A variety of DLR questions...

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I hope you don't mind me bunching a bunch of questions together, I hate to have a separate thread for each one. We will be there just when all the passes are unblocked, so I know it will be crazy busy... (some of these questions might be silly to you, sorry if some are so basic, just need some kindly help and advice)

1. Is mousewait pretty accurate? I downloaded to my phone and have enjoyed looking at it, however the wait times don't seem to bad most of the time. Just curious how accurate it is.

2. I saw that a bunch of Fantasyland rides were closed in the evening. Do they close for parades or fireworks?

3. Star tours: well, tough question for me to ask, but is it diffiult to fit into if you are a large person? (that would be me, most definitelyl a Pooh sized girl and I don't want to be embarrased to go to the ride and not fit)

4. WOC: We are only at DLR for 2 days, lucky I could squeeze them in on our crazy out west trip so we don't have alot of time to spend waiting in a space for the show, would rather try to get in as much of the park as we can and I can't see spending an hour just waiting. How are the viewing spots at the far end (the non fast pass spots) on the back edge. Is it even worth it to try and find a spot there?

4a. WOC: I have looked at youtube for some videos of WOC. It seems just "ok", Is it much better in person? Would be willing to try and make it work if it rocks in person, just not too impressed on youtube.

5. We have always had our park tickets before we go, this is a first that we will buy tickets when we get there. We will be going to DCA on the first day, when do they start selling the tickets? and where do we get them? We will be staying at Park Vue Inn.

6. Does the Aladin show usually completely full? Again don't want to spend a lot of time just waiting for the show.

7. Grizzly River Rapids, I've read conflicting info... Are the fast pass machines open right away for it or is it just for WOC?

8. Is there any time of day that would be a better time to ride TSMM? I imagine everyone rushes there right away in the morning, is it super full then? Should we just do it right away or do it later?

I KNOW we will have time were we will be waiting for shows/ rides, just trying to figure out what we should spend our time on.

thanks for your help, I'm just so excited that we get to go!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Quick question-when are you going? So much of your wait time will be based on how busy a time of year it is.

 

[tlovesdis]

I hope you don't mind me bunching a bunch of questions together, I hate to have a separate thread for each one. We will be there just when all the passes are unblocked, so I know it will be crazy busy... (some of these questions might be silly to you, sorry if some are so basic, just need some kindly help and advice)

1. Is mousewait pretty accurate? I downloaded to my phone and have enjoyed looking at it, however the wait times don't seem to bad most of the time. Just curious how accurate it is. The wait times are input by other mousewait users, so I personally don't think it is that accurate

2. I saw that a bunch of Fantasyland rides were closed in the evening. Do they close for parades or fireworks? Yes, most of Fantasyland and Toontown are closed during the fireworks show

3. Star tours: well, tough question for me to ask, but is it diffiult to fit into if you are a large person? (that would be me, most definitelyl a Pooh sized girl and I don't want to be embarrased to go to the ride and not fit) No worries, I am also Pooh sized and I go on ST all the time

4. WOC: We are only at DLR for 2 days, lucky I could squeeze them in on our crazy out west trip so we don't have alot of time to spend waiting in a space for the show, would rather try to get in as much of the park as we can and I can't see spending an hour just waiting. How are the viewing spots at the far end (the non fast pass spots) on the back edge. Is it even worth it to try and find a spot there? I would get a fastpass and show up about 15minutes before the show and you will be fine.

4a. WOC: I have looked at youtube for some videos of WOC. It seems just "ok", Is it much better in person? Would be willing to try and make it work if it rocks in person, just not too impressed on youtube. I personally love the show!!

5. We have always had our park tickets before we go, this is a first that we will buy tickets when we get there. We will be going to DCA on the first day, when do they start selling the tickets? and where do we get them? We will be staying at Park Vue Inn. You buy them at the ticket booths, but you are better off buying them ahead of time as there are no discounts available at the booths.

6. Does the Aladin show usually completely full? Again don't want to spend a lot of time just waiting for the show. You can get in line about 15 minutes before and be fine.

7. Grizzly River Rapids, I've read conflicting info... Are the fast pass machines open right away for it or is it just for WOC? This I don't know sorry

8. Is there any time of day that would be a better time to ride TSMM? I imagine everyone rushes there right away in the morning, is it super full then? Should we just do it right away or do it later? First thing in the morning is best!

I KNOW we will have time were we will be waiting for shows/ rides, just trying to figure out what we should spend our time on.

thanks for your help, I'm just so excited that we get to go!

answers in green

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Is mousewait pretty accurate? I downloaded to my phone and have enjoyed looking at it, however the wait times don't seem to bad most of the time. Just curious how accurate it is.

Most people think it is pretty accurate. We compared it in June often with Lines from touringplans.com and they were both comparable. I thought Lines had an easier interface.

2. I saw that a bunch of Fantasyland rides were closed in the evening. Do they close for parades or fireworks?

Yes during fireworks, and a few like StorybookLand canal boats during parades.

3. Star tours: well, tough question for me to ask, but is it diffiult to fit into if you are a large person? (that would be me, most definitelyl a Pooh sized girl and I don't want to be embarrased to go to the ride and not fit)

Star Tours seats would be along the same size as airplane seats. Not everyone can fit comfortably into such seats.

4. WOC: We are only at DLR for 2 days, lucky I could squeeze them in on our crazy out west trip so we don't have alot of time to spend waiting in a space for the show, would rather try to get in as much of the park as we can and I can't see spending an hour just waiting. How are the viewing spots at the far end (the non fast pass spots) on the back edge. Is it even worth it to try and find a spot there?

I have not seen it from there and can't say for sure. I would think the view would be rather poor from there.

4a. WOC: I have looked at youtube for some videos of WOC. It seems just "ok", Is it much better in person? Would be willing to try and make it work if it rocks in person, just not too impressed on youtube.

You can't tell from youtube anymore than you could seeing the Grand Canyon on youtube.

5. We have always had our park tickets before we go, this is a first that we will buy tickets when we get there. We will be going to DCA on the first day, when do they start selling the tickets? and where do we get them? We will be staying at Park Vue Inn.

Most of the good neighbor hotels will sell them to you. If you must buy them at the gates, I do not recall. I think 30 minutes before the park opens.

6. Does the Aladin show usually completely full? Again don't want to spend a lot of time just waiting for the show.

Yes. Get there at least 30 minutes before the show starts. You will be glad you did.

7. Grizzly River Rapids, I've read conflicting info... Are the fast pass machines open right away for it or is it just for WOC?

WOC only in the morning. This link is still how they do things:

See WOC and GRR FPs Distributed in Parallel.

8. Is there any time of day that would be a better time to ride TSMM? I imagine everyone rushes there right away in the morning, is it super full then? Should we just do it right away or do it later?

Different schools of thought on this for sure. We prefer to ride TSMM in the late afternoon. TSMM is the hardest ride at DLR to get on with a short line. In the afternoon the wait is usually 30-40 minutes during busier times.

 

[JH87]

I know a few have already answered, and some of mine will be repeats, but I thought I'd give you another opinion, or more confirmation on some of your questions I just got back from DLR. I spent Aug 1 & 2 there.

1. Is mousewait pretty accurate? I downloaded to my phone and have enjoyed looking at it, however the wait times don't seem to bad most of the time. Just curious how accurate it is.

I would say it is pretty accurate. It's also fun to update the times while you wait in line too. The FP return times were not always on point though. The biggest time difference I ever experienced with MouseWait was 10min. Like, the MouseWait time for Splash was 10 mins, but the posted time was about 20. That only happened a few times though. And I only noticed this during the first few hours of the park being open, when wait times can change quickly as more people reach the rides.

2. I saw that a bunch of Fantasyland rides were closed in the evening. Do they close for parades or fireworks?

Yep they close for fireworks, but they re-open shortly afterwards. As far as I know, everything is still open for parades. Note that ToonTown closes early for fireworks too, but does not re-open like the Fantasyland rides do.

3. Star tours: well, tough question for me to ask, but is it diffiult to fit into if you are a large person? (that would be me, most definitelyl a Pooh sized girl and I don't want to be embarrased to go to the ride and not fit)

The seats aren't terribly small, but like someone said earlier, they are kinda like standard sized airplane seats. Disney is very accommodating with people of all sizes so you should be ok. If you feel nervous, take a look at people exiting the ride to get a good idea. If you feel comfortable, you can ask a CM near the ride.

4. WOC: We are only at DLR for 2 days, lucky I could squeeze them in on our crazy out west trip so we don't have alot of time to spend waiting in a space for the show, would rather try to get in as much of the park as we can and I can't see spending an hour just waiting. How are the viewing spots at the far end (the non fast pass spots) on the back edge. Is it even worth it to try and find a spot there?

Haven't watched WOC from that area, but if you don't want to waste 1-2 hours just waiting around for a show I would say skip it. Or try that view, if it sucks, then leave.

4a. WOC: I have looked at youtube for some videos of WOC. It seems just "ok", Is it much better in person? Would be willing to try and make it work if it rocks in person, just not too impressed on youtube.

I thought it was great. A really impressive show. But it was all new to me. I hadn't watched any Youtube videos, so I am not sure if knowing what is included in the show would ruin it or make it less of a surprise for you. All I can say is I really enjoyed it.

5. We have always had our park tickets before we go, this is a first that we will buy tickets when we get there. We will be going to DCA on the first day, when do they start selling the tickets? and where do we get them? We will be staying at Park Vue Inn.

Your hotel may sell tickets. Most hotels on Harbor do this. You can always email or call them to double check. Ticket booths open an hour before the park. So, if DL opens at 8, ticket booths are open at 7. i like to get my tickets the night before, just to save time the next morning.

6. Does the Aladin show usually completely full? Again don't want to spend a lot of time just waiting for the show.

if you arrive about 30-20 mins before the show you should be ok. It does get pretty full in there during peak season. If you want a really good seat, arriving 45min-1hr before show time is best. You will pretty much be in front of the line. Note that they don't allow you to save spots in line for your party to join you later. The entire party must be in line at all times.

7. Grizzly River Rapids, I've read conflicting info... Are the fast pass machines open right away for it or is it just for WOC?

Just WOC from park opening till noon. Then from noon on half of the machines are for WOC and half are for GRR.


8. Is there any time of day that would be a better time to ride TSMM? I imagine everyone rushes there right away in the morning, is it super full then? Should we just do it right away or do it later?

The line is about 45 mins or more all day long. Even during off season in January when I went, lines never got to be less than 30mins. First thing in the morning is best, as long as you are near the front of the line at rope drop. People will either rush to TSMM or to the WOC FP machines.


Have fun!!

 

[kikiq]

I'll answer the WOC and TSMM or at least give my two cents.

I've watched WOC with FP and without. WOC is really better from the viewing area using the FPs, BUT you technically can watch it anywhere around the lagoon. You will not be able to see the water projections clearly. Here are some alternate non FP viewing areas that are "side ways viewing" - To the left of the Grotto Bar and behind the white gazebo, sometimes no one is standing there when the show starts. The CMs didn't shoo us away when we were there but that was a few months ago. Another spot is way to the right, really is looking at the projections sideways. My brother said it was by the swinging chairs. A CM actually pulled up a bench for him and his DD. He was impressed with it even from that angle.

IF you are truly pressed for time, then watch it from the backside right in front of TSMM. TSMM is the only ride on Paradise Pier that stays open during WOC. So if WOC doesn't impress you from that viewing area you can always ride TSMM. If you do watch it to the end, then immediately get in the TSMM line, usually a 30 minute wait occasionally shorter.

 

[meljensmom]

4a. WOC: I have looked at youtube for some videos of WOC. It seems just "ok", Is it much better in person? Would be willing to try and make it work if it rocks in person, just not too impressed on youtube.

WOC was awesome (in my opinion) My whole family loved it....my parents (in 60's), my oldest daughter (14) and my youngest (4) and myself (44). My Dad was in a motorized cart and so we were let in ahead of the crowd and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was almost as moving as the fireworks at DL.

We will be going to see it again next summer for sure!!

 

[kailuagirl]

WOC is really cool, I was hesitant myself waiting so long to see it, but we all thought it was well worth it. It is a challenge though to get the tickets, then get their early enough to get a good spot, and finding that good spot to watch it. But if you read the WOC thread it really helps on where to try to find a spot.

It's cheaper to buy your tickets online, but you can also buy them at the ticket booth.

Have fun!!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Quick question-when are you going? So much of your wait time will be based on how busy a time of year it is.

We will be there at the end of August when all the passes are unblocked.

THANK you everyone for your helpful information!

Another question...

Any idea of when they shut down fantasyland before the fireworks? What is the process of how they shut it down?

 

[HydroGuy]

We will be there at the end of August when all the passes are unblocked.

THANK you everyone for your helpful information!

Another question...

Any idea of when they shut down fantasyland before the fireworks? What is the process of how they shut it down?

Yes, the fallout from the fireworks can fall into FL. So they close it for safety.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Yes, the fallout from the fireworks can fall into FL. So they close it for safety.

what time do they start to close it down? For example what time would be the last time to get in line for say Peter Pan?

thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

I don't know. We are rarely in FL in the evening. I would assume you would be safe to get in line up to 60 minutes before the fireworks start.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

thanks!