A couple questions...

[DisneyMommy403]

Hi Everyone,

We haven't been to DL & DCA since Nov. 2012. Since then so much has changed, and I'm trying to catch up to be prepared, and reduce confusion, waiting, and sore feet! I'm planning a surprise trip for my family in March 2016. It will be DH, DD8, DD7, DS4, DS1, and Myself. We are catching the first flight out and plan to be in Anaheim by early evening since our flight lands at 3:30pm, and we need to catch the DLR Express and will likely be in some traffic. We have 5 day tickets, and will not be park hopping, since with so many littles it takes forever to get from one park to the other. I plan on taking them into Disneyland the moment we arrive in Anaheim for dinner and a ride or two before closing. I had a few questions while I roughly plan a touring strategy:

What are the requirements for entry now with multi-day tickets? When I went in 2012, they were just starting to check ID's and ask you to sign all passes. Is this still the case? Has it gotten more extensive? I would like to have everything ready to reduce the amount of wait for others going through the turnstiles.

Regarding rider switch, will this work? I'll use Goofy's Sky School as an example: Say we all get FPs, and DH and DD8 go and ride, getting a switch. Then Me and DS4 ride using the switch, can DH(or Me) take DD7 with remaining FPs without an issue? Also, is there an age limit on a child in a ride vehicle? Like if I take DD7 on GSS, and DD8 wants to use the remaining FP, can she ride alone?

Final question (for now lol) how can my family ride TSMM? Can I wear baby in a carrier? Can my girls 8 & 7 sit on their own side of the ride vehicle? If so, then DS4 will sit with me, and DH will ride in a separate car. I just want to be prepared, so I don't disappoint anyone, or hold up a line.

Oh and, does anyone have a suggested packing list for things you normally wouldn't think of bringing?

TIA!

 

[Girimama33]

Currently, they have you sign the ticket and will take a photo to tie to the ticket. It can be a slight hold up, but the lines still move pretty quickly.
As far as Rider Switch goes, your 7yo, could go on the first ride with Dad. If the 4yo is tall enough, they can ride as well. The RS pass is good for 3 people so you can return to ride the ride with 2 of your kids.
For TSMM, the baby will need to be next to you. I do not know for sure if they will allow the carrier due to the lap bars.
The 7yo is old enough to ride alone so the 8 and 7yo can sit together.
Hope that helps...

 

[figment_jii]

Girimama33 has covered most of your questions. I would just add that in terms of ages, DLR state: "Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older." So DD8 and/or DD7 can ride alone (or together), but neither can ride alone with DD4.

 

[Chris9ty]

One thing to keep in mind is that Rider Switch will be good for the rest of the day. It doesn't have an expiration window like the Fast Pass does. So 3 could come back and ride it later in the day.
If your 7 & 8 yr old will ride together you could ride with the 4 yr old using FP, and then switch and your husband could ride with your 4 yr old and the 7 & 8 yr old (using the one FP leftover if its within your window and then the Rider Switch for the other 3) Right? We switched adults with adults on the Tower of Terror this way.

Our tickets had our names printed on them, they just took our pic at the gate. Then one day when the new pass rates came out they had to take mine again for some reason.

 

[millie0312]

I don't have anything to add for the switch as pp has that covered, but infants in front packs are at the cms discretion. I wore my DS who was 3 months in a pack for every ride (minus the height limit ones) and had no issues doing it. The rides with lap bars are a bit of a hassle to settle into but work with a pack.

 

[agamble]

I don't have anything to add for the switch as pp has that covered, but infants in front packs are at the cms discretion. I wore my DS who was 3 months in a pack for every ride (minus the height limit ones) and had no issues doing it. The rides with lap bars are a bit of a hassle to settle into but work with a pack.

Generally they will allow you to carry a baby in the carrier on non-height rides. Baby can also sit between you or on your lap. Toy Story is kind of an interesting one as it can be difficult to play when you're holding the little one. Roger Rabbit is one ride they do not allow child carriers or lap sitting. The child must be able to sit on his/her own to ride.

Since your first visit is going to be in the evening, I wouldn't worry too much about holding up the line. The lines are not as long in the evening as they are in the morning. They will take your pictures, and it doesn't take too long.

 

[Angrose]

Just one thing to add about tickets...after you write your names on them, take pictures of everyone's tickets. That way if any of them get lost it will be easy to get them replaced. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[DisneyMommy403]

Thank you everyone for your help and advice!

So if I need to sign (or names are printed on our tickets) do we still need to present ID as well every time we pass through the gates? Or is the picture they take enough ID for the rest of the day's using the tickets?

 

[SMD]

Thank you everyone for your help and advice!

So if I need to sign (or names are printed on our tickets) do we still need to present ID as well every time we pass through the gates? Or is the picture they take enough ID for the rest of the day's using the tickets?

The picture should be enough, but if the scanner doesn't display your picture they'll ask for ID. Errors sometimes happen, and if you hop a lot, it's a little more likely. They also check ID with credit card purchases and when charging to rooms, so I always keep it easy to get to.