[Jacova]

Hi all,

I will be going to Cal for a few days in Dec with my boyfriend, and after much begging and pleading I've convinced him to go to DL, for ONE DAY. At first I was thrilled, but after reading up on DL and DCA, I'm wondering if a one day trip is going to be more of a tease than anything.
I've never been to California before, and may not go again for quite some time (I live in NJ), and we only have a week, so we want to see as much of the state as possible. But of course I want to see as much of DL as possible also, or at least the attractions that are original to DL/DCA (I've been to WDW 5 times.) So, I need some advice/opinions:

Should I spend the whole day in one park, or try to see some of both (does a one day park hopper even exist?) If one park, which one?
What are the attractions I should see first, so as not to miss? (2 adults, no kids, thrill ride lovers)
What's the best strategy to see as much as possible in such a small amount of time?
What's the best way to convince a boring non-Disney freak that we need AT LEAST 2 days in Disney???

I'd really appreciated any opinions on this. I'd like to say lets not even bother , but I'm afraid I may never get this chance again, and I can't imagine being so close to Mickey and not even stopping by for coffee, seems a bit rude, don't ya think?

[disneyaddict]

Two days is ideal, but it can be done in one day. A one day park-hopper is available. In CA adventure, make sure to try out Soaring Over CA. AWESOME! Tower of Terror and CA Screamin are great too. If you want to take and hour for a show, Aladin at the Hyperion Theater is great! In Disneyland...it's all great. Look at what is open, and try it all. We've done it in one day. If it is a weekend when you will be there, go to the info area at the end of Main Street and ask where Maynard is working. You'll see why when you meet him. _Wendy

[Madchen]

I've been to DL around twenty times and have gone for one day every single time. I'm going Thursday for my first multi-day visit.

You can do a lot in one day! This week will be my first time at DCA, so I can really only speak for the DL park. But, I've been many times and done a lot in one day. Especially on the off season like now. I once went for one day in the summer on a Saturday... I went on Space Mountain twice and the Matterhorn once. That was it for the day! I was so mad I didn't go back for about fifteen years.

But I spent a day there in Feb. 2001 and went on tons of rides. So when you go makes a big difference.

Right now a lot of the big rides are closed, which sucks, BUT I think it will be a lot less crowded.

I hope you have a great time. I hope you can talk him into more time in the park. I know how you feel! I've never been to Disney with anyone who likes it as I do, and have always had to leave around sundown. This will be the first time I'll stay to watch the fireworks, because I'll only have my little girl and she can't make me leave early.

[Disneywife]

There is definitely a lot you can do in one day, but two days would be ideal. There is also quite a bit at DLR that WDW doesn't have. If you only have one day, I'd try DL in the morning hours when it's less crowded, and then head over to DCA in the afternoon as DL is more crowded, then head back to DL for the evening. If you're there on a weekend evening you'll get to see fireworks, snow on Main Street, and Fantasmic. The Holiday Parade will also be running every day in December.

Here is a list of attractions, shows, and lands at DL that you won't find at MK: (I've bolded the must-not-misses)

Alice in Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Critter Country (if you're into Pooh, there is a store that sells only Classic Pooh)
Davy Crocket Explorer Canoes (this might be opened seasonally - call)
Gadget's Go Coaster
Grand Canyon Diorama (viewable from the Disneyland Railroad)
Indiana Jones Adventure
Jolly Trolly
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
New Orleans Square especially at Christmas!! We did our Christmas pictures here last year on the staircase that serves as the exit to Club 33 - it was lined with poinsettias, garlands, and lights...beautiful
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Primeval World (viewable from the Disneyland Railroad)
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Sailing Ship Columbia (not sure if this will be reopened for sailing by Dec. tho it is part of the Fantasmic show)
Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough (not sure if this will be reopened by Dec.)
Star Tours
Storybook Land Canal Boats (really adorable)
Tarzan's Treehouse (used to be the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse)
Autotopia (quite different than the Indy Speedway as you drive the cute Chevy character cars)

Also, be sure not to miss the Haunted Mansion as it will be all decked out for Haunted Mansion Holiday: Nightmare Before Christmas - they don't do that at WDW, as well as Small World Holiday. Both are well worth any waits.

At CA Adventure, there is a plethora that is unique to CA as much of it is CA themed. Soarin' Over California is a do not miss, the Maliboomer, the Golden Zephyr, California Screamin', the Grizzly River Run, Mulholland Madness, and many many more.

[mickey]

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

There, that makes the list above accurate.

There are two one day tickets. The $47 one is good for one park only. There is a $69 one day hopper.

[anaheimboy]

Yea of course you can do DL/DCA in one day. Ive done it many times before. I would suggest going into both parks, and also riding the highlight rides..."famous rides". Also it is a must that u do HM and POTC, mainly because their different from WDW's and u should ride them to see the difference. And you should also do Soarin and the TOT. And you shouldnt miss Indiana Jones, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Star Tours and Autopia. But yea you can do both parks in one day and still have a great time! There is sooo much more I want to say but I havent got the time right now. :-) :-) :-)

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by mickey

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

There, that makes the list above accurate.

You know, I had that bolded at first, but then I removed it thinking that I must be the only nutcase that really enjoys that ride. I'm glad to know I'm not!

(For those who haven't been on it, it's based on Mr. Toad from Wind in the Willows, who is always taking the car out for a joyride when he isn't supposed to!)

[anaheimboy]

I like Mr Toads Wild ride. Its a cool ride. My little cousin Taylor L-O-V-E-S it. lol :-) :-)

[geeman]

Go for it.
My first trip to Disneyland was in 2000, way before I became a crazed DC nut that needed to go more often than not. I only went because my nephew had moved to California, and so we planned my visit around a trip to there and Universal. This was before I'd begun the many trips I've taken to Disney parks since.
We planned to stay at a Universal - since at the time-- no idea why - I was more interested in visiting that park. I'd gotten a good deal, and so we drove to L.A., stayed at a hotel near Universal, then decided that since we were only going to be in town for 2 1/2 days, that we'd have to visit Disneyland the night we got there. Of course, at this point California Adventure was still being made (My video shows the shape of the "bear" mountain beginning to take shape!).
I was very excited to be at the theme park that started it all that night. We got there at about 5:30-6PM. The park was open until midnight. We did as much as we could - whatever I could think of - which of course, was not enough - but it left me with a great taste. I couldn't believe I'd actually been to the park that Walt had created. A couple of hour long lines (I'd passed the Matterhorn up for the Space Transport thing that's not there any more- That line took an hour ! And I made the mistake of doing Honey I...Kids, even though it was the same as the one in Florida. All I know is the park got dark before I really got to sink into anything - but I had such a blast that first night. Those 6 hours stayed with me longer than the full day we gave Universal the following day. One day at Universal was more than enough.
Two years ago, I made a "birthday" dash to Disneyland, and this time stayed onsite and for a couple of days. That was glorious. I loved every minute of that trip. I never thought I'd ever go back, and yet I did, and actually am going back again this year.

So, since you're from the East like me (I'm from NY), and you may think you'll never go back -- you just might. And if you don't, one day is more than enough to create the right sort of memories that will be with you forever.

Unless you feel you need to see each and every attraction - just go and enjoy the experience. It was a blast for me, and I hope you'll have fun, too.

[Disneywife]

geeman, your post gave me goosebumps!

We usually go at night, I'd say 80 percent of the time. It's just so much more magical at night...less crowded...I don't know...just more fun. During the summer it's not as hot as it is during the day and during the winter you get to bundle up under the twinkling lights - esp. at Christmas time. Glorious is a terrific way to describe it!

Another thing that's neat - I'm not sure if WDW does this - is the swing dancing every Saturday night at the Carnation Plaza. DL employs professional - and really good - swing dancers and they just dance the night away to a live 40's band. It's an open air plaza with a stage and dance floor and everyone pulls up chairs around it just to watch! And a few who know some swing dancing join in. It's at the end of Main Street towards the left of the castle.

The atmosphere is just so intimate and amazing... and there's the little things. Look at the building where the firehouse is - above the firehouse is Walt's apartment. He wanted his apartment there so that he could stand in the window and watch the crowds enter the park. At night, they keep a light in the window, because Walt is "always home."

Then look at the windows above the Bank of Main Street - you'll see some important names etched in the glass.

The best way to see all of Disneyland without walking it is to take the "Full Circle Tour" of Disneyland on the Disneyland Railroad. It even takes you through part of the backlot horticulture area. You'll see Main Street, the Rivers of America, some The Grand Canyon and Primieval World (Walt's creations), you'll go through Small World (be sure to wave because everyone in line will wave at you), Toon Town, New Orleans Square (my favorite land), and more....it's a very relaxing trip if you go all around. Takes 30 minutes or so.

There's just so much to do and see, even without getting on a single ride....

[anaheimboy]

Yea and on the "Full Circle Tour" you even go through a small actuall part of the Ride Splash Mountain, Its that part with the big riverboat. But yea its coo, oh and Great Story Geeman. :-) :-)

[Jacova]

Thank you all so much for your responses! I am just starting to plan the trip so I am writing down all your suggestions. I'll still work on the man for a second day, but at least I know that we can attempt to see both parks in one day.

I'm sure I'll have loads of more questions as we get closer to the date - as it becomes a reality it becomes more and more exciting!!!

~*

[anaheimboy]

Your most very welcome. :-) And were all here and more than happy to answer any other questions! :-) :-)

[jodilt]

One thing I saw missing from the suggestions posted so far is the Electrical Parade at DCA. If you never saw the Main St. Electrical Parade at DL or during its time at WDW, don't miss it! It happens most nights (probably every night during the Christmas holidays) at DCA and is an excellent parade!

[anaheimboy]

Yes, I will have to agree. Disneys Electrical Parade in DCA is a fascinating parade that shouldnt be missed! :-)