Disneyland in a day? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Disneyland Resort California > DL: Planning Your Disneyland Adventure
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-18-2009, 05:02 PM   #1
Luvsun
Wishing I was at WDW!
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank:
Legend Extraordinaire
 
Luvsun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Southwestern Florida, USA
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 39,153

Post Thanks / Like
Disneyland in a day?

If this question has been asked before - I am sorry for the repeat!

I am considering taking a 4-5 days to go out and see my son who lives
in Newport Beach CA.

Now, I have never been to Disneyland!

Will I be able to see quite a bit in just one day?
__________________

Luvsun ~ Passporter Guide for~Making More Magic, Going Behind the Scenes, Feasting and Snacking, and The Sunroom
My Countdown Counting down to: Spring fun at WDW!
Enjoying the Flower and Garden festival at WDW!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsChristmas 1971 first visit for our family, 1978 River Country and MK (honeymoon), March 1989 first WDW visit for my three sons, Jan. 1996 Poly, Jan. 2000 AS Sport and Disney Institute Bungalows ( now SSR), April 03 AKL, Aug. 04 Pop, April 05 AKL, Aug. 05 Pop and BC, April 06 WL, Sep. 06 POFQ, April 07 Poly, August 07 BWI, October 07 POR, Dec. 07 OKW. Feb. 08 CS, April 08 WLV, June 08 OKW and AKLV, Nov. 08 AKLV (solo trip!), Feb. 09 SSR, May 09 SSR (DoD tour - solo!), Oct. 09 BCV, Jan. 10 OKW for my birthday!, April 10 AKLV, Aug. 10 WLV, Dec, 10 WLV and ALKV., April 2011 POFQ, June 2011 AKLV Club level and Kidani Village, Nov 2011 OKW, June 2012 AKLV, Oct. 2012, CBR, April 2013, BWV, Oct. 2013 VWL, AKL Kidani Village May 2014, WL Aug. 2014, Art of Animation Oct. 2014, Dec. 2014 WLV, May 2015 OKW, July 2015 BLT, Oct. 2015 AKL Kidani, Sep. 2016 Polynesian Villas/Beach Club Villas, Dec. 2016 WLV, May 2017 BCV, Sep. 2017 All Star Movies, Nov. 2017 AKLV Jambo House, Feb. 2018 WLV, May 2018 WLV
Luvsun is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 05:06 PM   #2
FriendAim
Community Rank: Sightseer
 
FriendAim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 82

Post Thanks / Like
When I was a kid we always took day trips to DL from San Clemente. We were able to do everything we wanted to but that was before they had California Adventure.
__________________
Sydney's first trip to Disney 3/28/09
Aimee
Wife of Joe ~ 9-9-00
Mom of Sydney ~ 3-29-05
My Previous TripsWDW Mar/Apr 2009 (Pop), WDW Oct. 2004 (GFR&S), DL & CA 2002 (GC), WDW & DCL Sept. 2000 (Honeymoon trip, BDWK), WDW 1996 (Y&BC), WDW 1992 (offsite), WDW 1990 (GFR&S), Other visits in high school (4 times). Stayed at Poly, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness as a kid. Many day trips to DL as a kid.
FriendAim is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 05:06 PM   #3
scottjs
Community Rank: Explorer
 
scottjs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: san francisco
Posts: 13,151

Post Thanks / Like
If your gonna cover Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney in one day thats a lot. But you could see the highlights i Guess.
scottjs is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 05:43 PM   #4
bradbeckyk
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
bradbeckyk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Puyallup, Washington
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 529

Post Thanks / Like
I believe you will be able to see a lot of DL and CA in one day sense it's DL and not WDW. The first time we went to DL we were so shocked at how small it is. The park is more condensed do to the limited space. There are some attractions at DL we like a whole lot more than WDW. The Pirates of the Caribbean tells the whole story and so does Splash Mountain; DL also has the Indiana Jones Ride. CA has the Aladdin show which is a must see.

Brad
__________________
My Countdown Counting down to: Our Vacation To Return Home To Disney
My Previous TripsWDW Oct 1985 (Honeymoon), WDW Mar 1993, WDW Apr 1996, WDW Oct 1998, WDW & DVC members Oct 1999, WDW & DCL Oct 2001, WDW & DCL Oct 2002, DL 2004, WDW & DCL (New Years Cruise) Dec 2005, WDW & DCL Jul 2008, WDW & DCL Jul 2010, WDW & DCL 2012, WDW & DCL May 2013
bradbeckyk is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 06:56 PM   #5
Dlandmom2
Community Rank: Globetrotter
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: California
Posts: 3,021

Post Thanks / Like
It's enough to hit the highlights, but you probably won't be able to see everything you want in one day. Try to plan for a weekday if you can, so at least the crowds will be slightly less. Also, when are you going? If it's soon and you can get there late April or early May, crowds will be smallest then compared with the summer crush which pretty much begins in mid to late May! Have a great time!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
My Countdown Counting down to: Hopefully My 3rd WDW Trip with the Kids!
My Previous TripsWDW Nov 2013 OKW and POR; Jan 2009 Offsite at HGVC then Beach Club; not listing DLR...I don't think I can count that high!
Dlandmom2 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 09:17 PM   #6
LauraBelle V. Hime
 
LauraBelle V. Hime's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Foothills of the Adirondacks
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 4,733

Post Thanks / Like
If you are going for just a day, I would go with a plan. Also make sure you check the Disneyland calendar and go on a day when the park is open the maximum number of hours.
You can see quite a bit in one day, but if you are going to hit the rides, that will cut into your time considerably.
__________________

Oakley
PassPorter Guide to:
The Porch, The Family Room,
DL: Feasting & Snacking & DL: Staying in Style
Take care- Laura
My Previous TripsWDW 20 +, DL 20 +, WDW & DCL Dec. 2003 & Dec. 2005
LauraBelle V. Hime is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 09:35 PM   #7
Carousel96
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Carousel96's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 10,722

Post Thanks / Like
If it's Disney in a day vs. no Disneyland at all, I'd say do it. You can probably see "enough" especially if you focus on the things that aren't at WDW or are different. If your plans allow for a second day at DLR/DCA I think you'll be happier.
__________________
Carolyn

My Previous Trips1974 w/mom and best friend -- 1976 w/parents -- 5/2002 ASMo DD's 1st visit -- 11/2002 ASMo w/hubby and the Princess (2 trips that year - what luck!) -- 2005 POP holiday trip -- 2006 ASMo w/ DH, DD, B and SIL for niece's graduation -- 2/2009 DLR -- 11/2009 ASMu -- 11/2010 POFQ & 12/2010 POP -- Non-Disney trips: too many to mention
Carousel96 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2009, 09:46 PM   #8
DebiDebiDebi
Faith, Trust, Pixie Dust
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Legend
 
DebiDebiDebi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Sasquatch Territory, Pacific Northwest
Concierge Level: 8
Posts: 17,166

Post Thanks / Like
Also, check to see what attractions may be closed while you are there; this will aid in deciding if you want to cover both parks. We were there on Monday, and with all the refurbishment at California Adventure, we opted to skip it this go around. If you choose a weekday, (avoid holidays and school breaks if possible) you can do it, although you may not see everything.
__________________
Debbie
DebiDebiDebi is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2009, 02:36 AM   #9
chezp
PassPorter Message Board Manager
PassPorter Guide Author

Community Rank:
Legend VIP
 
chezp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285

Post Thanks / Like
You would need a plan and my advice would be to visit on a weekday during a quieter time of the year, as you'll see much more than at a weekend.
__________________

Relaxing on board the Magic. The trip report for our back-to-back cruises on the Disney Magic has started!
My Countdown Counting down to: 2019
Happy New Year!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips21 trips to WDW, 6 to Disneyland in California, 9 to Disneyland Paris, 1 to Hong Kong Disneyland, 1 to Tokyo Disney, 1 to Aulani, 1 to Hilton Head, 2 to Vero Beach and 13 Disney cruises on the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy
chezp is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2009, 11:27 AM   #10
HeatherD
When you wish upon a star
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

Community Rank: Globetrotter
 
HeatherD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 3,604

Post Thanks / Like
You can do it, but like others said, you have to decide a few things. We stayed in Newport Beach last summer and decided to hit DL for one day (I wrote a trip report called "Impromtu Visits are the Best"). We decided to only visit DL and pay for the less expensive single park ticket (only available on a 1 day ticket, all others are automatically hoppers).

If you want to hit both parks (I'd save DTD for maybe a free evening at some other point of your visit, which is what we did - of course, that's what gave us the itch to go to DLR, but still...). Anyway, if you want to hit both parks, you'll need to plan carefully what you want to see. If you're only going to hit DL (which is what I'd recommend for the best "experience"), you'll just need a gameplan or an idea of how to tour - you don't need anything strict.
__________________

Disneyland - Dec 2011

Heather
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsDLR 1976, DLR 1981, DLR 1985, WDW 1988, DLR 1992, DLR 1993, WDW 1995 All-Star Music, WDW 1998 (Honeymoon) All-Star Sports, DLR 2000-2010 annually, WDW 2007 Animal Kingdom Lodge, DCL Wonder 2007, WDW 2009 Pop Century, DCL Magic 2009, WDW 2010 Port Orleans French Quarter, WDW 2012 Pop Century, RCI Alaskan Cruise 2014, WDW/USO 2016 Pop Century and Portofino Bay

Last edited by HeatherD; 03-19-2009 at 11:32 AM..
HeatherD is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2009, 02:31 PM   #11
duck addict
Uncle Duck
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank: Legend
 
duck addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Paradise, CA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 18,048

Post Thanks / Like
Possible, yes (DL only)- try to do it a week day instead of a weekend
I would concentrate on what is different from WDW
Matterhorn
Mr Toad
Indiana Jones
Lunch at Blue Bayoo
then
Small World
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Pirates
as they are the same but different.
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsFirst trip to DL 1962; Many subsequent trips to DL (including on the 50th in 2005) 1990 offsite;2002-ASMovies ;2005-POFQ;2006-POP & Mousefest;2007 Disney Wonder POR and Mousefest, 2008 Disney Wonder and Carribbean Beach; 2009 Disney Magic (Western Caribbean) and POP.
duck addict is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:19 PM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger