Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAKING
the
MOST
of
YOUR TIME
ALLOCATING TIME
THE DISNEY PEOPLE
recommend spending two to four full days at Disneyland Resort.
While this may seem a little self-serving, it is not without basis. Disneyland Resort is
huge,
with something to see or do crammed into every conceivable space. In addition,
there are two parks, and touring requires a lot of walking, and often a lot of waiting in
line. Moving in and among large crowds all day is exhausting, and often the unrelent-
ing Southern California sun zaps even the most hardy, making tempers short.
During our many visits to Disneyland, we observed, particularly on hot summer
days, a dramatic transition from happy, enthusiastic touring on arrival to almost zom-
bielikeploddingalonglaterintheday.Visitorswhobegantheirdayenjoyingthewon-
ders of Disney imagination ultimately lapsed into an exhausted production mentality
(“We have two more rides in Fantasyland; then we can go to the hotel”).
OPTIMUM TOURING SITUATION
WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ONE IDEAL ITINERARY.
Tastes, energy levels, and
perspectives on what constitutes entertainment and relaxation vary. This understood,
here are some considerations for developing your own ideal itinerary.
Optimum touring at Disneyland requires a good game plan, a minimum of three
to five days on-site (excluding travel time), and a fair amount of money. It also re-
quires a fairly prodigious appetite for Disney entertainment. The essence of optimum
touring is to see the attractions in a series of shorter, less-exhausting visits during the
cooler, less-crowded times of day, with plenty of rest and relaxation between excur-
sions.
Because optimum touring calls for leaving and returning to the theme parks, it
makes sense to stay in one of the Disney hotels or in one of the non-Disney hotels
within walking distance. If you visit Disneyland during busy times, you need to get
up early to beat the crowds. Short lines and stress-free touring are incompatible with
sleeping in. If you want to sleep in
and
enjoy your touring, visit Disneyland when at-
tendance is lighter.
THE CARDINAL RULES FOR SUCCESSFUL TOURING
MANY VISITORS DON'T HAVE THREE DAYS
to devote to Disneyland Resort. For these
visitors, efficient touring is a must. Even the most time-effective plan, however, won't
allow you to cover both Disney theme parks in one day. Plan to allocate at least an
entire day to each park. If your schedule permits only one day of touring, concentrate
on one theme park and save the other for another visit.
