Day trip...better to go MM or non-MM?

[DizMe]

We are using our GAD passes and will be driving over from our rented beach house in Newport. We can go any day of the week, but we were thinking T or W. We won't have MM. Is there any advantage to going on a MM or non-MM day if we don't have MM ourselves? I was thinking maybe it would lighten the crowds at opening time if we went on a MM day, but then again maybe it would mean higher crowds at an earlier time? I don't even know if it would make a difference.

We're also going to park at DL for the first time so if anyone has tips on the best way to do that, I'd love to hear about it. We'd like to get there early.

 

[Belle Ella]

I would go with a non-MM day myself. It means equal grounds for everyone when the park opens and not having places like Fantasyland packed already when the park officiall opens.

 

[HydroGuy]

First choice for a day trip is Wednesday. No brainer really. Second best is Monday IMO. No MM on either day.

 

[DizMe]

Thanks!!! Looks like Wed. it is.

Any strategies for parking? What time do the lots open, and is it best to get there right at the time the lots open?

 

[bumbershoot]

Side-thought...

If you have no interest in Fantasyland or the parts of Tomorrowland that are open that morning, then you could choose either day. If you're headed to Indy, or some other ride in another land, and you get there early, you'll be on those rides before the MM crowd gets done with their last MM ride!

If you have interest in FL and TL, but you wouldn't be doing them that morning, then it doesn't really matter.

But if you're going to head to FL and/or Tomorrowland, and you're going to head there first thing that morning, THAT is when you want to absolutely avoid the MM day.

I mean, I'm not saying TO go on Tuesday...but if for some reason Tuesday worked out best for you, as long as you're not heading to the MM areas after people have been filling up those exact lines for an hour, you do have a bit more leeway.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks!!! Looks like Wed. it is.

Any strategies for parking? What time do the lots open, and is it best to get there right at the time the lots open?

On a non-MM day the lots are open 60 minutes early. But be careful of all the lost time. See "Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

 

[DizMe]

Side-thought...

If you have no interest in Fantasyland or the parts of Tomorrowland that are open that morning, then you could choose either day. If you're headed to Indy, or some other ride in another land, and you get there early, you'll be on those rides before the MM crowd gets done with their last MM ride!

If you have interest in FL and TL, but you wouldn't be doing them that morning, then it doesn't really matter.

But if you're going to head to FL and/or Tomorrowland, and you're going to head there first thing that morning, THAT is when you want to absolutely avoid the MM day.

I mean, I'm not saying TO go on Tuesday...but if for some reason Tuesday worked out best for you, as long as you're not heading to the MM areas after people have been filling up those exact lines for an hour, you do have a bit more leeway.

Ok, bumbershoot, this makes a LOT of sense! We usually head for Space Mt on MM days and Indy plus BTMRR on non-MM, so T would actually be a good day for us, too. Thanks for figuring that out for me! My kids aren't so much into FL these days as they are into the excitement of the thrill rides, so we just play it by ear for FL.

HydroGuy, we are going to SoCal for a beach vacation--this isn't our DL trip. We're just taking a day to visit since we have our GAD vouchers (I have an AP, but the rest don't). What would you suggest for getting to the park from Newport Beach? I'm thinking a taxi would cost us probably $100 or so total. I figured driving our car there would be the only real option.

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy, we are going to SoCal for a beach vacation--this isn't our DL trip. We're just taking a day to visit since we have our GAD vouchers (I have an AP, but the rest don't). What would you suggest for getting to the park from Newport Beach? I'm thinking a taxi would cost us probably $100 or so total. I figured driving our car there would be the only real option.

If you have a car then use it. Pretty straightforward getting to DLR from NP. Use highway 55.