Please Critique My DL Itinerary

[KandiB47]

I am a WDW vet but I have never been to DL. I spent a couple of hours making this plan. I own Ride Max and Touring Plans but neither fit just right. We have a day and a half to spend and DL before a cruise so I want to pack in a lot without being super exhausting. It's two adults and a five year old. I skipped some of the stuff that I have read is very similar at WDW because of the short amount of time we have. Also, we are going during spring break so I'm expecting very crowded condition. We don't have early entry. I appreciate what feedback you can give me.

Thanks!

Half day at California Adventure, Friday March 30, 1pm to 9pm

1. Obtain FASTPASSes for Soarin' Over California
2. 1:15pm: Dine at Taste Pilots' Grill » 40 minutes
3. Ride California Screamin' using the Single Rider Line
4. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (while adults ride California Screamin)
5. Ride California Screamin' using the Single Rider Line
6. Grizzly River Run
7. Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
8. Take The Bakery Tour
9. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
10. Animation Academy
11. Ride Soarin' over California (with Fast Pass)
12. 6:30pm: World of Color Picnics at Sonoma Terrace » 30 minutes
13. World of Color (8pm?)



All day at Disneyland, Saturday, March 31, 8am to 10pm
1. Space Mountain (One adult ride SP, One adult take child on Autopia)
2. Autopia
3. Space Mountain (Other adult ride SP while first adult and child get FP for IJA)
4. Obtain FASTPASSes for Indiana Jones Adventure
5. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
6. Ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Haunted Mansion
9. Obtain FASTPASSes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
10. 11:30am: Dine at The Golden Horseshoe » 45 minutes
11. Billy Hill & The Hillbillies (Show at the Golden Horseshoe)
12. Use FP for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
13. Use FP for Indiana Jones Adventure
14. 1:00pm: Taking a break outside the park » 180 minutes
15. View Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
16. Obtain FASTPASSes for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
17. Raft to and explore Tom Sawyer Island
18. 5:45pm: Dine at French Market Restaurant » 45 minutes
19. Use FP for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
20. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
21. Alice in Wonderland
22. See The Magic, The Memories, and You!
23. Fantasmic! (2nd show?)

 

[jpark]

I can't comment on the California Adventure Itinerary (i only pop in for a couple of rides), but the Disneyland one looks good. You're getting space mountain done first (which is one of the busiest rides that also runs out of fast passes early). The fantasyland rides you have down shouldn't be too crowded since they're not the most popular ones. You can also get a fast pass for haunted mansion if needed if your schedule runs over.

 

[jpark]

Also - Just keep in mind that French Market can be crowded/slow at the time you have down, so you might need more time to eat. Also, its best to have someone go outside and look for a table while another is getting the food.

 

[SFMommy]

Just a few things...

When we arrived at 1:15 on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend we went straight to the Fastpass line for Soarin' over California and our return time was 8:00 p.m. So be prepared for that, if it is a busy day.

I think that the Bakery Tour no longer exists. Maybe someone else can confirm this.

I've read that Roger Rabbit is disconnected from the rest of the Fastpass system, so you should be able to get this Fastpass anytime. Just something that might help you out when you are there.

Have fun!

 

[Casey's Mommie]

I can't comment on the California Adventure Itinerary (i only pop in for a couple of rides), but the Disneyland one looks good. You're getting space mountain done first (which is one of the busiest rides that also runs out of fast passes early). The fantasyland rides you have down shouldn't be too crowded since they're not the most popular ones. You can also get a fast pass for haunted mansion if needed if your schedule runs over.

I thought haunted mansion only had fast pass during the holiday makeover?

 

[sonnyjane]

I thought haunted mansion only had fast pass during the holiday makeover?

You are correct. Jpark is mistaken. During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, Haunted Mansion Holiday has a FP, but during spring break when the OP will be going, there is no FP.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

I know youre trying to minimize 'duplicates' so I won't make comments like 'How could you not consider TSM or skip Star Tours...the coolest thing ever'. spring break weekend will be *really* crowded so it's a good thing you're using ridemax. also, side note. cell reception in the parks is pretty awful, so you might want to rely on texting to communicate.

So with that in mind, a few comments...this is partly based on our trip last easter with 6 & 8 year old grandsons.

DCA

* I don't see the Aladdin show in here. Unless it's closed (every now and then it goes on hiatus while Disney supposedly works on a new show and then they always bring it back). It is the best show in DCA (and DLR depending on how much you like Billy Hill) and a nice break from the crowds and heat. You should probably show up 30 minutes before to be assured of a seat. I think the last show is around 3:30 or 4 so it could be fit in. Kid and one adult could play in bugs land while one adult holds the spot.

* My memory (we were last there in August) was that the bakery tour is still going, it's the Mission Tortilla Factory tour that's closed. IMO, this isn't really worth going out of your way....pretty much a video, you walk by a kitchen and they hand you a sample. Looks like you're going out of your way to get there...not worth it.

* You might check with someone who has been there very recently about which paths are actually open. With the Cathay Circle construction, I'm not sure whether you can directly get from Soarin' to Hollywood Blvd (across what was known as Sunshine Plaza). You might have to go through Bugs Land. If that's the case, it will take longer to get over to Mike & Sully and the animation academy (luckily there is never more than 10 min wait for M&S). this might affect your thinking in terms of order of activities.

* Redwood Creek Challenge is only one possibility for kids area (all the rides in Bugs Land and several of the rides in Paradise Pier are aimed at kids), however Redwood Creek is a good idea as (like the Dinosaur Excavation at AK) there's no lines. however, I think the two adults are going to be REALLY tired by the end of the day if you're going back and forth between Redwood Creek Challenge and Screamin' Might make more sense from a time perspective to either do a child swap at Screamin' or have one parent/kid do the kid rides at Paradise Pier while the other adult goes on the roller coaster. Typically the line for GRR will be as long (if not longer) then Kali River Rapids so if you don't get a fastpass for GRR another use of RCC could be for one adult to hold place in line for GRR while kid and one adult go play at RCC.

DL

* The submarines. This is one of the slowest-loaders in the park (or at least it feels that way when you're in line). If you really want to do this, I'd suggest one adult holding the place while the kid and adult go and do something else. Last Easter happened to walk by Finding Nemo during the afternoon parade and the wait was only 20 minutes. ONLY 20 MINUTES!! We're getting in this line now!! After, we asked the grandons the usual questions: How'd you like it? Pretty good. Do you want to go on it again later? Not really. Touring Plans does recommend either first thing or during a parade.

* I see you don't have the fireworks listed, but instead MM&Y. That's OK. On a weekend night, you'd have to flop yourself down at least 90 minutes before the fireworks to get a decent spot and MM&Y is unique to DL. Don't have high expectations, but it's enjoyable to see what they do with the facade. And since you're already there...you should do IASW...your 5-year old will enjoy, the DL version is better and there's usually not more than a 10-minute line.

* I see you've got a couple fantasyland rides later in the evening. best time to do this would be right after the fireworks. they close most of fantasyland during the fireworks and the lines take a little while to build after the show. but if you wait too long, it becomes a zoo.

* sleeping beauty castle. there's a very charming walk-through of the castle with special effect dioramas. have your child practice reading some of the signs. Overlooked little gem.

* Roger rabbit. personally, I think this is overrated but OK if you don't have to wait in line. however, I would suggest one of you going to get the FP while adult/kid go to tom sawyer island.

Overall, looks like a typical Ridemax itinerary (back and forth across the park to minimize waits) and since you've only got a day and a half, looks pretty good. But I agree with another poster about FP return....crowds might be bad enough that the return will be later than you anticipate. I'll be curious to see what other comments you get.

 

[lcasa]

Soarin' is the same as WDW but a great ride so maybe that's why you've included it. The animation academy is similar to the one at Hollywood Studios - and we actually get taught fewer characters. But there are some other things in the building that are different from WDW so it's worth a run-thru.

Sometimes Toontown closes early - esp for fireworks. So a late Roger Rabbit may not work well. Also Tom Sawyer's Island closes at dusk.

Sounds exhausting - esp with a 5 year old!
I agree Aladdin shouldn't be missed - glad to see you've got Billy Hill on there. Hidden gem.
And I'd move Nemo up to spot 2 on the 2nd day because of the lines later in the day.
Relax a little - enjoy the charm of DL.

 

[JaneyGrrrl]

Soarin' is the same as WDW but a great ride so maybe that's why you've included it. The animation academy is similar to the one at Hollywood Studios - and we actually get taught fewer characters. But there are some other things in the building that are different from WDW so it's worth a run-thru.

Sometimes Toontown closes early - esp for fireworks. So a late Roger Rabbit may not work well. Also Tom Sawyer's Island closes at dusk.

Sounds exhausting - esp with a 5 year old!
I agree Aladdin shouldn't be missed - glad to see you've got Billy Hill on there. Hidden gem.
And I'd move Nemo up to spot 2 on the 2nd day because of the lines later in the day.
Relax a little - enjoy the charm of DL.

I was going to say the same about Soarin'. I live in central Florida and spend oodles of time at Disney World, so when my husband and I waited in line (even with a fastpass it was a LONG wait) we were disappointed that it was the EXACT. SAME. RIDE. with a different queue. If you LOVE Soarin' by all means, but since you've seen it as a WDW vet, I wouldn't spend the time waiting, and would rather go do something else that you can only find in DL.

I'm in the process of planning our December trip to DL. It will be our second time there and I'm so excited! Have fun!

 

[JaneyGrrrl]

OH!!! I forgot!!! Make sure you get a fastpass for World of Color if you plan on seeing it!!!
(did anyone else already say that? I didn't read all the responses yet)

 

[SeattleRedBear]

OH!!! I forgot!!! Make sure you get a fastpass for World of Color if you plan on seeing it!!!
(did anyone else already say that? I didn't read all the responses yet)

OP stated they were getting the WoC picnic, so they'll be getting tickets for the blue zone.

I hadn't mentioned this in my previous response, but agree about Soarin....the film is absolutely identical and the only difference in the ride is the pre-show setting (entering an airplane hangar with posters describing california aviation history).

 

[KandiB47]

This is really good feedback; thank you everybody.

I love TSM, even more than Soarin, but DL doesn’t have FP for TSM, correct? I thought it would be difficult to ride on such a busy day, not arriving until the afternoon. The crowds a TSM for WDW are ridiculous so I’m assuming the same at DL?

It sounds like most of you would choose The Aladdin Musical over the Bakery Tour? (I actually forgot about this. I love Aladdin.)

Can we see the fireworks in the park without sitting down for them and waiting? It’s probably impossible to see the fireworks, Fantasmic, and M,M, and You in one night? Which is the best? We’ve seen Wishes and Fantasmic a lot at WDW. Are they the same?

I had no idea that Fantasyland closed for the fireworks.

Thank you

 

[skiingfast]

This is really good feedback; thank you everybody.

I love TSM, even more than Soarin, but DL doesn’t have FP for TSM, correct? I thought it would be difficult to ride on such a busy day, not arriving until the afternoon. The crowds a TSM for WDW are ridiculous so I’m assuming the same at DL?

No FP for TSMM. It always has a much shorter line than in DHS. 30-45 minutes, I'd expect closer to 45 on your visit.

It sounds like most of you would choose The Aladdin Musical over the Bakery Tour? (I actually forgot about this. I love Aladdin.)

I'm sure votes in a poll would be 9-1 in favor of Aladdin.

Can we see the fireworks in the park without sitting down for them and waiting? It’s probably impossible to see the fireworks, Fantasmic, and M,M, and You in one night? Which is the best? We’ve seen Wishes and Fantasmic a lot at WDW. Are they the same?

You must see the fireworks they are so much better in DL. Fantasmic has a few different parts and a couple are most often considered better at DL. You will want a spot where you can see the Castle and Matterhorn around the Hub and Hub end of main street. Probably about a 45 minute wait.

You can see them all in the same night. It may be like last year. MMY at 8:45 Fireworks at 9:30. When I wo both shows in a night I try to watch the fireworks from near one of the walkways kept open to let people move through the area. Then the basic problem is the first Fantasmic ends a little before the fireworks start so the Fantasmic crowd is trying to get into the Hub and it creates a big jam. I would try to get up to the Castle side of the Hub so you are entering Frontierland on the right side. Fortunatly all those people who watched the first Fantasmic, left a huge area of open spots behind. Fantasmic showed at 10:30.

Some rumors are suggesting that Fantasmic may be in refurb during your visit. I have some doubt as they play next week but not during Spring Break?

OP stated they were getting the WoC picnic, so they'll be getting tickets for the blue zone.

Picnics currently come with a Yellow zone Show Pass. This changed in November when Wine Country Trattoria began a WoC/lunch package that offers Blue Show Passes.

 

[94bruin]

* Redwood Creek Challenge is only one possibility for kids area (all the rides in Bugs Land and several of the rides in Paradise Pier are aimed at kids), however Redwood Creek is a good idea as (like the Dinosaur Excavation at AK) there's no lines. however, I think the two adults are going to be REALLY tired by the end of the day if you're going back and forth between Redwood Creek Challenge and Screamin' Might make more sense from a time perspective to either do a child swap at Screamin' or have one parent/kid do the kid rides at Paradise Pier while the other adult goes on the roller coaster.

Agree here. My 6 yo really likes Goofy Sky School.

It sounds like most of you would choose The Aladdin Musical over the Bakery Tour? (I actually forgot about this. I love Aladdin.)

LOVE Aladdin! I would definitely fit it in.

 

[Kianasmom]

Delete

 

[deesquared]

Indiana Jones has a height requirement of 46" (Space Mtn is only 40"), so your 5 year old may be too short to ride.

 

[TahoeMom]

I highly recommend Aladdin - great show! However, I just want to make sure you are clear - the Bakery Tour takes 10-15 minutes tops (there will be no line) but Aladdin is probably a 60-90 minute commitment, depending on whether or not you want to wait for the best seats. I don't know if the show "sells out" on busy days so that may require a bit of a wait regardless. But it is DEFINITELY worth it!

By the way, the castle walkthrough (someone mentioned this previously) is another one that is totally worth it IMHO and only takes about 10 minutes. It's always quiet up there too so it is nice for a short break from the masses.

 

[ArchOwl]

Ideas in bold below, have fun at DL!

I am a WDW vet but I have never been to DL. I spent a couple of hours making this plan. I own Ride Max and Touring Plans but neither fit just right. We have a day and a half to spend and DL before a cruise so I want to pack in a lot without being super exhausting. It's two adults and a five year old. I skipped some of the stuff that I have read is very similar at WDW because of the short amount of time we have. Also, we are going during spring break so I'm expecting very crowded condition. We don't have early entry. I appreciate what feedback you can give me.

Thanks!

Half day at California Adventure, Friday March 30, 1pm to 9pm

1. Obtain FASTPASSes for Soarin' Over California
2. 1:15pm: Dine at Taste Pilots' Grill » 40 minutes
3. Ride California Screamin' using the Single Rider Line
4. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (while adults ride California Screamin)
There is a lot of ground between Screamin' and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. I would head for Screamin' and have the other adult go with your child on King Triton's Carousel literally next door to Screamin'.
5. Ride California Screamin' using the Single Rider Line
Smart!
6. Grizzly River Run
I would consider obtaining a FP for this instead of Soarin', since Soarin' is exactly the same.
7. Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
I would hop on this on the way to Screamin', since it is on your way.
8. Take The Bakery Tour
Would skip, not worth your time on such a short trip.
9. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
10. Animation Academy
11. Ride Soarin' over California (with Fast Pass)
12. 6:30pm: World of Color Picnics at Sonoma Terrace » 30 minutes
13. World of Color (8pm?)

There were early reports yesterday that Screamin' may be disconnected from the regular FP loop. I would keep an eye out for that. You could possibly send one adult to get FPs while the other entertains child at Redwood and meet back up there.

I would strongly recommend Aladdin as well. Perhaps skip Animation Academy and do Aladdin. Definitely skip Bakery Tour. Unless you really have your heart set on Soarin', I would skip because it is exactly the same.

Idea:
Enter parks at 1pm, one adult grabs GRR FP and other orders food at Taste Pilot's Grill
Around 1:45 go to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Exit Redwood Creek around 2-2:15 and I would expect your FP for GRR to be good, so ride.
Ride Little Mermaid
SR Screaming and trade while child rides Carousel
It is now around 3:15-3:30 ish.
Now decide again on if you will try for TSMM. You need to leave this area by 4ish to line up for Aladdin. So either standby for TSMM or go to Bug's Land. There are several cute rides for the little ones here.

By 4:15 be lining up for Aladdin
5:30 head over to Monster's Inc
Head back to Sonoma Terrace via Bug's Land if not done earlier. Or consider trying for TSMM here instead.
6:30pm WOC picnics
7pm line up for WOC (this is the very latest I would line up. Earlier would be even better. But I know this is hard with a young one!


All day at Disneyland, Saturday, March 31, 8am to 10pm
1. Space Mountain (One adult ride SP, One adult take child on Autopia)
2. Autopia
3. Space Mountain (Other adult ride SP while first adult and child get FP for IJA)
4. Obtain FASTPASSes for Indiana Jones Adventure
5. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
6. Ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
As others have noted, perhaps move to parade time in the afternoon, this line can be long and slow.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Haunted Mansion
9. Obtain FASTPASSes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
10. 11:30am: Dine at The Golden Horseshoe » 45 minutes
11. Billy Hill & The Hillbillies (Show at the Golden Horseshoe)
Good choice, very fun and enjoyable!
12. Use FP for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
13. Use FP for Indiana Jones Adventure
14. 1:00pm: Taking a break outside the park » 180 minutes
15. View Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
16. Obtain FASTPASSes for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
RR is disconnected, so you can get these at any time.
17. Raft to and explore Tom Sawyer Island
18. 5:45pm: Dine at French Market Restaurant » 45 minutes
Am not overly impressed with this restaurant, maybe I have just had a bad experience?
19. Use FP for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
20. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
21. Alice in Wonderland
These will most likely be closed as others have noted, for the fireworks. I would either make plans to see the fireworks (really amazing) or consciously skip them and be ready to enter Fantasyland (from the back of the castle) as soon as they are cleared post fireworks.
22. See The Magic, The Memories, and You!
Not worth going out of your way for, by all accounts the WDW version blows ours out of the water.
23. Fantasmic! (2nd show?)
There are already several good hints about watching this show, so I just wanted to say that it may or may not be playing when you are there because of a refurb. Just be flexible and see how you are doing, you have a very full day, so your little one may not be up for it.

Overall, a very nice plan that hits some of the many highlights of DL. BTMRR was disconnected from the FP system earlier, but went back on during the busy time between Christmas and New Years. Hopefully by the time you arrive, it will be disconnected once more and you can grab a BTMRR FP as you want.
If you have time, I would add in It's A Small World (different than WDW and considered better), Casey Jr, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and perhaps Pinocchio/Snow White based on how much scariness your child is up for (Snow White is particularly creepy).

 

[KCmike]

I agree you have to see Aladdin. It's Broadway quality! Best stage show in any Disney park!

At Disneyland during that time of the year you have to see Remember Dreams Come True fireworks. It is far and away the best fireworks show at any Disney park as well. It gives me goosebumps and I'm a grown man! Must See!

I don't see It's A Small World. Am I just missing it? It has Disney Characters in it and the whole experience is just sooo much better at Disneyland for that ride. I consider it a must do as well.

Your also missing some unique opportunities in Fantasyland. Storybook Canal, Tea cups under the lights, Casey JR (5 yr old would love it), Peter Pan, Pinnochio, and Snow White.

One last thing...TIKI ROOM is the original as it is beloved at Disneyland. It was one of Walt's first attractions and it is amazing. Get a dole whip and relax.

Oh yeah. I would eat at Plaza Inn instead of French Market. Great food at plaza inn and it can be shared very easily.

 

[JaneyGrrrl]

OP stated they were getting the WoC picnic, so they'll be getting tickets for the blue zone.

I hadn't mentioned this in my previous response, but agree about Soarin....the film is absolutely identical and the only difference in the ride is the pre-show setting (entering an airplane hangar with posters describing california aviation history).

Oops, missed that the first time through. That's what I get for reading while sleepy. lol