First Timer, 2 day trip

[novawildcat18]

Hello all,

Me and a big group of friends from college will be spending part of our spring break at Disneyland I could not be more excited. I've been to Disney World over 10 times in my 19 year life, but I've yet to go to Disneyland. We have 3 nights booked at the Disneyland Hotel and will be buying 2-day tickets (not Park Hoppers). The days that we will be in the parks are March 4-5 (a Monday and a Tuesday). What're the chances that we will be able to see and do mostly everything in both parks? Keep in mind, I'm not concerned really about shows or parades (with the exceptions of WoC and Fantasmic), just mainly concerned with the rides. Any advice/tips/questions/comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[coachwnh]

be sure to take advantage of the extra hour in the morning. when we went in at 7 am last June, we were able to do so much!!! (especially Carsland). the thing that we loved so much about DL compared to WDW is the number of attractions that are so close together. So, in two days, you can get alot done. Dont sleep your spring break away!!!! make sure your group understands what you want to do. even if you can get one friend to go with you, the earlier you start each day, the more you see.

 

[Californian Elitist]

You should get park hoppers. It takes a few seconds to hop to and from each park. Take advantage of that.

The chances of you doing everything in two days are slim to none, honestly.

 

[TP2000]

There are just as many rides in the two Anaheim theme parks as there are in all four of the WDW parks. Disneyland especially is packed full of rides, many that don't exist in WDW. Although there will be several rides closed for refurbishment when you're there, most noticeably Thunder Mountain.

(Disneyland closes multiple rides at a time routinely for maintenance, which is why they are in better shape than their WDW counterparts.)

Check out some of the other "first timer" threads here posted in the last couple weeks and see all the advice folks have gotten about taking advantage of a limited time at Disneyland like only two days, and how you will need to prioritize your time in order to get to some of the things you want to do.

 

[novawildcat18]

be sure to take advantage of the extra hour in the morning. when we went in at 7 am last June, we were able to do so much!!! (especially Carsland). the thing that we loved so much about DL compared to WDW is the number of attractions that are so close together. So, in two days, you can get alot done. Dont sleep your spring break away!!!! make sure your group understands what you want to do. even if you can get one friend to go with you, the earlier you start each day, the more you see.

Unfortunately, the parks are only open from 10-8 when we are there, but I intend to take advantage of the extra hour each day. I will somehow find a way to wake up my friends, even if it requires a little friendly punch to the face *exaggeration*. Thanks!

You should get park hoppers. It takes a few seconds to hop to and from each park. Take advantage of that.

The chances of you doing everything in two days are slim to none, honestly.

I was lucky enough to convince my friends to go to the parks for 2 days rather than 1, I don't think I can convince other poor college kids who aren't as big of Disney fans as I am to spend the extra $30 on a park hopper. But I will try. I know the chances of us getting everything done is very small, but the parks should be pretty empty, right? It's off-season (right before most schools have spring breaks) and a Monday and a Tuesday. So I'm hoping we can get most of the rides done.

There are just as many rides in the two Anaheim theme parks as there are in all four of the WDW parks. Disneyland especially is packed full of rides, many that don't exist in WDW. Although there will be several rides closed for refurbishment when you're there, most noticeably Thunder Mountain.

(Disneyland closes multiple rides at a time routinely for maintenance, which is why they are in better shape than their WDW counterparts.)

Check out some of the other "first timer" threads here posted in the last couple weeks and see all the advice folks have gotten about taking advantage of a limited time at Disneyland like only two days, and how you will need to prioritize your time in order to get to some of the things you want to do.

Wow, I did not know that. After looking at the list of rides, I can kind of see what you mean. California Adventure looks like we could get all important rides accomplished in one day but Disneyland looks a lot more tough. I have glanced out some of the other threads and I will try and make somewhat of an organized plan based off of what I'm learning.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I was lucky enough to convince my friends to go to the parks for 2 days rather than 1, I don't think I can convince other poor college kids who aren't as big of Disney fans as I am to spend the extra $30 on a park hopper. But I will try. I know the chances of us getting everything done is very small, but the parks should be pretty empty, right? It's off-season (right before most schools have spring breaks) and a Monday and a Tuesday. So I'm hoping we can get most of the rides done.

Yeah, I said slim to none based on what TP said. There are so many rides between the two parks. If there were only 10-15 rides in each park, you could do everything, but there are just so many rides and attractions. Even on off days... It may be possible, but I'm not sure. Good luck!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

The hopper is really non-negotiable.

Day 1 - arrive at DCA gates no later than 8:45am. Go straight to Radiator Springs Racers Fastpass distribution, get FPs. If you're quick enough and the standby line is short enough once in Cars Land, go ahead and ride the ride. If not, hit up Luigi's Flying Tires if you are so inclined. Make your way over to Paradise Pier - ride Toy Story Midway Mania, then California Screamin' and then Mickey's Fun Wheel (swinging gondolas) if so inclined. Swing down through Grizzly Peak and pick up Fastpasses for World of Color (well worth seeing). Depending on when your Fastpass time for Racers is, return to Cars Land to ride it. If your ride window is a ways away, you'll want to hop to Disneyland shortly after it opens at 10am.

Get Fastpasses for Space Mountain. If the line is short enough, hop on. Then Star Tours (identical to WDW), Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Adventure (good candidate for Fastpass, MUST-SEE) and Splash Mountain (not as good as WDW). Fill in the blanks with rides that generate smaller lines, like Haunted Mansion (not as good as WDW), Jungle Cruise (level with WDW's, but that's debatable), Pirates of the Caribbean (far superior to WDW's).

Hop back to DCA to ride Racers with your FP. Catch up on other attractions, like Mater's, Tower of Terror (not as good as WDW's), Disney Animation (in particular, Sorcerer's Workshop), Monsters Inc, Soarin' (identical to WDW), Mermaid (never a wait, identical to WDW), Grizzly River Run (superior to Kali at DAK). World of Color starts 15 minutes after park closing, so it won't detract from any ride time.

Being young and full of vitality, blasting through the biggies early on shouldn't be too difficult. That will leave day 2 for re-rides and smaller fare like Pinocchio, Snow White, Mr. Toad and Alice in Fantasyland (none of which are available at WDW), it's a small world (better than WDW), Mickey's Toontown (Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is a must), Buzz Lightyear (superior to WDW), Storybookland Canal Boats/Casey Jr Circus Train (not available at WDW). Peter Pan is better here, but always has a long wait. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is IMO inferior to Epcot's Nemo ride with the exception of how cool it is to be in a sub. Other than that factor, it's a lame ride. Pooh is lame, even lamer than WDW's, but there is NEVER a line (much like Mermaid at DCA).

If you see a parade, see Soundsational at Disneyland. It's spectacular. Fantasmic will not be performed on the dates of your visit, as it only runs on weekends during off-peak seasons.

Have a blast!

 

[Californian Elitist]

The hopper is really non-negotiable.

Yep, yep, YEP.

 

[novawildcat18]

The hopper is really non-negotiable.

Day 1 - arrive at DCA gates no later than 8:45am. Go straight to Radiator Springs Racers Fastpass distribution, get FPs. If you're quick enough and the standby line is short enough once in Cars Land, go ahead and ride the ride. If not, hit up Luigi's Flying Tires if you are so inclined. Make your way over to Paradise Pier - ride Toy Story Midway Mania, then California Screamin' and then Mickey's Fun Wheel (swinging gondolas) if so inclined. Swing down through Grizzly Peak and pick up Fastpasses for World of Color (well worth seeing). Depending on when your Fastpass time for Racers is, return to Cars Land to ride it. If your ride window is a ways away, you'll want to hop to Disneyland shortly after it opens at 10am.

Get Fastpasses for Space Mountain. If the line is short enough, hop on. Then Star Tours (identical to WDW), Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Adventure (good candidate for Fastpass, MUST-SEE) and Splash Mountain (not as good as WDW). Fill in the blanks with rides that generate smaller lines, like Haunted Mansion (not as good as WDW), Jungle Cruise (level with WDW's, but that's debatable), Pirates of the Caribbean (far superior to WDW's).

Hop back to DCA to ride Racers with your FP. Catch up on other attractions, like Mater's, Tower of Terror (not as good as WDW's), Disney Animation (in particular, Sorcerer's Workshop), Monsters Inc, Soarin' (identical to WDW), Mermaid (never a wait, identical to WDW), Grizzly River Run (superior to Kali at DAK). World of Color starts 15 minutes after park closing, so it won't detract from any ride time.

Being young and full of vitality, blasting through the biggies early on shouldn't be too difficult. That will leave day 2 for re-rides and smaller fare like Pinocchio, Snow White, Mr. Toad and Alice in Fantasyland (none of which are available at WDW), it's a small world (better than WDW), Mickey's Toontown (Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is a must), Buzz Lightyear (superior to WDW), Storybookland Canal Boats/Casey Jr Circus Train (not available at WDW). Peter Pan is better here, but always has a long wait. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is IMO inferior to Epcot's Nemo ride with the exception of how cool it is to be in a sub. Other than that factor, it's a lame ride. Pooh is lame, even lamer than WDW's, but there is NEVER a line (much like Mermaid at DCA).

If you see a parade, see Soundsational at Disneyland. It's spectacular. Fantasmic will not be performed on the dates of your visit, as it only runs on weekends during off-peak seasons.

Have a blast!

This is why I love being on these forums haha, thank you so much. I will absolutely show this post to my group and try to convince them to splurge on the park hoppers. I mean, honestly, how often is a group of 11 kids from the east coast going to make out to Disneyland? But thanks for the input, I will definitely, definitely put it to good use.

That brings me to a couple more questions though:
1) Is the fastpass return window very strict? I remember reading that the return window at WDW has become strict, is that the same at DLR?
2) Are the fastpasses for WoC going to restrict my ability to get other fastpasses? They have the "1 fastpass at a time" rule so is WoC exempt from that rule?

 

[Californian Elitist]

This is why I love being on these forums haha, thank you so much. I will absolutely show this post to my group and try to convince them to splurge on the park hoppers. I mean, honestly, how often is a group of 11 kids from the east coast going to make out to Disneyland? But thanks for the input, I will definitely, definitely put it to good use.

That brings me to a couple more questions though:
1) Is the fastpass return window very strict? I remember reading that the return window at WDW has become strict, is that the same at DLR?
2) Are the fastpasses for WoC going to restrict my ability to get other fastpasses? They have the "1 fastpass at a time" rule so is WoC exempt from that rule?

Just in case all of your friends don't want park hoppers, just try and get one or two friends to spend the extra money. Unless you want to stay with your group...

1. As of right now, the wait times aren't enforced and you can come back any time after the designated time on the pass. However, there are rumors going around that the wait times are going to start being enforced sometime this month. You shouldn't have a hard time getting back, since the attractions are so close at the DLR.

2. You can get a Fastpass for WoC and another attraction.

 

[novawildcat18]

Just in case all of your friends don't want park hoppers, just try and get one or two friends to spend the extra money. Unless you want to stay with your group...

1. As of right now, the wait times aren't enforced and you can come back any time after the designated time on the pass. However, there are rumors going around that the wait times are going to start being enforced sometime this month. You shouldn't have a hard time getting back, since the attractions are so close at the DLR.

2. You can get a Fastpass for WoC and another attraction.

I hope they hold off on that enforcement just for another month and a week and I'd be set. The main one I'm concerned about is RSR, going to Disneyland and then going back to California Adventure. But I'm sure it won't be a big problem, I'm usually good at adapting to things like that when I'm in the parks.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I hope they hold off on that enforcement just for another month and a week and I'd be set. The main one I'm concerned about is RSR, going to Disneyland and then going back to California Adventure. But I'm sure it won't be a big problem, I'm usually good at adapting to things like that when I'm in the parks.

Trust me, it won't take you long to get from Disneyland to RSR. It'll take you maybe 7-10 minutes, if that. You'll be fine, don't even worry.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

This is why I love being on these forums haha, thank you so much. I will absolutely show this post to my group and try to convince them to splurge on the park hoppers. I mean, honestly, how often is a group of 11 kids from the east coast going to make out to Disneyland? But thanks for the input, I will definitely, definitely put it to good use.

That brings me to a couple more questions though:
1) Is the fastpass return window very strict? I remember reading that the return window at WDW has become strict, is that the same at DLR?
2) Are the fastpasses for WoC going to restrict my ability to get other fastpasses? They have the "1 fastpass at a time" rule so is WoC exempt from that rule?

Racers FPs are "freebies" - you can go get another DCA Fastpass immediately if you desire. DCA's Fastpass system is also independent from DL's, so you can hold a DCA FP and a DL FP at the same time. Roger Rabbit in DL is also a freebie - so, you could have a Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Soarin' Over California, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin and Space Mountain Fastpass all at the same time.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

I'm actually going to go against the grain and say that you don't need park hoppers. DL and DCA can both fill up a day on their own, so I think for a two day trip, doing one park per day will sort of focus your energy. If it were me taking this trip, I would rather spend that $30 on food or souvenirs. If you have extra time on your DCA day, use that to explore the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian or Downtown Disney. Your Disneyland day will definitely be full. Just going to fire off some random thoughts here:

-Go to DCA on the 5th. Aladdin is only showing on the 5th. You want to see Aladdin!
-Here's how I would start my DCA day: get to the gates about 15-20 mins before the park opens. Get in line for Radiator Springs Racers FP. Get World of Color FP. Then get a Soarin' FP. When I was there in November, having a Radiator Springs Racers FP did not prevent you from getting another FP and the World of Color FP definitely does not prevent you from getting a ride FP.
-Plan B for DCA opening would be to go straight to WoC FP and Soarin' FP, then hit up a ride that gets waits but doesn't offer FP (Toy Story Midway Mania or Luigi's). The plan here would be to hit up the single rider line for Racers. Between the time spent getting the FP and the time waiting in line redeeming the FP, the single rider line shouldn't be a bad option (especially since crowds will be low). This would allow you to get on one of those non-FP rides sooner and you wouldn't be bound to that Fastpass return time.
-Grab some counter service food and get to the World of Color FP area about five minutes before they say you can return. Then go all the way down to the water's edge on the railing and hang out with your food. Yes, it's an hour, but being right on the water for World of Color is an incredible experience.
-California Screamin' has a very useful single rider line. I think you have to ask the greeter at the entrance.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Racers FPs are "freebies" - you can go get another DCA Fastpass immediately if you desire. DCA's Fastpass system is also independent from DL's, so you can hold a DCA FP and a DL FP at the same time. Roger Rabbit in DL is also a freebie - so, you could have a Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Soarin' Over California, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin and Space Mountain Fastpass all at the same time.

Ugh, the beauty of the Disneyland Resort.

 

[novawildcat18]

Trust me, it won't take you long to get from Disneyland to RSR. It'll take you maybe 7-10 minutes, if that. You'll be fine, don't even worry.

It's that close of a walk? I'm going to have to take a gander at this on Google Earth, but that's good to know.

Racers FPs are "freebies" - you can go get another DCA Fastpass immediately if you desire. DCA's Fastpass system is also independent from DL's, so you can hold a DCA FP and a DL FP at the same time. Roger Rabbit in DL is also a freebie - so, you could have a Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Soarin' Over California, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin and Space Mountain Fastpass all at the same time.

Whoa that is some good news, I had no idea. I will definitely use that information to my advantage, thanks!

I'm actually going to go against the grain and say that you don't need park hoppers. DL and DCA can both fill up a day on their own, so I think for a two day trip, doing one park per day will sort of focus your energy. If it were me taking this trip, I would rather spend that $30 on food or souvenirs. If you have extra time on your DCA day, use that to explore the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian or Downtown Disney. Your Disneyland day will definitely be full. Just going to fire off some random thoughts here:

-Go to DCA on the 5th. Aladdin is only showing on the 5th. You want to see Aladdin!
-Here's how I would start my DCA day: get to the gates about 15-20 mins before the park opens. Get in line for Radiator Springs Racers FP. Get World of Color FP. Then get a Soarin' FP. When I was there in November, having a Radiator Springs Racers FP did not prevent you from getting another FP and the World of Color FP definitely does not prevent you from getting a ride FP.
-Plan B for DCA opening would be to go straight to WoC FP and Soarin' FP, then hit up a ride that gets waits but doesn't offer FP (Toy Story Midway Mania or Luigi's). The plan here would be to hit up the single rider line for Racers. Between the time spent getting the FP and the time waiting in line redeeming the FP, the single rider line shouldn't be a bad option (especially since crowds will be low). This would allow you to get on one of those non-FP rides sooner and you wouldn't be bound to that Fastpass return time.
-Grab some counter service food and get to the World of Color FP area about five minutes before they say you can return. Then go all the way down to the water's edge on the railing and hang out with your food. Yes, it's an hour, but being right on the water for World of Color is an incredible experience.
-California Screamin' has a very useful single rider line. I think you have to ask the greeter at the entrance.

If I were to spend one day at California Adventure, I really don't have any doubt that we'd get it all done in a day, even if we went to see Aladdin (which I would love to see, don't know how many kids in my group would want to see it, but i'll throw the idea out there). Thanks for the advice though, and if we do not end up with park hoppers, we will definitely take your advice.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It's that close of a walk? I'm going to have to take a gander at this on Google Earth, but that's good to know.

It's really that close.

This is an old picture, but this is a bird's eye view of the two parks. They are literally seconds away from each other:

 

[Cosmic Commando]

If I were to spend one day at California Adventure, I really don't have any doubt that we'd get it all done in a day, even if we went to see Aladdin (which I would love to see, don't know how many kids in my group would want to see it, but i'll throw the idea out there). Thanks for the advice though, and if we do not end up with park hoppers, we will definitely take your advice.

While watching Youtube videos would definitely ruin some of the "magic", it might be worth it if your friends need convincing. I'm not sure how much you know about it, but it's not a typical Broadway-style musical per se. The Genie is what really makes the show; he is basically a stand-up comedian inserted in the middle of the show. The jokes definitely change (there were jokes about the Lucasfilm purchase within days of it happening when I was there), but some jokes also stick around... Youtube with care if you decide to go that route.

 

[novawildcat18]

It's really that close.

This is an old picture, but this is a bird's eye view of the two parks. They are literally seconds away from each other:

Having only ever seen the WDW layout, this blows my mind. But it is so logical and simple! Hm, I wonder why WDW makes you have 30-45 minutes of travel to get from park to park....

 

[Cosmic Commando]

It's really that close.

This is an old picture, but this is a bird's eye view of the two parks. They are literally seconds away from each other:

And Cars Land is where the Timon parking lot is in that picture.

That little bit of reference is good. Here's my go-to picture; this is Epcot and the Disneyland Resort, same zoom level: