Anyone used the Unoffical guide to Disneyland?

[nolatime]

I'm planning our first trip to DL the week of June 18-22. I read the unoffical guide to disneyland book and have come up with a 4 day schedule.
Our goal is to do as much as possiable before noon. We plan on going back to the Candy Cane hotel to nap and relax. We plan on returning around 5 and do more attractions.
Between using arriving 30mins before the gates open, using fastpass and heading to the rides with the longest waits FIRST, is this a good strategy?.
Has anyone made a schedule based on the info you have read from this book and online? If so did it work?
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks
Angela

 

[MICKEYFIL]

I just bought the book last week and am working on the same thing. I loved the descriptions the book provided along with the commentary concerning various topics. I've been in the family with the blank stares on our faces. This time I want a plan.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Use to use it a few years back, but since joining the "Dis" I can get better more current info from my friends here..it is a good book.

Jack

 

[limace]

I love the book, though it obviously won't be as current as the Dis. We like ride max for more specific planning. You're going right after Carsland, and will have to modify any pre-packaged plan for that

 

[twopeasonepod]

We love the book. Have the WDW version, too. We even got quoted in the new one!

I agree with Jack that you will get more current info here, but for general info (and great humor), I definitely recommend reading the book.

 

[kylie71]

I have used it, probably 15 years ago. More useful in my mind that the Officifial Guide ( Birnbaums )

Lori

 

[S. S. Columbia]

The UG is o.k., but a book just can’t keep up with the DIS and teh inter tubes.

For your dates, the SoCal AP is not blocked out on Mon. and Tues. (June 18 & 19).

For your dates, there are Grad Nights on Tues., Thurs., and Fri. (June 19, 21 & 22).

Based on the above, I would visit Cars Land first thing on Wed., Thurs., and/or Fri. (It appears that the FastPass machines for Radiator Springs Racer will be located by ITTBB.)

It looks like Mon. and Tues. will be very busy, so instead of lining up at the green security tents 30 minutes early, I would get in line at the green security tents approx. 45 minutes early instead.

And I would plan to use FP to the max! Check out HydroGuy’s FP threads (www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132 & www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052). By arriving 45 minutes early, you should be able to get ahead of the initial crowd wave. I’m a bit rusty, but I think you would first want to get a Star Tours FP. The time to get your next FP will be printed on the FP ticket. The next FP would be Space Mtn, followed by Splash, Indy, and BTMRR (roughly speaking). The main idea is to collect FPs in the morning, and then use the FPs after your afternoon break. And in the morning while you’re collecting FPs, you’re visiting the popular slow-loading rides, etc. While the FP Runner walks to the FP machines, the rest of the party can take a restroom break, check out a store, buy a snack, take some photos, hug a character, find a bench and "people watch," etc. The idea is to be in a rhythm and enjoying your visit.

IMO it’s best to go on the rides in Fantasyland during a Magic Morning – check out DLR29’s MM thread - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403. From the thread, here’s a good order to follow for the FL attractions:

What's the best "touring plan strategy" for MM?
Assuming you are doing Fantasyland for your MM, in order to have the shortest lines, this strategy is recommended:
(0). Arrive before MM begins and run straight to...
1. Peter Pan (always first!!!)
2. Dumbo
3. Matterhorn/Mr. Toad/Alice
4. Pinocchio/Snow White/Mad Tea Party/King Arthur Carrousel

You can also use the above order first thing on a non-MM day.

BTW, the UG tells you to go to Dumbo first, but that’s because the UG is a bit WDW-centric and it isn’t as finely tuned for DLR. Peter Pan first… always first.

HTH

 

[disneydenisel]

Yes, we've used both guides for DLR and WDW, but I agree that the disboards are the best to keep up with the latest changes/ideas/strategies . After studying the guides for our earlier trips to each resort, I think we figured out what worked best for us, and then we just come here for updates. Good luck with your trip!

 

[nolatime]

Wow! Thanks for all the info. If I would have known about the AP dates I would have picked a different date.
My plan for Monday was to do 8 rides before by noon. All of which are in fantasyland and frontier land. Do u think that's doable?
We plan to return that evening n do haunted mansion, pirates, jungle cruise and Winnie the pooh...

 

[S. S. Columbia]

 

[S. S. Columbia]

Another suggestion would be to use RideMax (www.ridemax.com).

The UG never mentions RideMax....

RideMax is a straightforward computer program -- very easy to use. It would cost you $15 for 3 months.

To use RideMax, using the previous example, you would enter June 18, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, and the rides that you want to see. RideMax creates an itinerary (including FPs, etc.).

Or you could enter 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon; enter a break from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m.; and then enter 5:00 p.m. to whenever.

If you have too many rides listed, then RideMax will tell you. It's only $15 and they have a money back guarantee, so it's worth a look.

HTH

 

[kailuagirl]

Since it's your first trip, I think the book is great! It was great help for us our first trip. Then you take the info you learned from the book and alot of what you read here will make more sense to you (I think so anyway), and then from there you can start figuring out your questions and all the wonderful, totally awesome people here will assist in filing in the blanks and making sense of things and giving more info and tips. There is nothing worst than getting to DL and then not knowing what to do or have a general game plan.

This board is an awesome place to be. I come for a "visit" everyday, even when I have no trip planned. There is always something new and exciting going on, and everyone is so nice and helpful. Welcome and have fun planning and learning about the happiest place on earth

 

[Hound 109]

I'm planning our first trip to DL the week of June 18-22. I read the unoffical guide to disneyland book and have come up with a 4 day schedule.
Our goal is to do as much as possiable before noon. We plan on going back to the Candy Cane hotel to nap and relax. We plan on returning around 5 and do more attractions.
Between using arriving 30mins before the gates open, using fastpass and heading to the rides with the longest waits FIRST, is this a good strategy?.
Has anyone made a schedule based on the info you have read from this book and online? If so did it work?
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks
Angela

Angela, your "goal" is spot on & is the strategy many use here. (although our "rest" is usually 2-3 hours ). Regarding the CCI, I like it (alot). But...Do NOT count on using their shuttle early morning & depending when you leave in the evening...at night. (use it for both legs of transport for your break though).

I agree with Kaliuagirl that the UG is a great starting point giving you 90% of the info you need. Then read HGs WDW veteran thread (always defaulting to HGs info if there's conflicting info). Then get advice & opinions here....once you're ready to dial down.

I also 100% agree with SS Columbia's plan.

Have a great time in Walt's Park.

 

[Hound 109]

S. S. Columbia...not disagreeing....just kind of thinking out loud:

FWIW, here are my thoughts....

0. On Monday, arrive at the green security tents at least 45 minutes early.

1. Walk up Main Street and the FP Runner walks to Indy and gets FPs. The FP Runner returns to the group and you enter Fantasyland.

I'm thinking if the "group" is moving quickly, the runner might be delayed by 2-3 minutes. If PP isn't a must do for the runner, perhaps join the "group" at Dumbo (after PP)? Or if PP is not mobbed (yeah right ) then ride PP a second time with runner?


2. Peter Pan / Dumbo / Matterhorn / Alice (If you're ahead of the crowd wave, great! If not, you still have tomorrow's Magic Morning (assuming that the new Cars Land doesn't change the Magic Morning schedule).

3. Play in Fantasyland, and the Runner goes to Splash to get FPs.

4. If you can, ride Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, WtP, and Pirates (in that order).

Why Jungle Cruise before HM & Pirates? & now that Buzz is not FP, when does it factor in (especially since it's a short hop off of the HUB). & when to do Storybookland?


5. When you can, the Runner goes to BTMRR to get FPs.

6. Now you have three FPs. Before 12 Noon, you might be able to use the FPs to ride Indy, BTMRR, and Splash. If you get wet riding Splash you won't care because you're heading back to your hotel.

I'm thinking you should have 4 FPs by noon.


7. If the FPs are for later in the day, then you'll have to use the FPs later. (BTMRR is better at night, anyway.)

The above steps don't really feel right, but think of it as a first draft.

The main idea is to be flexible. It's hard to guess how crowded DL will be, but the above ideas are hopefully reasonable.

Definitely....the "plan" will get hijacked at times for unforeseen reasons. But the fact that you have a plan puts you ahead of 98% of the hordes.


Your trip is still a couple of months away, so there's still have plenty of time.

Hopefully others will chime in as well.

HTH

 

[nolatime]

Hound109
Why do u say that for CCI? Shuttle isn't consistent?

 

[HydroGuy]

Hound109
Why do u say that for CCI? Shuttle isn't consistent?

I did not understand Hound's comment either but my experience is the CCI shuttle is very timely and reliable - but if you miss it the walk is not that bad - about 10 minutes.

 

[nolatime]

would you do MM on a day that AP holders are NOT blocked? is it worth it? or do you think most AP holders going to the park during the week would be going to Carsland instead?

 

[HydroGuy]

would you do MM on a day that AP holders are NOT blocked? is it worth it? or do you think most AP holders going to the park during the week would be going to Carsland instead?

MM at DL? AP holders will have no impact on this because they will not be able to attend MM unless they say at a DLR hotel.

 

[nolatime]

Oh I didn't know that .. Thanks!

 

[Hound 109]

I did not understand Hound's comment either but my experience is the CCI shuttle is very timely and reliable - but if you miss it the walk is not that bad - about 10 minutes.

Yes the shuttle is very reliable (coming & going). But in the morning, the first shuttle run DOES NOT leave CCI till 6:35am on MM day & 7:35 for an 8am opening. Since I'm at security by 6:20am or 7:20am on those days, I prefer the beautiful 10 min. stroll....because i want to be near the front at the turnstiles.

In the evening, if you get to the bus stop immediately following the Fireworks or WOC, there might be a line (so you might elect to walk the 10 min. as opposed to waiting). But most of the time in the evening the shuttle is great.

& as HG mentioned it is always "on the minute prompt". (It's just that with my two CCI experiences, it was "on the minute prompt" but 5 min. after saying it would depart). In other words if they said they were leaving at 8am, it would actually leave at 8:05.....great for the stragglers, but not so much for the on time folks. Not a big deal, but that was my experience, so i figured i'd share it.

More info than you probably wanted, but yes....the CCI shuttle is great! (especially for those like me who enjoy a mid day rest & don't want four one way strolls per day).