Ahhh! Big letdown. Our trip had to be shortened to one day. Please help me.

[grumpymakesmehappy]

I am so disappointed. Due to work, we are having to cut our trip short and fly back to TN on Monday instead of Wednesday. That wouldn't be so bad, but we're flying into SNA on Sunday around 1:00 pm. Since we've already paid for our airfare from Las Vegas into SNA and it's cheaper to fly back home from SNA than Vegas, we've decided to go ahead and stay overnight at the HOJO in DL like we originally booked and then cancel the other 2 nights.

I know what you're going to suggest. Take a Vegas day and make it a DL day, but we can't do that. We have tickets to the UFC fight on Saturday night and a table reserved at Prive for the after party so there's no way for us to add a day to DL.

Now, I just have to come up game plan for Sunday at DL. Please help me out. I know that we will not have too much time (park closes at midnight) but I really want to know what I can't miss and must make a priority. What is the best of the best at DL? We're WDW vets but that doesn't mean that I don't want to ride TOT and Splash Mountain to compare the two. I'm guessing that I will probably want to focus on DL rather than CA for the most part.

Please help me with what rides are unique to DL. What are the top at both parks? And if anyone has any idea how I should go about accomplishing the most in a short time, please please please tell me.

I'm disappointed right now but I'm also thankful that I will at least get a glimpse of DL . I know that there will be more to see and that hopefully it will lead to another trip out west...this time just for DL.

 

[bulldoggrl]

If I had to pick my top 5 or so rides at the parks, I would pick

DL
Space Mountain
Big Thunder
Pirates
Haunted Mansion

DCA
California Screamin
Soarin
TOT

Fast Pass Space Mountain as soon as you arrive. Pirates and Haunted Mansion will probably be the shortest lines, Big Thunder usually isn't too horrible, nor is California Screamin. Space Mountain and Soarin will be your longest waits...

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Coming from a WDW vet, definitely ride Pirates of the Caribbean at DL, I like POTC much better at DL then at WDW. You have to also ride Space Mountain at DL because it is completely different from WDW. Don't forget the Indiana Jones rode too! Those are my top 3 rides I have to ride at DL.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Coming from a WDW vet, definitely ride Pirates of the Caribbean at DL, I like POTC much better at DL then at WDW. You have to also ride Space Mountain at DL because it is completely different from WDW. Don't forget the Indiana Jones rode too! Those are my top 3 rides I have to ride at DL.

POTC, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain (just because I love it), Indiana Jones, TOT (another love), and Mr. Toad (because I miss it so much), and Haunted Mansion (because it's so different looking and I love it!) are the on the list. We will probably bypass Soarin unless it is just that much better at DL. I've always thought it was just o.k. but DH does like it. Regardless, it will not be one of the ones I am running to.

What other rides am I overlooking? Does anyone have a strategy for 1 day in the park that could help me out? Should I try Ridemax? We had already made dinner reservations at Blue Bayou at 5:00. Should we keep it and just do dessert? I'm so lost right now.....

 

[Hound 109]

POTC, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain (just because I love it), Indiana Jones, TOT (another love), and Mr. Toad (because I miss it so much), and Haunted Mansion (because it's so different looking and I love it!) are the on the list. We will probably bypass Soarin unless it is just that much better at DL. I've always thought it was just o.k. but DH does like it. Regardless, it will not be one of the ones I am running to.

What other rides am I overlooking? Does anyone have a strategy for 1 day in the park that could help me out? Should I try Ridemax? We had already made dinner reservations at Blue Bayou at 5:00. Should we keep it and just do dessert? I'm so lost right now.....

Are you just 2 adults?

Will you buy (or have you bought) park hoppers?

Will you be going into the parks Monday morning?

Is this visit for THIS weekend?

I'd cancel Blue Bayou if you only have 9 hours at DL.

RideMax might be good, but with a short window, you need priority planning....not general tour planning. Answer the above & I'll offer a touring opinion (& i'm sure others will chime in & fine tune it).

No stress....we're gonna "work" the problem. (Like getting the square boxes in the round chute on Apollo 13 ).

hound -

 

[OurDogCisco]

At DL I'd go on some of the classics that aren't at WDW like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Alice and Wonderland, Roger Rabbit's Ride, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Finding Nemo Ride, Storybook, etc... I love all the theming on these rides especially Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I really like Blue Bayou so, I would have a hard time cutting that one out but since you are only there for 9 hours I'd probably pick Cafe Orleans instead. You can make dining reservations at Cafe Orleans and at least get to sit for 1 hour or so.

Otherwise, I'd just go in with a definite plan and ride order so, you can get the most out of your day. GL...

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Are you just 2 adults?

Will you buy (or have you bought) park hoppers?

Will you be going into the parks Monday morning?

Is this visit for THIS weekend?

I'd cancel Blue Bayou if you only have 9 hours at DL.

RideMax might be good, but with a short window, you need priority planning....not general tour planning. Answer the above & I'll offer a touring opinion (& i'm sure others will chime in & fine tune it).

No stress....we're gonna "work" the problem. (Like getting the square boxes in the round chute on Apollo 13 ).

hound -

It will be both me and my husband.

I don't think we can reasonable go to the parks Monday. We will be flying out of SNA at 12:30. We wouldn't be able to do that would we? We had breakfast reservation for Minnie & Friends for 8:30. Could we still do that and get to the airport on time to check in for our flight?

We have not bought our tickets yet but we do plan on buying the park hoppers.

Yes, we will be at the parks THIS Sunday the 25th.

Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it.

 

[Jenn1116]

I suggest skipping Minnie and Friends ( I enjoy the breakfast, but I think it's a waste of time based on your schedule). Get a one day pass. It is my understanding that you can get a two hr. shopping pass for free. You just have to give them credit card info so they can charge you if you don't come back within 2 hours. Then you can go in the park first thing Monday and catch one or two rides,or do some shopping before heading to the airport. I would personally use it for shopping that way I wouldn't waste any time Sunday in the stores. Then head straight for the airport!

 

[Jenn1116]

BTW I hope someone can verify that shopping pass idea. I've never done it, but I heard about it here on the DIS.

 

[Hound 109]

It will be both me and my husband.

I don't think we can reasonable go to the parks Monday. We will be flying out of SNA at 12:30. We wouldn't be able to do that would we? We had breakfast reservation for Minnie & Friends for 8:30. Could we still do that and get to the airport on time to check in for our flight?

We have not bought our tickets yet but we do plan on buying the park hoppers.

Yes, we will be at the parks THIS Sunday the 25th.

Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it.

Jenn, that 2 hour shopping pass idea is genius....I wonder if it could be used for 90 min. of touring between 9 - 10:30am???

Random thoughts:

- Why on earth is DL opening at 9am on Memorial Day?!!?? (Instead of at 8am?) Which means you'll have at best 60-90 min. on Monday.

- I wish you were arriving at DL at 7:20am on Sunday instead of 2:20-3:20pm. (If you were I'd recommend a park hopper). Since you only have 9 hours.....you'll have to decide if CA Screamin' & Grizz Rapids is worth $50 bucks (the difference between 2 DL tickets & 2 one day park hoppers). Since Soarin - which i love btw -, TofT, Crush, & Bugs Life are all at WDW & the rest of DCA isn't as "Don't Miss" as DL....I'd actually stick with DL only.

- If you decide you need the hopper because of Screamin & Griz or because you might need a crowd safety valve from DL that's cool too.

I'll post back with thoughts assuming no DCA (given the above). I love a challenge. But.....Memorial Day Sunday.....9 hours at DL......wow.

Grumpy.....are you the type that likes to shop on Black Friday?? Go to Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday??

This will be fun.

& hopefully someone will post back on the "2 Hour shopping pass".

 

[Hound 109]

You asked for it, so here is my 9 hour DL & DCA touring plan:

Assumptions:

- all SM FPs (&/or Indy) are gone at 3pm.
- ride single when possible.
- WDW Vet...needs to see the best of the best.

3pm Sunday

- Into DL, pickup Indy FP (or SM)
- Check out JC line, if short, ride it...if not, back to the hub thru the castle
- Check out SW & Pinocchio line, if short, ride it...if not walk over to TT
- pickup Roger Rabbit FP. TAKE DISNEY RAILROAD BACK TO FRONT - TT "STATION" IS 50 YARDS FROM RR.

- Over to DCA, over to Griz. If FP return is under 2 hours grab one...otherwise do single ride.
- Over to Cal. Screamin. Ride Single.
- Grab a Corny Dog at the Palace.
- (if you want to ride Soarin' single ride).
- Griz (if you haven't already done it).
- Grab a glass of wine or beer &/or appetizer at the Trat.

- Back over to DL
- Pick up Buzz or BTMRR FP
- (Pinocchio & Snowy if you didn't do it before)
- Pirates
- HM
- Splash (single)
- cookies &/or candy at Pooh Corner
- JC (if you didn't do it)
- Maybe ride the train (if you did JC & are ahead of schedule) over to ToonTown...if not, then get a...
- Dole Whip (shorter line INSIDE the Tiki room patio) on the way to pick up a...
- pick up Buzz or BTMRR FP

INDY FP return? / Fireworks?

- Roger Rabbit (with your FP)
- Bratwurst or Knockwurst at the Princess Fantasy Faire snackbar.
- Toady/Alice/Storybook (check lines, if under 20 min., ride...if not ride one of them & take a break)
- Buzz (or BTMRR) with your FP.
- Indy FP Return?
- Corny Dog Truck or Churro stand nearby.
- BTMRR (or Buzz) with your FP (Grab a munchie at El Zocolo)
- Toady/Alice/Storybook
- Matterhorn (both sides?)

at 11:30 ride anything you missed above.

at 11:50Pm head over to Space (or Indy), ride before midnight.


All comments welcomed, i'm sure i missed alot.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

You asked for it, so here is my 9 hour DL & DCA touring plan:

Assumptions:

- all SM FPs (&/or Indy) are gone at 3pm.
- ride single when possible.
- WDW Vet...needs to see the best of the best.

3pm Sunday

- Into DL, pickup Indy FP (or SM)
- Check out JC line, if short, ride it...if not, back to the hub thru the castle
- Check out SW & Pinocchio line, if short, ride it...if not walk over to TT
- pickup Roger Rabbit FP.

- Over to DCA, over to Griz. If FP return is under 2 hours grab one...otherwise do single ride.
- Over to Cal. Screamin. Ride Single.
- Grab a Corny Dog at the Palace.
- (if you want to ride Soarin' single ride).
- Griz (if you haven't already done it).
- Grab a glass of wine or beer &/or appetizer at the Trat.

- Back over to DL
- Pick up Buzz or BTMRR FP
- (Pinocchio & Snowy if you didn't do it before)
- Pirates
- HM
- Splash (single)
- cookies &/or candy at Pooh Corner
- JC (if you didn't do it)
- Maybe ride the train (if you did JC & are ahead of schedule) over to ToonTown...if not, then get a...
- Dole Whip (shorter line INSIDE the Tiki room patio) on the way to pick up a...
- pick up Buzz or BTMRR FP

INDY FP return? / Fireworks?

- Roger Rabbit (with your FP)
- Bratwurst or Knockwurst at the Princess Fantasy Faire snackbar.
- Toady/Alice/Storybook (check lines, if under 20 min., ride...if not ride one of them & take a break)
- Buzz (or BTMRR) with your FP.
- Indy FP Return?
- Corny Dog Truck or Churro stand nearby.
- BTMRR (or Buzz) with your FP (Grab a munchie at El Zocolo)
- Toady/Alice/Storybook
- Matterhorn (both sides?)

at 11:30 ride anything you missed above.

at 11:50Pm head over to Space (or Indy), ride before midnight.


All comments welcomed, i'm sure i missed alot.

Wow! You are good. We have a cruise & WDW trip planned for Dec. so if we have to miss some of the rides that are also at WDW than that it o.k. I just wanted to make sure that we hit the special rides and the ones that are considered better at DL.

I hate that our DL trip was shortened but things could be worse right? Like I said earlier, I'm just happy that we will be able to catch a glimpse of Walt's park.

How busy will it be on Sunday? I know it's Memorial Day weekend and I'm prepared for the crowd and the heat. What kind of wait times we looking at by hitting the park mid-day? Thanks!

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

bump....any other suggestions from DL vets?

 

[tink2dw]

Memorial Day could go one of two ways,
1. Everybody is staying away doing family, memorial stuff
or
2. It is a Holiday and will be totally crowded to the point of almost being closed by Fire Marshal

How ever you are arriving at the time most advise to go back to the hotel for a break, so you may catch a break.

I hope you all are Park Commandos.

Pirates Of the Caribbean is 2 minutes longer at DL than WDW a must see! As you leave POTC wander to the left in and of the little courtyards. This is near the NEW Walt Disney Suite for Dream. If you see the sign TRY THE GUMBO the Suite is directly above! While in New Orleans Square watch for Captain Jack Sparrow he won't stop and ps. he doesn't know what a camera is, it is long after his time, But ask to take a picture with him and see what he does!

The Haunted Mansion is in this area, too.

Eat at Cafe Orleans while watching Fantasmic. It is different than WDW's.

If you need to escape to a quieter area cross over to Pirates Liar/Tom Sawyers Island there are Pirate Singers [funny], and Pirate Caves [adults can walk thru] to see the treasures lurking there and much more.

Go have fun!!!

 

[tink2dw]

Someone here says to check if a day will be crazy busy by checking if the AP's block the days you are going.

I just checked all the Ap's, and they All have Sunday the 25 of May Blocked.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Someone here says to check if a day will be crazy busy by checking if the AP's block the days you are going.

I just checked all the Ap's, and they All have Sunday the 25 of May Blocked.

So what does that mean? Does that mean it will be crazy or not?

 

[blue donkey]

It means that they are expecting it to be crowded.

However, the weather forecast for anaheim shows 66 as a high for the Sunday. So even if it's packed, at least you won't be melting in a heat wave.

Have fun!

 

[OurDogCisco]

So how was it???

We thought Sunday was the worst of the 4 days we were there. Friday and Saturday were the best. But I'm sure the weather had a lot to do with it.

 

[Hound 109]

So how was it???

We thought Sunday was the worst of the 4 days we were there. Friday and Saturday were the best. But I'm sure the weather had a lot to do with it.

Oh no.


Cisco....based on your comment, they might still be in line to ride Indy.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Oh no.


Cisco....based on your comment, they might still be in line to ride Indy.

OMGosh... the Indy ride line was the WORST. I think with the movie coming out everyone is hyped up about the ride or maybe is always bad. We lucked out and got Dream Fastpasses on Sunday. I'm hoping they got some pixie dust too!!