Can you help me make a plan?

[hkkatie]

In mid-August we will be stopping at DLR for two days before heading overseas. We are not planning to park hop, but will have one day at DL and one at CA. We have 4 kids, 11, 7, and 18 month twins. We are staying at a hotel very near by so that my hubby (who is not as big of a Disney fan as the kids and I) can take the twins back for a nap if needed. It's been a few years since the last time we went, and it will probably be several years before we go again, so I would really like to make the most of our time. I know about child swap and how to use fast passes, I just need help making a plan of what to do and in what order. If anyone has a few spare moments and would be able to help me, I'd really appreciate it! We have no limitations, as far as rides go. My older kids LOVE roller coasters! We'll be going on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thanks!

 

[Baxhappyplace]

I will start this off with a lot of people on this board are people that go a lot and will be able to create a touring plan for you for free. Their advice is great. I, however, don't know the system that well and don't know when the right time is to get a fastpass and so on. For the last three years we have used Ridemax and it has worked out great for us. Others might disagree. It is only $15 and for the cost of what we spend to go to Disneyland it is $15 that is well spent for us. We like to have a set plan each day. We like to sit down and choose the rides we want to do that day and have Ridemax create a plan for us. It works great for some but for others it isn't right for them. I will say that when we announce to the kids we are planning another trip to Disneyland, the first thing they ask is if we are going to purchase the schedule again. They love it when we use the fastpass system correctly and get to go in front of all the people and not have to wait. My younger son asks why others don't use it. My older son says, hush, don't tell them or this line will be longer because others will know our secret. It is cute! It works great for us!

 

[Hojoanaheim]

I don’t have a detailed “do this, and then do this” plan for the whole day. BUT when you go to DCA, get a FastPass for RSR and WoC in the morning (RSR FPs tend to run out by lunch time). Since these FP’s do not count against the one FP at a time rule, you can still get FP for another ride.

HTH,
Kriss

 

[MouseEXP]

Avoid the Early Entry Park. For example, if Early Entry is at Disneyland on Tuesday, go to California Adventure.
Get to the front gates 15 minutes before park opening.

One day at each park is best especially when your visiting with children.

 

[hkkatie]

thanks for the tips.