Advice on Park Days & YES program

[thewesterberg]

DH, DS9 and I are in the planning stages of a DLR trip with another family. In looking at all of our calendars, the only time we can go this summer is at the end of August. Tentative dates of August 22-29 and we're looking at either 3 or 4 park days.

We're looking at our kids doing the YES program - Disney's Animation Magic at DCA - on Saturday, August 25. There's an open enrollment class that day. Both of the kids are way into art, drawing, storytelling, etc so this seems like a perfect fit for their interests (plus the ticket savings for all of us is a nice perk!) Anyone had any experiences with this class?

Here's what I'm trying to figure out...

I know it's going to be busy. The South California Annual Passes become unblocked on August 20 and in all my reading on here, it gets busy then every year, but add Carsland in, and it will be even crazier.

The only date blocked for passholders during our stay is the Saturday we'd do the YES class.

Would you recommend us staying at a DLR for a couple of nights (if we go the 3 park day option) so we can utilize MM at least on that Sunday (August 26), which is an unblocked So. Cal Pass day?

Or does that extra hour not make that much of a difference and would we just as well as staying off-site?

And my other question, is there going to be any days that are better or worse during the week for crowds? Or is it going to just be plain crazy? We're all morning people so we'll be there early and know to utilize FPs.

Thanks for any tips/recommendations! I've been reading everything on here to get versed with a DLR trip! I've been twice before, but by myself and in conjunction with work conferences. It's different planning when family and friends are involved!

 

[dzny12]

HI! I dont know if you realize but MM comes with any 3 day or more pass bought online no matter where you stay. unless you are referring to morning madness in which case yes you do need a Disney pkg but can use a good neighbor hotel many of which are closer than the disney properties except grand cali. either way sometimes you get lucky in august and can catch a relatively decent crowd. DLR is always crowded just by different degrees. this fall much more so at least for DCA maybe DL lines will go somewhat down. good luck magic wishes

 

[skiingfast]

I would stay for longer, 3 or 4 days to let the kids have 3 full days. I strongly suggest you make the 25th your first park day and enjoy Monday and Tuesday when crowds will drop.

I'm not sure if the Yes tickets come with a MM. If they do, I prefer Saturdays because it's easier to get up and go. Some prefer Sunday because less people get up early and they find them less crowded. Either way I wouldn't put much consideration into this until you know how MM works after June 15th when DCA has it's grand reopening, things may change a lot.

 

[dzny12]

sorry didnt think about YES tickets and MM. Sunday MM will be insane. but maybe MM will be offered at both parks this summer. Wishin.....

 

[mysteriouspnai]

I also wish they would have something like the YES programs for adults. Reason being, some of us adults would LOVE to learn more about the behind-the-scenes at Disney, but didn't get to experience the YES programs as a child. Who's with me?

 

[thewesterberg]

Thank you for the thoughts and advice.

• So Saturday as our first day, and crowds should maybe drop Monday and Tuesday? And four days would probably be best (especially if it's busy then we won't feel quite so pressured to see everything)
  
• Everyone's waiting to see what they'll do with MM when Cars Land opens, and plans should be re-evaluated at that time.
  
• I'm not sure if the YES tickets include MM... I'll have to look into that.
  
• And the YES program is pretty cool! I enjoyed it a lot when I went with DS at WDW a few years ago... Not sure if I'll go with him this time or if DH will. I'm hoping it will be me! The closest thing to being able to take the class for myself!

 

[Karenann*]

The YES tickets come with MM. They send regular paper tickets in the mail when you pre register and pay.

I had grade school and middle school age participate last year in June. The reduced cost of the tickets is available for you entire party. The experience does take 2+solid hours out of morning prime time park touring.

Animation Academy was awesome
.Children under 13 require an adult chaperone from your family with them.

The YES program was fun and interesting and well worth the time. Wish we could do it again this year but the open enrollment didn"t jive with our vaca timing.

 

[thewesterberg]

The YES tickets come with MM. They send regular paper tickets in the mail when you pre register and pay.

I had grade school and middle school age participate last year in June. The reduced cost of the tickets is available for you entire party. The experience does take 2+solid hours out of morning prime time park touring.

Animation Academy was awesome
.Children under 13 require an adult chaperone from your family with them.

The YES program was fun and interesting and well worth the time. Wish we could do it again this year but the open enrollment didn"t jive with our vaca timing.

Thank you for letting me know about the MM! That is so good to know. We're thinking we're going to stay off site, so it's nice to know we have this option for another day.

And so good to hear about the Animation Academy being awesome! Can you explain a little bit about what the class did in more detail than the YES program description?

Thanks!