DCA Fastpass

[Dobie]

We're going the last week of June (25th-30th.) Because we are early rising line hating crowd avoiding teachers (ergo: no off season for us) we have always really liked going to DL first thing in the morning, and spending the afternoon by the GCH pool, and then wandering in DL in the evening, with no ride plans other than POTC and using any previously acquired Fastpasses (the relatively new "no expiration" windowing thingie has me drooling with anticipation.)

I hate the thought of "wasting" an early start on DCA (my day is usually half over by 10 am!) so I am thinking of this strategy: grabbing FP's (we will have the AAA Enhanced ones) before we hit the hotel/pool for our after lunch/pm break, and then stretching our DCA time over a few late afternoons/evenings before /after dinner or before park closing (we are planning to dine either in DCA or GCH on three of the five nights we are there.) However, this will only work if there are still FPs available around 12:30 or so.

So, to make a long story short, when do the DCA FP's typically run out?

Thanks!

 

[CalGal]

Shouldn't be a problem. We were able to grab FPs for any ride at DCA offering FP well into the afternoon or evening during early August and the week before Christmas. Soarin' usually runs our first. Crowds could be pretty heavy while you are there, especially because of the Pirates to-do, but with the enhanced FP, and early starts, you'll not have to wait long for most rides. POTC will likely be your longest wait. Don't forget, you should be able to enjoy EE any day it is offered by presenting your GCH charge slip.

 

[seattlebusymom]

We just got back. Our trick was to have one person run and pick up all the fast passes. We saved them and then went back at night and hit them all.

 

[HydroGuy]

We just got back. Our trick was to have one person run and pick up all the fast passes. We saved them and then went back at night and hit them all.

Sending a runner to get DCA FastPasses is a good idea. However, a runner cannot go and get "all the FastPasses" unless you have Enhanced FastPass. At best the runner can get two FastPasses (Grizzly River Run - because it is disconnected - and one other).

Also note that once the entrance tix are scanned at either DL or DCA, they are initialized for both parks. So in order to get DCA FastPasses, the entire group does not need to enter DCA if they have already entered DL.

What we have done is send the runner to DCA to collect two FastPasses, then returned as a group later to DCA and immediately got another FP when we entered. Then we rode the two rides with FP and came back to FP #3.

 

[Dobie]

Thanks everyone.

 

[hawkrn]

Dobie-good idea about the FP's! We got the AAA deal too. I only wish POTC would get FP! See you at the pool in the afternoons (6/24-30 GC)!

 

[crzy4mk]

Dobie, also there is a single rider line for Soarin' & Grizzly River Run. Not sure how many are in your group, or if you have to ride together, but this is a good option. And sometimes even if you are in a single rider line, a couple of you may still ride together.