August 17th... block out dates lifted question, critique our plan please...

[PRINCESS VIJA]

So, we have to go that day/week because it is DD's birthday week. First trip to Disneyland, and I am starting to get extremely worried about the crowds from the pre-block out days.

This is our basic strategy for the week, I have ridemax and plan to put in our ride preferences, but I am begging for all of your expert advice if this is a good mix of DL and DCA.

ESPECIALLY Wed. and Thurs. Because some of the schools in the area go back in Session on Thurs and Fri

Monday (DD's birthday, letting her pick the rides for the day) DD wants to do DL in the morning and then head over to DCA for a late 9:50 breakfast at Ariel's and then spend the day at DCA. Maybe a break in the afternoon and head back for the Electric parade Is this an ok strategy for that day?

How long before we should line up for the Electric parade that day? (Keeping in mind the block out days are lifted)

Tuesday DL all day (including MM, Blue Bayou for lunch, and Magical for the night, again what time do you think we should find our spot for the fireworks)

Wednesday Originally scheduled to do DCA again, and then Fantasmic at night (might be a good choice for fantasmic at night if the kids have to go back the next day to school, maybe they'll be home sleeping... hopefully...)

Thursday DL in the morning, DCA for alladin, rewatch our favorite nightime show/parade.

Friday DL all day until we have to leave.

 

[Eeee-va]

How old is your DD? I think taking a break each day is wise if at all possible, especially if it's very hot, as it's prone to be in August. (You may have that planned but I did not see that in your outline.)

If your heart is set on seeing Magical (especially Dumbo), you might want to plan to see fireworks the first day, and then keep trying if you don't manage to see him/if they don't run. I just went to Disneyland for four nights (6/19 - 6/22). The first night (Friday) the show stopped right before Dumbo would have come out, and the second night (Saturday) Dumbo didn't fly, so it was the third night (Sunday) before I was able to see Dumbo at all. (I'm not sure that he flew our last night either.)

Unfortunately, while the show is good, I didn't find it so good that it was particularly interesting to watch from the same viewing area three nights in a row. If I had it to do again I think I might have just seen the whole thing once and skipped waiting for Dumbo--not that Dumbo wasn't good, but I hated sacrificing three evenings to trying to see him. Didn't seem worth it to me.

Last Sunday (again, only the lowest So. Cal pass was blocked), we were able to easily get adequate fireworks viewing spots at 9:15 or so (a way back on Main Street, not directly in front of the castle). That's probably not as helpful with children, though, unless you're willing to carry. If you are willing to jockey for position I think you'd honestly probably be able to get a spot at 9 PM...but since your DD is with you, you might plan for earlier so you don't have to force your way through.

I don't know that the locals will really be rushing for great Electrical Parade spots, so I personally wouldn't plan to get there more than 30 minutes early, unless you want/need a bench. Can't be sure, of course--if the park seems crazy-busy then you might be more cautious.

Fantasmic, on the other hand, I would expect to be fairly crowded, as the new dragon should be running, so I would arrive plenty early for that. I can't speak for the 9 PM show, as I haven't attended, but I'd be surprised if you could get a decent spot later than an hour before that show. It's not impossible that the whole area may be filled by that point.

If your family can stay up for the 10:30 show, then if the crowds are bearable, it SHOULD be possible to get a pretty good spot if you hang out in the area during the 9 PM show and move over to the viewing area during the fireworks. On Monday night (only the lowest So. Cal pass was blocked) we used this technique to get a square of seats (2 or 3 of us in front, a few behind) starting right against the fence, just a bit off of center.

Again, with the new dragon I think the show will be much busier, but if you know the tricks or are willing to get there early, I think you can manage.

Have a great time!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks so much for your response. your hints certainly help!

DD is 10 (turning 11 when we get there!)

 

[blackjackdelta]

We will be there at the same time except we are going to take a day to go to USH. We have our PS scheduled but leave most everything else open. We will be doing MM on Tues and Thursday. We do plan to do fireworks, parades, fantasmic, etc. Just depends on the crowds and what we do not care to. Have fun.

Jack

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

We will be there at the same time except we are going to take a day to go to USH. We have our PS scheduled but leave most everything else open. We will be doing MM on Tues and Thursday. We do plan to do fireworks, parades, fantasmic, etc. Just depends on the crowds and what we do not care to. Have fun.

Jack

Sounds like you have a nice relaxing plan set, I hope we both have magical vacations!

 

[bumbershoot]

"Monday (DD's birthday, letting her pick the rides for the day) DD wants to do DL in the morning and then head over to DCA for a late 9:50 breakfast at Ariel's and then spend the day at DCA."


What time will the park open at DL that day? Breakfast at Ariel's at 9:50 means you want to be at the gates at probably 9:30 so you don't have to rush (also allowing time to squeeze through the crowds waiting for 10am rest-of-park opening), means be out of DL just before that, means you need to be done with the last ride at whatever time...means...even if the park opens at 8, that's not very many rides at DL! I personally might just sleep in that day. But she's old enough to be told and/or figure all that out, and really know what it means for her early morning DL plans, so that's a bonus.