Arriving, Parking and Entering: What to expect?

[munequita4]

Lots of questions here.I was wondering what it is like when you enter Disneyland. By entering, I mean the whole process.

If I'm going on a day when DL opens at 8am, does that mean that EE would be at 7am? (Wow, that's early!) If so, I was hoping to be there 1/2 hour before, so that would mean we would have to be there at 6:30 am! Again.. Wow, that's early!

Are there different entrances you can enter DL from the outside? If so, which is best?

Once we park, then what? Is there a lot of walking? Do you walk straight into the park, or have to first ride a train or tram to get in?

Last, but not least, How long does this whole process actually take before entering the park (Main Street)?

Thanks for your help! I'm 4mos pregnant and traveling s/ DH, and 4 DS's ages 5,4,almost 3, and 18 mos! We'll have a double stroller with us as well

 

[farmfresh]

You 've calculated the ee times right...an hour before, then 30 mins before that (or a little more if it's super busy). There is just one entrance to the park, unless you go by monorail, but if you are parking that won't be of any use.

You can take a tram service to the main gate from the parking areas. You will then go through a bag search the entrance aplze. DCA entrance is on one side, Dl on the other. There a a pile of gates, line up in front of the early entry ones. (there are signs, if the queues don't give it away!)

How long it takes to get to main street depends on the day. You will enter through the turnstiles at the gates, and that will take a few minutes depending on where you are in the queue. Then you can walk up mainstreet, where there will be rope line. You'll be held there until opening (for ee) or regular park times.

You might wnat to check what time parking opens on ee....you really want to leave about 15mins...say 6.15 at the little tram. With little legs, you need plenty of time!

 

[fairycat]

On the parking you typically park in the Mickey and Friends Parking structure, from your car you walk to the end (think mall style) and go to the elevator (with stroller its easier then the escalator) that drops you to the courtyard were the trams pick up, the tram drops you at the beginning on DTD, just past there, is the bag check, from there like Farmfresh said the parks are right there with DL on your right and DCA on your left.

 

[bumbershoot]

FWIW, when people say to get there x minutes before it opens, they mean at the gates, in line (not buying a ticket). Depending on where they have you park (parking garage CMs generally tell you exactly where to go) it can be quite a trek just to the elevators, then wait for the tram, then from the tram, through security past ticket booths and to the gates.

Zoiks!

Is it any wonder I like going on the off season when the park doesn't open until 10...

Although there are many gates, there is only one entrance area to DL (and DCA's entrance gates are opposite those), in the esplanade.


How long does it take? When you're happy and excited to be there? Too long!

 

[THpoohbear]

On the parking you typically park in the Mickey and Friends Parking structure, from your car you walk to the end (think mall style) and go to the elevator (with stroller its easier then the escalator) that drops you to the courtyard were the trams pick up, the tram drops you at the beginning on DTD, just past there, is the bag check, from there like Farmfresh said the parks are right there with DL on your right and DCA on your left.

Just a note that this process can take between 30-45 minutes from driving up to the parking garage to standing in line at DL.

One minor correction, after you pass back check, DL will be on the LEFT and DCA on the right.

 

[munequita4]

Oh my goodness! Thanks for all your help! I cannot honestly imagine waking up at around 5am to be at DL for EE on a day they open for EE at 7am! I think that would just exhaust all of us! We're staying off site in Santa Ana at a relatives home, so I wanted to make sure I planned ahead. I'm not sure what to do?! I would love to be there for EE! Maybe we can get away with doing one day out of the year. I would just think we would all be so tired, especially the kids! I really wouldn't want them to be all grouchy at DL by noon time because of doing EE that day. What do you think? We live in NM and won't have the opportunity to go back to DL till who knows when! What to do? I'd love your opininons!

 

[Hound 109]

A few questions, since you are coming from out town (& I want to give you accurate info):

- What date are you specifically asking about?
- What day of the week is it?
- Did you purchase a 3 day park hopper pass?
- Are you sure you have EE privelidges?
- How many days will you be coming to DLR?

FWIW.....EE is great.
If you have kids, EE is a nice perk (nice to get some of the FantasyLand Rides done early).
If starting the day that early (especially with kids), it's good to have a rest (nap) mid day.

Have a great time at DLR.

 

[farmfresh]

Yes- you might want to choose an ee day with a later opening time - they differ depending on day and season.

However, bear in mind that if you follow a plan, you'll see enough by 11am to make a rest worthwhile. You'll see all, or most of fantasyland in the ee time for example. Your kids are quite young so there are some rides elsewhere you might skipanyway

 

[TwinsinCA]

Just a note about the parking: generally the Mickey and Friends parking lot doesn't open until an hour before the park does (not EE opening, main opening). A few times I've been there to find the lot didn't open until 30 minutes before the park did. Like someone else said, it takes a good 30 minutes from the time you park to walk to the tram, take it, walk through security and get to the gates. The parking lot will not be open early enough to allow you to get to the gates before an EE opening.