1 Day in DL

[MCB]

Just found out that i have a free day next wednesday (2/23) on a business trip to So. CA. Thinking about spending at DL. Need some suggestions. I have been to WDW several times in the last 3 years. So i dont need to do alll the big rides that are in the world. What do i definetely need to see or do when i'm out there?

Thanks for any suggestions

MB

 

[Huff]

Will you be getting a hopper pass? Hopping is quite a bit different that at WDW. At DLR the two parks are only 5 minutes walk between them as is Downtown Disney.

At Disneyland theres a few things that to me would be must-dos for a WDW vet.

Space Mountain. Significantly better that WDW. Smoother ride, side by side seating, incredible in car sound system.

Pirates. Several more scenes and a far longer ride than at WDW.

Indiana Jones. Similar ride cars to Dinosaur but completely different ride otherwise.

Fantasmic. Several differences and just a better show than WDW. Seating is a pain on a crowded night but worth it.

Matterhorn. Not a great ride but fun and not at WDW. Its a very tame roller coaster, a bit rough but a Disneyland classic.

There are many other smaller rides at California Adventure and Disneyland not found at WDW. Big Thunder is essentially the same except that the track is a mirror image of WDW's so a different feel to it.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Take advantage of Single Rider lines

*Here's* how we spent one day mid July 2009 *a Wednesday*

 

[Hound 109]

Read Disney Mommas one day report in the post above.

Read my one day report linked in my signature below.

Read all of Hydroguy's FP Tip threads (there are 3-4 of them linked in the quote below)

& his DLR for WDW veterans thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Have a plan if only one day. & Get to the Security tent 35-40 min. before opening (so you're near the front at the turnstile). Getting there at opening is essential to max out your day.


Collection / Recap of info from my report:

Quote:

30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 35-40 min. early 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:

- For MM 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" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671


- Even on a non MM day, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to 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.

"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 (see my post #4 in that thread)

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197


The one time that I lined up 5 min. before opening (instead of 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 a tad anal (& they're right )....& many will say the prefer to "go with the flow".......But Hydroguy & 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 (& still enjoy all of our favorites ).

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[Funball]

Just found out that i have a free day next wednesday (2/23) on a business trip to So. CA. Thinking about spending at DL. Need some suggestions. I have been to WDW several times in the last 3 years. So i dont need to do alll the big rides that are in the world. What do i definetely need to see or do when i'm out there?

Thanks for any suggestions

MB

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Well I think that you may want to do all the rides at DL, I think some of them may be like the ones at WDW,but might also be different in ways. It be fun to see the comparison.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Also you can do DL in one day. No problem, DL is MUCH smaller then WDW. But there is also DCA(california adventure) and so it's takes half a day to do that park..
[/FONT]

 

[kids of the kingdom]

Someone posted that DL FP's are honored "thoughout the day". This will be my 1st time at DL/DCA. I'm used to the WDW system where you have an assigned return window so I'm confused. Is there only a window in which I can GET another pass but I can USE my collected passes any time during the day?I'm not a FP Nazi (though I would be if allowed by my companions - hey, they benefit, too!) but I do like to make the most of my day.

 

[Hound 109]

Someone posted that DL FP's are honored "thoughout the day".

Not "someone".....EVERYONE.

The early & productive collecting of FPs allows one to make the most of your day AND allows you to smell the roses during the busier times of day. & you can use the 3-5 FPs (that you collected in the early morning) in the late afternoon & evening.

This will be my 1st time at DL/DCA. I'm used to the WDW system where you have an assigned return window so I'm confused.

I was under the impression that WDW also allows you to use your FP after the window (but on the same day)

Is there only a window in which I can GET another pass but I can USE my collected passes any time during the day?I'm not a FP Nazi (though I would be if allowed by my companions - hey, they benefit, too!) but I do like to make the most of my day.

Read HG's FP threads.....then read them again. It will start to make sense. Also read his DLR for WDW Veterans link....essential reading for the WDW vet.

From a previous post:

I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to 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. & if you're from the Central or Eastern Time Zone, it's easy to get up early at DLR.

"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 (see my post #4 in that thread)

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197


Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.