If you are a WDW veteran, then
here is your primer.....a must read!!:
HydroGuy's "DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread". http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599
Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084
Regarding touring DLR....the two most important things to remember is to:
- Get to the parks BEFORE opening &
- Know how to use FP at DLR.
30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 5-15 minutes prior to security opening is best). Being one of the first 8-10 families at Security will get you up front (probably first thru third family) in line at the DL turnstile. Being very near the front of the turnstiles is important (to me) so that:
- If it's an MM day, I'm first on Peter Pan...if i'm first on PP then the rest of MM flows easily. & even if i'm not doing PP, i would want to be first on Matterhorn...or SM (or whatever) during MM.
"Critique of MM/EE"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671
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Even on a non MM day, or if i don't have MM, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to the ST, SM (or Indy) FP machine first (to start the FP collection clock). Then we'll hop on our first ride a minute or two later & begin the important first 90-120 min. of the day at DLR.
KNOW THESE FP THREADS:
"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132
"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052
"Which Fast Pass First?"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718
"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197
"Why I Park Hop"
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961
If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699
Regarding getting to the Security Tent 35-45 min. prior to general admission (or MM) opening.....in other words... 5-15 min before SECURITY opens:
The one time that I strolled up 5 min. before MM opening (instead of arriving 35 minutes before opening), I was way back (40-50 families back) at the turnstiles when i walked up. 2-3 rides could have been ridden by the time I've made it thru the turnstiles 10-12 min. after opening.
Plus there's lots to do while you wait the 30 min.... Pics to take, maps (& touring plans) to study, sunscreen to put on, McBreakfasts to munch on, people watching to do, talking to others in line who are as pumped up as you.
& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.
Some may think that this thought process is kind of anal (& they're right )....& many will say they prefer to "go with the flow".......But I (& many others here) also like to "go with the flow".......but we will tour (& collect FPs) very scientifically the first 2-2.5 hours, & then because we are so productive those first 2 1/2 hours...... we are able to "go with the flow" the rest of the day (AND we ALWAYS are able to enjoy all of our favorites ).
) time? Hop to CA or not? What to skip (if necessary). What not to miss under any circumstances? (I've already know where to get my Dole Whip hook-up!)
) I would say stick to DL and skip out on DCA. DCA will be under a lot of construction and with just 1 day, I feel like time at DCA could be better spent in DL. Totally up to you if you want to see DCA, then hopping isn't too bad of an idea, its really fast to go from one to the other.
