Disneyland - how many days?

[maryannd]

I am returning to Disneyland in early January for the first time since the opening of California Adventure.

I know asking how many days is a loaded question, because who amongst us wouldn't be happy to live there. But, sadly, compromises must made.

Last time we were there we took 2 days to get enough time for me so that my husband didn't have to drag me out of the park. For comparison, it takes 5 or 6 days at WDW to get me to the same point.

My husband is suggesting 3 days. I'm thinking a minimum of 4. Mind you my husband LOVES the parks when he's there, he just forgets how cool it is between trips. Also, he has business to attend to nearby, so I will possibly get an extra day or 2 in the parks on my own.

What do you all think?

[supernova]

In January, I can't see it taking any more than two days. Three, if you want to take your time for some reason.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

Three will be plenty to move at a slow pace and see evertyhing, you can probably do it in two.

[Veritas]

The Better Half and I went to DL in 2010, it was our first trip, timed it for four full days. it allowed us two days per park which was spot on. Two days per allows for a less hectic schedule.

[supernova]

Saying you need 2 days for California Adventure is like saying you need 2 days for Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom

[Veritas]

Saying you need 2 days for California Adventure is like saying you need 2 days for Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom

Two days allowed for a very leisurely schedule. Can you get through DCA in a half day? of course, should you? Probably not. Spend a hour in the Blue Sky Vault, catcha Green Army Men street show, wander the wharf grab a Taste Pilot Grill burger for lunch, go back take a nap, wander out again. It's a nice non-hectic pace. When the expansion is over DCA will be a full day park. Four days was very good time frame no rushing no hassles.

[BrotherHuet]

I would do at least three days. That is what I did and it was the perfect amount of time and that was being in the parks opening until closing. 4 would have been a little easier

[maryannd]

Thanks for lots of great perspectives!

[BrotherHuet]

I will be in Disneyland for 7 days in June. I have a feeling even with all of the crowds I wont miss a thing!

[maryannd]

Thanks to everyone for your input.

I ended up deciding on 4 days.

We got to the parks at 10am on arrival day. The crowds were very small - because we were just after the Christmas rush. So the lines were short - but Haunted Mansion (a favorite) and a few others were closed. Also the hours were short - so the four days was good - and gave us time to ride the favorites that were open more than once.

Of course, we have to go back. There were no parades, no fireworks or Fantasmic except for Sunday night - we missed both because we didn't check the schedule on that first day of infatuation with a park that is new to us.

Thanks again!

[supernova]

I just priced out a short trip to Disneyland for my birthday next month. The cheapest package I could find so far was over $1900, and that was without park tickets. For a heck of a lot less money, I can go a helI of a lot nicer place than Disneyland, so that trip's off. Thanks for nothing, Mickey.

[mickeytoo]

Woof!
If that was Disneyland, just IMAGINE (yes, pun intended) Diswaii-ish Land.