Where to start on one day visit

[CarolinaPam]

I'm going to California for the first time in September and have only one day to visit Disney. I've decided to Park Hop between Disneyland and California Adventure in hopes of doing as much as possible during that one day but I need some advice on which park would be the best to start the day. It will only be my husband and myself so there won't be any children to have to take into account. Is there a significant advantage of starting in one park over the other?

 

[Aspencreek]

Might depend a lot on what attractions are "must dos" for you, but if it was me I'd make it a DL/DCA/DL sandwich. While DCA is nice, there's nothing like starting at DL first thing in the morning. So I'd rope drop DL, then spend the morning doing as many must do attractions/areas/restaurants as possible. Then after lunch in early afternoon go over to DCA for 4-5 hours and hit the biggies over there. Then come back to DL around dinner time and finish the night there with the fireworks show. But that's me.

 

[CarolinaPam]

Sounds like a great plan! DL/DCA/DL sandwich...I like your thinking! Thanks for the tip!!

 

[smartlabelprint]

For a one day visit absolutely check out Disneyland daily.

 

[Pluto468]

I would start at Disneyland and possibly even stay there all day! But if you want to see both parks I agree with the DL/DCA/DL idea.

 

[evilmommie]

Love the DLR parks sandwich idea!

I just played tour guide to some girlfriends that hadn't been in the parks in 20 years and could only do one day. We got to Disneyland before it opened, hit all of the E - Tickets and then some. Stopped for a great lunch at River Belle, rode one more attraction, then had a reservation at Oga's, then went to Small World, then train to front of park around 3pm. Headed DCA. Stopped for an adult bev break, headed to Avengers Campus, Guardians, Pixar Pier, Soaring....headed back over to Dland around 8, some shopping and then fireworks. It was an awesome day!

 

[CarolinaPam]

For a one day visit absolutely check out Disneyland daily.

Just checked it out. Looks like a great resource! Thanks for the info!!

 

[CarolinaPam]

Love the DLR parks sandwich idea!

I just played tour guide to some girlfriends that hadn't been in the parks in 20 years and could only do one day. We got to Disneyland before it opened, hit all of the E - Tickets and then some. Stopped for a great lunch at River Belle, rode one more attraction, then had a reservation at Oga's, then went to Small World, then train to front of park around 3pm. Headed DCA. Stopped for an adult bev break, headed to Avengers Campus, Guardians, Pixar Pier, Soaring....headed back over to Dland around 8, some shopping and then fireworks. It was an awesome day!

Sounds like a perfect day! Busy...but just what I'm looking for! Thank you!

 

[DizMe]

I would absolutely start in DL. DCA is fun, but not a whole-day park for me. I love Guardians, the ambiance of Buena Vista Street, Soarin, and to a lesser degree Grizzly River Rapids and Incredicoaster. Beyond that, there just isn't much in DCA I care about as much as most of DL. If you only have one day, I wouldn't waste it on long dining experiences but would want to experience the original park as much as possible.

 

[somecrazedfan]

I'm going to California for the first time in September and have only one day to visit Disney. I've decided to Park Hop between Disneyland and California Adventure in hopes of doing as much as possible during that one day but I need some advice on which park would be the best to start the day. It will only be my husband and myself so there won't be any children to have to take into account. Is there a significant advantage of starting in one park over the other?

Yes!
Start in Disneyland and hit all your must-dos as close to park opening as possible. Wait times for popular rides and crowds are easiest to deal with then. Park hop to DCA for the afternoon/evening. Hop back to close Disneyland if you've got the oomph. Focus on going at your own pace and try not to let the pressure of trying to cram everything from both parks into one day get to you. Enjoy!

 

[Matrixleos]

After DL fireworks, check out Star Wars Galaxy Edge. Then if you got time, head back to DCA and walk through Cars Land and Avengers Campus during the dark.

Those three lands are absolutely stunning during the night time sky.

So I'd recommend DL/DCA/DL/DCA

 

[CarolinaPam]

I would absolutely start in DL. DCA is fun, but not a whole-day park for me. I love Guardians, the ambiance of Buena Vista Street, Soarin, and to a lesser degree Grizzly River Rapids and Incredicoaster. Beyond that, there just isn't much in DCA I care about as much as most of DL. If you only have one day, I wouldn't waste it on long dining experiences but would want to experience the original park as much as possible.

Yeah, no long, drawn-out dining experiences this time around and I was thinking the same thing about DCA as far as time allotment goes. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[CarolinaPam]

Yes!
Start in Disneyland and hit all your must-dos as close to park opening as possible. Wait times for popular rides and crowds are easiest to deal with then. Park hop to DCA for the afternoon/evening. Hop back to close Disneyland if you've got the oomph. Focus on going at your own pace and try not to let the pressure of trying to cram everything from both parks into one day get to you. Enjoy!

Great, great advice, especially the part about not letting the pressure of trying to cram everything in get to us. Been there, done that! Thanks for the tips!

 

[CarolinaPam]

After DL fireworks, check out Star Wars Galaxy Edge. Then if you got time, head back to DCA and walk through Cars Land and Avengers Campus during the dark.

Those three lands are absolutely stunning during the night time sky.

So I'd recommend DL/DCA/DL/DCA

I bet both of those areas can be extra magical at night! Thanks for the advice...it's easy to forget that a lot can be done after fireworks!