1st Disneyland trip, and only for 1 day

We regularly do 15-18 rides in a full day, with maxpass and re-riding (we have several rides we like to do 2-3 times). With some planning and judicial use of max pass, it’s actually not that hard - but we’re pretty go-go-go :) We usually don’t go on super busy days though.

Last week when we were there Sun-Tues, in three days, we did 62 rides, fantasmic, paint the night, one of the princess shows in DL, two animation academies, and we went back across Harbor for 2-3 hours to swim and get dinner one day. It took me a good 2-3 days to recover once we got home again though so I’m not sure I’d recommend it, haha.

I also want to say that it’s absolyely possible to reserve just a single night at the Harbor hotels, we’ve done just that several times.
 
I never reply to disagree and be a busy body - but .....

Look again. I just put in a dummy reservation for some hotels near by - and there is some great availability at decent prices. They may not be listed as "Good Neighbor" hotels, but that doesn't mean they aren't awesome. Many are walkable, and with the savings, you could consider an Uber too

Agree Smartlabelprint - she maybe only looked through a Disney or other TA type site.

I checked the Disney site, Trip Advisor, etc and found zero availability so then I asked my TA friend and she said these rooms usually require 2 nights booking. I checked the link you sent me and there is no availability there either for November 3-4. :(
 
When we went on a Thursday in October last year we went on 22 things, including some time consuming activities; waiting in line to see princesses, riding the railroad completely around the park, and Tom Sawyer's Island. We were there from rope drop to closing, never really took a break other than eating, and had a fantastic time.
 


I checked the Disney site, Trip Advisor, etc and found zero availability so then I asked my TA friend and she said these rooms usually require 2 nights booking. I checked the link you sent me and there is no availability there either for November 3-4. :(
That is Dapper Day weekend... it will be very busy! I would keep checking for a cancellation if you prefer to stay off site... I am staying at the Disneyland Hotel for Dapper Day (using the special rate for the event) with my mom and son and we are so excited!
 
That is Dapper Day weekend... it will be very busy! I would keep checking for a cancellation if you prefer to stay off site... I am staying at the Disneyland Hotel for Dapper Day (using the special rate for the event) with my mom and son and we are so excited!

It's also the end of Blizzcon (world of warcraft) down the road. We were there a few years ago on this weekend and it was quite possibly the most people I have ever seen lol Between all of the gamers ending their convention and people in adorable outfits I didn't know what in the heck was going on. lol
 
I checked the Disney site, Trip Advisor, etc and found zero availability so then I asked my TA friend and she said these rooms usually require 2 nights booking. I checked the link you sent me and there is no availability there either for November 3-4. :(
Your dates are during the BlizzCon Convention and Dapper Day. Many hotels are sold out especially due to the convention.
 


Definitely get a park hopper and Maxpass. Do a little research to learn which rides to use Fastpass on first. Utilize Single Rider lines and mobile ordering for food. You will be able to do ALOT , and have a great time!
 
I checked the Disney site, Trip Advisor, etc and found zero availability so then I asked my TA friend and she said these rooms usually require 2 nights booking. I checked the link you sent me and there is no availability there either for November 3-4. :(

I’m sorry! There were 2 rooms left on that link at Best Western Park Place Inn yesterday when I checked. They must have sold.

I would keep checking just because there may be cancellations. Have a wonderful time regardless!
 
I knew about Dapper Days and planned to go to the Expo, but had no idea there was also a WoW con.
 
Get the hopper. As much as I love Disneyland, my favorite rides are at California Adventure (Soarin', Guardians, RSR, Incredicoaster). I can't not do both! We just did 2 days with maxpass, the first day was very busy (columbus day). We were there for about 14 hours and I would have to look back but I am sure we did quite a few rides and had time for snacks and meals too! Maxpass makes it so that even on busy days you don't need to wait in super long lines. Most lines with maxpass were 10 minutes, most without it were 20-30...second day was even shorter (except for 2 rides, but one broke down while we were in line, and the other I don't know what happened...it was Guardians Monsters After Dark and our group waited a super long time to get on the elevator, there was no cast member there for at least 10 minutes! So weird!)

Anyway, all that to say, you can do a lot in one day if you plan it right. I am usually ready to head over to the other park early afternoon...so i think it's worth it to do both. Also, do mobile ordering for food- it was sooo amazing to not wait in line to order! Disneyland is doing great things right now to reduce waiting in line.
 
Get the hopper. As much as I love Disneyland, my favorite rides are at California Adventure (Soarin', Guardians, RSR, Incredicoaster). I can't not do both! We just did 2 days with maxpass, the first day was very busy (columbus day). We were there for about 14 hours and I would have to look back but I am sure we did quite a few rides and had time for snacks and meals too! Maxpass makes it so that even on busy days you don't need to wait in super long lines. Most lines with maxpass were 10 minutes, most without it were 20-30...second day was even shorter (except for 2 rides, but one broke down while we were in line, and the other I don't know what happened...it was Guardians Monsters After Dark and our group waited a super long time to get on the elevator, there was no cast member there for at least 10 minutes! So weird!)

Anyway, all that to say, you can do a lot in one day if you plan it right. I am usually ready to head over to the other park early afternoon...so i think it's worth it to do both. Also, do mobile ordering for food- it was sooo amazing to not wait in line to order! Disneyland is doing great things right now to reduce waiting in line.

Great tips! I completely love that Guardians Ride. Best Disney ride ever.
 

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