1 Day at Disneyland plan/ticket upgrade question

[cgh]

We have gone to Disneyland a couple times in the last few years, and were most recently at Disneyworld for a week in April. We will be back in Southern California staying in Newport Beach the first week of August, and will have 1 Saturday at Disneyland. Our family consists of me, DH, DS5 and DS 8 months.

Obviously, I know we won't get to see/do much only there for 1 day with very small children, when we will leave the park no later then 4. In planning, I had each family member choose 2 things to do. (things we weren't able/couldn't do at Disneyworld)

Our must list is:

Radiator Racers (will need child swap)
Tom Sawyers's Island
BTMRR
Matterhorn or Space Mountain
Autopia

Would also like to do:
Star Tours
Toontown
Storybook land canal boats or Casey jr. or both
pirates of the Caribbean
Soarin
Mater's Ride
Teacups


So, based on the foregoing, I'm figuring the following:
1. Arrive at 8:30- fast passes for radiator springs
2. Mater's ride
3. Soarin'

Then, into the main park. What then? Obviously, Tom Sawyer when lines start picking up.

Other questions:
1. Radiator Racers fp at 9- what return do you think?
2. Upgrades- can we do this after we enter a park? Or must we do it before? We will be given a 1 day 1 park ticket from DH's work, so will need to at least upgrade to hoppers.
3. If we want to upgrade to an AP, when should we do that? If we get 1 ticket an AP, could we get all the AP benefits if that person arranges/pays for everything? (ie. room, food, etc?)

We are planning on doing another trip in August 2015. Oh, and DS5 and I are the only ones who will do coasters.

 

[figment_jii]

So, based on the foregoing, I'm figuring the following:
1. Arrive at 8:30- fast passes for radiator springs
2. Mater's ride
3. Soarin'

Soarin' is identical to the ride in WDW, so if you're pressed for time that might be one to consider forgoing. Personally, with only one day, I would do everything in my power to get there by the 8:00 am opening. Get the FP for RSR and go ride Mater or Soarin' while you wait for your FP return time to open.

Then, into the main park. What then? Obviously, Tom Sawyer when lines start picking up.

I would get a FP for one of the thrill rides (BTMRR or Space, probably Space because that line seems longer). Depending on when you get to DL, I would stop at the time board to see how the waits are looking and then game plan from there.

1. Radiator Racers fp at 9- what return do you think?

DCA opens at 8:00 am, right? My guess it the RSR FP will be for mid-afternoon at that point.

2. Upgrades- can we do this after we enter a park? Or must we do it before? We will be given a 1 day 1 park ticket from DH's work, so will need to at least upgrade to hoppers.

When you say "given" do you mean complimentary tickets? Some complimentary tickets cannot be upgraded. Make sure you check the fine print on your tickets to make sure they're eligible for the upgrade. If they can be upgraded, you can do it at any point that day (before you want to hop obviously).

3. If we want to upgrade to an AP, when should we do that? If we get 1 ticket an AP, could we get all the AP benefits if that person arranges/pays for everything? (ie. room, food, etc?)

Yes, you only need one AP to get the AP benefits (discounts). If there are AP events going on, then only the AP holder is eligible.

 

[TheSpooph]

We arrived at DCA this morning at 8:10 am, went immediately to FP for RSR, and the return time was 12:20 pm. We did the same thing yesterday, slightly later at 8:30, and the return time was 2:15 pm.

 

[Rubygoose]

So, based on the foregoing, I'm figuring the following:
1. Arrive at 8:30- fast passes for radiator springs
2. Mater's ride
3. Soarin'

Then, into the main park. What then? Obviously, Tom Sawyer when lines start picking up.

Other questions:
1. Radiator Racers fp at 9- what return do you think?
2. Upgrades- can we do this after we enter a park? Or must we do it before? We will be given a 1 day 1 park ticket from DH's work, so will need to at least upgrade to hoppers.
3. If we want to upgrade to an AP, when should we do that? If we get 1 ticket an AP, could we get all the AP benefits if that person arranges/pays for everything? (ie. room, food, etc?)

We are planning on doing another trip in August 2015. Oh, and DS5 and I are the only ones who will do coasters.

Since the parks open at 8am, is it possible for you to get there by 7:30? If you can get into DCA at opening, this will make your day go a lot smoother. You could grab RSR FPs right at park opening, ride the DCA rides that you want to do while you wait for your return time, then ride RSR and head over to DL for the rest of the time. That way you're not wasting too much time park hopping back and forth. Don't forget to ride Monsters Inc, your 5 year old will enjoy it.