which ticket should we purchase?

[debbiebones]

We have a summer trip to California in the works, which will include a two night stay at VGC. Since we've never been to the park(s) there, what would be the best ticket for us to purchase (2-day park hopper, 1-day park hopper or 2-day w/no park hopper?)

The prices don't seem to differ much but I'm just wondering what others have done during a 2 day stay? We will be with our 14 year old son and 16 year old daughter.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

If the prices don't vary much, I personally, would get the Park Hopper Tickets---just to have the option of hopping, if you feel the need/desire to!

 

[HollyL]

I would definitely recommend the hoppers. I couldn't imagine not having the option to go back and forth, you will definitely get more out of your visit bouncing between the two places.

Have fun!

 

[nannyz]

I agree with the PP. We always go for 5 days and we always go to both parks every day. I would feel cheated if I couldn't go back and forth.

 

[Butterfly123]

I don't know what your vacation plans are, but if you can swing at least three days in the parks (with hoppers) instead of two I think you would be able to get a lot more done. Summer is peak season, and even with extended hours there is so much to do that another day would be great. We usually go for four days...I like five, but the rest of my family maxes out at four!

 

[ClaraOswald]

In my opinion, 2 days really isn't enough. But if that's your only option, then a 2-day hopper would be best.

 

[WDID]

We just returned from our first DLR trip. We were there 3 1/2 days and bought 4-day, 1-park passes. It worked well for us. Everything was new to us, so we could easily spend entire days in one park without visiting the other (we did 2-1/2 days at DL and 1 day at CA). I did not regret not having a park hopper. If money were no object, I'd go with a park-hopper, but we did not feel deprived without it.

 

[whoever]

We only buy hoppers. At WDW, a single park ticket may work, but at DLR, I'm not really sure why they even bother separating single park tickets vs. hoppers. Hopper are the way to go PERIOD>

 

[CaliDisneylandMom]

If you can afford the hoppers, by all means get them. If money is an issue, just get all you can each day in one park. There is some time waste walking back and forth during a day and your feet can feel pretty tired! Just hopping around within one park can be tiresome, esp if you go back and forth getting and using fast passes. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I really wouldn't say any time is wasted walking back and forth. Maybe 5 minutes which is really nothing. If you think about the size of the two parks combined, it isn't that big. Especially if you're used to WDW at all.

 

[sandysue]

I would check the early entry times and the times for Fantasmic & WOC on the days you're there. For us, the night we want to do F! is an EMH at DCA, so we started there and moved over to DL in the afternoon.

Look at meals. Do you want a special restaurant or character meal and is that the park you want to be in all day?

Finally, if you have pool time planned at VGC, it's an easy hop onto GRR, if it's open again when you're there. If that's your DL day, you couldn't take advantage of it.

 

[Nonsuch]

We have a summer trip to California in the works, which will include a two night stay at VGC...

Welcome Home
Staying at VGC, you should get hopper tickets. While generally overcrowded at park opening, the GCH entrance to DCA is very useful during the day (even if you spend most of the day in DL).

Depending on schedules (yours and the parks), you might even consider a 3 day hopper. It would be worthwhile just for an extra evening or morning in the parks

 

[goofyfan13]

my .02 -
we liked the park hoppers. moving to DCA because DL was over crowded was a saver. With both so close, we also ducked into DCA for a drink and went back to DL later. Finally, my daughter and I spent our last day running from our favorite attractions to the next for one more ride.

Other than my personal preference and experience, park hoppers might be nice if DCA closes a lot earlier than DL, that way your day doesn't have to end when DCA closes, you can skip over to DL.

Finally, I agree if you can swing a third day, I'd really consider it.

 

[Kristina4109]

Definitely get park hoppers. Park hopping is so easy at DL. You go through security and bag check BEFORE you get to the entrance plaza. Since there is one entrance plaza for both parks, that means you can hop from park to park without having to go through security and bag check again.