1 Day only at Disneyland

[mickeyfan1]

My family and I will be staying at the Grand Californian for two nights. We only have one day in the park and will only be going to Disneyland. I'm showing the park opens at 8 am. What time should we be walking out our room door and at the turnstiles? Also any touring tips would be appreciated. We have been to Disney World many times but never Disneyland.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Be there for the rope drop. Get to the park 30 minutes before.

 

[westie]

Its not difficult to see both parks in a day. The DCA hotel has its own park entrance. You'll probably want to do the rides that are at both WDW and DLR, I do. Download the ride time free app if you don't already have it.

 

[Rich T]

Thirty minutes before rope drop minimum. Earlier is not crazy. My family and I head out our hotel door an hour before the park opens.

I'd recommend seeing Fantasyland and all the dark rides first thing. You'll see DL's most charming feature at its best before it becomes packed and stroller-jammed. Take advantage of single-rider lines. Don't eat in Tomorrowland. Do not miss Pirates or Space Mountain: They are very different from the WDW versions.

 

[Figment82]

I was able to get from Main Street to our room on the 4th floor of the Grand in under 10 minutes. I'd allow extra time for bag check and entrance turnstiles, but with security moved to the hotel, it's much improved! If time is not on your side and you want to maximize your day, I wouldn't leave your room any later than 7am.

If there is a Magic Morning that day, take advantage of it. We were able to ride Radiator Springs Racers twice, Luigi's once, and eat breakfast at Flo's before DCA opened to day guests. Likewise, we were able to do Hyperspace Mountain, Buzz, and small world before opening at DL. Neither time were we rushing at all so you could really see a lot in that small window.

 

[bhg469]

I was there last week. The lines are long and you'll want to try everything, be there early! I was not expecting the crowds to be that large.