CA Touring Question

[mmmears]

The last time my family visited CA, TSM was closed for renovation and The Little Mermaid was not open yet. We usually spend the early mornings at DL, then cross over to CA when the crowds grow.

But now there are 2 rides that we really want to experience and I'm wondering how quickly they develop long lines. We are planning to go before Cars Land is open. Should we be at rope drop so we can try out TSM and LM, or is that not necessary?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DLR29]

TSMM's line is one of the fastest growing lines at the whole resort (probably second to Peter Pan). Failing to line up within the first 10 minutes of DCA's opening pretty much guarantees a 30-40 min wait. However, the line really doesn't fluctuate throughout the day. It's a pretty constant 30-40 min line all day long. So unless you are one of those few people who get there early, you know what to expect. I like riding TSMM at rope drop, but I know that if I miss that initial rush, I'll just go ride something else with a short line in the morning and come back and ride TSMM later.

Little Mermaid has a VERY high capacity and lines rarely reach more than 20 min even during crowded days. Usually when I pass by it's more like 5-10.

 

[mmmears]

TSMM's line is one of the fastest growing lines at the whole resort (probably second to Peter Pan). Failing to line up within the first 10 minutes of DCA's opening pretty much guarantees a 30-40 min wait. However, the line really doesn't fluctuate throughout the day. It's a pretty constant 30-40 min line all day long. So unless you are one of those few people who get there early, you know what to expect. I like riding TSMM at rope drop, but I know that if I miss that initial rush, I'll just go ride something else with a short line in the morning and come back and ride TSMM later.

Little Mermaid has a VERY high capacity and lines rarely reach more than 20 min even during crowded days. Usually when I pass by it's more like 5-10.

Wow -- that's great info. Thanks so much. I expected them both to be crowded -- it's great to know that we can relax about Ariel and focus on TSM -- we love that ride and are used to seeing the huge lines at DHS. Guess it's just as popular at CA.

 

[papamouse1]

Also, where will you be staying? Would you consider breakfast at Storytellers in GCH? The reason I mention it is our experience is you can get a little jump on Toy Story by entering DCA through the GCH entrance. I agree with PP poster, if waiting more than 30 minutes is intolerable, then make sure you get there first thing. Otherwise, just work it in later...

 

[mmmears]

Also, where will you be staying? Would you consider breakfast at Storytellers in GCH? The reason I mention it is our experience is you can get a little jump on Toy Story by entering DCA through the GCH entrance. I agree with PP poster, if waiting more than 30 minutes is intolerable, then make sure you get there first thing. Otherwise, just work it in later...

We will most likely be at GCH, but DL is opening earlier each day we are there, so my guess is that we will be at DL at rope drop and then move over to CA when it opens. Sounds like we might want to use the hotel entrance for CA, though -- thanks for the idea!

 

[DLR29]

We will most likely be at GCH, but DL is opening earlier each day we are there, so my guess is that we will be at DL at rope drop and then move over to CA when it opens. Sounds like we might want to use the hotel entrance for CA, though -- thanks for the idea!

Waiting for the rope to drop by the GCH used to be a better option when there were 2 rope drops heading to TSMM. Now that Little Mermaid is open, things have changed a bit. DCA now opens its gates at 9:30 and all guests can ride Soarin, get WoC FP or ride Little Mermaid. Guests can also start lining up at the rope. Since Little Mermaid is open, they've pushed the rope back, there's 1 big TSMM rope drop crowd, and there's no more advantage to going through the hotel entrance. It's actually probably less advantageous because it'll take you longer to hop by the roundabout way of going through GCH than just regular straight hopping.

 

[mmmears]

Waiting for the rope to drop by the GCH used to be a better option when there were 2 rope drops heading to TSMM. Now that Little Mermaid is open, things have changed a bit. DCA now opens its gates at 9:30 and all guests can ride Soarin, get WoC FP or ride Little Mermaid. Guests can also start lining up at the rope. Since Little Mermaid is open, they've pushed the rope back, there's 1 big TSMM rope drop crowd, and there's no more advantage to going through the hotel entrance. It's actually probably less advantageous because it'll take you longer to hop by the roundabout way of going through GCH than just regular straight hopping.

Thanks for the updated information. It will help me formulate a hopefully decent touring plan.

From your post, it sounds like the early entry from the GCH for Soarin' is no longer a hotel perk.

 

[runrussellrun]

TSMM should be one of the rides you get on once you get to the parks. It's almost guaranteed to always have a 45 minute line.

 

[papamouse1]

Waiting for the rope to drop by the GCH used to be a better option when there were 2 rope drops heading to TSMM. Now that Little Mermaid is open, things have changed a bit. DCA now opens its gates at 9:30 and all guests can ride Soarin, get WoC FP or ride Little Mermaid. Guests can also start lining up at the rope. Since Little Mermaid is open, they've pushed the rope back, there's 1 big TSMM rope drop crowd, and there's no more advantage to going through the hotel entrance. It's actually probably less advantageous because it'll take you longer to hop by the roundabout way of going through GCH than just regular straight hopping.

Hmmm... bummer. I am sorry to hear this has changed up. Guess we may need to change up tactics for our Nov. trip