mania. In DL we hit Haunted Mansion, Pirates (so much better than WDW!), and we loved Indy. Unfortunately we had to use the singles line because our fastpass line was 40 minutes! The ride had broken down several times that day so the fastpass line was crazy.

The only complaint we had was with our lunch choice. We toured the Mission tortilla factory in CA (cute video!) and hit up the Mexican fast food place next door. DH doesn't like cheese so when we ordered we made sure that they knew not to put cheese on his tacos. Long story short, we stood at the window for almost 20 minutes watching person after person behind us pay and get their food in a timely manner. When we asked where our order was they had completely lost it and couldn't find our receipt! We finally asked for a refund because we were so upset over losing that much time waiting for food that never came. We ended up splitting a hot dog back in DL because we didn't want to lose anymore time. We had dinner reservations at Blue Bayou but we ended up not going because we wanted to have more time with rides.

All in all it was a great day but very crazy! We missed big rides like Splash Mountain and Fantasyland rides but I rode most everything I wanted. I also had to take a pumping break at the Baby Station in DL, I was really impressed with the center. We were exhausted and agreed that if we are able to return we'd need at least 2 days for both parks. Even though it was short, it gave me a good "taste" of Disney to keep me satisfied until our next visit to WDW! We're running in the 1/2 marathon next January as well as going over Christmas in 2010.

 

[avalon451]

Wow, sounds like you accomplished a lot! Glad you got to see so much and ride some of your favorites more than once. Very cool! I hope you can come back sometime (maybe when DD is older, and see the wonder in her eyes!) and enjoy a longer visit!

Gotta admit, though, I was confused at first with who all was there-- DD, "his" parents... I was like, wait, what? She means Dear Son and they had his biological parents along as well? No, that can't be right... OH! her DH's parents, and they have a daughter, cause there's her name at the bottom! D'oh! And after reading it all through-- you must have left DD to hang out with Grandma for the day. Good for you! Babies are lovely, but I know it's a rare day when you can take time as a couple and do fun stuff together while the grandparents enjoy a little time with your DD.

 

[mechurchlady]

Glad to hear you had a good time. The Mexican Restaurant is where I was left setting wait to talk to a manager as currently the only gluten free food is kid tacos, YUCK. You did not miss much probably.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Indy always breaks down. I bet the CMs get frustrated.

Glad you had such a wonderful time! You really did a lot in one day especially with a baby!!! Woohoo!!

 

[KristinandChris]

Wow, sounds like you accomplished a lot! Glad you got to see so much and ride some of your favorites more than once. Very cool! I hope you can come back sometime (maybe when DD is older, and see the wonder in her eyes!) and enjoy a longer visit!

Gotta admit, though, I was confused at first with who all was there-- DD, "his" parents... I was like, wait, what? She means Dear Son and they had his biological parents along as well? No, that can't be right... OH! her DH's parents, and they have a daughter, cause there's her name at the bottom! D'oh! And after reading it all through-- you must have left DD to hang out with Grandma for the day. Good for you! Babies are lovely, but I know it's a rare day when you can take time as a couple and do fun stuff together while the grandparents enjoy a little time with your DD.

Oops, sorry! Yes, I forgot to mention that Caitlin (our DD) stayed with my in-laws and my DH's grandmother. We decided it would be easier and they wanted to spend time with her anyway. She'll have plenty of Disney trips in the future!

 

[KristinandChris]

Glad to hear you had a good time. The Mexican Restaurant is where I was left setting wait to talk to a manager as currently the only gluten free food is kid tacos, YUCK. You did not miss much probably.

Do you have Celiac? My 3 year old nephew was diagnosed with Celiac a year ago and my brother and his wife struggle to find places for him to eat. He's young enough now that they can bring his food but it is going to be more of an issue as he gets older.

 

[Sherry E]

Great! I know you were debating on whether or not it was worth it to do both parks in one day and I was championing it and saying YES, it is definitely manageable and definitely worthwhile! So I am so glad you did it and that it worked out well!

 

[MoniqueU]

Your inlaws are my neighbors. I have annual passes and always do both parks in one day with much success. I hit DL first everytime and then move on to DCA when DL starts filling up. You didn't miss anything special at the Mexican Restaurant at all, we won't even eat there. Blue Bayou is a nice atmosphere but again I don't think the food is good. DL seriously needs to revamp their food choices IMHO. We are thinking of packing from now on because other then goofys kitchen, the churros and the dasani there isn't much we like inside the parks to eat.
I am glad you had a good time and it sounds like a good time. I have watched my kids grow up at Disneyland we have had passes off and on for about 16 years. My oldest son just turned 16. I have been to WDW and prefer the original so much better. I do miss the days before they put in CA and you could drive in and park practically in front of the gate, that was fun. So many memories there for us over the years. We do like the buffet at Goofys kitchen and not even for the characters, the food is real good. I hope you do decide to come back there is still alot to be done.. I also love california screaming. It is one of my favorite coasters.

 

[CanadianPaco]

What a wonderful effort!!! Thanks for posting!!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

The only complaint we had was with our lunch choice. We toured the Mission tortilla factory in CA (cute video!) and hit up the Mexican fast food place next door. DH doesn't like cheese so when we ordered we made sure that they knew not to put cheese on his tacos. Long story short, we stood at the window for almost 20 minutes watching person after person behind us pay and get their food in a timely manner. When we asked where our order was they had completely lost it and couldn't find our receipt! We finally asked for a refund because we were so upset over losing that much time waiting for food that never came. We ended up splitting a hot dog back in DL because we didn't want to lose anymore time. We had dinner reservations at Blue Bayou but we ended up not going because we wanted to have more time with rides.

Wow it sounds like you had a great time and accomplished a lot -- with the exception of lunch of course! The same thing that happened to you happened to me but it was at the Boudin Bakery place that serves (or used to serve?) Sandwiches and bread bowls. DH & I were standimg there for about 30 minutes before we finally spoke up and said hello, we're still waiting for our food! The CMs had seen us standing there and luckily we still had receipts so after that we got it quick. But geeze! When you only have 1 day for both parks, that must've been a disappointing waste of time.

Gotta admit, though, I was confused at first with who all was there-- DD, "his" parents... I was like, wait, what? She means Dear Son and they had his biological parents along as well? No, that can't be right... OH! her DH's parents, and they have a daughter, cause there's her name at the bottom! D'oh! And after reading it all through-- you must have left DD to hang out with Grandma for the day. Good for you!

I was thinking the exact same thing! I didn't even put it together that they left baby w/ Grandparents, I was thinking they must've done baby swap! I literally had to stop and think that Matterhorn has a height requirement so no baby couldn't ride, they would've had to do a baby swap! Only when she mentioned pumping then I realized baby wasn't with them. Must've been having a senior moment or something!

 

[ArielAdventurer]

So glad you had a fun time..as a native Californian..who moved away..I have to say..until I moved..I always did the parks in one day..only since I have moved..have I been there more than one day at a time...
Anyway..about Indy..I don't think I have ever been there when it hasn't broken down at least once..lol

 

[bumbershoot]

Sounds like fun!

FWIW, people rarely get food from Cocina Cucamonga in a timely fashion...it is probably the SLOWEST counter service in both parks, it's ridiculous. We get simple things with no substitutions (we're veggie so they put even LESS in our stuff than for an omnivore) and we wait AGES along with everyone else...

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

You didn't miss a thing at Yuck-a-monga except for the bad food. We ate there ONCE. We will never give it another try. Glad you were able to make it to DLR for a nice long day - sounds like you had a great time! When you go back next time, try the Bread Bowl soups and salads at Pacific Wharf Bakery, they are really good. For me, the longest wait for Counter Service EVER was the market/stand there before you get to the Tortilla tour (sorry can't think of the name of it) - took forever. My family was done eating by the time I got back with the small order from that place.

We used to live in Montclair when we first moved to Virginia - Ostenbury Ct. Our back yard was great - it backed up to the PW Nature Preserve. But, too many people out that way so we headed for the sticks. Now there are too many people here in Culpeper, but with the housing market as it is, we will be here awhile!