Diamond Celebration: 24 Hour Event @ Disneyland Resort May 22-23!

[figment_jii]

Fellow Dis'er iKristin is coordinating some meet-ups during the 24-hour day.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/24-hour-party-meet-up.3399193/

 

[john398]

Fellow Dis'er iKristin is coordinating some meet-ups during the 24-hour day.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/24-hour-party-meet-up.3399193/

Thanks as I did not see it listed on the sticky

 

[figment_jii]

A little bit more about the Diamond Mad T Party!
It’s Almost Time for the Diamond Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure Park

 

[pudinhd]

Am I the only one completing confused why Disneyland hasn't posted more information about the 24 hour event? It is now 12 days away and I expected to have heard something... The schedule still doesn't show the second parade or the 3 am WOC. I don't want to take anything away from WDW, but the Disney Parks Blog posted some sort of tips list for the event a while ago and announced they are having Disney Channel stars there. I know DLR is slow to release info, but I feel like I must be missing something. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!!

 

[figment_jii]

The domestic Disneyland calendar seems to be having issues with events starting after midnight. The Australian/Canadian calendars have both listed a second parade (1:00 am) and third WoC (3:00 am) for quite a while now and it seems consistent with the info that's been coming from Disneyland (e.g., they announced WoC dining packages for a 3:00 am showing, so there will be a 3:00 am showing even if it's missing from the calendar).

I think WDW is doing more to promote the 24-hour day as a special event in and of itself, whereas for DLR it's the kickoff to the 60th anniversary celebration, so the focus is on the 60th and not the 24-hour day per se.

 

[pudinhd]

The domestic Disneyland calendar seems to be having issues with events starting after midnight. The Australian/Canadian calendars have both listed a second parade (1:00 am) and third WoC (3:00 am) for quite a while now and it seems consistent with the info that's been coming from Disneyland (e.g., they announced WoC dining packages for a 3:00 am showing, so there will be a 3:00 am showing even if it's missing from the calendar).

I think WDW is doing more to promote the 24-hour day as a special event in and of itself, whereas for DLR it's the kickoff to the 60th anniversary celebration, so the focus is on the 60th and not the 24-hour day per se.

Thanks!!! I guess I just keep expecting to hear something since the event is less than 2 weeks away!

 

[Lights_Out]

I really want to go to this, but I'm scared of how busy it'll be... I'm not worried about it being crowded inside the parks (I can mentally prepare for that), but if we arrive at like 1pm, I'm assuming all the parking lots will be at maximum capacity (ie. closed)? What happens if you bought tickets for those days... then where do you park? Or are you just screwed?

 

[agamble]

I really want to go to this, but I'm scared of how busy it'll be... I'm not worried about it being crowded inside the parks (I can mentally prepare for that), but if we arrive at like 1pm, I'm assuming all the parking lots will be at maximum capacity (ie. closed)? What happens if you bought tickets for those days... then where do you park? Or are you just screwed?

Technically you don't buy a ticket for any specific day. It's not like a concert or movie ticket. However, I would guess there will still be parking at 1pm, but you may be directed to another parking lot. I would try Toy Story first as it's very large. I'd expect them to close the garage first. There are other small lots, and most likely the CM will be parking far away to create more parking for guests. The later in the day the less parking available and the busier the parks will be.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree with agamble that it's unlikely that there will be no parking at 1:00 pm. I'm pretty sure Disney will be using all lots (e.g., Mickey & Friends, Toy Story, Simba), plus the cast member lots if needed and will be running shuttles/buses to get guests to and from the lots. Which lot you end up in will probably depend on when you get there and from what direction you approach the parks. Your best bet is to just follow the directional signs and not try to get to a specific lot (the police may have roads/ramps closed to help direct/funnel traffic).

I don't know if things will be similar this year, but there were a flurry of Disney Parks Blog posts about the 24-hour day on the last week leading up to the event. So I would keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the latest information (especially next week).

 

[thmcdonald1]

Alright, I know no one knows at this point, and I'm sure everyone is sick of the questions, but when do you think closures will be?

I figure the 6-9 time slots will probably see closures. Do the parks clear out a bit after the first wave of entertainment? If I leave the parks at 10 and try and come back about 11, do you think there will be closures?

 

[john398]

I noticed the Hilton is now booked for those dates, probably because of memorial day weekend everything is getting booked

I am excited 10 days til I arrive

 

[agamble]

Alright, I know no one knows at this point, and I'm sure everyone is sick of the questions, but when do you think closures will be?

I figure the 6-9 time slots will probably see closures. Do the parks clear out a bit after the first wave of entertainment? If I leave the parks at 10 and try and come back about 11, do you think there will be closures?

We're leaving after the fireworks. So that'll free up 4 spots. LOL!

 

[figment_jii]

My guess is that there will be a drop in park attendance after fireworks ends, but there might be another uptick as guests viewing WoC leave DCA and head to DL to see the second parade. I don't think capacity crowds will be an issue at 10:00 pm anymore, but lines to get into DL might be long(ish) after the second WoC ends.

 

[thmcdonald1]

My guess is that there will be a drop in park attendance after fireworks ends, but there might be another uptick as guests viewing WoC leave DCA and head to DL to see the second parade. I don't think capacity crowds will be an issue at 10:00 pm anymore, but lines to get into DL might be long(ish) after the second WoC ends.

Kind of what I thought. We are leaving the parks after DL Forever and taking the baby to the hotel room. We're going to then return to catch Paint the Night and WOC. Hoping the lines aren't TOO long that late at night, but we'll find out!!

 

[Lights_Out]

Technically you don't buy a ticket for any specific day. It's not like a concert or movie ticket. However, I would guess there will still be parking at 1pm, but you may be directed to another parking lot. I would try Toy Story first as it's very large. I'd expect them to close the garage first. There are other small lots, and most likely the CM will be parking far away to create more parking for guests. The later in the day the less parking available and the busier the parks will be.

Oh, I understand that a ticket isn't good for just one day. But what I meant was that I would be buying tickets for just that day... because I'm a SoCal pass holder. Good to know that there is still a chance to get in at around 1pm... but I'm not quite sure if I want to take a gamble... (pun not intended )

I agree with agamble that it's unlikely that there will be no parking at 1:00 pm. I'm pretty sure Disney will be using all lots (e.g., Mickey & Friends, Toy Story, Simba), plus the cast member lots if needed and will be running shuttles/buses to get guests to and from the lots. Which lot you end up in will probably depend on when you get there and from what direction you approach the parks. Your best bet is to just follow the directional signs and not try to get to a specific lot (the police may have roads/ramps closed to help direct/funnel traffic).

I don't know if things will be similar this year, but there were a flurry of Disney Parks Blog posts about the 24-hour day on the last week leading up to the event. So I would keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the latest information (especially next week).

Do you (or anyone) happen to know if they closed off parking during the last 24-hour day? It'd be reassuring to know that they didn't close parking lots last time. (Although everyone seems to be saying that it'll be much busier this time)

Thank you both very much for replying!

 

[mershell]

I went last year and didn't arrive 'til after 8pm. At that point, I was directed to the top deck of the garage. So, at least at that point, there was still plenty of parking. Crowds were lighter than I expected at that point, but by 11pm it was so crowded the ride lines were way too long to wait. By 1am tho', things cleared a lot again and it was smooth sailing after that.

 

[Lights_Out]

I went last year and didn't arrive 'til after 8pm. At that point, I was directed to the top deck of the garage. So, at least at that point, there was still plenty of parking. Crowds were lighter than I expected at that point, but by 11pm it was so crowded the ride lines were way too long to wait. By 1am tho', things cleared a lot again and it was smooth sailing after that.

Thank you for the info That's good to hear.

 

[kangamama]

I went last year and didn't arrive 'til after 8pm. At that point, I was directed to the top deck of the garage. So, at least at that point, there was still plenty of parking. Crowds were lighter than I expected at that point, but by 11pm it was so crowded the ride lines were way too long to wait. By 1am tho', things cleared a lot again and it was smooth sailing after that.

This is kind of what I am hoping for. Right now our plan is to stay in DL through the 10:45 fantasmic, and then cut over to DCA. I'm hoping that DCA won't be as crowded.

 

[kangamama]

I'd love to hear your thoughts (everyone) on where to sit for the fireworks. Since there isn't much info out, and it sounds like the show will be a little different from different areas, I'm having a lot of trouble deciding where to direct my party for the parade/fireworks.

 

[Angrose]

I'd love to hear your thoughts (everyone) on where to sit for the fireworks. Since there isn't much info out, and it sounds like the show will be a little different from different areas, I'm having a lot of trouble deciding where to direct my party for the parade/fireworks.

If you can, I would sit on Main Street for the fireworks and parade. It sounds like there will be a lot of great projections on the buildings. If you can get down further on Main Street, closer to the hub, then you will also have a pretty good view of the projections on the castle and possibly even the Matterhorn. I think you will need to get there very early to get a good spot though because it will invariably be the most sought after place. I'm thinking of getting there 2 hours before the parade.