8 Hours in DL Parks -Suggestions for 1st timer

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

Going next week to LA for work and have worked in to go to the DL parks in December 1pm -9pm! Woohoo!! It will be just me and I’ve never been, but always wanted to see the original magic. (Our family has been to WDW several times.)

Any suggestions or tips? I’ll probably skip Splash, Space, and others that have similar rides at WDW. Hoping to hit Toad, IASW, and HM. Should I start in DL and save Carsland until later in the day? I have MaxPass in case it is helpful! Also thinking of doing counter service meals to save time. Gumbo and Mickey Beignets perhaps?

Thank you all in advance. So excited for this once in a lifetime trip!

 

[Winnowill]

Space at DLR is not THAT similar to the same ride at WDW. In fact, it is VASTLY superior. We were one-and-done on Space at WDW, but we ride it multiple times per visit at DLR. And now it has a single-rider line, so you won't have to wait as long or waste a Fastpass on it. RSR also has a single-rider line, which will be helpful for you if FPs for it run out before you get there.

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

Oh! That is great to know; adding it to the list. Much appreciated!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Go over this thread to get your mindset prepared and ready to go: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. You won't want to waste any of your precious time being confused or overwhelmed. (We've had friends who were so stuck in their WDW mindset that it took them a few days to start getting used to DLR and to begin accepting and even liking the differences! With only 8 hours, don't waste your time being this way -- just jump right in!)

 

[Skyegirl1999]

When you say you'll be there 1-9pm, what does that mean? Are you arriving at security at 1pm, or driving yourself and that's your parking ETA, or...?

What day of the week will it be?

Other than Toad, HM, and IASW (and Carsland? RSR?), are there any other things that are priorities for you?

The Mickey beignet lines have been pretty atrocious lately. I'd skip that and pick a different treat (ideally one that you can mobile order!).

 

[smartlabelprint]

If I could eat very little in the park I’d be sure to try bengal bbq.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Have your credit card on file on the app so that you can use Mobile Ordering for CS food -- saves so much time! Use the app to get familiar with the general layout of the parks -- this can be a big point of confusion for WDW vets who automatically look for a certain landmark or ride, only to find something totally different in its place! Know which rides have Single Rider lines and use them to your advantage. Which day of the week (and even which date) can really make a difference at DLR -- when will you be visiting the parks?

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

Go over this thread to get your mindset prepared and ready to go: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. You won't want to waste any of your precious time being confused or overwhelmed. (We've had friends who were so stuck in their WDW mindset that it took them a few days to start getting used to DLR and to begin accepting and even liking the differences! With only 8 hours, don't waste your time being this way -- just jump right in!)

This is fantastic; thank you!!!

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

Have your credit card on file on the app so that you can use Mobile Ordering for CS food -- saves so much time! Use the app to get familiar with the general layout of the parks -- this can be a big point of confusion for WDW vets who automatically look for a certain landmark or ride, only to find something totally different in its place! Know which rides have Single Rider lines and use them to your advantage. Which day of the week (and even which date) can really make a difference at DLR -- when will you be visiting the parks?

Next Tuesday! Great point about online ordering- will get this set up!

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

When you say you'll be there 1-9pm, what does that mean? Are you arriving at security at 1pm, or driving yourself and that's your parking ETA, or...?

What day of the week will it be?

Other than Toad, HM, and IASW (and Carsland? RSR?), are there any other things that are priorities for you?

The Mickey beignet lines have been pretty atrocious lately. I'd skip that and pick a different treat (ideally one that you can mobile order!).

I go on Tuesday! I will be at security at 1pm and taking a shuttle there. My only priorities are to see the parks and ride some rides, while hitting a few of the must do attractions. Really appreciate the beignet feedback; totally skipping that!! That would have been a letdown as I’m a total foodie.

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

If I could eat very little in the park I’d be sure to try bengal bbq.

Will do! Just looked and saw they are small size portions; perfect for a snack! And the pictures online look great!

 

[Cowgirl_Jessie]

Just a bit curious about which park to start in. Would it be better to start touring in DL or CA with an early afternoon start?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Just a bit curious about which park to start in. Would it be better to start touring in DL or CA with an early afternoon start?

A lot of people like the nostalgia of entering Disneyland first. Our family usually goes in the park that’s not as busy (usually dca). Check ride times on the app.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just a bit curious about which park to start in. Would it be better to start touring in DL or CA with an early afternoon start?

Are you planning on purchasing MaxPass? If so, start checking the app for FP availability and return times before you get to the parks. Check when you arrive to see if there is availability for any of the rides you want. If so and if you want MP, purchase through the app as soon as you activate your ticket at the gate. Should take about a minute if your credit card is already loaded on the app. MP will let you get FPs from both parks no matter which park you're currently in. You'll also get free PhotoPass and ride photos for the day. However, if you don't see FPs for any rides you want when you arrive and if you don't want the PP perk (a great buy for $10), you can use regular FP (just insert your paper ticket into the FP machine) and Single Rider. The reason I bring up MP is that whichever FP you obtain first and the return time might determine which park you go to first. The wait times on the app might determine your choice of starting park, too -- if wait times look significantly better in one park vs. the other, go for the less crowded park. Also, Holiday Time is in full swing in both parks now. DLR doesn't have Christmas parties like WDW -- all the festivities come included with the price of your ticket. So you'll get the Holiday Parade, Holiday Fireworks, music, decorations, etc. -- check the entertainment schedule online now to see if you'll want to plan on viewing anything on Tuesday. That might determine where you'll be when. There is a Holiday Festival of Food going on in DCA now -- that might be a fun choice for dinner. There are various kiosks with appetizer portions of different foods all along the parade route in DCA. There are live bands there, too, to watch while you enjoy your food. You're going to have such a fun day!