a WDW Pro's first time to DL

[lindsay0526]

We have been to WDW many times (east coasters currently stationed in CA), and I am used to having a plan for hitting up those parks. I have a little plan worked out for our DL trip (It will be me, DH, Daughters 8, 5 &3 going Dec 21-23), but is it needed? I don't see too many DL visitors coming up with plans? Is DL just much more laid back than WDW?

 

[figment_jii]

We have been to WDW many times (east coasters currently stationed in CA), and I am used to having a plan for hitting up those parks. I have a little plan worked out for our DL trip (It will be me, DH, Daughters 8, 5 &3 going Dec 21-23), but is it needed? I don't see too many DL visitors coming up with plans? Is DL just much more laid back than WDW?

Yes and no...DLR doesn't generally require as much pre-planning as WDW. However, you are going during a fairly busy time of the year, so it would probably be a good idea to have a game plan in mind. I'd take a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets as a starting point.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

If you know you want to eat a specific restaurant and/or at a specific time, I'd made a reservation.

DLR still uses the legacy FP system, so no FP+ (or MagicBands). The two parks are "disconnected" from each other, but all attractions within a given park are connected to each other. The only exceptions are WoC and F! (meaning you can get a WoC and/or F! and it won't affect your ability to get other FPs).

 

[Butterfly123]

We usually plan which park we are starting in on which day, and have a plan for when we are hitting parades, shows, and fireworks. Sometimes we need to alter those plans, so they're flexible. We decide which "land" we are starting in, and which ride we are going to start with each day. Other than that, we usually just wing it. We usually go for four days, and after our second day we make a list of the things that we still need to get done, rides we still need to hit, etc, so we don't miss something we wanted to do.

 

[MouseEXP]

We have been to WDW many times (east coasters currently stationed in CA), and I am used to having a plan for hitting up those parks. I have a little plan worked out for our DL trip (It will be me, DH, Daughters 8, 5 &3 going Dec 21-23), but is it needed? I don't see too many DL visitors coming up with plans? Is DL just much more laid back than WDW?

The Disneyland local crowd can be laid back, but remember that you are going during one of the busiest times of the year.

My recommendation
Get to the gates 30 minutes before the parks open
If you don't have access to the Early Magic Hour then go to the park that doesn't have it. (not sure if both will be having it anyways during that time).
Have an early or late lunch or dinner
Peter Pan can be the busiest attraction at Disneyland and Toy Story Midway Mania can be the busiest attraction at California Adventure. Both do not offer Fastpass and should be the first attractions that you experience when the park opens.
When one Fastpass is ready to be used, get another Fastpass before you use it.
Show Fastpasses (Fantasmic and World of Color) should be collected within an hour of the park opening.
If your hotel is near, be sure to take a afternoon break then come back at night. FYI that is the biggest difference between the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Doing this is much easier.

 

[TheDoleWhipper]

Although Disneyland doesn't require near as much planning as Disney World, it never hurts! Since you will be going when the crowds are high, I recommend you purchase a subscription to Ridemax, to cut time in line. Basically, you can download it for like, 15 dollars for a 90 day subscription, put in in the rides you would like to experience, and then it tells you what time to be at what ride in the most timely matter. If you have not yet made dining reservations, make sure you do so soon, as in busy times of the year, it just is not possible to walk up to a TS restaurant and get seated right away. Thus, always plan ahead for dining. The amount of planning you have to do really depends how regimented you want your vacation. I do not recommend that you just wing it, but it is completely up to you!

 

[mom2rtk]

DLR still uses the legacy FP system, so no FP+ (or MagicBands). The two parks are "disconnected" from each other, but all attractions within a given park are connected to each other. The only exceptions are WoC and F! (meaning you can get a WoC and/or F! and it won't affect your ability to get other FPs).

While not actually called a FP, it is also worth noting that the Anna/Elsa meet and greet return time passes are not connected to FP and will not affect one's ability to get another FP.

OP, if this is something you want to do, you need to know it is by return ticket only (no standby). And the tickets are usually gone very quickly. Additionally, they are distributed during early entry, so may or may not be available after regular entry during such a busy time.

We were there last week and did early entry. The line to get return tickets was cut around 30 minutes after regular park opening.

 

[tmfranlk]

While not actually called a FP, it is also worth noting that the Anna/Elsa meet and greet return time passes are not connected to FP and will not affect one's ability to get another FP.

OP, if this is something you want to do, you need to know it is by return ticket only (no standby). And the tickets are usually gone very quickly. Additionally, they are distributed during early entry, so may or may not be available after regular entry during such a busy time.

We were there last week and did early entry. The line to get return tickets was cut around 30 minutes after regular park opening.

And note that Elsa and Anna move to DCA the day before you arrive so you'll have to check on the current process there.

 

[figment_jii]

A&E is so different from pretty much anything else at DLR (and even WDW) that it's worth expanding a little of what mom2rtk said. As she said, A&E has Return Tickets (RT), which are similar in appearance to FPs, but have a shorter return window and are not linked to the FP system.

The other big differences are that the A&E Return Tickets are linked to a specific individual's ticket and your party must enter as a group. The linking of the ticket means that only the person who's ticket was used to get the RT can use that RT. The traditional FPs can be used by anyone once it's been obtained, but when the CM scans the A&E RT, your photo appears (the same one that appears when you use the ticket to enter the park).

The other difference is that your entire party must be present when you enter the A&E RT line. If folks are not there and you enter the line, the CM will void the un-used A&E RT (they'll tell you before they do so). In most cases I don't think this is a big issue, but let's say half of your group is at the A&E RT entrance and other half is somewhere else. You have to choose whether to wait for them to arrive (and enter as a group) or you can enter the line and the CM will void the A&E RT for the folks that are not there. The A&E RT are grouped when you obtain them (i.e., if you hand the CM three park tickets to get three A&E RT, then those three A&E RT are grouped).

As tmfranlk pointed out (and I completely forgot that), A&E are moving to DCA on the 20th. I think I've read that they'll still be doing the RT system (opposed to a FP).

 

[mom2rtk]

And note that Elsa and Anna move to DCA the day before you arrive so you'll have to check on the current process there.

Ah! Great point I completely missed! OP will definitely need to keep her ear to the ground on this one.

 

[tmfranlk]

Ah! Great point I completely missed! OP will definitely need to keep her ear to the ground on this one.

We're at DCA the 26th so I figure I'll be stalking the boards just before we leave to make sure I've got the whole RSR-Sing Along-Olaf-E&A process down in my head.

 

[mom2rtk]

We're at DCA the 26th so I figure I'll be stalking the boards just before we leave to make sure I've got the whole RSR-Sing Along-Olaf-E&A process down in my head.

Part of me was sad we just missed all this new stuff. But part of me was happy not to have to learn the ins and outs so quickly!

 

[lindsay0526]

Uggh. Of course, they would be changing up E&A right when we go... boo. Okay, I'll rework my plan and post it here for revisions and edits. We don't do F! or other late-night events because the enjoyment on the trip is dependent on my kids getting decent sleep. But the last night we will probably hang out for fireworks. Thanks everyone for your comments.

 

[mom2rtk]

Uggh. Of course, they would be changing up E&A right when we go... boo. Okay, I'll rework my plan and post it here for revisions and edits. We don't do F! or other late-night events because the enjoyment on the trip is dependent on my kids getting decent sleep. But the last night we will probably hang out for fireworks. Thanks everyone for your comments.

If you really want to see the fireworks, I wouldn't wait until your last night. Because of the winds and DLR being in a densely populated area, they get cancelled far more often than they do at WDW. Wait until the last night and you risk missing them completely.

 

[lindsay0526]

So for E&A, does my whole group have to be together to get the FPs (or whatever they are called?) or do I just need their tickets? Because I would like to run to E&A, while everyone else goes to TSMM...

Sunday, Dec 21- California Adventure- All Day
(**Try and get E&A FPs**)
Paradise Pier
• Grab RSR FP’s (beside it’s a bugs life)
• Toy Story’s Midway Mania
• *California Screamin’ (R, L, K)
• King Triton’s Carousel
• Mickey’s Fun Wheel
• *Silly Symphony Swings (K & A)
• *Goofy’s Sky School (K & A)
• Golden Zephyr
• Ride RSR w/FPs
• Grab FP for ToT
• 11:30/12:30 Disney Jr. Live Show
• 2:20 Aladdin (line up at 1:45- kids go to “a bugs land” to ride rides)
• ToT w/FPs
Leave for the Day

Monday, Dec 22- Disneyland- AM, California Adventure- PM
DL
Fantasyland
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
o L get FP- RR Car Toon Spin
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Mad Tea Party
• Snow White’s Scary Adventure
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• King Arthur’s Carousel
• Alice in Wonderland
• *Matterhorn Bobsleds (K & A)
o Take F to ride Gadget’s Go Coaster
Toontown
Fillers- Goofy’s Playhouse, Donald’s Boat, Chip ‘n Dale’s Treehouse, Mickey & Minnie’s House
• Gadget’s Go Coaster- (F)
• It’s a Small World
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• 11:30/12:35- Mickey and the Magical Map Show

DCA (“Dinner” Reservations at Ariel’s Grotto 4:30)
Hollywood Land
• grab FP for Soarin’ over CA before dinner
• The Little Mermaid
• Monster’s Inc- Mike and Sully to the Rescue
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Day 3- Disneyland- All Day
Frontierland
• L- Get FP to Space Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
New Orleans Square
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
Critter Country
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Enchanted Tiki Room
o L- Get FP for Star Tours
• Visit The Royal Hall & Pixie Hollow for Characters
Tomorrowland
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage? (slow capacity ride, moves slowly)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
• *Ride Space Mountain w/FP
• Ride Autopia
• *Star Tours w/FP
Probably come back that night to DCA for WoC or DL for Fireworks... Depends on how the kids are doing.

 

[chickapin parterre]

when do you use your early morning entry on your three day park hopper??

 

[mom2rtk]

So for E&A, does my whole group have to be together to get the FPs (or whatever they are called?) or do I just need their tickets? Because I would like to run to E&A, while everyone else goes to TSMM...

Most reports so far were that one person could take the entire party's tickets (remember that each had to be used to enter the park already). However, nobody can say if that will work exactly the same when they move.

 

[lindsay0526]

when do you use your early morning entry on your three day park hopper??

I don't think we get to one since we have the military 3 day park-hopper tickets... otherwise, I would have used it our first day for E&A...

 

[figment_jii]

when do you use your early morning entry on your three day park hopper??

It depends on your touring plan. Magic Mornings are only valid at Disneyland on select mornings (usually Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). If guests plan to upgrade their ticket to an AP, they will often use the MM as soon as possible so they can take advantage of the shopping and dining discounts. Otherwise, I would just use the MM on whichever day works best in your schedule.

 

[chrisaman]

If you really want to see the fireworks, I wouldn't wait until your last night. Because of the winds and DLR being in a densely populated area, they get cancelled far more often than they do at WDW. Wait until the last night and you risk missing them completely.

we were there last week and there was no wind , nice weather, and clear and clear and they still canceled the fireworks. They said there were high winds at elevation. So even if it looks nice they still may cancel it

 

[chrisaman]

So for E&A, does my whole group have to be together to get the FPs (or whatever they are called?) or do I just need their tickets? Because I would like to run to E&A, while everyone else goes to TSMM... Sunday, Dec 21- California Adventure- All Day (**Try and get E&A FPs**) Paradise Pier • Grab RSR FP’s (beside it’s a bugs life) • Toy Story’s Midway Mania • *California Screamin’ (R, L, K) • King Triton’s Carousel • Mickey’s Fun Wheel • *Silly Symphony Swings (K & A) • *Goofy’s Sky School (K & A) • Golden Zephyr • Ride RSR w/FPs • Grab FP for ToT • 11:30/12:30 Disney Jr. Live Show • 2:20 Aladdin (line up at 1:45- kids go to “a bugs land” to ride rides) • ToT w/FPs Leave for the Day Monday, Dec 22- Disneyland- AM, California Adventure- PM DL Fantasyland • Peter Pan’s Flight • Dumbo the Flying Elephant o L get FP- RR Car Toon Spin • Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride • Mad Tea Party • Snow White’s Scary Adventure • Pinocchio’s Daring Journey • King Arthur’s Carousel • Alice in Wonderland • *Matterhorn Bobsleds (K & A) o Take F to ride Gadget’s Go Coaster Toontown Fillers- Goofy’s Playhouse, Donald’s Boat, Chip ‘n Dale’s Treehouse, Mickey & Minnie’s House • Gadget’s Go Coaster- (F) • It’s a Small World • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin • 11:30/12:35- Mickey and the Magical Map Show DCA (“Dinner” Reservations at Ariel’s Grotto 4:30) Hollywood Land • grab FP for Soarin’ over CA before dinner • The Little Mermaid • Monster’s Inc- Mike and Sully to the Rescue • Turtle Talk with Crush Day 3- Disneyland- All Day Frontierland • L- Get FP to Space Mountain • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad New Orleans Square • Pirates of the Caribbean • Haunted Mansion Critter Country • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh • Enchanted Tiki Room o L- Get FP for Star Tours • Visit The Royal Hall & Pixie Hollow for Characters Tomorrowland • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage? (slow capacity ride, moves slowly) • Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters • *Ride Space Mountain w/FP • Ride Autopia • *Star Tours w/FP Probably come back that night to DCA for WoC or DL for Fireworks... Depends on how the kids are doing.

no Indiana jones? That should be a must for a disney world vet