1st trip booked!!! Help me plan :)

[NicholeB630]

That sounds like a good plan. Relax your first night, get acquainted with the parks, get familiar with MP (and play with it!), and have a fun dinner. Maybe watch fireworks from DTD or the DLH. Then get a good night's sleep to be ready for your first full day in the parks!

I think its good to. We will be tired by night time so. But I think it will be nice experiencing some of the park that afternoon/evening! So this is my general plan for the trip, what do you thikn? I know park hopping is so easy but wanna make sure its not too much. Grad nites just kinda throw off the days bc only one evening were there we can stay at DCA till late. Obviously times aren't set in stone but just kinda guesstimating when we'd hop back and forth etc.

Wednesday -
Get in to CA. Check in hotel hopefully around 11.- If not we'll just drop our luggage there.
Go into DL around 12:30 - get lunch.
Grab whatever fast passes we can.
Just get to know the DL park some
Eat dinner
Head back somewhat early so we can get up early next day

Thursday -
7am DL
Focus on Fantasyland first thing
11:00 brunch at Plaza Inn
1:00 - 3:00 break
3:30 DCA
World of color dessert party.

Friday -
7am DCA
Grab fast passes/rides
Lunch at Lamplight
1-3 break
3:30 DL
Fast passes/rides
Dinner at Blue bayou with package
Fantasmic 9
Fireworks

Saturday -
7am DL
Star Wars area
Fast passes/Rides
11-12sh head to DCA
Quick service lunch
Fast passes/rides
5-6 Break at Disney Springs
Dinner
6/7pm back to DL
Fast passes/rides

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think its good to. We will be tired by night time so. But I think it will be nice experiencing some of the park that afternoon/evening! So this is my general plan for the trip, what do you thikn? I know park hopping is so easy but wanna make sure its not too much. Grad nites just kinda throw off the days bc only one evening were there we can stay at DCA till late. Obviously times aren't set in stone but just kinda guesstimating when we'd hop back and forth etc.

Wednesday -
Get in to CA. Check in hotel hopefully around 11.- If not we'll just drop our luggage there.
Go into DL around 12:30 - get lunch.
Grab whatever fast passes we can.
Just get to know the DL park some
Eat dinner
Head back somewhat early so we can get up early next day

Thursday -
7am DL
Focus on Fantasyland first thing
11:00 brunch at Plaza Inn
1:00 - 3:00 break
3:30 DCA
World of color dessert party.

Friday -
7am DCA
Grab fast passes/rides
Lunch at Lamplight
1-3 break
3:30 DL
Fast passes/rides
Dinner at Blue bayou with package
Fantasmic 9
Fireworks

Saturday -
7am DL
Star Wars area
Fast passes/Rides
11-12sh head to DCA
Quick service lunch
Fast passes/rides
5-6 Break at Disney Springs
Dinner
6/7pm back to DL
Fast passes/rides

I think for now, as a general plan, this sounds fine. Just remember to be grabbing FPs with MP during your breaks so that you have them stacked and ready to go when you return to the parks in the evening. Also, be prepared to be flexible -- you may find that your plans change on the fly each day as your kids discover new things they love and have to do -- or when serendipity changes your plans. DLR is like that!

 

[NicholeB630]

I think for now, as a general plan, this sounds fine. Just remember to be grabbing FPs with MP during your breaks so that you have them stacked and ready to go when you return to the parks in the evening. Also, be prepared to be flexible -- you may find that your plans change on the fly each day as your kids discover new things they love and have to do -- or when serendipity changes your plans. DLR is like that!

I figure it might change some when we get but I like that it doesnt have to be set in stone like DW and focusing around our three fast passes. DW needs to get with the times LOL. I am a little stressed about not having much of a plan though either ha. Like which rides to head to as soon as we get in each park. Which MP's do we grab first. I know we'll wanna avoid the ones an hour out the most.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I figure it might change some when we get but I like that it doesnt have to be set in stone like DW and focusing around our three fast passes. DW needs to get with the times LOL. I am a little stressed about not having much of a plan though either ha. Like which rides to head to as soon as we get in each park. Which MP's do we grab first. I know we'll wanna avoid the ones an hour out the most.

Include everyone in the planning discussions, especially as the trip dates get closer. Have everyone list their top 3 must do's (this includes rides, food, M&Gs, shows, etc.), top 3 would like to do's, and top 3 could take or leave's. Then make sure to hit everyone's top 3 must do's during your trip. That way everyone leaves happy. Try to hit everyone's next 3. And know that you have everyone's last 3 as filler -- if you happen to be walking by and the line is short, hey -- why not?

 

[NicholeB630]

Include everyone in the planning discussions, especially as the trip dates get closer. Have everyone list their top 3 must do's (this includes rides, food, M&Gs, shows, etc.), top 3 would like to do's, and top 3 could take or leave's. Then make sure to hit everyone's top 3 must do's during your trip. That way everyone leaves happy. Try to hit everyone's next 3. And know that you have everyone's last 3 as filler -- if you happen to be walking by and the line is short, hey -- why not?

Well Im surprising kids ha. They will know about 4 days before we leave but we can def talk about rides etc on the way there. I just know them and we'll def wanna do just about everything. Although I think its best we focus on things that are not at DW & rides that are a little different. Plus our favorites. I just hope it ends up being enough time. I think with 4 days and going back and forth we'll get a lot done. I'll keep watching the ROTR board and even check in before we go but hoping that dies down. I mean I feel like that 7am RD really won't feel too great if its jammed packed with people. But as long it doesn't effect everything else I suppose it will be fine. Ive been to EMH RD at DW where its almost empty and its so magical not dealing with 1000 of other people pushing past you when you walk in. But guess we'll see. Fingers crossed it eases up by then. When it gets closer to I'll check back in and see what peoples opinions are as to what rides we should get on first without FP and then what FP we should book first with MP!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Well Im surprising kids ha. They will know about 4 days before we leave but we can def talk about rides etc on the way there...

What a great surprise! Well, you'll all have a lot of fun discussing your must-do lists on the plane! That should make the flight go by in the blink of an eye. Make sure to go over A DLR Guide for WDW Vets so you know what will be similar, different, not to miss, etc. Right now, the front part of DL (front gates, Town Square, Main Street) is pretty jammed at opening because of everyone trying for a ROTR BG. But once that rush is over (in a few minutes), things start calming down and people start going on their way. After about half an hour, things get back to normal. So don't worry about things being super crowded all morning. We've gone to DL about an hour after opening, and you'd never have known the whole ROTR crowd had been there at all.
These threads have some good guides and examples of what rides to hit first and what FPs to get:
a-first-timers-guide-to-disneyland
how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort
extra-magic-hour-and-magic-morning-at-disneyland-resort

 

[ambula603]

Well Im surprising kids ha. They will know about 4 days before we leave but we can def talk about rides etc on the way there. I just know them and we'll def wanna do just about everything. Although I think its best we focus on things that are not at DW & rides that are a little different. Plus our favorites. I just hope it ends up being enough time. I think with 4 days and going back and forth we'll get a lot done. I'll keep watching the ROTR board and even check in before we go but hoping that dies down. I mean I feel like that 7am RD really won't feel too great if its jammed packed with people. But as long it doesn't effect everything else I suppose it will be fine. Ive been to EMH RD at DW where its almost empty and its so magical not dealing with 1000 of other people pushing past you when you walk in. But guess we'll see. Fingers crossed it eases up by then. When it gets closer to I'll check back in and see what peoples opinions are as to what rides we should get on first without FP and then what FP we should book first with MP!

I am following along because we are doing our first trip in October and our girls are the same age as your kids! Can't wait for you to come back and report your findings!

Also, we just did our first cruise last fall so our families seem very similar! SO MUCH FUN!

 

[NicholeB630]

I am following along because we are doing our first trip in October and our girls are the same age as your kids! Can't wait for you to come back and report your findings!

Also, we just did our first cruise last fall so our families seem very similar! SO MUCH FUN!

Oh fun!!! Im so excited. Im still not sure if my husband is going with us or my mom haha but either way Im excited to see DL. Im so excited for the cruise!!! We are 55 days out and it can't come see enough. Did you love it?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Have you already purchased your park tickets and MP? Price increase -- It's Here! (2/11/20)
If not, move fast -- there is still time to purchase at the old prices through authorized discount vendors, but time is running out.

 

[ambula603]

Oh fun!!! Im so excited. Im still not sure if my husband is going with us or my mom haha but either way Im excited to see DL. Im so excited for the cruise!!! We are 55 days out and it can't come see enough. Did you love it?

We did love it! At first I was a bit overwhelmed with FOMO. Just not knowing what to expect and thinking I might be doing something wrong. Years of WDW have created a thrill in me to plan every detail, what can I say!? But by the end of the week I got in the hang of things and finally let loose, if that makes sense. We really enjoyed the food and the shows, and I had some of the best sleep of my life.

After we returned I was kind of in shock that we had finally done it after years of planning and saving. Now that months have passed, I DREAM about returning and just love to re-live the memories! My husband "liked it" but he wants to go other places instead of returning (hence our DL trip). One of my girls liked it more than WDW, the other liked WDW better. I think we will go again but not sure where or when!

Where are you going?

 

[NicholeB630]

Have you already purchased your park tickets and MP? Price increase -- It's Here! (2/11/20)
If not, move fast -- there is still time to purchase at the old prices through authorized discount vendors, but time is running out.

yes they are purchased!!!

 

[NicholeB630]

We did love it! At first I was a bit overwhelmed with FOMO. Just not knowing what to expect and thinking I might be doing something wrong. Years of WDW have created a thrill in me to plan every detail, what can I say!? But by the end of the week I got in the hang of things and finally let loose, if that makes sense. We really enjoyed the food and the shows, and I had some of the best sleep of my life.

After we returned I was kind of in shock that we had finally done it after years of planning and saving. Now that months have passed, I DREAM about returning and just love to re-live the memories! My husband "liked it" but he wants to go other places instead of returning (hence our DL trip). One of my girls liked it more than WDW, the other liked WDW better. I think we will go again but not sure where or when!

Where are you going?

We leave April 6th, 5 night out of Miami on the Magic. I’m worried about missing nothing or not planning our day right I’m gonna just try and relax!!

 

[crystal1313]

We will be at the DLH June 7-10. Are you planning on hanging out at the pool at all? We planned a whole extra day to be at the pool! It's so nice!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

yes they are purchased!!!

Yes!!

 

[NicholeB630]

We will be at the DLH June 7-10. Are you planning on hanging out at the pool at all? We planned a whole extra day to be at the pool! It's so nice!

Im thinking our last day before we leave we'll just relax at pool

 

[NicholeB630]

Yes!!

Today at 8am I feel panicky just seeing this. Hope June isn’t as bad as presidents wknd How do you even move? I’m not sure I’ve been in a crowd this large at DW at Rope drop before.

 

[wdwobsessed]

I am following along because we are doing our first trip in October and our girls are the same age as your kids! Can't wait for you to come back and report your findings!

Also, we just did our first cruise last fall so our families seem very similar! SO MUCH FUN!

I’m following along too because my BF surprised me with a trip to DL also! I’ve done WDW many times but always dreamed of going to DL!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Today at 8am I feel panicky just seeing this. Hope June isn’t as bad as presidents wknd How do you even move? I’m not sure I’ve been in a crowd this large at DW at Rope drop before.

Remember: this was a photo of the crowd at opening at DL (looks like they are massed around the Hub area) -- these people want to get BGs for ROTR -- this is NOT a photo of what it was like all day long, everywhere in both parks. After the BGs were gone for the day (less than one minute for guaranteed BGs, about 5 minutes for Backup Groups), these crowds dispersed and spread out through the parks. Yes, this weekend is very busy -- this week is known to be busy every year (there are threads on this: No nighttime spectaculars on weekdays in early 2020?, Valentine’s Day) -- many schools in CA, both local and up north, get this whole week off for Ski Week. So this weekend and coming week is a combination of Valentines Day + Presidents Day Weekend + Ski Week + Canadian Holiday Weekend + Cheer Convention + Promo Tickets = Very Crowded Parks. And DLR knew this and planned accordingly with longer hours and more entertainment -- unusual for a week during low season in February.
Keep up with the board this week to see how people are dealing with the crowds (this week is supposed to be very busy!) on their trips. This should help you with some examples and ideas for your trip planning.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

OP: Look at these photos, taken on the same morning as the photo you posted, just later (not much later) -- see how those crowds dispersed? These photos were taken in FL -- not far from the area where the photo you posted was taken.

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P.S. Bonus pic: the Toad side of Fantasyland from Dumbo.
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[NicholeB630]

Remember: this was a photo of the crowd at opening at DL (looks like they are massed around the Hub area) -- these people want to get BGs for ROTR -- this is NOT a photo of what it was like all day long, everywhere in both parks. After the BGs were gone for the day (less than one minute for guaranteed BGs, about 5 minutes for Backup Groups), these crowds dispersed and spread out through the parks. Yes, this weekend is very busy -- this week is known to be busy every year (there are threads on this: No nighttime spectaculars on weekdays in early 2020?, Valentine’s Day) -- many schools in CA, both local and up north, get this whole week off for Ski Week. So this weekend and coming week is a combination of Valentines Day + Presidents Day Weekend + Ski Week + Canadian Holiday Weekend + Cheer Convention + Promo Tickets = Very Crowded Parks. And DLR knew this and planned accordingly with longer hours and more entertainment -- unusual for a week during low season in February.
Keep up with the board this week to see how people are dealing with the crowds (this week is supposed to be very busy!) on their trips. This should help you with some examples and ideas for your trip planning.

I figured that was the case. Its just so intimidating even just before open. It makes me nervous with kids and getting lost in a crowd. Even at RD at DW I don't think I've experienced that many people haha. But I'll follow along. Once it gets closer Ill ask more detail things like which was should we go as soon as we get it, maybe there's areas less people wait at and should we stop and get into Max pass right away. Its gonna be really early mornings for us each day but like I said before I think we'll be ok coming from the East Coast and our bodies wanting to wake up. I do not thikn we'll stay in the parks super late. Probably till fireworks and other night shows then leave.