A few scheduling questions for you gurus...

[Jaina]

They are finally posting our park hours for our week-after-Thanksgiving trip. So far it's looking like Disneyland is 10am-9pm. I was hoping for 9-9 (especially since my kids get up before 6 here in AZ, and we'll have an hour time change) but it will still be good.
We are going 4 days (M-Th) and will probably use our MM Tues morning even though we usually skip it and start in the non EE park. With the later opening though, the earlier start is helpful for us. So we will probably start the day in Disneyland M, T, and Wed. Do you think it would be easier to try to catch Peter Pan first on a MM day or a non MM day? We also want to do the Jedi Knight Training, so that will be first stop one of the mornings as well. One of the days I would like to be waiting at Toontown before it's opening for the little to-do they have, but does it still open an hour after opening when the park doesn't open until 10:00 AM? It's really just the first few hours of each day I'm trying to plan carefully. After that we'll probably take it much easier, with no ideas how crowded it will seem, and since traveling with 5 kids (the youngest will be 4 months old) is crazy...

 

[coaches24]

They are finally posting our park hours for our week-after-Thanksgiving trip. So far it's looking like Disneyland is 10am-9pm. I was hoping for 9-9 (especially since my kids get up before 6 here in AZ, and we'll have an hour time change) but it will still be good.
We are going 4 days (M-Th) and will probably use our MM Tues morning even though we usually skip it and start in the non EE park. With the later opening though, the earlier start is helpful for us. So we will probably start the day in Disneyland M, T, and Wed. Do you think it would be easier to try to catch Peter Pan first on a MM day or a non MM day? We also want to do the Jedi Knight Training, so that will be first stop one of the mornings as well. One of the days I would like to be waiting at Toontown before it's opening for the little to-do they have, but does it still open an hour after opening when the park doesn't open until 10:00 AM? It's really just the first few hours of each day I'm trying to plan carefully. After that we'll probably take it much easier, with no ideas how crowded it will seem, and since traveling with 5 kids (the youngest will be 4 months old) is crazy...

If you can manage with 5 kids the best way to see PP IMO is to use the MM but get in line extra early (for the late opening time I would say at least an hour before opening maybe more with a 10am opening) so you are one of the first through the gates and head straight to PP as quickly as your group can go. That line fills very quickly so if you are delayed then you will be waiting in line. I've never done this with 5 kids so don't know how doable it would be in your situation but that's the best way to see PP without a wait if you can make it work. PP is a short ride so I don't like waiting in line for it. The times I have ridden it I was able to walk on in the MM being one of the first there and always there was a line formed by the time I was off the ride. Though I don't think the line was more than 10-15 minutes at that moment it didn't take long for that wait time to reach 30-45 min.

 

[buttercup3]

I'm going Tues-Fri the same week as you!! Also planning on MM on Tues, and doing opposite EE park the other days.
I know my kids will want to stop and see everything on Main Street and take it all in on our first day, so hopefully they open the gates a little early so we can make it down Main Street in time for rope drop. Peter Pan is one of our favorite rides but I just can't rush those first moments in the park!! They are sacred!
If the line is long when we get there, we'll knock out the other rides and come back later when all the lines are long anyways!

I also wondered about Toon Town, since it's always open by 10. I didn't know they do an opening thing...how fun! But also...one more thing to have to be on time for!!

I hope you and your family have a fabulous trip!!

 

[ADLFAN]

Ugh, Peter Pan's line is a total bummer, no matter when you get there! 35-45 minutes alllllll day... so if it's already prohibitively long, just block out a good hour to dedicate to the ride at some point during your trip. Peter Pan is one of the only rides we do not repeat on our trips, it just takes forever!

I think ToonTown always opens an hour after the park. I like to get there early and beat the mid day sun because there is hardly any shade. Pictures look adorable in Toontown!

Jedi Training is the one I'd prioritize at park opening, trying for an early slot so that your Jedis aren't roasting in their robes. They'll do a bit of waiting in the sun while the storyline plays out and while they're waiting to battle.

Have fun planning!

 

[MacMama0930]

My group of 10 rode it on a MM day, we walked briskly to it right out of the gate and got right on it. And we were there on an insanely busy day! Like others have said, I'd be bummed if I had waited to ride that one! It's super cute and it's a classic and kids enjoyed it but it's short and rather uneventful. It's got a nostalgic charm to it no doubt but do it first thing on a MM or not at all.

 

[Jaina]

If you can manage with 5 kids the best way to see PP IMO is to use the MM but get in line extra early (for the late opening time I would say at least an hour before opening maybe more with a 10am opening) so you are one of the first through the gates and head straight to PP as quickly as your group can go. That line fills very quickly so if you are delayed then you will be waiting in line. I've never done this with 5 kids so don't know how doable it would be in your situation but that's the best way to see PP without a wait if you can make it work. PP is a short ride so I don't like waiting in line for it. The times I have ridden it I was able to walk on in the MM being one of the first there and always there was a line formed by the time I was off the ride. Though I don't think the line was more than 10-15 minutes at that moment it didn't take long for that wait time to reach 30-45 min.

Yeah... 7 of us is a challenge. (for everything, haha!) I am thinking it might be a good idea to have DH carrying the 2-year-old and me wearing the baby by the time the rope drops so we can zoom right in there, leaving the stroller without having to pull anyone out of it. I'll have to think on this.

I'm going Tues-Fri the same week as you!! Also planning on MM on Tues, and doing opposite EE park the other days.
I know my kids will want to stop and see everything on Main Street and take it all in on our first day, so hopefully they open the gates a little early so we can make it down Main Street in time for rope drop. Peter Pan is one of our favorite rides but I just can't rush those first moments in the park!! They are sacred!
If the line is long when we get there, we'll knock out the other rides and come back later when all the lines are long anyways!

I also wondered about Toon Town, since it's always open by 10. I didn't know they do an opening thing...how fun! But also...one more thing to have to be on time for!!

I hope you and your family have a fabulous trip!!

That's so fun that you're going the same week! I have had conflicting thoughts about that, too. The first time in Disneyland (for the almost-3-year-old) and the first time back for the older kids in 3.5 years. Monday will be our first day, and I'd love to be there an hour before opening (since they usually open Main St. half an hour before it seems) and let them explore and soak it all in as we go in. So maybe not PP the first day.

Ugh, Peter Pan's line is a total bummer, no matter when you get there! 35-45 minutes alllllll day... so if it's already prohibitively long, just block out a good hour to dedicate to the ride at some point during your trip. Peter Pan is one of the only rides we do not repeat on our trips, it just takes forever!

I think ToonTown always opens an hour after the park. I like to get there early and beat the mid day sun because there is hardly any shade. Pictures look adorable in Toontown!

Jedi Training is the one I'd prioritize at park opening, trying for an early slot so that your Jedis aren't roasting in their robes. They'll do a bit of waiting in the sun while the storyline plays out and while they're waiting to battle.

Have fun planning!

I was actually hoping for a later in the day Jedi Academy, when we are ready to sit for a bit and lines are longer. But the last week of November -shouldn't- be too warm, right? Hoping. I might have to toss my schedule around if I look and it's going to be warm as it gets close to go-time.

My group of 10 rode it on a MM day, we walked briskly to it right out of the gate and got right on it. And we were there on an insanely busy day! Like others have said, I'd be bummed if I had waited to ride that one! It's super cute and it's a classic and kids enjoyed it but it's short and rather uneventful. It's got a nostalgic charm to it no doubt but do it first thing on a MM or not at all.

Thanks. I will consider scheduling it for Tuesday, when we're going to use our MM... My little guy is a big Peter Pan fan, and we only make it there (financially) ever 2-4 years, so I want to make sure we do that one.
So on a MM day, would Toontown open 1 hour after actual park opening then?

 

[chickapin parterre]

My group of 10 rode it on a MM day, we walked briskly to it right out of the gate and got right on it. And we were there on an insanely busy day! Like others have said, I'd be bummed if I had waited to ride that one! It's super cute and it's a classic and kids enjoyed it but it's short and rather uneventful. It's got a nostalgic charm to it no doubt but do it first thing on a MM or not at all.

the key phrase is "right out of the gate". It is very unlikely that during the holidays that there will be a gate entrance into Disneyland. HOWEVER, if you do get a gate entrance into Disneyland, then go directly to Peter Pan and your wait time will be very minimal. What happens at rope drop, is that everyone is there at once, instead of the trickle of folks into the park, gone are the days of the just your family and the castle photograph. Peter pan at rope drop is not civilized, so with the youngster, it may be just only one adult and him and a sibling that likes to run without fear in large crowds

 

[Jaina]

the key phrase is "right out of the gate". It is very unlikely that during the holidays that there will be a gate entrance into Disneyland. HOWEVER, if you do get a gate entrance into Disneyland, then go directly to Peter Pan and your wait time will be very minimal. What happens at rope drop, is that everyone is there at once, instead of the trickle of folks into the park, gone are the days of the just your family and the castle photograph. Peter pan at rope drop is not civilized, so with the youngster, it may be just only one adult and him and a sibling that likes to run without fear in large crowds

Gate Entrance (where they let you in and you just keep moving into whatever land) vs. Rope Drop (where they open the gates before official opening time and then everyone waits in the hub). Did I get those right? Would a magic morning be a Gate Entrance, or would it also have a rope drop?

 

[MacMama0930]

Gate Entrance (where they let you in and you just keep moving into whatever land) vs. Rope Drop (where they open the gates before official opening time and then everyone waits in the hub). Did I get those right? Would a magic morning be a Gate Entrance, or would it also have a rope drop?

In my experience, DL just opened the gate and we went straight to rides. DCA let us in the gate only to be stopped at a rope drop. But that may change depending on season. But even at rope drop, they let MM folks in an hour before everyone else. Also, if you're wanting to be towards the front, show up early! For our MM, DL opened up at 7:00am and we showed up at 6:20am and we were not the first in line, but pretty close. DCA start time was 8am and we showed up a little after 7 and were the first in line, which was neat. But then ya, they opened the gates and we ended up not exactly being first at rope drop because people don't follow the rules and RUN! Grrrr.

 

[rentayenta]

We will be there the same week. When it comes to PP you end up waiting no matter what whether it's at the gates for drop or in the actual line. We prefer to do PP as the last ride of the night.

 

[chickapin parterre]

magic morning could be a 8:25 opening onto a rope drop, non magic morning at 9:25 will be a rope drop at the hub end of main street. If the gates open at 10:00 then you are in luck, but with 10:00, it is very unlikely that there will be a gate opening, I cannot imagine the lines for a 10:00 gate opening, because that is an ideal lazy tourist time to open Disneyland. I have always opened it at 8:00 and only brave souls are around that time, that is 7:00 in the morning at the gate waiting for whatever decision they have made.

If you walk a tad fast above normal, on a gate opening, there will be no line at Peter Pan. If you stop for photos, bathroom breaks, then you will encounter a line, back in the old days before rope drop, it was very possible to ride Peter Pan twice in a row on gate drop when in line 45 mins before gate opening, so there is the rub, the investment of time outside of the gate has what kind of reward???? when my actual waiting was 45 mins anyhow for Peter Pan

 

[Jaina]

That would a good information and perspective, thanks!

 

[coaches24]

MM means there is no rope drop for you. You can go straight to FL and TL from the gate. Guests who do not have MM will be allowed in before the regular park opening (15-20 min early maybe) but will be held at the rope until the normal opening time.

 

[chickapin parterre]

MM means there is no rope drop for you. You can go straight to FL and TL from the gate. Guests who do not have MM will be allowed in before the regular park opening (15-20 min early maybe) but will be held at the rope until the normal opening time.

There will be a rope drop at MM, if the gate opens at 7:20, you will line up, on MM, at a rope extended thru the middle of the castle hub or even at the castle and tomorrowland, no ryhme. No reason on management decision where the rope will be laid out. As a consequence of this rope drop wait, folks are piled up, 8 deep, with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, large family groups, as a result, there is a large crush of folks headed, to...you guessed it, Peter Pan!!! So once again the rub, if you are at touching that rope, willing to do a fast UPS shuffle, with a sprinkle of rudeness, the wait will be short. It is truly amazing how just a few mintues longer on a polite walk will extend that line. In part, and I have read here that each morning is different how the cast members manage the chains, how the line is created. I have been mornings where we did not walk thru the maze and then mornings where we walked the maze. I can tell you that 15 mins after rope drop as I exit the attraction, the maze is full and line extends down to the castle gate, to that forbidden 45 min wait. which is 10 mins longer when I waited when at the gate at 7:20

 

[agamble]

I say try for Peter Pan on your Magic Morning. If you're bringing a baby wearing device of any kind I would have baby in that so you have one less thing to worry about. Since getting up early isn't your issue, I would get there around 8 for your 9AM opening so long as your kids can handle waiting it out. Maybe bring a picnic breakfast to eat while waiting for the gates to open. It seems that the rope drop thing is always up in the air. I imagine with such a late opening they will likely let you in and have you wait at a rope, but who knows. I prefer it when it is separate ropes for each area over the one rope at the end of Main Street.

Toontown always opens an hour late, regardless of park hours, as far as I know. We've been there for the little entrance "parade" a few times and it's nice. Our oldest DD got to hold Mickey's hand and walk with him towards his house one year. Do know that Mickey and Minnie take pictures at the front of their houses at that time. So if you want the Mickey picture from his movie barn you'll have to come back later in the day. That is the best time to ride Gadget's coaster though, and remember baby can ride the Fantasyland dark rides but not Roger Rabbit.

I would go for Jedi on Wednesday and just go straight there. One of you can wait with the kids for sign-ups and the other can grab FP for Space. This way you can do Fantasyland on Tuesday with MM and Monday morning go to your other must do attractions. Based on what I've read there is no reason you should have trouble getting into Jedi so long as you go there first, some were even reporting that spots were available a few hours out, though I would plan to just go there first thing.

 

[Jaina]

I say try for Peter Pan on your Magic Morning. If you're bringing a baby wearing device of any kind I would have baby in that so you have one less thing to worry about. Since getting up early isn't your issue, I would get there around 8 for your 9AM opening so long as your kids can handle waiting it out. Maybe bring a picnic breakfast to eat while waiting for the gates to open. It seems that the rope drop thing is always up in the air. I imagine with such a late opening they will likely let you in and have you wait at a rope, but who knows. I prefer it when it is separate ropes for each area over the one rope at the end of Main Street.

Toontown always opens an hour late, regardless of park hours, as far as I know. We've been there for the little entrance "parade" a few times and it's nice. Our oldest DD got to hold Mickey's hand and walk with him towards his house one year. Do know that Mickey and Minnie take pictures at the front of their houses at that time. So if you want the Mickey picture from his movie barn you'll have to come back later in the day. That is the best time to ride Gadget's coaster though, and remember baby can ride the Fantasyland dark rides but not Roger Rabbit.

I would go for Jedi on Wednesday and just go straight there. One of you can wait with the kids for sign-ups and the other can grab FP for Space. This way you can do Fantasyland on Tuesday with MM and Monday morning go to your other must do attractions. Based on what I've read there is no reason you should have trouble getting into Jedi so long as you go there first, some were even reporting that spots were available a few hours out, though I would plan to just go there first thing.

This is pretty much what I have decided to do, so I'm glad you agree! We might check the line for PP later on Monday to see if we could maybe squeeze it in that evening, but I'm not counting on it. That ride seriously needs FP too... Do they close all of Fantasyland during Fireworks? If fireworks are at 8:40 and the park closes at 9, I'm guessing they will not reopen at all, right?

I'm thinking Monday morning take our time checking out Main Street and walk through as soon as rope drop happens to ride Alice and Dumbo, then grab some FP's for Big Thunder Mountain and go ride Jingle Cruise. Do lines get backed up for that during the holidays, or can we catch at a later point in one of the days? HMH has FP, right?

Tues we'll try for PP and a few other Fantasyland rides then maybe go over to Tomorrowland and hit Star Tours or HSM. Is Small World open during MM? We'll aim for the Toontown opening at 11 that day. Or, head over to CA about 15 min before it opens. So unsure.

Weds we will do Jedi Training sign ups first and then ride/FP Star Tours and HSM again.

Thursday morning the parks actually open at 8, randomly, so we'll start our day at CA.

 

[chickapin parterre]

On the Jingle Cruise lines, it depends on the operation of Indy, POC and HM. If they are not closed because of tourist error, then it should be fine. The first year that Jingle was offered, all three Es where closed early in the day at the same time during my december visit, and for the first time in my life, i went to the top of the stairs for Jungle Cruise. though the problem was corrected quickly with more boats.

 

[coaches24]

There will be a rope drop at MM, if the gate opens at 7:20, you will line up, on MM, at a rope extended thru the middle of the castle hub or even at the castle and tomorrowland, no ryhme. No reason on management decision where the rope will be laid out. As a consequence of this rope drop wait, folks are piled up, 8 deep, with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, large family groups, as a result, there is a large crush of folks headed, to...you guessed it, Peter Pan!!! So once again the rub, if you are at touching that rope, willing to do a fast UPS shuffle, with a sprinkle of rudeness, the wait will be short. It is truly amazing how just a few mintues longer on a polite walk will extend that line. In part, and I have read here that each morning is different how the cast members manage the chains, how the line is created. I have been mornings where we did not walk thru the maze and then mornings where we walked the maze. I can tell you that 15 mins after rope drop as I exit the attraction, the maze is full and line extends down to the castle gate, to that forbidden 45 min wait. which is 10 mins longer when I waited when at the gate at 7:20

Hmm, this must be new because the times I have done MM I have walked straight to PP from the gate with no rope in the way at all. They always opened the gate for MM one hour before regular park opening and let you go straight to FL or TL. What you mention has only happened to me when I do not have MM and am showing up on a MM day as a non MM guest.

 

[agamble]

Hmm, this must be new because the times I have done MM I have walked straight to PP from the gate with no rope in the way at all. They always opened the gate for MM one hour before regular park opening and let you go straight to FL or TL. What you mention has only happened to me when I do not have MM and am showing up on a MM day as a non MM guest.

We have had a rope drop on MM before, but it's been a long time since we've had a MM to use and I do not know what the policy is on rope drop on MM. We generally go to the opposite park of EMH/MM and enter before the park opens to anyone. At DCA they usually allow you in 30 minutes early and there are a few roped off areas. It seems like Disneyland only lets you in 10-15 minutes early. We've been held by a large rope at the end of Main Street and also held at smaller roped sections similar to DCA. At DL we have experienced a rope drop during someone elses MM one time, and it was kind of odd to be held back when people were having Disney fun. I can't think of any time in the last 5 years of visiting as a family that we've been made to wait until the park actually opened to be let in.

 

[chickapin parterre]

no,... MM does not mean there is a guaranteed "free of rope drop." Rope drop is not the rule, but the exception, and during Christmas, it becomes the exception. So the best way to prepare for rope drop or trickle in during gate opening, which in the old days was always ( since I have not had a gate trickle in 9 years, though I have read trip reports of gate opening outside of Christmas) at the hour, after the family celebration is to line up 40 mins before opening.. (( I (have many photos of that really slow clock on the train station as i waited and waited and waited at the gate to open)))) The problem for the OP is the opening times of the day, that I have yet to experience and should put on my Bucket List, open Disneyland at 10:00. I cannot imagine the horror of a 10:00 opening