A little overwhelmed...

[Jonasan]

Hello there! I just joined this place trying to plan my trip for DL. It'll be my first time going, though I've been to WDW before (both that trip and this trip will be flying solo). Only thing is, I'm a little more worried about this trip because, unlike WDW where I went in January, because of timing and all I'll be hitting Disneyland for Thanksgiving Weekend (arriving Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, spending Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon in the parks, leaving on overnight flight Monday night), and I get the feeling that'll be one of the busiest periods! Also, I'm finding it a LOT harder to find good resources and example touring orders/plans, etc. for DL compared to everything there was to help with planning for WDW.

I'm a somewhat fit 25-year-old and am fully prepared to be spending all day in the park, opening to closing (maybe "some" time for rest, but I was able to do opening-to-closing every day for 6 days at WDW, though hours were a little less there), but I just want to make sure I get almost all of the main attractions in the two parks in at least once over the 4 days. I guess my main worry here is, is this even possible? Or am I going to have to settle for long waits no matter what? Are there any particular orders or something I should do to try to offset the long waits? Should I save most of the big things for Monday, which I think should be a relatively slower day compared to the busy weekend? Though either way I want to get a lot in on those long days too... like the topic says, I'm kind of overwhelmed! But, I'm happy to join here and hope I have a good time planning my trip here with the rest of you!

I g

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We went to DL for the 1st time in June w/ our DS-3 and DS-6m. We had 4 day hoppers but didn't get into the park until 6 PM on the 1st night so we really had only 3 full days. I realize this wasn't Thanksgiving but it was the weekend Little Mermaid and Star Tours opened so the park was quite busy. I think if it had been just my DH and I we would have gone on every ride in that amount of time. But with two little ones we had to stop quite a big and while they were awake focus on kid rides. Even so we went on almost every adult ride.

One of my biggest surprises was that DL and CA are literally next to each other. It is less than a 1 minute walk between parks. I read on the DIS they were close but didn't think they were that close. We went back and forth between parks all day. It's almost as if DA is a different land.

Be sure to take advantage of the Fast Pass which works just like WDW. We got fast passes while the kids were awake in the morning and early afternoon and then rode the rides during naps.

So I guess my point is - even if it is a little busier I think you will get to see and ride everything you want to in that amount of time you have. Especially as you won't have little ones with you.

Have a great trip and enjoy planning.

 

[SarafinaPink]

Check out Hydro guy's guide to Fast Passes:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

and his DLR guide for WDW Vets:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

And they will help tremendously. If you use FP wisely and plan certain things, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to hit all the major attractions and then some.

 

[Eeee-va]

I think it's wise to plan for large crowds after Thanksgiving (that way you won't be disappointed!). But some people have said they're not bad after Thanksgiving due to annual passholder blockouts. So it may not be that bad. (That's what I'm hoping for my sake and yours! LOL) And like you pointed out, Monday will almost certainly be pretty low crowds.

Some rides, like the Sailing Ship Columbia and the Canoes, can be seasonal--only offered when the park is busier than usual and/or summer--so if you do see them running and want to ride them, don't wait until Monday.

One thing about crowds, too--they're a lot harder to navigate with multiple people than when you're alone. To me, at least, it's not half as stressful to go through a crowd when you're only responsible for yourself and don't have to worry about losing anyone. So even if it IS crowded I think you'll be OK.

IMO there is no reason you can't get every "main" attraction done in 4 days (barring closures, and unless the nearly-unprecedented happens and it rains all 4 days and you can't see a parade or Fantasmic!). If you don't care about meet and greets, then really, I don't think you'll have any trouble doing everything you want, especially if you're alone.

Disney's website lists 87 attractions between the 2 parks. In fairness, I don't see World of Color or fireworks on it...but it does count things like Big Thunder Ranch, the Disney Gallery, meeting Duffy, Rapunzel, princesses, and fairies, and a few "attractions" in Toontown that are just walk-throughs or in a few cases little more than a themed room or staircase. (Not trying to belittle any of those smaller attractions--I've done them all (except Goofy's House) and like most of them!--but just pointing out that the 87 number covers a lot more than what most people would consider "main" attractions.)

Anyway, if you arrive at noon on Friday and truly are in the parks from open to close, you could easily have 50+ hours at the parks. MOST of the rides with consistently long lines offer Fastpasses, except for Peter Pan Flight (which you can do first thing in the morning on Friday or Monday, or just get in line late at night and wait it out). Even when people have to wait in line for TSMM and mention how long the line was, it's generally no more than 45 minutes. So you don't have to necessarily worry about being stuck in long lines most of the time, even if it's crowded. Just hit the parks very early (before opening if possible, or at least at opening) and get your FPs in line. Most visitors to DL are locals and most of them don't reach the parks right at rope drop. So you will have a few hours in the park that probably won't be terribly crowded, and can grab several FPs in that time.

Going solo, you can take advantage of Single Rider on several big rides like Indy (can be faster than FP!), Splash Mountain, and California Screamin'. Also Soarin' (though it seems to me Single Rider can often take much longer than FP) and I hear Goofy's Sky School.

I also don't know what kind of person you are but I suggest you try to take some time to just enjoy the atmosphere, especially since you'll be there for the Christmas season. It's a beautiful time of year and I didn't mean to suggest you rush around and miss it! Just saying that even if it's crowded, you should be able to get what you want to get done, done. I would prioritize into a small number of "must dos" and a large number of "would like to dos" to be sure you hit everything you absolutely have to...I'll bet you can get most or all of your like to dos done too, though.

Have a great trip!

 

[Jonasan]

Thanks a lot for all your help and advice! This does sound a lot more doable now. Sounds like the most important thing is how I use my mornings, and in using the Fastpasses on the more popular rides, while spending the busy afternoons on either the less popular attractions or on lunch, maybe a quick nap. (back when I was doing all day at WDW it was Jan so the hours were like 9 AM to 8 PM, which I see is the hours for Monday, but these 7 AM to Midnight hours on Sat and Sun might be much even for me!)

I'll have to work on putting together possible plans on how to split up the four days. First thing is trying to figure out what to do when I arrive on Friday, since I'll be arriving at the park right in the middle of the afternoon when waits may already be high, and I'm not sure of FP's will still be available (thinking might want to start off with getting an FP if I can, then an afternoon parade or shows or something)

I'm mostly figuring on spending Fri and Sun in DCA and Sat and Mon at DL, but now I'm thinking it might be good to jump between the two within the days as well. But still, I've got 3 months to hammer all the details!

 

[isisisme]

I'm mostly figuring on spending Fri and Sun in DCA and Sat and Mon at DL, but now I'm thinking it might be good to jump between the two within the days as well. But still, I've got 3 months to hammer all the details!

Like it was said before, the two parks are right next to each other. And with all the construction at DCA, I don't think you need to plan 2 days over at DCA. A list of musts and hopefuls would be good.

Oh, and the Fast Passes, there more than likely will still be some for a lot fo rides, just not Star Tours since it is the new E ticket ride. And lucky for you, Pirates should be open again!

 

[Jonasan]

Absolute musts are the rides that are at DL but not at WDW/those that are supposed to be better or have different christmas theming when I visit: Indy, Nemo, Space, Small World, Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad, Alice, Pinocchio, most of the DCA stuff. Splash Mountain is the biggest absolute MUST-ride, because both times I went to WDW I was unable to ride it ;_;. I also want to catch the Aladdin show, World of Color, Fantasmic, and the usual parade/fireworks stuff, but I'd put WOC and Fant as musts and the others as hopefuls.

I definitely think I have a good groundwork to start making preliminary plans at least, though I won't know for sure until I know the actual schedules of the shows, parades, etc. Also need to figure out what I want to do dining, I'm a little disappointed at the lack of choices compared to WDW. How tough will it be to get a good place to eat in such a busy weekend if I'm solo? Should I still do reservations for the table service places (I do like to at least do one table meal per day, the restaurants are part of the fun for me)

 

[Huff]

Go to DL first thing in the morning and collect FP's for the major rides. 1st I would get Space Mountain (way better than WDW's). If you fail to get an FP VERY early the FP return time will be rather late and you'll thus have to wait 2 hours before getting another FP. The other FP to get early would be Indy or Splash although the line for splash often gets short after dark in the winter months.

Collect but don't use the FP's at Disneyland. Head on over to CA. Several attractions will have no line. Get FP's for Soar'n if you arrive early enough for a short return time. Soar'n can get VERY long return times. Then get FP's for Grizzly since the return time is often under 1 hour even on a crowded day. While there also get FP for World of Color show. Then get an FP for Scream'n, again, return time is not usually long. Next, maybe Tower. Lines are often short and FP return times good until afternoon or evening.

You'll now have lots of FP's for both DL and CA to use for second half of day and evening. During crowded times go on Monsters, Bugs, Muppets, see Aladdin, Buzz, Train (You'll see Grand Canyon and Dino land between Tomorrowland and Main Street stops).

 

[Jonasan]

How long are the return times usually? And I like this idea, but what would I be doing in between the return times in the morning at DL, riding the less crowded rides

also, I've heard that Haunted Mansion can get really busy around this time too when it's in Nightmare Before Christmas Mode. Will that be something I might need to get FP for, or can I get at it at reasonable times?

Still, that plan sounds really good and can get me a lot of the major ones in in one day! I was originally figured I'd "make it easier" for myself by splitting some of the major ones on different days.

 

[Hound 109]

Lots of excellent advice in the posts above. Did you read the Hydroguy links that SarafinaPink posted? Read them again.

I agree with Huff's strategy. & I agree that the first two - three hours of each day are key to maximizing your day.

Plus, i don't think it's been mentioned.....but several of the rides that one would usually get FP for.....you can single rider (as opposed to or in addition to FP).... if you're solo. (Such as Splash, Indy & Screamin')

Thanks a lot for all your help and advice! This does sound a lot more doable now. Sounds like the most important thing is how I use my mornings,

Correct. Ride slow loaders & pick up FPs as they become available.


....and in using the Fastpasses on the more popular rides, while spending the busy afternoons on either the less popular attractions or on lunch, maybe a quick nap.

Correct. Also a good time to see shows.


(back when I was doing all day at WDW it was Jan so the hours were like 9 AM to 8 PM, which I see is the hours for Monday, but these 7 AM to Midnight hours on Sat and Sun might be much even for me!)

I'll have to work on putting together possible plans on how to split up the four days. First thing is trying to figure out what to do when I arrive on Friday, since I'll be arriving at the park right in the middle of the afternoon when waits may already be high, and I'm not sure of FP's will still be available (thinking might want to start off with getting an FP if I can, then an afternoon parade or shows or something)

FPs will be available for BTMRR & RR....& possibly Indy or Splash, even in the afternoon.


I'm mostly figuring on spending Fri and Sun in DCA and Sat and Mon at DL, but now I'm thinking it might be good to jump between the two within the days as well. But still, I've got 3 months to hammer all the details!

Park Hop each day.....DCA is merely CaliforniaLand.

In additions to the threads linked above, read these:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197


"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


Also, my one day trip report (linked in my signature below) might give you some ideas. Read all the links (with a DLR map in front of you) & come back & ask more detailed questions. You'll have enough info to be dangerous.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Hound 109]

How long are the return times usually?

It depends. Look at HGs FP threads. Many of us will pick up 4 sets of FPs between 8am & 10:30am (for example) then hop to DCA. Then we'll use the FPs in DL in the late afternoon & early evening.

And I like this idea, but what would I be doing in between the return times in the morning at DL, riding the less crowded rides

Lots to do. Ride rides, see shows, eat, continue to pick up FPs etc. (read the links for ideas.

also, I've heard that Haunted Mansion can get really busy around this time too when it's in Nightmare Before Christmas Mode. Will that be something I might need to get FP for, or can I get at it at reasonable times?

Good question. Holiday HM is a good ride to FP (after ST, SM & Indy) but before Splash & BTMRR. But again.....if you're solo, you'll be able to do Indy single rider if you wanted....moving HHM up in the FP collection order. But yes. After say 11am, HHM will have lines of 50 min. or more.....so FP is the way to go if you don't ride it the first 30 min. of the day. (& i would probably do other things the first 30 min.....so FP is the way to go on most days, imo)


Still, that plan sounds really good and can get me a lot of the major ones in in one day! I was originally figured I'd "make it easier" for myself by splitting some of the major ones on different days.

Read the links & it will start to make sense. Don't split parks (one day one park, the next day another park).....but you might "split" morning strategies depending on lots of factors. (But each day you should plan on being early & plan on touring & collecting FPs the first 2-3 hours of each day with a plan).

 

[Jonasan]

Thanks a lot, Hound! Those links and your information was really helpful. I think I've got a general outline for what the days will look like. Though to clarify, when I was talking about splitting major attractions, I meant that as in not wanting to do everything on the first day and thus having a later day be "I've already done all the big stuff". Of course, there's always re-rides, hehe.

The only real thing that I didn't really get an answer to in the links was on the subject of my Magic Morning that I'll get to use. Are FP machines for the Fantasy and Tomorrow rides open at the time running during the MM, or will I not be able to get FP's until the park opens to the general public. If not, then of course I'll be sure to collect an FP for ST or SM as soon as it hits 8 AM, but I've been seeing a lot of mixed messages on how best to use the MM. My first thought was to focus it on hitting Fantasyland's rides that don't use FP (Peter Pan, Alice, Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, Snow White), but I've seen others say to use it on ST and SM right away, and even one that suggested using the whole MM getting as many rides on ST as possible! What in general is the most effective way to use the magic morning, esp. if FP collecting isn't an option for that first hour?

It does sound like I have a really good shot of effectively seeing everything. I'll have to work out possible touring plans soon. And of course the fact that if I do have any trouble, my last day there, the Monday, will be a lot slower (though with much shorter park hours, only 9 AM to 8 PM as opposed to being open till Midnight the other days), I can definitely use that day to focus on getting in as many rides/re-rides as possible, while Sat and Sun's busy periods and evenings is what I'll save the shows for.

Then of course there's the question of dining. Not sure how easy it is to snag a table if you're dining solo. Should I still try for priority seating (I like to have at least one table-service meal for day, as I tend to consider the Disney restaurants as solid attractions of their own. And do plan on having at least one lunch at the Golden Horseshoe to see Billy Hill)

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks a lot, Hound! Those links and your information was really helpful.

Cool.

I think I've got a general outline for what the days will look like. Though to clarify, when I was talking about splitting major attractions, I meant that as in not wanting to do everything on the first day and thus having a later day be "I've already done all the big stuff". Of course, there's always re-rides, hehe.

The only real thing that I didn't really get an answer to in the links was on the subject of my Magic Morning that I'll get to use. Are FP machines for the Fantasy and Tomorrow rides open at the time running during the MM, or will I not be able to get FP's until the park opens to the general public.

FP machines are NOT operating during MM. But you can get in line for ST or SM FP at say....:50 or :55 of MM & be one of the first with a FP at 8:01am (thus giving you a return time of 8:45am (assuming an 8am Gen. Adm. opening). That way you start your FP collection clock as early as possible.


If not, then of course I'll be sure to collect an FP for ST or SM as soon as it
hits 8 AM, but I've been seeing a lot of mixed messages on how best to use the MM. My first thought was to focus it on hitting Fantasyland's rides that don't use FP (Peter Pan, Alice, Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, Snow White),

I'm in the "use the first 45 min. of MM to ride the slow moving Fantasyland rides" camp. Then either ride SM or BLAB & be in line at ST (for FPs) at :55am.

but I've seen others say to use it on ST and SM right away,

I'm of the opinion that one should get a FP for SM (& possibly) ST.....each & every day. Plus, if you've "done" the FL rides & would prefer to ride ST (or SM or Indy)......in the standby line immediately after picking up your first FP at :01.....then do it.

and even one that suggested using the whole MM getting as many rides on ST as possible!

I think those are the ST "geek" types. I'll let others comment....but I'm guessing that dedicating all of MM to ST wouldn't be advisable if one is ALSO interested in SM & Walt's cute, historic (& slow loading) fantasyland rides.

What in general is the most effective way to use the magic morning, esp. if FP collecting isn't an option for that first hour?

With only ONE MM? I'd say FL (using the FL MM order posted in several of the links).......perhaps bailing on FL at :30 or :35 & riding SM...... & then with 10 min. left in MM, head to ST & pick up your first FP (at ST) at :01.


It does sound like I have a really good shot of effectively seeing everything. I'll have to work out possible touring plans soon. And of course the fact that if I do have any trouble, my last day there, the Monday, will be a lot slower (though with much shorter park hours, only 9 AM to 8 PM as opposed to being open till Midnight the other days), I can definitely use that day to focus on getting in as many rides/re-rides as possible, while Sat and Sun's busy periods and evenings is what I'll save the shows for.

If you start early every day.....even Sat AND Sun will be VERY productive. But sure....plan to see some shows on Sat. & Sunday. & yes....use Mon. to ride all of your faves.


Then of course there's the question of dining. Not sure how easy it is to snag a table if you're dining solo. Should I still try for priority seating (I like to have at least one table-service meal for day, as I tend to consider the Disney restaurants as solid attractions of their own. And do plan on having at least one lunch at the Golden Horseshoe to see Billy Hill)

I'll let others comment on the "dining solo" question. But i'm thinking that the only restaurant you'll need a PS for will be Blue Bayou. & "Lunch" at the GH to see the Billy's (on Sat. or Sunday) sounds like a GREAT idea.

Hopefully others will comment & offer additional opinions on all of the above.

 

[Eeee-va]

I'd personally suggest you go to DL first on Friday, even though it may be busy, just because it seems like THE place to start, and it should be semi-familiar to you if you've been to WDW. Meanwhile, DCA will be kind of a maze of construction walls. But that said, I started my WDW trip at Epcot and don't regret it a bit. So it's up to you!

For dining, reservations are never a BAD idea, IMO, but they often aren't necessary. Since you want to do dining anyway, you might consider doing the World of Color Preferred Dining, if it's in your budget. You might get a nice meal and you'll get a FP to see the show. I think you would want a reservation for that. If you do the Blue Bayou I'd definitely get a reservation, since demand may be unusually high (it should be just opening up after Pirates of the Caribbean's rehab). For my money I prefer Cafe Orleans over there, but I think Blue Bayou is definitely worth trying once.

There are plenty of good dining places in DLR for 4 days. Downtown Disney is an EASY walk from Disneyland, too, so you have all those options, and the hotel eateries are within walking distance. http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm has all the menus.

There are some great counter-service options; that actually seems to be where the innovative options have been coming out lately. The stuff at the Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta/Paradise Grill in DCA and the new options at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country look amazing.

I agree with others that Fantasyland is probably your best bet for your MM, unless you LOVE Star Tours and/or Space Mountain more than anything in FL. You will have first thing Monday morning to do FL if you want. And several of the rides in FL (especially Snow White and Pinocchio) will have short waits late at night, if you are a night owl.

But it's amazing how many FL rides you can do in the morning..I think it's pretty magical.

 

[rramstad]

With MM it is very possible to ride everything in FL, get over to Tomorrowland, ride Buzz and possibly Space Mountain and still be in line for ST FP at :50 or :55.

That's my recommendation...

 

[Jonasan]

Thanks for the advice! I am definitely considering doing the WOC package for Ariel's Grotto, since that seemed to be a place worth eating anyway. I'm also considering Cafe Orleans, and then one of the restaurants in DTD (maybe Ralph Brennan's? I like variety though, and it seems like both it and CO are kind of cajun, so maybe not), and one of the restaurants at the hotels (possibly a character dinner, but I'll see). As for counter-service I'll also do a little more research, I just know Golden Horseshoe is a definite must for one of the days.

Also, exactly how does the Single Rider pass work? I keep hearing it can be even faster than Fastpass, but I'm a little skeptical on that especially for the really busy days. I know it doesn't work on Soarin', but apparently it does on the rest? So I shouldn't even bother with collecting FP for those rides that accept SR, and can just go on at any time, or should I still try to keep those to earlier in the morning/later in the evening, and focus on using FP's, shows, and less popular/fast-loading rides in the afternoon?

Also checking, it seesm the following rides are the ones that accept Single Rider, and thus I presumably shouldn't be wasting Fastpass Collection time on:

Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones
Soarin' (but on this one FP is better)
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run
Mulholland Madness

Am I missing anything, or does anything I put no longer do SR?

Finally, how busy can the Jungle Cruise get in the evenings? I've done it before at WDW but only in the daytime and love it, but I've heard the Cruise is even better at night, especially late, and that the Skippers can sometimes be likely to be a little more colorful at the late rides? I really want to try the Cruise at night.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the advice! I am definitely considering doing the WOC package for Ariel's Grotto, since that seemed to be a place worth eating anyway. I'm also considering Cafe Orleans, and then one of the restaurants in DTD (maybe Ralph Brennan's? I like variety though, and it seems like both it and CO are kind of cajun, so maybe not), and one of the restaurants at the hotels (possibly a character dinner, but I'll see). As for counter-service I'll also do a little more research, I just know Golden Horseshoe is a definite must for one of the days.

Also, exactly how does the Single Rider pass work? I keep hearing it can be even faster than Fastpass, but I'm a little skeptical on that especially for the really busy days. I know it doesn't work on Soarin', but apparently it does on the rest? So I shouldn't even bother with collecting FP for those rides that accept SR, and can just go on at any time, or should I still try to keep those to earlier in the morning/later in the evening, and focus on using FP's, shows, and less popular/fast-loading rides in the afternoon?

Also checking, it seesm the following rides are the ones that accept Single Rider, and thus I presumably shouldn't be wasting Fastpass Collection time on:

Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones
Soarin' (but on this one FP is better)
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run
Mulholland Madness

Am I missing anything, or does anything I put no longer do SR?

Finally, how busy can the Jungle Cruise get in the evenings? I've done it before at WDW but only in the daytime and love it, but I've heard the Cruise is even better at night, especially late, and that the Skippers can sometimes be likely to be a little more colorful at the late rides? I really want to try the Cruise at night.

JC typically is a short wait all day be especially in the morning and evening.

Regarding Single Rider, all of your info is right on. When you are solo and can mix FP and SR you can really accomplish a lot. I did a solo trip last September and it was so easy because of SR. I would not bother with FP on any SR ride except for Soarin.

How does SR work? Just ask a CM at the ride entrance. On some rides they give you a pass - on others they don't - but usually they direct you to enter the ride thru the exit and then have a system for queueing you. Each SR ride is a little different but none of them is hard if you just ask the CM at the ride. I just go up and say "where is the single rider line?" and they take it from there.

 

[Hound 109]

Also, exactly how does the Single Rider pass work?

I'm guessing there are some SR threads you can review for detailed info. You go to the CM at the ride entrance. On most SR attractions, you basically go to the front of the line (often by entering thru the exit) & you'll get to hop on an empty seat.


I keep hearing it can be even faster than Fastpass, but I'm a little skeptical on that especially for the really busy days.

Depends on the ride. & on busy days, some of the SR rides are much quicker than FP.


I know it doesn't work on Soarin', but apparently it does on the rest?

It "works" on Soarin'...but not any better than FP. (plus with FP you can ask the CM if you can skip one cycle & ride on row A).


So I shouldn't even bother with collecting FP for those rides that accept SR, and can just go on at any time, or should I still try to keep those to earlier in the morning/later in the evening, and focus on using FP's, shows, and less popular/fast-loading rides in the afternoon?

That's the general idea.....but in some cases you might also want to pick up a FP even for a SR attraction. (see below)


Also checking, it seesm the following rides are the ones that accept Single Rider, and thus I presumably shouldn't be wasting Fastpass Collection time on:


Splash Mountain - A good SR because it's a long haul out to it.....& you can do it (& get soaked) right before your break.


Indiana Jones - I would FP it at least ONCE (maybe twice) so you can enjoy the very cool queue. (you bypass the queue on SR). But it's also a great SR ride (but you do enter thru the exit).

Note - Roger Rabbit is another one that has a great queue & you should go thru the RR standby if the line is 10 min. or less. & then FP RR the rest of the time.


Soarin' (but on this one FP is better) - imo Soarin' is a better FP for the reason mentioned above.


California Screamin' - A good SR ride because it's WAY back in DCA & there's not much of a queue. I've had good luck with SR here.


Grizzly River Run - Haven't done it, but i would think it would be a good one to do right before your break (since you'll likely get soaked).


Mulholland Madness - Haven't done it.


Am I missing anything, or does anything I put no longer do SR?

Finally, how busy can the Jungle Cruise get in the evenings? I've done it before at WDW but only in the daytime and love it, but I've heard the Cruise is even better at night, especially late, and that the Skippers can sometimes be likely to be a little more colorful at the late rides? I really want to try the Cruise at night.

I would plan on doing the following during the day AND also at night if you have the time:

- JC
- Storybookland
- Teacups
- BTMRR

And possibly the Matterhorn & Screamin' too.

 

[Jonasan]

One more thing I'm noticing that has me really worried: Toy Story Mania at DCA doesn't give Fastpasses? That seems really strange to me, since at WDW TSM was by far the most in-demand ride of all the parks (maybe tied with Soarin'), and the Studios version offered Fastpass... What's the best way to get rides of that in without long waits (that is the kind of ride I like to do multiple times too). Do it first thing in the DCA morning after collecting the first DCA FP, and ride right before closing? Though Little Mermaid also seems like it's high-demand but not offering FP, so I mgiht want to devote one of the first-ride-after-FP/last-ride-before-closing slots to it... still, what's the deal with DCA having these big headliner attractions without Fastpass?

 

[Jonasan]

In addition to the question above, I've also been hearing about a few other things that I think I'd want to try to seek out and do if I have time, possibly during that afternoon break-ish period while all the lines are long: I've seen a lot of videos of Alice and the Mad Hatter doing a whole kind of interactive game with the audience, sometimes with others (Gepetto and Foulfellow, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts, Peter Pan, etc.) Is there a specific time and place to catch that, or is that completely random? I'd like to be there for that sometime during my stay if I can :3

The same kind of question also pertains to the Dapper Dans. I definitely want to hear a performance or two from them as well during one of the afternoons! Man, there's so much stuff I do want to do that even with being in the parks all day long, I don't know if I'll be able to still fit all the little things in too! Doesn't keep me any less excited though!