Afternoon park arrival

[Belle'sFan]

We have two days at DLR in August. The second day we will be able to take advantage of early magic hours, but on the first day we arrive at 2:30pm. What's the best strategy for an afternoon arrival? Will it be horendous lines? Will there be any fastpasses left?? I know that if we stay until closing at midnight there will be some thinning of the crowds -should we just do shopping and some lesser attractions and save the headliners for the next day?

 

[almostmortimer]

When it's crowded, think of rides that are continually loading, like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear etc. These typically will push through the crowds much faster than say, a ride like Winnie the Pooh. Also, get fastpasses the second you arrive, then you will be able to hit a headliner a few hours after you arrive without much of a wait.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We often arrive around 2:30 PM on our first day. Buzz and Big Thunder should have fastpasses that will be usable fairly soon after they are obtained. The "headliners" might also have fastpasses available still, but it might be 3 or more hours before their windows will open, so you will have to decide if that will work well for you. I second almostmortimer's list. You could add IASW too. The train or river boats are also nice afternoon activities. If you do have little kids, Winnie the Pooh may not be bad. It loads slowly compared to something like Pirates but often has a short line and you may not have time or want to spend time doing it the next day. Shows are always good afternoon activities.

If you're open to going to DCA first rather than Disneyland, you have some good options there. Chances are that Screamin' fastpasses might still have a decent return time. The line for Toy Story will be long but since it is usually long, we often don't mind waiting for it our first afternoon since lines for other rides are long then too but have a better chance of being shorter the next morning. The Aladdin show runs later these days, so you could attend one of the evening performances of that.

 

[Belle'sFan]

Thanks for the replies! I didn't think about the shows -good idea. This trip is just myself and my daughter (20), so we can be patient in some lines. Our favorite things are soarin, pirates, indianna jones, haunted mansion, and the fantsyland rides. We are not too into the rollercoasters/thrill rides. I think we will be OK if we plan on doing fantasyland during early entry the heading over to catch soarin on the second day. That way on the late arrival day we can try for some shows, and maybe get some fastpasses

 

[Raindown]

last Saturday I was still able to get a Space Mtn. FP for 7:35 return time at exactly 2:29pm.

 

[azdisneylover]

If you have a park hopper, why not get on Grizzly Rapids? You are getting to the parks at a warm part of the day, and this ride would cool you off fast. There are free lockers there if you have items that can't get wet. This way, you can see DCA, then mosey over to DL later in the afternoon/evening. Maybe take the train around the park, and ride a few rides, and get the feel of the park.
I would get up 1st thing the next morning and be there for MM, hit Fantasyland and then ride what is a must ride for your family.
Have a wonderful time! Stay cool. (Try the lemonade with the twist ).

 

[buyerbrad]

We have the same problem. We are going to go to DCA and watch the Parade and Aladdin. TSMM is sometimes less busy in the afternoon too.

You could also buy a WOC picnic meal for that day too!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Also, get fastpasses the second you arrive, then you will be able to hit a headliner a few hours after you arrive without much of a wait.

No don't get the fastpasses the sencond you arrive... Get them first!