Advice for a DLR Newb!

[757hokie]

So I've got 11 WDW trips under my belt, but I'm headed to Disneyland for the first time in mid-April. I'll have 4 days in the parks (well, 2 full days and 2 partial travel days) - a few questions for the DLR experts out there:

I'm looking at a full day plus a partial day each at DL and DCA. Crowds are predicted to be light (2/3 out of 10). Should I be able to see just about all the attractions or do I need to prioritize and be choosy?

I'm a huge fan of Disney history and of Walt himself. I've done the Keys to the Kingdom tour at MK and loved it. I'd really like to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour at DL. With less than 4 full days in the parks, is it going to take too much valuable time away from the attractions?

Finally, World of Color. A couple questions: 1. What if I want to get a FP for the 2nd show? Is there a way to tell when the FPs for the first show are gone and they've begun to distribute FPs for the late show? 2. I'm thinking about doing the picnic package instead of waiting in line first thing for a WOC FP...good idea or am I making too big a deal out of having to line up early for a FP? We're staying at GC so we can get in a little early.

Thanks!
John.

 

[figment_jii]

There is a good guide for the WDW vets:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

I'm looking at a full day plus a partial day each at DL and DCA. Crowds are predicted to be light (2/3 out of 10). Should I be able to see just about all the attractions or do I need to prioritize and be choosy?

On a fairly low crowd day I think you can see most everything in 1.5 days at each park. You might want to make use of FP to get on some of the more popular rides. Still, I would make a list of the rides I want to do the most and do those first, then if there is time, I'd ride the other attractions.

Finally, World of Color. A couple questions: 1. What if I want to get a FP for the 2nd show? Is there a way to tell when the FPs for the first show are gone and they've begun to distribute FPs for the late show?

The last time I did the FP for WOC, there was really no way to control what time/color section FP you got. It was whatever was available...there was a CM helping folks trade, but that was about it. I wish the machines were set up so one group did time 1, the second group did time 2, etc.

 

[CamoMama]

I suggest you read this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

I don't know about the WoC package, we got a FP in the morning without much trouble. I don't know about the 1st/2nd showing, either, sorry.

If it were me I'd want another day at least to be able to see everything that I want to see. You could always use a touring plan, which would help with timing. If you don't have small children you can probably skip ToonTown altogether, save for maybe the Roger Rabbit ride.

 

[Argento]

I'm thinking about doing the picnic package instead of waiting in line first thing for a WOC FP...good idea or am I making too big a deal out of having to line up early for a FP? We're staying at GC so we can get in a little early.

I am sold on the dinner packages. No waiting in line for ages, just stroll on up around showtime and a CM will escort you to the reserved viewing. I've read on here from time to time that the reserved viewing area can get full but I've never seen more than a couple dozen people milling about in the times we've been there.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm looking at a full day plus a partial day each at DL and DCA. Crowds are predicted to be light (2/3 out of 10). Should I be able to see just about all the attractions or do I need to prioritize and be choosy?

I'm a huge fan of Disney history and of Walt himself. I've done the Keys to the Kingdom tour at MK and loved it. I'd really like to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour at DL. With less than 4 full days in the parks, is it going to take too much valuable time away from the attractions?

Finally, World of Color. A couple questions: 1. What if I want to get a FP for the 2nd show? Is there a way to tell when the FPs for the first show are gone and they've begun to distribute FPs for the late show? 2. I'm thinking about doing the picnic package instead of waiting in line first thing for a WOC FP...good idea or am I making too big a deal out of having to line up early for a FP? We're staying at GC so we can get in a little early.
.

I'd really suggest you read that thread the other posters linked. It will give you a lot of information and let you ask really percise questions.

4 full days would be great, and mid April, if before the 15th will be busy if after not bad but still a bit busy. Hopefully you can make due, but do make good use of the early and late hours.

If you loved the KTTK tour,you probably should. Just know it's about Walt and building DL so if you know the history well, you may have nothing left to learn. It takes about 3-4 hours and you do ride the train so you get one attraction in.

Ticket are distributed in order, 1st show, Blue then Yellow(as far as I've heard there isn't a red zone currently) then 2nd show Blue then Yellow. It could be as soon as early afternoon to the evening when they still have show passes for the second show. It just depends on the demand how fast they go, just like FP.

You may want to read the WoC Superthread. Read the OP and then skip to the last couple pages for current information.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

 

[HydroGuy]

I am sold on the dinner packages. No waiting in line for ages, just stroll on up around showtime and a CM will escort you to the reserved viewing. I've read on here from time to time that the reserved viewing area can get full but I've never seen more than a couple dozen people milling about in the times we've been there.

We have done the WOC dining package at AG three times and it was nothing like that for us. Rather than stroll up to get a view, we positioned ourselves 90 minutes early in line and it was still a challenge to get to one of the better viewing spots.

 

[HydroGuy]

Finally, World of Color. A couple questions: 1. What if I want to get a FP for the 2nd show? Is there a way to tell when the FPs for the first show are gone and they've begun to distribute FPs for the late show? 2. I'm thinking about doing the picnic package instead of waiting in line first thing for a WOC FP...good idea or am I making too big a deal out of having to line up early for a FP? We're staying at GC so we can get in a little early.

1. As Ski said, no way to tell when second show FP is given out but in recent months the FPs have lasted well into the afternoon and evening.

2. There is no reason anymore to get the picnic packages. Originally FPs were hard to come by and this was a way to guarantee a FP. Now you can get FPs late in the day and on some days FPs do not even run out and you can get them in the evening.

 

[Hound 109]

Welcome Hokie, lots of great advice in the posts above.

Not sure where you got your "crowds will be light" info, but in mid April I would think it would be moderate during the week & heavy on Fri after 3pm & the weekends.

I was a WDW vet (& DLR newbie) 5 years ago & have since made 7 visits. Here's some advice & info I've posted to others:

If you are a WDW veteran, then here is your primer.....a must read!!:

HydroGuy's "DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread". http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084


Regarding touring DLR....the two most important things to remember is to:

- Get to the parks BEFORE opening &
- Know how to use FP at DLR.


30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 5-15 minutes prior to security opening is best). Being one of the first 8-10 families at Security will get you up front (probably first thru third family) in line at the DL turnstile. Being very near the front of the turnstiles is important (to me) so that:

- If it's an MM day, I'm first on Peter Pan...if i'm first on PP then the rest of MM flows easily. & even if i'm not doing PP, i would want to be first on Matterhorn...or SM (or whatever) during MM.

"Critique of MM/EE" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671


- Even on a non MM day, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to the ST, SM (or Indy) FP machine first (to start the FP collection clock). Then we'll hop on our first ride a minute or two later & begin the important first 90-120 min. of the day at DLR.



KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"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


If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[Hound 109]

& don't forget the time zone difference & how it will help you get up & get ALOT done early.....normally in uncrowded bliss.

Plus you get to start your FP collection early which is the recommended strategy.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Last July I got WOC FP for Blue second show around noon. That was a busy day. You can go past the machines and find out what show and color they are on. We wanted blue so that we could stand in the back just to left of the VIP section near a fire hydrant. It was a great view and most people rushed past us to get down closer. Because we were at a rail around the plants, there was no one in front of us.

Too bad you only have 2 days! You will get a good overview but if it is crowded, you won't get to everything.

 

[MeganAnne]

My partner and I just got back from four days at the parks. We never stayed later than 10:30pm (because of his feet, I could have stayed all night!) and on only two days did we make it there right at opening, once we got there 1.5 hours after opening. We were there from Friday to Monday and Sunday was the busiest day for us (it wasn't a blackout date). We got nearly everything we wanted to do done in the first two full days.

Be sure to visit Fantasyland first thing in the morning! It's much less crowded then! And hit Peter Pan up first during MM, because it filled up FAST; there was a 20+ minute wait just minutes after rope drop! We did everything in Fantasyland (minus the carousel and Casey Jr.) done in a little over an hour.

And definitely park hop. California Adventure was never very crowded when we were there (30 minute wait tops for Midway Mania), so we would hop over there after noon until around dinner and do what we wanted (lots of Tower of Terror and Screamin'). Thinking "One day, one park" is soooo WDW-vet (I'm one too! ) and silly when the parks are so close together. Getting in and out of CA is a pain right now due to construction, but it's worth it to stock up on Fast Passes.

Oh yeah, that's the last tip I have: stock up on Fast Passes! We had between 6-8 passes per person each day, and we were just picking them up casually! It seemed like people weren't as Fast Pass obsessed at DL as I'm accustomed to at WDW; we were able to get them well into the evening at CA for Tower of Terror 3/4 days.

 

[757hokie]

Thanks to all for the replies...they are a great help. I'm reading through all of the threads you referred me to and soaking up the DLR knowledge! Much appreciated.

Not sure where you got your "crowds will be light" info, but in mid April I would think it would be moderate during the week & heavy on Fri after 3pm & the weekends.

4 full days would be great, and mid April, if before the 15th will be busy if after not bad but still a bit busy. Hopefully you can make due, but do make good use of the early and late hours.

If you loved the KTTK tour,you probably should. Just know it's about Walt and building DL so if you know the history well, you may have nothing left to learn. It takes about 3-4 hours and you do ride the train so you get one attraction in.

Thanks Hound and Ski. We'll be getting in mid-day Sunday 4/15 and departing late in the afternoon on Wednesday 4/18. Hopefully the crowds won't be be any worse than "moderate". I got the predicted crowd data (6 out of 10 for 4/15 and 3 out of 10 for 4/16-18) from tourinplans.com, which I find to be really useful and accurate at WDW. As for the WIWF tour, I think we'll see how much of the parks we can cover in the first few days and then book it, if available, for our last day. Thanks again!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks Hound and Ski. We'll be getting in mid-day Sunday 4/15 and departing late in the afternoon on Wednesday 4/18. Hopefully the crowds won't be be any worse than "moderate". I got the predicted crowd data (6 out of 10 for 4/15 and 3 out of 10 for 4/16-18) from tourinplans.com, which I find to be really useful and accurate at WDW. As for the WIWF tour, I think we'll see how much of the parks we can cover in the first few days and then book it, if available, for our last day. Thanks again!

FWIW, the touring plans daily crowd ratings at DLR are not respected around here. I know they have a good reputation at WDW and I have used them at WDW. But I and many others around here do not trust their DLR ratings.

On the other hand, I am a big fan of their Lines iPhone app and they do a good job of predicting wait times once you are there.

 

[757hokie]

FWIW, the touring plans daily crowd ratings at DLR are not respected around here. I know they have a good reputation at WDW and I have used them at WDW. But I and many others around here do not trust their DLR ratings.

On the other hand, I am a big fan of their Lines iPhone app and they do a good job of predicting wait times once you are there.

Is there a better source out there for getting a rough estimate for DLR crowds? I've never taken the UG crowd calendar as gospel, even at WDW, but you've got to start somewhere! I've always looked at it as a way to "ballpark" my expectations.

That being said, since I've never been to DLR before, I'm pretty much leaving my expectations in Virginia and packing patience, gratitude, and appreciation for Walt's original masterpiece instead.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is there a better source out there for getting a rough estimate for DLR crowds? I've never taken the UG crowd calendar as gospel, even at WDW, but you've got to start somewhere! I've always looked at it as a way to "ballpark" my expectations.

That being said, since I've never been to DLR before, I'm pretty much leaving my expectations in Virginia and packing patience, gratitude, and appreciation for Walt's original masterpiece instead.

TP is the only one that does crowd ratings at DLR. The other indicator is park hours. When DLR is open 8Am to midnight they are expecting big crowds. 10AM-8PM they are expecting low crowds. In between is in between.

 

[skiingfast]

The other indicator is park hours. When DLR is open 8Am to midnight they are expecting big crowds. 10AM-8PM they are expecting low crowds. In between is in between.

That's the simplest way, along with weighing in the day of the week and season.

Saturday is worst, Sunday not still bad, Friday mildly bad and bad after 5, Monday mildly bad. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday best.

Of course when everyone is out of school, any day of the week can be bad.

 

[ktlm]

I'm looking at a full day plus a partial day each at DL and DCA. Crowds are predicted to be light (2/3 out of 10). Should I be able to see just about all the attractions or do I need to prioritize and be choosy?

Thanks!
John.

Hello fellow WDW vet! The first thing you need to do is get rid of the above mentality, which is the biggest mistake we WDW vets make. Think of DL/CA as one park...in terms of WDW standards it definitely is. You can walk from one corner of DL, to the farthest corner away at CA in about
10 minutes- I've done it. The gates of the park face each other and it is about a 2 minute walk across a plaza to go from one park to the other. Sometimes the best use of time might be to go from park to park during the day. We usually go back and forth quite a bit- based on showtimes, parade times, dining reservations etc. You are talking about 5 minutes to get out of one park into another, unlike the hour it usually takes to go from one park to another at WDW. CA sometimes opens 2 hours after DL, so your best use of time on a short trip would be to use that time at DL before CA opens.

Don't miss the Indiana Jones ride! I promise you although it uses the same ride vehicles and type tracks as Dinosaur, it is nothing like Dinosaur! I hate Dinosaur and Indy might be my favorite ride at any Disney park. In my opinion the Aladdin show is better than any of the WDW shows and is a don't miss. Pirates is a definite must. Don't forget to do the walk through inside sleeping beauty's castle. Fantasmic is also better at DL than at WDW (it has a Peter Pan section which is great), if you get the chance to do it. We did the dining package for WOC and we were really glad we did. I didn't expect much from WOC and it really blew me away. I loved it!

Have a great trip! Be careful, you might fall in love. We now find ourselves alternating between DL and WDW!

 

[KCmike]

Arriving mid-day Sunday then this might be your only chance to see the fireworks (Remember Dreams Come True) and Fantasmic! at Disneyland as they only show during the weekends unless its summer or a big holiday week. Remember Dreams Come True is the best fireworks show bar none in any Disney park so don't miss it! Fantasmic! is definitely worth it!

On other days I would suggest doing all of Fantasyland first. There are some 9 rides in Fantasyland and they all can't be missed. Make sure you do Storybook Canal boats as most people think its not worth it. I love Fantasyland at Disneyland.

Other things not to miss (in my opinion):
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe (usually no two shows are the same)
Aladdin stage show at DCA (see it twice)
Ride the Lilly Belle railroad car (you'll have to ask at the train station) and ride the train all the way around the park.
Sleeping Beauty Castle has a walk thru attraction
The canoes are still running at Disneyland.
IASM is so worth it!
Main Street still has the penny arcade, magic shop (steve martin worked there!), Walt's Apartment, and main street cinema showing cartoons!
Plaza Inn is a great meal.
So much else to say...Have a great time! I remember my first time. I use to think WDW was the end all be all to vacations. Now Disneyland is my home park.