Am I forgetting anything?

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I have a friend at work who is traveling to DLR on Dec27-Jan1. I have given her some advice but I told her I would ask some people from the website that really helped me with my trip.

I told her to expect heavy crowds and told her Ridemax was going to be her best bet for helping get around the park efficiently. She hasn't been in years.

She will be staying at DLH so I told her about Magical Mornings and how she must do them. I even gave the order of the rides Fantasyland rides. Her kids are not small and I couldn't remember what else was open during MM. So I need a little help with that.

I would imagine that DL will be running a full schedule so fireworks every night and parades every day. DL I am assuming will be open til midnight too.

Is Aladin still running at DCA? We loved that show and I think she will too. I also told her Hydroguy's advice about leaving DL for DCA to help beat the crowds.

I am trying to explain Fastpass. Does Ridemax take into account the Fastpass loop holes? Are they still letting you use Fastpass after your time has expired?

I have also told her about ordering from Von's to help save some money on beverages and things like that. She will have a vehicle so she could just drive to Von's I know it isn't very far from the hotel.

I still feel like I am forgetting some stuff. Any help that you all can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wendypooh22]

Give her the number to disney dining (714)781-DINE so that they can make priority seating for their favorite disney meals

 

[evilprncess96]

We are going to be there at the same time. Yes it will be a busy time in the park, the busiest of the year I am told. The parks will have a full schedule for the entire time your friend is there. Open till midnight each night. New years DCA is open until 1am and DL is open until 2. I have been told that the park has sold out in past years on NYE so you want to pick a park and stay there by early afternoon. I think the important thing to remind her is that it is going to be crowded so go with the flow!

 

[avalon451]

Yes, Ridemax does take into account the FastPass loops and using a FP runner to pick up your FP. Also it has a really good tips section, too.

Could you direct your friend to Hydroguy's tips thread? That's what I did for my brother and his wife when they went. Even just part of it, like FastPass tips and tricks, and the High season at DLR one: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

 

[Hofmanns4]

Kind of a different tip....Ziplock bags!

I learned this tip here on the boards and I can't believe how they come in handy. From half eaten carmel apples, Pumpkin loaves, Sourdough bread to Rice Krispie treats they helped to save some of the goodies for the next day. I also brought a box of plastic silverware that was very useful, too!

 

[mickey+minnie91]

Kind of a different tip....Ziplock bags!

I learned this tip here on the boards and I can't believe how they come in handy. From half eaten carmel apples, Pumpkin loaves, Sourdough bread to Rice Krispie treats they helped to save some of the goodies for the next day. I also brought a box of plastic silverware that was very useful, too!

What an awesome idea! I will definately add this to my list. so many times my kids dont finish their meals/snacks.

 

[wendypooh22]

Kind of a different tip....Ziplock bags!

What a great tip!!!

Another tip is the free lockers located outside of Grizzly River Rapids. I think that you get 1 or 2 hours for free to keep your things dry.

I have also carried a large plastic bag folded up in my backpack (a DL bag works great) to put my backpack in while on the water rides...

 

[Dizneydaz]

I checked the schedule at disneyland.com and Aladdin is showing from Dec. 27th to the 30th. Dark on Dec. 31, and Jan. 1st.

And yes, you can use lockers for free by GRR. 2 hour time limit.

 

[mickey+minnie91]

love the free locker idea! I didnt know they were there.

 

[Dizneydaz]

love the free locker idea! I didnt know they were there.

I didn't know about them either until I read about it on these boards . And with AP we've been to DCA many, many times.

The are pretty cool. You put your stuff in, close it, get a printed receipt with a code to open it and if you go over 2 hours you'll have to pay to get your stuff back. Before that I would carry a large ziploc in my bag to put my bag and camera in while on the ride. Oh, and GRR has a single rider line too-you just go through the exit.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Thanks to you all.

I was trying to give her information without overwhelming her. I think I will print out Hydroguy's tips and add a few more things. I also gave her my planning video just so she could get a feel for DCA.

Thank you all again.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Fantasmic!

- 2 shows each night 9 and 10:30pm.
- 2nd show is better in terms of crowds and staking out seats
- Not to be missed.

- Dreams ("some imagination, huh?" )

 

[archie]

We are going to be there at the same time. Yes it will be a busy time in the park, the busiest of the year I am told. The parks will have a full schedule for the entire time your friend is there. Open till midnight each night. New years DCA is open until 1am and DL is open until 2. I have been told that the park has sold out in past years on NYE so you want to pick a park and stay there by early afternoon. I think the important thing to remind her is that it is going to be crowded so go with the flow!

i usually go to dl for the new years celebration as i live close by. when i first started going about 6 years ago the crowds werent bad and the park didnt sell out until late in teh afternoon. however in the most recent years disneyland it self has sold out before noon and tickets were only offered to california adventure unless you bought an annual pass.

if the weather is bad for the day, it is for the better as the crowds will be lighter. if it starts to rain the park will empty until close to midnight for the celebration. i would say at around 930-10pm the celebrations start so it becomes even more difficult to move around the parks (especially disneyland). because of this i like to cover everything in disneyland it self in the morning, then transfer over to california adventure and ride the main rides. usually try and grab some food at the espnzone around 4ish and the wait various between 20 min - 75min and gets worse anytime after 6.

i would advise to dress warm, as every year there has been a nice breeze that has blown through the park. usually it seems to rain during the day, but somehow always clears up before the firework show. i would just say if you like room to move, i would advise in being in california adventure for the main celebration.

last piece of advise is to watch your pockets. even though it is disneyland, i have seen/heard of a lot of pickpocket incidents during this time.

goodluck to you all and enjoy the celebration.