Disneyland question

Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker

I am a WDW regular, and I will in the LA area for about 2 days (for pleasure)in late June and I am definitely planning on visiting DL for my first time in 19 years. I would really like to see both Disneyland and DCA (which I have never seen) in my time there, and I was wondering if there was any chance the 2 parks could be seen in one day? I highly doubt it since it'd be late June, but I figured here was the best place to ask.

Also, I have read that DCA is really overrated and not that great a park. (Not sure how true this is). I'm not sure a true Disney lover like me would admit to this, but I wanted to know if Univeral Hollywood would be better than doing DCA for the day.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on this, thank you.

 

Originally Posted By alexbook

It's at least theoretically possible to hit all the rides in both parks in one long day, but that's assuming you don't stop to watch a show or a parade and the crowds aren't too bad.

I think DCA is as much fun as Disneyland, but lots of people disagree, some angrily.

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

My take on Universal was if you are a effects person then it's fun - if you like to do rides and generally have fun then I would stick to DCA...Plus if you aren't enjoying DCA you can always go back to DL.
While in DCA however, don't miss -
1. Soarin over California
2. Aladdin
3. California Screamin

 

Originally Posted By 1disneymom3boys

My family loves California adventure. If you have never been there, you would probably need the entire day to spend there. Tower of terror is great, Aladdin is such an amazing show, and also, since you will be there in June don't forget to see the Electric parade. I would choose to go to Ca Adventure over Universal anyday.Have a great time!

 

Originally Posted By Dabob2

I agree. Get a parkhopper and if you find you're not enjoying DCA, hop back over to DL. There's too much in DL to do in one day anyway; forget about trying to do both. Devote the two days to DLR. If you DO enjoy DCA, you can stay as long as you like, obviously.

I would say don't miss Soarin', TOT (some people prefer WDW's, but I like DCA's giddier version), the Aladdin show, the Animation Building (better than WDW's), and Screamin'. That's at a minimum. You may also find yourself enjoying GRR (better than Kali), the Sun Wheel (seems to be a love it or hate it thing), Monsters, and other things. Bugs and Muppets you can probably skip as a WDW regular.

If you find you're really enjoying yourself, stay. There are some good food (and drink, including alcohol) choices at DCA too. If not, hop back to DL - you won't be able to see it all in one day anyway. Unlike WDW, park hopping in DLR is a breeze. They are literally just across a little plaza from each other.

 

Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8

I think it is at least possible to hit all the major must see attractions if you are smart about it.
Get to Disneyland at opening. Ride Space Mountain & get a fastpass. Try Nemo if the line isn't insane. Do the Fantasyland rides you want to see but don't miss Peter Pan. Get an Indy fastpass & ride if it isn't too long. Ride Pirates, Thunder, & Haunted Mansion. Get a Splash fastpass & ride if you like.
Go to DCA. Get a fastpass for Soarin. Most likely the TOT ride won't be too long so ride that. Ride Screamin. See Aladdin if possible. Use fastpass at Soarin. If you like get a fastpass at Grizzley River Run as it is not usually attached to the fastpass machines.
Make priority seating reservations at the resteraunt of your choice either in Downtown Disney or Disneyland and have an early dinner.
Go back to Disneyland and enjoy your fastpasses, any short lines, parades, and fireworks.
I've colleceted 22 fastpasses in one day so it is quite possible to enjoy a lot of rides!

 

Originally Posted By barboy

"I was wondering if there was any chance the 2 parks could be seen in one day?"


It can't be done--- you're talking about high June. From Memorial day through Labor Day forget it even if you show up on a Tues. prior to rope drop. If the off season were available to you and you stayed away from designated holidays and all Fri., Sat. and Sun's then you would have a sporting chance.


Now, you could definitely pull off a "greatest hits" tour if you are industrious and you milk the Fast Pass system. I don't see why you could not experience all of the super headliners of both parks.

 

Originally Posted By Autopia Deb

I'm going to part from the crowd on one point. Since you're a WDW regular I think you should skip Soarin'. It's identical to the EPCOT attraction and always has long lines.

If at all possible, extend your So Cal trip so you can get a 2 or 3 day park hopper. The only way to do everything in both parks in less than 2 days is if you go in the off season.

Don't miss: Indy, Pirates, HM, Tiki Room, Toad and Alice at DL. Screamin', Monsters Inc and Aladin show at DCA.

Recomend: Matterhorn, Space, Splash, Buzz and Cartoon Spin at DL. ToT and Grizzly River Rapids at DCA

Skip: Well it's all good to SOMEONE so with out knowing you it's difficult to say what you should take a pass on.

I wouldn't bother with Universal, unless the place is PACKED it's really only a half day park.

 

Originally Posted By dl1956

Hello NYthrillseeker,
I have some thoughts on your question, but one thing is unclear to me: do you plan on a single day for your theme park visit(s), i.e., one day for the DL Resort and/or for Universal?

 

Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker

Thanks everyone for their replies so far, it has indeed been very helpful. dl1956, yes, I will only have 2 days in the area, so I was planning on spending 1 day in DL and 1 day at another park. I could probably squeeze a third day out of it, but that would make my travel plans tight, plus I'm not sure if I'd want to do 3 parks in 3 days.

I am familiar with ToT, and Soarin since they have them in WDW, but DCA is sounding more enjoyable than some people have made it out to be. I have been to Universal Hollywood (19 years ago), and I remember liking it more than I ever enjoyed Universal Florida. If it is indeed a half day park though, I'd prefer spending my money on DCA.

 

Originally Posted By dl1956

NYthrillseeker,
just a coupla quick thoughts right now:
are you traveling alone? weekday or weekend? makes a big difference in planning - check out the Single Rider option at Soarin', for example;
as has been pointed out, DL and DCA are cheek by jowl, so back and forth is no problem, therefore I'd say unless you have budget constraints, a park hopper is the way to go;
assuming you'll be NY time zone jet-lagged anyway, I'd recommend planning for DL at morning opening.

 

Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker

DL1956,
I will be traveling with my wife and son, but I'll keep the single rider option in mind for possible attractions they might not be interested in, they are not much of "thrillseekers" as I am.

I will be in the area on a Wednesday and Thursday, so I shouldn't have a weekend crowd. But being that summer is just beginning, it's probably going to be jammed anyway.

Actually, I won't be fresh off an airplane, I'm driving down the coast from Seattle, so I should be well used to the time difference by the time I get to LA.

My budget is probably going to be a bit tight, but I'll consider getting a hopper pass.

 

Originally Posted By Autopia Deb

As you are driving down the coast and get to the So Cal area (Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties and South if you're driving down the 101) stop into a Vons or similar and see if they have discounted park hoppers at the checkout counter.

 

Originally Posted By knightnfrees

<<I have been to Universal Hollywood (19 years ago)>>

If you are considering USH, here is my 2 cents...Alot has changed in 19 yrs at USH. They have expanded since then. They've added the Studio Center which features A couple of rides, Jurassic Park and The Mummy respectively. They have a couple of behind the scenes exhibits. They have also streamlined the Tour from 2 hrs to 45 minutes! There are alot of new shows up in the Entertainment center (upper lot). The only familiar show (from 19 yrs ago) would be the Animal Show...however it's been retooled with an Animal Planet theme. They also have Back to the Future which will be closing at the end of the summer.

However, if you don't want to deal with traffic up to Universal City, than I'd say go to DCA on your second day. Afterall, you are on vacation. You want to relax and not stress out in traffic.

 

Originally Posted By Dabob2

<They have also streamlined the Tour from 2 hrs to 45 minutes! >

Have they really? That was always the most interesting thing about USH, and the thing that most set it apart from USF - at least you got the vibe you were at a real working studio, not just a "studio park." What a shame.

 

Originally Posted By dl1956

NYthrillseeker,
will you be most interested in non-WDW available stuff? Live shows and/or parades? Do you plan on staying thru the evening?
I have some thoughts based on your prefs, if you'd like to "hear" them.

 

Originally Posted By AZDLDad

<<However, if you don't want to deal with traffic up to Universal City, than I'd say go to DCA on your second day. Afterall, you are on vacation. You want to relax and not stress out in traffic. >>

My thoughts exactly. A commute, if you are not from the area and know shortcuts. I have not been to USO, but I think that the USH is pretty spread out too. The layout of Universal Studios Hollywood is such that most of the theme park is located on top of the hill (near the main gate), while the working studio (the front and back lots) are located far below. Guests ride escalators down and up the hill.

Go to DCA and then judge for yourself.

 

Originally Posted By Autopia Deb

At various times over the last 5 years I've been an AP at USH, Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain and DLR. I by far prefer DCA to all but DL.

 

Originally Posted By knightnfrees

<<at least you got the vibe you were at a real working studio, not just a "studio park." What a shame.>>

I agree! When you went to USH, you got to see how movies were made from in front of the camera to behind the camera to the editing process. Nowadays, it's just entertainment-type shows w/o the behind the scenes draw. As far as the Tram Tour, it's hit and miss on when you'll be able to see some actual filming.

 

Originally Posted By a1stav

I have not been to USH in about 8 years, but I love the atmosphere of the place (I am a big classic movie fan). I truly love USH but I also like DCA quite a bit as well. It all falls into personal taste, don't be too influenced negatively about DCA or USH by what people say on this site, they both are very good parks for there own reasons.