I would be very surprised if you encountered crowds on an off-season Tuesday. Something weird--like a major convention at DL--would have to be going on to cause lines.
I was there last year on a Tuesday--October 29th--with a pass that got us into both parks and was also given this Mega Fast Pass that was supposed to give us instant access to any Fast Pass line whenever we saw fit. Suffice to say, we used the Mega Fast Pass once, in fact cracked the CM up because we insisted that we had to use it. There were NO lines for anything--maybe 5 minute waits max and standard 10 minute max waits for shows like Tiki Room or 3-D movies.
I'd say begin your day at Disneyland and pick an area that you'd like to see most. My recommendation is Fantasyland since attractions like Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Dumbo, Storybookland Canal Boats and even Matterhorn load kind of slow and can actually still get lines on slow days. And aside from Peter Pan, Mad Tea Party, the Carousel, and Snow White, almost everything else in Fantasyland is exclusive to DL. Do note that Small World will probably be closed due to it's Christmas Holiday retheming (it was down last year in late October).
Last year we tackled Fantasyland first, then checked out Toon Town. Definately do not skip Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Then choose what to do from there.
We did Fantasyland, Toon Town, then took the train back to Main Street (do the train--it has a diorama of Grand Canyon and the dinosaurs that are in UoE between Tomorrowland and Main Street stations). And then we went late morning til mid-day at DCA.
Depending on how much you need to see, DCA (at least all its highpoints) can be done in a few hours. I'd recommend getting a Fast Pass for the Aladdin Show and hitting some rides while the time lapses. Soaring is the only really cool DCA original. The have the 3-D's and Animation Studios that are similar if not exact copies to WDW's. Paradise Pier will either work for you or make you groan. In my opinion, it's not very Disney. Pick and choose from DCA's options, see what you can and then cross the ticket booth areas and finish your day at DL.
We ripped through almost all of Adventureland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country (w/o the new Pooh Bear ride) in about 2 hours.
Remember there's a chance that Big Thunder Mountain will probably also be down when you're there. After the terrible accident a few weeks ago, they have yet to announce when it will reopen. My guess is by Christmas break, maybe Thanksgiving, but not 'til then.
Must do's--Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn, Roger Rabbit, Mr. Toad (if you miss it from MK), Pirates (totally better than MK's version), Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion Holiday (do not skip this!), Soaring Over California, and the Aladdin Show at DCA. Also of merit (and not in Florida) are the Storybookland Canal Boats (kinda cool at night), Pinocchio ride, Casey Junior Circus Train, the original Tiki Room, Columbia Sailing Ship, and a revamped version of the Autopia Car ride (very nicely and humorously themed now). And DCA has some nice walk-through exhibits and the Bug's Life Kid area.
For dining, Blue Bayou is great but will eat up some of your time because of its popularity and because it's a full-service sit down meal. It's also a bit pricey (but worth it). If you're on a budget, try the French Market in New Orleans Square. It's a buffeteria, but for some reason their food is superior to all the other DL eateries. Plus there's usually a nice jazz band playing on its outdoor stage.
And don't forget that Downtown Disney is practically smack in between both parks and will be open later than the parks. And if you have energy after your marathon day, you might want to wander into the Grand Californian Lodge--very nicely themed and ornate hotel with some nice restaurants. Also the original Disneyland Hotel has some interesting places to dine, and usually some kind of dancing water show around the pool area (actually I'm not sure if they still do that).
Hope all this helps. Have a great trip.
Im only 1/2 an hour away
