Best tips for WDW expert doing DL for first time (one day trip)

[DavidNYC]

Hi all - have an unexpected day off on a business trip and going to hit DL for the day. I know Genie+ inside and out at WDW. Anyone who is familiar with both systems have any advice on any noticeable differences in either how it functions or just different approaches that work better at DL based on general park flow? (For example, if you try to modify a ride and keep refreshing will it often open earlier times like it does at WDW?)

Will be a single rider so expect that I'll be able to take care of a few of the bigger rides a bit more quickly (assuming the single rider lines actually save you time - not always the case out east!)

(And also - I keep hearing mixed things for Saturdays as to it being either really crowded because it's a weekend or not that bad because of a lot of blackout dates - what you expect for an end of April Saturday?

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Genie Plus here you can't use until you scan your ticket here

Disneyland is not as big as MK but has more attractions so it might be hard to do everything in one day

if you need a break great moments with mr Lincoln is perfect to just walk in and see the gallery/pre show and get off your feet. Tales of the Lion King is also a good way to get off your feet

Pirates here is kinda a must if you've never done it before here, pretty much everyone thinks Disneyland version i better.

Make sure to Ride Indy early because it breaks down a lot.

Have fun, crowds I think are pretty unpredictable at this point. I assume it will be busy that Saturday but should not be insane like in the summer or spring break

 

[chezcurrie]

The modify feature works great, and as a solo traveller you should have great luck with it. Single rider lines with the exception of Incredicoaster and Radiator Springs Racers in the middle of the day are awesome. For those 2 rides if wanting to ride multiple times try and hit them in the morning or later a night.

Current Single Rider lines are:
DL - Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Splash, Smugglers Run
DCA- Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs, Toy Story (personally I would skip as it is the same as WDW), Webslingers

With one day I would focus on the things that are unique/better at DL. So don’t skip Pirates!

Have fun!!!

EDIT: Saturdays are now my preferred day to visit as the lower 2 tiers of MK are typically blocked

 

[DavidNYC]

The modify feature works great, and as a solo traveller you should have great luck with it. Single rider lines with the exception of Incredicoaster and Radiator Springs Racers in the middle of the day are awesome. For those 2 rides if wanting to ride multiple times try and hit them in the morning or later a night.

Current Single Rider lines are:
DL - Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Splash, Smugglers Run
DCA- Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs, Toy Story (personally I would skip as it is the same as WDW), Webslingers

With one day I would focus on the things that are unique/better at DL. So don’t skip Pirates!

Have fun!!!

EDIT: Saturdays are now my preferred day to visit as the lower 2 tiers of MK are typically blocked

Thanks - good to know. The modifying really worked well at WDW even at a fairly busy time with a larger party so if that's the same I assume I'll be good. And probably would have skipped TSM anyway as that's kind of boring with a single ride (we know a lot of the tricks that take two people to open which is most of the fun of it!).

 

[DavidNYC]

The modify feature works great, and as a solo traveller you should have great luck with it. Single rider lines with the exception of Incredicoaster and Radiator Springs Racers in the middle of the day are awesome. For those 2 rides if wanting to ride multiple times try and hit them in the morning or later a night.

Current Single Rider lines are:
DL - Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Splash, Smugglers Run
DCA- Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs, Toy Story (personally I would skip as it is the same as WDW), Webslingers

With one day I would focus on the things that are unique/better at DL. So don’t skip Pirates!

Have fun!!!

EDIT: Saturdays are now my preferred day to visit as the lower 2 tiers of MK are typically blocked

Related question - of the evening shows what would be your top priority??

 

[chezcurrie]

Related question - of the evening shows what would be your top priority??

With only one day I would choose World of Color. I am a huge Fantasmic fan and it holds great nostalgia for me (and imo the DL version is superior), but world of color might be my fave nighttime show of all.

You can get a VQ for WOC (I believe it opens at 12), and there will be amble viewing even if the queue up is chaotic.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

If your seeing WOC make sure to a ticket for it on the app at 12 PM

Also this is a short nighttime show but if your near Small World at night might want to check out this as well
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disneyland/its-a-small-world-encanto-projection/

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Related question - of the evening shows what would be your top priority??

Fantastic all the way for me... it's my favorite Disney show period (and better than WDW's version or so I have heard). I would choose one of the dining packages if you can find a cancelation (Hungry Bear, River Belle Terrace or Blue Bayou).

Second choice World of Color at DCA with Dessert Party if money is no object.

 

[LKing]

If you are going on a Saturday and want to see the Wondrous Journeys fireworks and projection show, you need to be in Disneyland. If you don't care about the fireworks and have already seen Fantasmic, I would do WOC.