Which Park

[jzmom]

I am getting ready to go to So Cal.
I am wondering what park to go to on our first day. We are going to be there on Monday March 30. We will not be there until sometime in the afternoon. I am pretty sure it is going to be busy so which park should we do first. We will be there from monday-wedndesday.
I appreciate any advice.

 

[Mike_M]

Personally, I'd hit DL 1st day and then Park hop on the remaining days. Get the trip started on a high note.

 

[clairabell29]

We too will be there that day. My understanding is it will be busy, but DCA isn't as busy in general. They do however close at different times, DCA at 8pm and DL at 11. If your last day is short too I would probably do DL, but if its a full day I would start at DCA. Hope that helps!

 

[jernysgirl]

I would also say start at DL, first thing. After that, and for the remainder of the trip don't be afraid to park hop! They parks are so close that it is very easy to do. If DL is to busy, you can hang out at DCA eat dinner there, and then head back over to DL once DCA closes.

 

[pixiewings71]

Why not just park hop? That's what we do. Back and forth all day long.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Without checking the hours, I would go to DCA first since it will be less crowded when you get there than DL. But like someone else said, park hop over to DL grabbing a FP before you go.

If the hours of DL are 8am and the DCA is 10am for opening, then I would go to DL first thing in the morning and get some good morning ride time in. Then hop over to DCA after it gets crowded around lunch. You would have to check the hours though.

 

[avalon451]

We also got there in the middle of a busy Sunday afternoon, on our last trip. We really enjoyed exploring DL and doing things that don't necessarily involve long lines. You can get a FastPass right off the bat, so you can ride something fun later on... then you can maybe ride the Disney Railroad? That's a really nice, fun intro to the parks. Maybe see "Disneyland: The First 50 Years" in the theatre on Main Street, another great intro. See the parade. Ride on some of the rides that don't usually have long lines, like Pirates, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Pinocchio. Get another FastPass when the next window opens up. By that time you'll be ready for dinner, and maybe after that, to use your first FP?

Also, as the previous poster said, if you want to and are so inclined, you can always hop across to DCA. It's right across the way. I guess I'd be inclined to hang in DL the first night, though.

Have fun planning!

 

[jernysgirl]

Maybe see "Disneyland: The First 50 Years" in the theatre on Main Street, another great intro.

I think this is already closed, to prepare for the return of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. (Yay! )

EDITED TO ADD: I just noticed this was post #700! Yay!!

 

[jzmom]

Thanks for the responses!
We are going to park hop and do MM on Tuesday. I just wasn't sure if we could get on anything arriving late in the day. Tuesday and Wednesday will be full days with breaks at the hotel.
I am still not sure where to go first.
Hopefully I will be decide soon.
I am recovering from surgery so I couldn't get things done early.
I am freaking out now since we are going to So. Cal for ten days and it is a car trip.

 

[Lakewood]

Put it this way.... You can drink in DCA... Get a few beers or drinks there and go back into D Land. Thats how I do it.

 

[Disney Dreams]

jzmom, I would go to DCA first, since you are arriving mid-day. You could knock out a good portion of that park and hae it over with. Then start the next day bright-eyed and excited for - do do DO! Disneyland!

Just my approach. You can't really go wrong.

Put it this way.... You can drink in DCA... Get a few beers or drinks there and go back into D Land. Thats how I do it.