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Old 09-13-2016, 01:16 AM   #1
CatieLou
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1 Day - Both Parks - Are we crazy?

So I have two friends coming in for the weekend and the way everyone's arrivals and departures fall we really only have one day to spend at Disneyland. Our current plan is to drive up from San Diego super early in the morning to be there for Rope Drop at Disneyland and then park hop over the DCA during the day. We are planning to stay as late as we can (Disneyland is open till 12am) and then drive back to SD at night.

I've been a couple of times but my friends have never been. I am starting to worry that this plan is crazy. Two of us have complimentary park hoppers, and one would have to buy a 1 day park hopper ($160!!!!!!)

So is it worth the money?? Are we crazy??

Thanks!
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Old 09-13-2016, 01:53 AM   #2
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Is it worth the money? I don't know, how much do you love Disney?

If it were me, and two of the three friends had free admission, I'd split the $160 among the three of you (you're there to see each other, right?). $53 and change apiece is not bad at all. It would not be worth the money to me if one of you was forced to pay out that kind of money and the other two did not; I'd resent being forced to pay it, or feel guilty that my friend had to pay so much.

If you go into it with the right attitude--that you know you won't see everything, but plan to have a screamingly good time with whatever you can fit in--you can have not only a fantastic time, but also a great story!

I'd plan a bit...make sure everyone gets a chance to do their top 1 or 2 favorites, figure out how to work the FASTPASSES, pack some sandwiches so you don't waste too much time eating, and plan to have fun. You might want to go ahead and invest in the Disneyland LIVE! Guide, so you can see what's there and so all three of you can decide what you want to see most.

I say go for it, share the admission costs, and have a blast!
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Old 09-13-2016, 02:01 AM   #3
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Ok so not totally crazy, yes! Thanks for the tip about The Disneyland Live! App.

I think I'll probably just buy her ticket. I live out here so I'm not paying for any plane tickets, while both of them are.

Any suggestions for Fastpasses? From what I've read Space Mountain is one we'll want.


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Old 09-13-2016, 10:31 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CatieLou
Ok so not totally crazy, yes! Thanks for the tip about The Disneyland Live! App.

I think I'll probably just buy her ticket. I live out here so I'm not paying for any plane tickets, while both of them are.

Any suggestions for Fastpasses? From what I've read Space Mountain is one we'll want.


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So generous of you to buy her ticket! I can see this being the most fun girls' day out ever! When are you going, again?

I was going to suggest the single rider line, too, but Debi beat me to it! IIRC, you can do single rider lines at Radiator Springs Racers, Indiana Jones, California Screamin', Splash Mountain, and Soarin' Over the World (not worth it, as you save very little time).

I love thrill rides, so if I were going by myself for one day, this is what I would do:

-DCA rope drop, fast-walk for World of Color FPs, first thing in the morning. You do NOT want to try to see this without one, especially on a busy weekend, because every good spot is roped off for FPs, seriously. (A CM with a sign will lead the crowd to this spot--I believe it's in a bug's land--and keep people from sprinting.)
-FP for Soaring Around the World (WOC FP is not linked to the others)
-Toy Story Midway Mania (no FPs, no single rider line)
-California Screamin', SR line
-Radiator Springs Racers, SR line
-Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters, if they look fun
-Tower of Terror
-Meet Anna & Elsa ('cuz I'm a Frozen nerd)
-Ride Soarin' with FP

Then I'd head over to DLR
-FP for Space Mountain
-Ride Buzz Lightyear
-Ride Star Tours
-Single Rider line for Indiana Jones
-Go back to Space Mountain at FP time
-Use any extra time to visit ToonTown

-Head back to DCA for World of Color

How much of this you can actually do will depend on crowds. You might want to try to see the new Frozen musical in DCA. Parades are nice, but if I were in a hurry I'd use that time for rides, as it can lighten the crowds at the rides a little bit.

Everyone's interests will dictate what you'll want to do, but that's how I'd try to do it (except I'd probably skip Space Mountain with only one day). Matterhorn Bobsleds are so not worth it--a very rough ride!

Have fun!
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Old 09-13-2016, 02:19 PM   #5
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Oh, and here's the link to the LIVE! Guide: http://www.passporter.com/disneyland-guidebook.php
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Old 09-13-2016, 08:52 AM   #6
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Yeah, you can totally do both parks in 1 day. Will you get to everything? Nope. But if you prioritize what you'd like to do then you should be able to accomplish a lot. I would make a list of the rides you are SUPER interested in and make sure you get them in. So research the best touring plans for them.

For instance, if you'd like to do Radiator Springs Racers I'd make sure to get over to DCA for Rope Drop (or get there early enough you can get a FP, which tend to disappear early).

Also, at DL I found some of the ride wait time apps to be helpful. There are some free ones you can get that are alright. Then you know if it is worth making your way across the park or even to hop to the other park.

Have fun!
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Old 09-13-2016, 10:24 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zettarooski View Post

For instance, if you'd like to do Radiator Springs Racers I'd make sure to get over to DCA for Rope Drop (or get there early enough you can get a FP, which tend to disappear early).



Have fun!


Thanks! I'll have to check and make sure Radiator Springs is one they definitely want to do and then if so we'll go there first.


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My Previous TripsThe Highlights! Caribbean Beach Resort 1994 - My First Trip Port Orleans Riverside 1999 - 10th Birthday Surprise Trip Disneyland Resort - 2001 - First time to DL Disneyland Paris - 2008 - First time to DLP All-Stars Movies 2008 - Dancing at the World with my Dance Studio! Hong Kong Disneyland - 2011 - First time to HKD Disneyland Resort - May 2014 - Finally made it back! Most Recent: Art of Animation - May 5-7th, 2015
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Old 09-13-2016, 09:04 AM   #8
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It'll be a long day, but it is possible. Plan ahead, get fastpasses, do "single rider" whenever possible. For example, we were there last week and the stand-by line for radiator springs was 75 minutes. DH and I opted for single rider, and were were on ride in 7 minutes. You may not get to ride all together, but it is a perfect solution when time is not on your side.
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Old 09-13-2016, 10:22 AM   #9
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Got it. Single rider line when possible! I think when I share the line lengths they'll be okay with that. I was wondering if we should hit Radiator Springs very first thing, but I figure lines will be long everywhere since it's the weekend.


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My Previous TripsThe Highlights! Caribbean Beach Resort 1994 - My First Trip Port Orleans Riverside 1999 - 10th Birthday Surprise Trip Disneyland Resort - 2001 - First time to DL Disneyland Paris - 2008 - First time to DLP All-Stars Movies 2008 - Dancing at the World with my Dance Studio! Hong Kong Disneyland - 2011 - First time to HKD Disneyland Resort - May 2014 - Finally made it back! Most Recent: Art of Animation - May 5-7th, 2015
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