Crowded one day strategy

[Jfsag123]

We will be at DLR next week (woohoo!). I have a friend that has decided to join us for one day in the parks, on Wednesday from park opening to about 8:00pm. She has never been to a Disney park before and is skeptical about why we love it so much. I know it will be incredibly crowded, as it’s thanksgiving week. How would you all approach this? What would you prioritize showing someone on their first and only Disney park day? And in which order would you hit things? I know WDW really well, but this is only our second family trip to DLR, so I’m a little lost. Our family will have 3 additional days in the parks after she has left, so I’m not so worried about prioritizing what we want to see. We all have hoppers and Maxpass

 

[midnight star]

Make sure she is there at rope drop. Make sure she also has maxpass and hoppers on her ticket and that as soon as you are all scanned in, begin making reservations.

Ask her what rides she doesn’t want to do! So you don’t have to worry about fastpasses for those.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Definitely be there way early. As early as you possibly can to park and get through security and be in the park before rope drop. The early morning hours will be your “golden hours” before things get really insane. Showing up to lines (parking, security, gates, rides) just starts the day off on the wrong foot!

What are the ages in the party and what do you think your friend will want to see and do? Starting off with a good plan is important. Like, if she really wants to ride Pirates, do that first when there is no line. Priority rides that have fastpass can wait a bit (use MaxPass to stack some FP rides for the busy afternoon).

Since you are missing most of the nighttime entertainment by leaving at 8pm, I suggest trying to see the first It’s a Small World facade lighting (I believe this is at 5:15pm) and Sleeping Beauty’s castle lighting at 7pm. Those are pretty darn magical!

 

[Erin M]

On a busy day, keep a churro in hand at all times. Everything is better with a churro, or dole whip, or pretzel, or popcorn, or a beignet...

If you're using MP, stack some rides for the afternoon when it's too busy.

 

[Jfsag123]

Definitely be there way early. As early as you possibly can to park and get through security and be in the park before rope drop. The early morning hours will be your “golden hours” before things get really insane. Showing up to lines (parking, security, gates, rides) just starts the day off on the wrong foot!

What are the ages in the party and what do you think your friend will want to see and do? Starting off with a good plan is important. Like, if she really wants to ride Pirates, do that first when there is no line. Priority rides that have fastpass can wait a bit (use MaxPass to stack some FP rides for the busy afternoon).

Since you are missing most of the nighttime entertainment by leaving at 8pm, I suggest trying to see the first It’s a Small World facade lighting (I believe this is at 5:15pm) and Sleeping Beauty’s castle lighting at 7pm. Those are pretty darn magical!

Our party for the day is 3 adults (me, DH, and my friend), and my 2 kids, ages 10 and 8. The problem is she doesn’t know what she wants to do - she had barely even seen any Disney movies! I gave her a list of movies to watch a few weeks ago. I know she is not a big thrill ride person, though she is not afraid to do those. She loves Cars (one of the few she had actually seen!), so definitely prioritizing those attractions. I’m thinking Haunted Mansion, Soarin’, Toy Story Mania, and Indiana Jones may also be hits, but I’m not sure. Though we love the classic dark rides, I’m not sure how much someone with minimal Disney nostalgia or knowledge of the movies would like them.

 

[midnight star]

Our party for the day is 3 adults (me, DH, and my friend), and my 2 kids, ages 10 and 8. The problem is she doesn’t know what she wants to do - she had barely even seen any Disney movies! I gave her a list of movies to watch a few weeks ago. I know she is not a big thrill ride person, though she is not afraid to do those. She loves Cars (one of the few she had actually seen!), so definitely prioritizing those attractions. I’m thinking Haunted Mansion, Soarin’, Toy Story Mania, and Indiana Jones may also be hits, but I’m not sure. Though we love the classic dark rides, I’m not sure how much someone with minimal Disney nostalgia or knowledge of the movies would like them.

For the larger thrill rides, have her check youtube to see how they are!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Our party for the day is 3 adults (me, DH, and my friend), and my 2 kids, ages 10 and 8. The problem is she doesn’t know what she wants to do - she had barely even seen any Disney movies! I gave her a list of movies to watch a few weeks ago. I know she is not a big thrill ride person, though she is not afraid to do those. She loves Cars (one of the few she had actually seen!), so definitely prioritizing those attractions. I’m thinking Haunted Mansion, Soarin’, Toy Story Mania, and Indiana Jones may also be hits, but I’m not sure. Though we love the classic dark rides, I’m not sure how much someone with minimal Disney nostalgia or knowledge of the movies would like them.

If she loves Cars, then Carsland will be a HUGE hit, it’s amazing! I’d make that my first stop (you will have park hoppers right?).

Standby for Radiator Springs racers and pick up a MaxPass for Toy Story, then check out the rest of Carsland, do the other two rides there, pick up MaxPasses for Soarin, when you’re ready, pick up MPs for Indy and Haunted Mansion, and hop over to Disneyland.

Does she like Star Wars (not necessarily “Disney” to many people)? Seeing the Stormtroopers march around Tomorrowland and meeting Darth Vader, Chewbacca and the others is thrilling even to me since I’m a big Star Wars fan and they are so well done (you feel like you stepped onto the movie set!). Star Tours is another great one if she likes Star Wars and can handle the simulator ride (I’ve taken my 3 year old so it’s definitely not too crazy).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... She loves Cars (one of the few she had actually seen!), so definitely prioritizing those attractions...

If time permits, try to show her the neon lighting on Rte. 66 in Cars Land -- just like in the movie! Google the time for sunset on Wednesday, then be on Rte. 66 about 10 minutes before that. Choose a good viewing spot somewhere around Flo's where you have a good view of the whole street. Then wait for the street to go dark and the Sh'boom song to start... magic! And RSR at night is wonderful!
Also, don't forget to share your love of the parks with her -- what you love and why as you go through the parks. That can really be contagious and help a newbie see the parks in a special way. Take the time to point out the details, meet characters if she wants to, try special treats, listen to the music (especially the holiday music), etc. And get her a "First Visit" button to wear! (These are available at City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, at the registers of most shops, and from some CMs.)

 

[Jfsag123]

Coming back to update months later! I just wanted to thank y’all for the advice. My friend was not a Disney person going into this, but after her one day at Disneyland she now says she gets our crazy park love. She’s not as gung ho as me (and never will be), but she liked it enough to have conceded that the outrageous price of a 1 day park hopper + Maxpass felt worth it and is even considering joining us again for a day or two this year when we go back! We did rope drop, used Maxpass as efficiently as possible, and rolled with the crowds.

So again, thanks to you lovely folks who helped me spread the magic!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you for reporting back! So glad you all had a good time and that your friend may join you again!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Coming back to update months later! I just wanted to thank y’all for the advice. My friend was not a Disney person going into this, but after her one day at Disneyland she now says she gets our crazy park love. She’s not as gung ho as me (and never will be), but she liked it enough to have conceded that the outrageous price of a 1 day park hopper + Maxpass felt worth it and is even considering joining us again for a day or two this year when we go back! We did rope drop, used Maxpass as efficiently as possible, and rolled with the crowds.

So again, thanks to you lovely folks who helped me spread the magic!

With the outrageous price of a one day ticket, I think adding MaxPass is imperative in order to maximize the day. My DD and I went on Sunday to DCA, and I several times discussed a one day ticket without MaxPass would be a waste of money. At one point, The Little Mermaid had a 45-minute wait, but with MaxPass and the app, we never very long for any line.

 

[Jfsag123]

With the outrageous price of a one day ticket, I think adding MaxPass is imperative in order to maximize the day. My DD and I went on Sunday to DCA, and I several times discussed a one day ticket without MaxPass would be a waste of money. At one point, The Little Mermaid had a 45-minute wait, but with MaxPass and the app, we never very long for any line.

Agree 100%. My friend noted that she’d heard horror stories from people who’d come to the parks and just stood in line all day, which had clouded her opinion, and said she probably would have been one of those people had she not come with me. She recognized that with Maxpass and the tiniest bit of planning, you can get so much done that it’s absolutely worth it.

 

[Herewegooooooooo]

Use RideMax, it’s are “go to” for every visit. Our most favorite was week of Christmas. Place was crazy packed. But we rode everything and waited very little with the program. Gives great tips to. Never do Disney without it!