Disneyland Main Entrance

[penticton]

We are driving to Disneyland for the first time this Sunday Oct 12., about 10 AM. Our group of 8, which includes three grandchildren 2, 4 & 6. My plan was to drop everyone off at the 15 min drop of point , going south on Harbor Blvd and then park the car at the Timon lot.

We may have to buy an additional five day pass on Sunday. About how long will I have to wait in line to purchase a pass at that time of day? Do you buy the gate pass at the main entrance before you go through security? Do you go through the main gate before or after going through security ? If you do not have a backpack, camera etc, can you go through a separate security line for people that with no carry ins. ?

Any comments on the plan for Disneyland experts would be apprecatied.

 

[toocherie]

Note: they may or may not be parking in Timon at that hour. They may route you over to Mickey & Friends and you would need to take the tram back (or walk). Security is BEFORE the ticket booths and main gate. There is no separate line for someone without packables.

If you know you need the additional pass, I would buy it online and print out an e-ticket--ticket booths at that time might be busy and I would hate for you to waste time waiting in line. Otherwise, the folks you drop off should go get in line immediately while you are parking.

 

[bumbershoot]

As someone who has stood for ages in the lines at the ticket booths on a normal weekDAY, let alone a holiday weekend (everyone always celebrates my birthday! lol), I can tell you that the lines are ridiculous (I've used the phrase "it's like every guest in front of you is trying to broker peace between warring nations, it takes so long for each transaction") and long, and you do NOT want to do that.

Do what toocherie says, and just buy the tix online. It'll be less expensive, too, b/c you get the pre-purchase price instead of the ticket booth price. Just take the printout of the purchase (get the e-ticket option) right to the gates, they'll swap it for a normal ticket, and you're done!


I know nothing about dropping people off. But it might be loads of fun (seriously) to take the tram in with all those kids. Adds to the excitement, IMO, for little kids.

 

[toocherie]

As someone who has stood for ages in the lines at the ticket booths on a normal weekDAY, let alone a holiday weekend (everyone always celebrates my birthday! lol), I can tell you that the lines are ridiculous (I've used the phrase "it's like every guest in front of you is trying to broker peace between warring nations, it takes so long for each transaction") and long, and you do NOT want to do that.

Do what toocherie says, and just buy the tix online. It'll be less expensive, too, b/c you get the pre-purchase price instead of the ticket booth price. Just take the printout of the purchase (get the e-ticket option) right to the gates, they'll swap it for a normal ticket, and you're done!


I know nothing about dropping people off. But it might be loads of fun (seriously) to take the tram in with all those kids. Adds to the excitement, IMO, for little kids.

bumber--I agree about riding the tram--most kids really enjoy it (at least on the way in!) but if they have a lot of stuff with them (stroller, backpacks, etc. ) it might be more convenient to do the drop off--it's very easy--just south of the main entrance on Harbor.

and can I just say--I am STILL bummed that I am going to be out of the area when you come in for your short trip!

 

[pixiewings71]

Just a quick addition, you will have to go thru security whether you have bags or not. They don't have a line for those without stuff.

 

[bumbershoot]

bumber--I agree about riding the tram--most kids really enjoy it (at least on the way in!) but if they have a lot of stuff with them (stroller, backpacks, etc. ) it might be more convenient to do the drop off--it's very easy--just south of the main entrance on Harbor.

and can I just say--I am STILL bummed that I am going to be out of the area when you come in for your short trip!

Very true about the stuff!

I'm bummed too. I'd better be able to do the March ladies trip so I can hang out with you!

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

i agree with the ladies, buy online!
it will save you time...

and the drop off point should also save you time aswell.

Have Fun!!

I love Halloweentime at Disneyland!!!

 

[Marciern22]

Buy online. OR you can buy tix at any of the local grocery stores around here that have those gift card racks in front of the store.
What day are you coming?

 

[Marciern22]

I'm going this weekend. Why don't you just park in Mickey and Friends Parking Structure then all of you can ride the tram together? Just wondering...

 

[Marciern22]

Sorry, just read that you wanted a 5 day pass. Duh. They only sell season passes at the grocery stores.

 

[Brady's Mom]

My younger kids think the tram ride is the best ride! Especially when we went in Oct. a couple of years ago. They loved the little scenes of characters on the way in.

I don't know what to tell them for this time, since we are staying on Harbor and walking. We may have to schedule a tram ride! Just to keep them happy!

 

[penticton]

Thank-you everyone for the information. We will take the tram from the Mickey and Friends lot. We have a AAA ticket which I see on the back shows the free parking at M & F.

I was trying to buy the balance of our tickets on line but had a problem. The Disney Tickets Centre has asked me to go to Guest Services, rather the the standard line, and they will allow me to buy the tickets at the on line price.
Thanks you Disney.

We leave Canada to-day, our first day at Disneyland is Sunday.

 

[jernysgirl]

Have tons of fun!!!!!!! Sending lots of pixie dust your way!

 

[the donut]

Just a quick addition, you will have to go thru security whether you have bags or not. They don't have a line for those without stuff.

When we were there in mid-September, they did have a separate no bags line for the security check. Maybe it was just a trial thing.