1st Day Recommendations

[cmrolli68]

We will be arriving at LAX on Wednesday, Oct 22nd at 8:30am for our first Disney experience, leaving early Sunday the 26th. I initially planned for 3 days at the parks, Thur-Sat. I was planning on relaxing poolside and having dinner at Goofy's Kitchen that first day. I introduced additional decision making into my plan when I bought 4 days for 3 park hoppers. I'm wondering if we shouldn't get some park time in that first day and maybe get the lay of the land and then do dinner after the park closes, 6 based on last years calendar. Should I stick with my original plan or take advantage of my "free" ticket? Any other suggestions? And any tips/tricks for dinner reservations? This will be our only Character meal. Other recommendations besides Goofy's Kitchen? Many Thanks!

 

[valiamo]

Welcome to the boards!

While I think that any time in the parks are a great time to be in the parks, you might want to re-think which days you spend in the parks, and which day you relax on.

Thursday is rated as a low attendance day, Friday is moderate, and Saturday high attendance.

I would take in as much as possible on Thursday. Do a full day in the parks, get in as many rides as possible owing to lower wait times. Do Fantasmic on Thursday, I would also take advantage of your "free day" and go on Wednesday, another slower attendance day.

Friday is the Halloween party in Disneyland side, so there is an additional cost for that one. But you could do the California Side, and see the World of Colour.

Saturday, again a full day, plan to take in the Fireworks as a great end to your vacation. Do the Goofy's kitchen on the Saturday.

Luckly there is lots to do, and there will be a lot of advice on what is the best course of action.

 

[Amommy21]

I would do WED, THU and SAT in the parks.

Friday I would take the morning to swim and relax. I would get tickets to the Halloween party that night. You can enter around 4pm (read the Halloween thread for specifics) and stay until midnight. So it's really a full day right there. If you have never been to a Halloween party it's worth it. Dress up!

 

[sweethannah]

We will be arriving at LAX on Wednesday, Oct 22nd at 8:30am for our first Disney experience, leaving early Sunday the 26th. I initially planned for 3 days at the parks, Thur-Sat. I was planning on relaxing poolside and having dinner at Goofy's Kitchen that first day. I introduced additional decision making into my plan when I bought 4 days for 3 park hoppers. I'm wondering if we shouldn't get some park time in that first day and maybe get the lay of the land and then do dinner after the park closes, 6 based on last years calendar. Should I stick with my original plan or take advantage of my "free" ticket? Any other suggestions? And any tips/tricks for dinner reservations? This will be our only Character meal. Other recommendations besides Goofy's Kitchen? Many Thanks!

Posted from DISboards.com App for Android Basically a free extra day!? Go for it. You'll be full of excited energy so go and enjoy the atmosphere and try a few rides. A Wednesday shouldn't be very busy. Would your MM be Thursday?

 

[Eeee-va]

I don't know about October, but most reports I've seen are that Saturdays actually haven't been that bad in the parks because of Annual Passholder blockouts. I'm not sure if that will hold true this year because more people have been buying more expensive passes that won't be blocked out on Saturdays in October...but I personally wouldn't count Saturday out.

If you don't want to attend Friday's party for whatever reason (don't want to spend the extra money, don't like dressing up, wouldn't stay up late enough to get good value, etc.), then Friday (party day) may still be a good day for Disneyland in particular. A lot of people will be doing like sweethannah suggested and will come to Disneyland at 4 PM for the party. So early in the day could have below-average crowds.

(As mentioned below, there is a Halloween party at Disneyland on Wednesday during your trip so yes, the park will close at 6 PM then....that means Wednesday should be pretty low crowds at Disneyland, though. I'd probably plan to spend much of Thursday in DCA, though your park hopper gives you flexibility to adjust plans as needed.)

Have a great trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Isn't Wed., the 22nd, a MHP date? If so, then DL will close at 6pm that evening.

 

[adventuregirl]

Do Fantasmic on Thursday, I would also take advantage of your "free day" and go on Wednesday, another slower attendance day.

Sadly, Fantasmic is only on Saturdays and Sundays in October. I wish it would happen on Thursday, as we will be there Monday - Thursday this year, so we are missing Fantasmic

 

[Eeee-va]

Isn't Wed., the 22nd, a MHP date? If so, then DL will close at 6pm that evening.

My mistake; I thought they were usually Tuesdays. You're right.