Would you skip DCA?

[TeamSy]

We haven’t been to Disneyland in a few years, but do WDW often. This is our first trip to DL with our 20 month old. She’s around 30/31” and we get there a few days after they close the bugs land stuff. Obv DCA has toy story mania and little mermaid but aside from the ferris wheel which is eh for us, I’m not sure what else there is! I think she’s still too small for a lot of the cars land stuff. It would definitely be a more laid back day with shopping and maybe character meets. There’s a lot for us to do if we rider swap, but we’re debating skipping DCA and doing an additional day at the other park. Thoughts?

 

[Erin M]

When we took our somewhat shorter 3 year old there was certainly less to do than DL, but we found the magic of Little Mermaid and Monsters Inc and the Disney Jr. stuff worth it, plus Turtle Talk with Crush. We spent about half a day there. We did have Bug’s Land but we really didn’t spend all that much time there. It was more fun to walk around and look at Cars Land even though she could only ride Mater’s Tow Yard. They have a dance party there too that the littles just love.

It’s tough. If you have three or more days to work with I’d do half a day at least. Especially so you can rider swap and get a Chili Cone Queso. If you’ve only got two days...eeeeh, I might skip it. Might.

 

[Shanti]

If she's that little, I would skip DCA.

 

[wingednike]

I would go just to visit the Animation Building. I've seen a lot of toddlers in there running around and having a blast. The Grizzly River Run Challenge Trail might also be fun for your kiddo.

 

[ashley0139]

I wouldn't skip it. In addition to what's been mentioned, there's also the shows (Frozen and Disney Junior Dance Party) that she might enjoy. You could easily get a half day, maybe even a full day if you take it slowly.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

We love DCA, especially for the littles. We are so sad they are closing Bugs Land though. For rides you can do as a family you will still have Toy Story, Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc, the Pixar Pal Around (Ferris wheel), Golden Zephyr, Jumpin Jellyfish and Luigi’s in Carsland if she’s 32 inches. Also, rider switch is AWESOME and there are so many great rides for the adults in DCA. I think it would be worth it for you to do rider switch. My husband and I always had so much fun doing that.

Aside from rides, there is lots for littles in DCA. Turtle Talk with Crush, Disney Junior Dance Party and Pixar Shorts in the Sunset Showcase Theater, the Boudin Bakery Tour, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Boardwalk Games, Red Car Trolley, plus the character meets. I also just really like the atmosphere over at DCA... Carsland is especially amazing. It would be a shame to miss if if you’ve never seen it. Plus, adult beverages!

Could you do a park hopper so you can at least do a half day at DCA and then go over to Disneyland?

 

[ExcitedMama]

It’s tricky. Have you looked at whether the Animation building would be open? Crush might not be an option. My DD first trip was pretty young and she absolutely adored all the princesses everywhere but hated fuzzies. Would she like the Disney Junior dance party? Or hate the fuzzies? My DD loved Doc at 2 but she has an older brother and watched way more tv than he did at that age. She loved the Ferris Wheel and the now closed carousel. At that age she had no interest in shows and fell asleep so I’m not sure if Frozen would work. I see your point about skipping it. Does any of the Halloween decorations appeal to you guys? Would she like the Cars dressed up? Would she watch PTN? If you think it could be worth adding on PH for two for one day isn’t so bad but I don’t think you’d miss much by skipping it.