How long at DLR is too long?

[dobiedadorf]

Hi.

We are planning a trip this Christmas. We will be staying at the GCH, and flying out on the 26th.

I am thinking about flying in on the 20th (Monday) and staying 6 nights. Is that too long? Will we get bored and run out of things to do? We don't want to leave the resort area. We like to do parkie things in the morning, hang out at the pool/GCH lobby in the afternoon, and do parkie things in the evening before an early night (9-10ish.) There are three off us--two 40-50ish geezers and our 14 year old daughter.

Any comments would be most appreciated.

Dobe

 

[RU42]

Well, since you are not being a park commando and going at a leisurely pace, I would say you should be fine with that length of stay.

Give you a couple days at DCA, a couple at DL, a day to explore the hotels, and another day just for whatever.

Plus with the holiday theming, gives you time to stop and catch some 'extras' like the Dicken Carolers on MSUSA at night.

RU

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by RU42
Well, since you are not being a park commando and going at a leisurely pace, I would say you should be fine with that length of stay.

Give you a couple days at DCA, a couple at DL, a day to explore the hotels, and another day just for whatever.

Plus with the holiday theming, gives you time to stop and catch some 'extras' like the Dicken Carolers on MSUSA at night.

RU

A DAY to explore the hotels???? Holy cow!! No offense, but that's horrible advice! There's only three of them and of those, only one is really all that worth seeing (and it's the one they're STAYING at).

And even at a leisurely pace, it's certainly not going to take TWO DAYS to see DCA. It will barely take one day even at snail's pace unless they're planning to do everything at least twice. And how can you honestly recommend the same amount of time to explore DL as you do to explore DCA??

Personally, I think 6 days is too long if you're not planning to leave the resort at all. I'd allow maybe one day at most for DCA (and that still allows time to also explore your hotel and the other two PLUS Downtown Disney. I'd allow 2 days at DL if you really want to explore it fully and do it at a leisurely pace. That adds up to three days and is really enough to be honest. Any more time than that and you're just spending your time repeating what you've already done. If you want to stay for more than 3 days, then I'd recommend checking out some of the other Southern CA attractions (i.e. Knott's Berry Farm, Universal, etc.)

 

[ToTBellHop]

I spent 6 days in the parks in March of last year and had NO PROBLEM finding things to do, especially since I wanted to ride things like Indy and Soarin' 7 times! What we did is we had breakfast somewhere nice every morning (like Goofy's Kitchen or Hook's Pointe) and then we had some nice meals in the parks at Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou. If you take in time to enjoy all the great dining and take all of the tours at Cali Adventure and enjoy all of the additions for Christmas, you will do fine. Also, at Christmas, you will definitely want to explore the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian, and be sure to see Fantasy Waters at the Disneyland Hotel at night. Also explore Downtown Disney, being sure to stop by the ESPN Zone. There is more than enough to do for 6 days without leaving Disney property Just take your time and experience the best attractions more than once! Indy, especially, has fantastic re-rideability. I was going to mention Believe...in Holiday Magic fireworks, but I don't think they will be offering those this winter...who knows what they will be showing...def. Fantasmic! And, of course, Disney's Electrical Parade will be at Cali Adventure.

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by ISTCNavigator57
I spent 6 days in the parks in March of last year and had NO PROBLEM finding things to do, especially since I wanted to ride things like Indy and Soarin' 7 times! What we did is we had breakfast somewhere nice every morning (like Goofy's Kitchen or Hook's Pointe) and then we had some nice meals in the parks at Ariel's Grotto and Blue Bayou. If you take in time to enjoy all the great dining and take all of the tours at Cali Adventure and enjoy all of the additions for Christmas, you will do fine. Also, at Christmas, you will definitely want to explore the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian, and be sure to see Fantasy Waters at the Disneyland Hotel at night. Also explore Downtown Disney, being sure to stop by the ESPN Zone. There is more than enough to do for 6 days without leaving Disney property Just take your time and experience the best attractions more than once! Indy, especially, has fantastic re-rideability. I was going to mention Believe...in Holiday Magic fireworks, but I don't think they will be offering those this winter...who knows what they will be showing...def. Fantasmic! And, of course, Disney's Electrical Parade will be at Cali Adventure.

Well I think the above post pretty much proves my point. The ONLY way to stretch it out for 6 days is to "ride things like Indy and Soarin' 7 times" and do almost everything else at least more than once. That sounds more like finding ways to kill the time rather than there actually being 6 days' worth of stuff to do.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Originally posted by CHAPPS
Well I think the above post pretty much proves my point. The ONLY way to stretch it out for 6 days is to "ride things like Indy and Soarin' 7 times" and do almost everything else at least more than once. That sounds more like finding ways to kill the time rather than there actually being 6 days' worth of stuff to do.

No...maybe the Indiana Jones Adventure is actually an amazing ride and I wanted to ride it 7 times. I don't know anyone who only rides the Tower of Terror or Splash Mountain or most of the E-Rides at wdw once during a trip, and the Disneyland Resort is no different. If the ride is amazing, you ride it more than once. And I didn't really relax during my trip...when we weren't at the meals, we were going non-stop all day at the parks, which the original poster is not planning on doing. Plus, it will be more crowded during the poster's trip. So I don't think my post proves your point at all. Disney rides have high rerideability. Hell, if you go to your local amusement park and you like a ride, you ride it twice. You aren't looking for a way to "kill time". You actually like the ride and want to ride it again. I have NEVER tried to "kill time" at a Disney Resort!:fork:

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by ISTCNavigator57
No...maybe the Indiana Jones Adventure is actually an amazing ride and I wanted to ride it 7 times.

I wasn't asking you to justify why you rode it (and Soarin') 7 times. I'm sure I've had visits to parks where I've ridden a particular ride that many times. My point is that your post was trying to make it sound as though there's "plenty to do" to keep you busy for 6 days. If you have to ride two attractions 7 times each, plus several other attractions multiple times, then that doesn't mean there's 6 days' worth of stuff to do. It just means that you found a way to make the trip last for 6 days. I just think you were being kind of misleading to the person who started this thread, because they honestly want to know if 6 days might be too long. You say it's NOT necessary to go on rides multiple times in order to make it 6 days, but if so, why did you choose that as your example? If there's truly 6 days' worth of stuff to do there, why can't you actually list 6 day's worth of stuff? I mean, sure, I could say it's possible to do Knott's Berry Farm for six days if I suggest going on various rides multiple times and taking my time at various sit down restaurants for breakfast and lunch every day. Sorry, but to me, that's "stretching it out". That's not sincerely listing 6 days' worth of actual activities.

By the way, I'm not knocking DLR. I'm simply saying it's not a 6-day resort.

 

[mickhyperion]

dobiedadorf,

Considering you are going the week of Christmas, expect it to be incredibly busy. Normally, 6 days might be overkill at DLR, but at that time of year it may work out just right. You'll definitely be tired of the crowds by the time you leave though.

Also, as previously mentioned, there isn't really anything to see at the hotels other than the Grand Californian. The pool areas perhaps, but the hotels are not grandiosely themed like in WDW (except GC).

Have fun!

 

[Merlin]

I would agree there's not six day's worth of things to see and do at DLR. Especially now, with Space Mountain closed and the Rocket Rods and Submarines now defunct (not that the Rocket Rods were ever a reason to visit in the first place). But even with those rides open, I would say DLR is a 3 or 4 day vacation unless you add some off-property attractions to the mix. It's not a knock on the quality, it's just that it's simply not as vast as WDW. If they had a water park and/or maybe a third gate, then I would say 6 days would be more realistic. But as someone said earlier, the only way to make it 6 days would be to repeat attractions a lot more times than you would probably expect to.

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by mickhyperion
Also, as previously mentioned, there isn't really anything to see at the hotels other than the Grand Californian. The pool areas perhaps, but the hotels are not grandiosely themed like in WDW (except GC).

Exactly!! That's why I couldn't sit silently after reading RU42's recommendation of "a day to explore the hotels". Even at WDW, we've actually driven around and fully explored every hotel on property and it didn't take a full day. And the hotels out there are all really cool. At DLR, there's only three and they're already staying at the one that's even remotely unique. Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel are really just your basic hotels (except for the swimming area at Disneyland Hotel, but how long does that really take to check out?). But when I read "a day to explore the hotels" I thought, "this poor person is really getting some lousy advice!"

 

[RU42]

Hey Chapps - if you disagree go ahead and post your own advice. You don't need to be a jerk about it.

Why don't you read the original question. They will be in the parks for a couple hours in the morning and a couple hours in the evening. Add to that they are 'geezers' (their own words) so that probably means they would like a semi-leisurely pace - not a commando style. (Based on my rapidly approaching Geezer status too )

There are more things to do in the Parks then just ride rides. They can catch shows; not just the ones listed in the Guide, but the random street stuff as well.

Add to that they could have nice leisurely meals, Blue Bayou - Napa, maybe catch a character breakfast. Sit in front of the Rivers and people watch.

If they said they would be dedicating full days to the Parks then yes, 6 days would be too much. But since their 'explore/fun' time is limited by their post - my advice stands.

I never said spend an entire 12 hour day exploring the hotels; but I guess you could get retentive and read it that way. Again, based on the few hours in the morning and few in the evening - yes, you could fill the rest of the day with hotel experiences and have lots of pool time for the afternoon time period.

They asked for advice and there is no single right answer. I have posted my beliefs and you are free to post your beliefs. Then let the original poster decide what fits their style best.

Maybe they don't care about the shows - then they might take your advice.

Maybe they like the extreme leisurely approach - then they might like my advice.

Maybe they want to experience rides multiple times - so ISTC's advice might be better for them.

Now please lose the attitude - it is not needed in the Magic boards.

RU

 

[ToTBellHop]

I rode the E-Rides multiple times for several reasons, NONE of which apply to the original poster:
1. I went when the parks were not extremely busy (mid March)
2. I was rushing through the parks, ride to ride, non-stop for 6 days (when not eating)

As the poster is going during an EXTREMELY busy time at the Disneyland Resort and is planning on taking a lot of breaks, they could easily find enough to do for 6 days. As for DCA being completed in one day, maybe you locals who have visited it several times and don't really appreciate the park, anyway, can, but as a tourist from New York who had never been to California, I absolutely loved Cali Adventure. Even if it is a small park in size, it has a LOT more attractions than say Animal Kingdom, where I always spend one full day. If you are trying to do everything at Cali Adventure during Christmas week, you can EASILY spend more than a full day there.

Muppets, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Aladdin, Tower of Terror, Animation, Grizzly, Soarin', Tough to be a Bug, Seasons of the Vine, Boudin Bakery, Mission Tortilla Factory, Screamin' and any other attractions of choice in Paradise Pier, Electrical Parade...all of which will have long lines...plus the extra holiday entertainment...all in one day? That is laughable...and who can ride Soarin' or the Tower once in one trip? (I rode Screamin' a lot, too)...then all the shopping and a meal at Ariel's Grotto...

 

[dobiedadorf]

Wow! I didn't mean to start WW-3! :lol:

Thanks to everyone for your frank, honest opinions. Originally, my plan was to stay 4 nights, which is what we did the last time we were at DL (Summer, 2002.) Then, I thought I would add a fifth night, as I knew it would be more crowded and we actually didn't see everything last time. (In reference to the individual who talked about high rideability--I know what you mean! Our last morning there last time, we headed straight to Splash Mountain at rope drop and rode five times in a row!) The idea of the 6th night came with Disney's promotion "Stay 3 nights and get the 4th free" which ends on 12/23--since I really want to be there Christmas Day, and fly out the next day (family issues), and since I can't add my free night on 12/24 or 12/25, that leaves adding it earlier--ergo, 6 nights. Thus my question. Probably a dumb question--after all, that night is free, and even if it makes my trip a bit long, its probably better to repeat Pirates and Splash a few extra times than to spend that day at home watching the blizzards out of my window in the frozen north!

So again, thanks everyone! Dobe

 

[RU42]

Sounds like you have a plan! You will have a great time and enjoy yourself, that is the main goal afterall.

You will like it at DL during Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. I can smell the peppermint on MSUSA just thinking about it.

Who knows, we might be having a Magic meet sometime during the time while you are out here.

RU

 

[dobiedadorf]

Thanks RU42

What's a magic meet?

Dobe

 

[RU42]

It is a group of us on these boards that meet at Disneyland from time to time.

RU

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by RU42
Hey Chapps - if you disagree go ahead and post your own advice. You don't need to be a jerk about it.

Fair enough (although the name calling seems a tad uncalled for). Here's my advice.

If you can shorten your stay to 3 days, I would recommend that.

If not, here's what I'd advise on what to do for the 6 days.

Day One, Disneyland
Day Two, DCA in the daytime, DL in the evening (DCA will NOT take a full day, even if you ride things multiple times, trust me)
Day Three, Universal Studios
Day Four, See a taping of Jay Leno or a sitcom
Day Five, Disneyland again
Day Six, Downtown Disney during the day, then head to the airport (depending on what time your flight is)

 

[netenyahoo]

I think 6 days during the Christmas season will be ok just at the resort. It will be crowded and there are a lot of special things just for Christmas. There are also things to see at the other hotels like at the Disneyland Hotel. The pool area is pretty cool adn they have at night a water and music show that is kind of neat too. You could probably spend a night at the hotel going to Goofy's kitchen and see the pool and water show. There is so much that you can do at the parks to spend weeks there if you wanted. Also Haunted Mansion Holiday is going on then too and you'll want to do that a few times. It sounds like the original poster also takes the afternoons off so they'll definately need more time than just 3 days. DCA could be about 2 days if you stretch it and DL could be the other 4 with an evening or two doing other things. I would love to take a 6 day leisure vacation. It would be a real vacation and not rushed.

 

[CHAPPS]

Originally posted by netenyahoo
DCA could be about 2 days if you stretch it

Key words, "if you stretch it". My point exactly. You can make a visit to ANYWHERE last for 2 days IF YOU STRETCH IT. But there's no way that DCA is a 2 day park without "stretching" it.

 

[RU42]

We need to be careful on how we define terms; expecially in regards to the original poster. What does 'a day' mean?

Let's assume the poster will be in the Park from 10:00 to 1:00 and then from 6:00 to 9:00 (that gives then 5 hours for lunch, dinner, pool, and relaxing time.) That is 6 hours of in park time. If they catch Aladdin that is 1 hour gone. If you add the Electric Parade that is another hour gone. (just using round numbers here.)

Can they do the rest of the park in 4 hours? Maybe, just depends on how many of the other attractions they want to ride. Let's say the Christmas week wait/ride/walking time for the major 4 is 30 mins each. Doing Screaming, Soarin, Grizzly, and ToT and that is another 2 hours gone. That just leaves 2 hours for everything else.

I think there is more to do at DCA then many people give it credit for. Sure, some of the stuff we might not experience a second time (Tortilla or Sour Dough Bread comes to my mind) but since it is their first trip they will probably want to do it - just for the full experience. Then you have other things like DUH, ITTBAB, Golden Dreams, and other misc attractions; which together is easily more then 2 hours (plus the time to walk from place to place and any shopping excursions.)

Also depends if they want to ride something multiple times (like they mentioned in a previous post that they have done that before.) My inlaws came out in April and wanted to do a second full day at DCA because they had so much fun the first day - they couldn't stop raving about Soarin. (Full day meaning open to close in this case.)

So, we may be discussing the same point - DCA is about a 10-12 hour event. If someone thought all of DCA could be done in 6 hours then I would have to politely disagree - but then again, it all depends on 'style.'

RU