can someone explain the "wide right" strategy at DCA?

[all4fun]

I keep seeing this referenced, but I'm still not sure what it means exactly? We'll be at CA on Monday and plan on utilizing early entry since we'll be staying at GCV. I just want to make sure we get on RSR because I don't know when we'll be back again.

thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

I keep seeing this referenced, but I'm still not sure what it means exactly? We'll be at CA on Monday and plan on utilizing early entry since we'll be staying at GCV. I just want to make sure we get on RSR because I don't know when we'll be back again.

This thread has a pretty good explanation:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2971596

I think some of the details about what happens at rope drop (e.g., the characters coming out) may be a little out of date, but the general concept about what to do is still useful.

 

[Rubygoose]

Here's the Cole's Notes version:
Go to the main gates (not the GCH entrance to DCA)
Get there at least 30 minutes early
There will be lots of gates opening, so go to one with the shortest possible line.
When you move down BV street, get to the right side.
You will be stopped by CMs holding a rope that looks like a gas pump. You want to stand as close as you can to the CM on the right.
Lightening and Mater will lead you slowly down route 66, and they funnel the crowd into a single file line to the right. If you're already on the right, you don't have to merge.
Don't try to go onto the sidewalk or jump around the crowd through Flo's or the gift shops.

If you want to see how we did Wide right with a double stroller, you can scroll through my July trip report (it's park day 2 of our trip.)

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Also, start moving to the right as soon as you pass into the park. Don't wait until you reach the rope. One of our previous trips, there was a group trying to jockey around after the crowd had stopped, being rather rude about moving around and in front of people. CMs spotted them and told several to move back to where they'd been. We appreciated it, as one of the boys had been not very gently trying to nudge me and DF aside to get in front of us.

 

[txsoccermom]

When you get to RSR, can I leave the family in line and take our park tix to get FPs? That's what I always did for TSM at WDW - worked like a charm We were in line for 30 mins or so, rode it and then had a FP for later in the day

 

[figment_jii]

When you get to RSR, can I leave the family in line and take our park tix to get FPs? That's what I always did for TSM at WDW - worked like a charm We were in line for 30 mins or so, rode it and then had a FP for later in the day

I'll warn you off the bat that discussions about line holding tend to get a little heated here (just in case that is what you meant by leaving your family in line).

It is worth noting that the RSR FP distribution location is not at the same place as the ride; it's not even in Carsland. It's over the entrance to Bug's Life Land. So one option is that you could get FPs for your family when the park opens while they go ride RSR, then you can all meet at a central location. Otherwise, you'll have to catch up with your family at RSR and find them in line, which isn't always the easiest (or very well recieved) thing to do.