DL/DCA: 2 evenings only

[magicbob]

As I posted in the "happy dance" forum, I'm on a business trip in CA next month and have been provided with DL tickets. I'm only able to use them on the evenings of May 14th and 15th. Since I have limited time to see DL and I'm an old WDW veteran, I plan to focus on the attractions that are not in FL or are at least different enough to be a "must see."

I realize the weekend is more crowded, but I don't get to pick the days. Note that I'm a single rider and I understand that there are SL lines for a fair number of the headliner attractions. I'd appreciate if DL veterans would let me know if I'm being too ambitious in trying to accomplish the following:

Saturday:
Arrive at DCA around 7pm (I might actually get there by 6pm, but I'm not counting on it) and head to Soarin' FP booth to verify that they were all given out hours ago. Ok, I might not even bother going to check. Soarin' is not a high priority because I've been at EPCOT and will be heading back there this summer.

Ride Monsters, Inc.

Visit Animation Courtyard/Sorcerer's Workshop/Character Close-up (I'll skip Turtle Talk, which is also at EPCOT, and Animation Academy, which I've done at DisneyQuest in FL).

Ride Soarin' only if line is not too long (maybe SR?).

I'll pass on TSM because I'll be going with my family at DHS this summer. I was originally thinking of riding California Screamin', but I'm not a huge fan of wooden coasters, so it's not a high priority. Plus, I understand that it closes early due to World of Color. Speaking of WoC, it may be heresy, but I'm not going to bother with it. I'm obviously arriving too late for a FP and don't really have a desire to spend over an hour holding my spot to see it from the back. It was never really that high on my priority list anyway.

I'm thinking that about two hours should be enough time for me to ride Monsters Inc. and visit the Animation attraction (and maybe Soarin' if time) and then I would hop to DL around 9pm. Sound reasonable so far?

DL is open until midnight and I'm a night owl, so I have 3 hours there on Saturday night. I'm hoping to be able to see:

Indiana Jones
PotC
HM
Space Mtn
Nemo Submarine Voyage

I'm sure there won't be any more FP's that late at night, but I can take advantage of SR lines where they exist. I'm hoping that Indy (and perhaps PotC) will not be as crowded because everyone is watching Fantasmic. I am a little concerned that I might be trying to get in line for PotC or HM just as the hoardes are finished watching Fantasmic and getting into those lines.

Three hours to hit those 5 rides certainly seems like more than enough time. MK tends to be pretty empty from 10pm-midnight even on the most crowded of days. I would speculate that DL trends that way as well. If I actually have time left over, then I'll visit some of the attractions that I have slated for Sunday.

Does Saturday sound "do-able?"

On Sunday, I'll be arriving in time for the 4:30 flag retreat ceremony. Then, I'll have from 5pm to midnight to see the following:

Disney Gallery/Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Matterhorn
Fantasyland (SB Castle walkthrough, Pinocchio, Alice, Mr. Toad, and maybe Storybookland boat ride)
Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin

I'm a pro at FP and will grab them if/when I can but I'm not too optimistic that I'll be able to rely on that strategy much because of my late arrival times. I'm a light eater and will probably just grab a quick snack for dinner.

Depending on lines, I might not need 7 hours to see the rides listed above. Again, using WDW as the model, Fantasyland tends to empty out at night because families with small children have to get to bed. If I have any extra time on my hands, I might ride the monorail, look around Innoventions, shop, and maybe even go for a repeat ride on Indiana Jones, PotC, or HM.

Based on previous experience at WDW, this plan seems reasonable to me, but I don't want to have unrealistic expectations if the trends at DL are significantly different. Bottom line: I'm just happy to have the opportunity to visit DL, so if I don't quite hit everything on my "to do" list, I won't be crushed. I'm certain I'll at least get to see the 5 or 6 attractions that are my "must see's."

 

[HydroGuy]

Saturday:
Arrive at DCA around 7pm (I might actually get there by 6pm, but I'm not counting on it) and head to Soarin' FP booth to verify that they were all given out hours ago. Ok, I might not even bother going to check. Soarin' is not a high priority because I've been at EPCOT and will be heading back there this summer.

Everyone will tell you that the DCA Soarin ride is the same as Epcot but the DCA experience is much better. Yes DCA has SR and that would be the way to go if you can work it in. If you take in the setting of Condor Flats and the queue. It just works so much better than Epcot.

I'll pass on TSM because I'll be going with my family at DHS this summer.

Probably a good choice but it is a chance to ride TSMM with a 30-40 minute line that you rarely see at DHS.

I was originally thinking of riding California Screamin', but I'm not a huge fan of wooden coasters, so it's not a high priority.

Screamin is not a wooden coaster. It is a steel coaster on steel tracks made to look like the old seaside wooden coasters. It is closest to Rock 'n Rollercoaster than anything. Plus Screamin has a SR line that usually moves really fast. Perfect for you and I would suggest you work it in.

I'm thinking that about two hours should be enough time for me to ride Monsters Inc. and visit the Animation attraction (and maybe Soarin' if time) and then I would hop to DL around 9pm. Sound reasonable so far?

DL is open until midnight and I'm a night owl, so I have 3 hours there on Saturday night. I'm hoping to be able to see:

Indiana Jones
PotC
HM
Space Mtn
Nemo Submarine Voyage

MI and Animation? In your case I would choose Screamin over Animation. And Soarin Over California too. Any chance to catch the Aladdin show?

Indy has SR. Space Mtn is tough without FP. POTC and HM and FNSV should be fine that late at night.

On Sunday, I'll be arriving in time for the 4:30 flag retreat ceremony. Then, I'll have from 5pm to midnight to see the following:

Disney Gallery/Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Matterhorn
Fantasyland (SB Castle walkthrough, Pinocchio, Alice, Mr. Toad, and maybe Storybookland boat ride)
Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin

I'm a pro at FP and will grab them if/when I can but I'm not too optimistic that I'll be able to rely on that strategy much because of my late arrival times. I'm a light eater and will probably just grab a quick snack for dinner.

Depending on lines, I might not need 7 hours to see the rides listed above. Again, using WDW as the model, Fantasyland tends to empty out at night because families with small children have to get to bed. If I have any extra time on my hands, I might ride the monorail, look around Innoventions, shop, and maybe even go for a repeat ride on Indiana Jones, PotC, or HM.

Based on previous experience at WDW, this plan seems reasonable to me, but I don't want to have unrealistic expectations if the trends at DL are significantly different. Bottom line: I'm just happy to have the opportunity to visit DL, so if I don't quite hit everything on my "to do" list, I won't be crushed. I'm certain I'll at least get to see the 5 or 6 attractions that are my "must see's."

Roger Rabbit has FPs that are easy to get - but the ride closes early when TT closes. And the line often does not justify FP. You could grap an RR FP before you go on the FL rides and that may work.

Lots of Fantasyland rides close during fireworks so be aware of that. The lines for rides to go down in the evening and towards midnight for sure.

 

[Mama Who]

We have always found the single rider line at Soarin' to move quickly.

Factor Fantasmic crowds into your timing for POTC and HM. They are right in the crowd zone. While the rides themselves are often short waits during the show you do not want to get stuck in the crush leaving- it's awful.

We'll be there that weekend too.

 

[starry_solo]

Not sure if I saw it, but what about Mr. Toad's Wild Ride?

 

[Dobie]

You might want to try GRR during your DCA night, if it is not too cool. It is WAYYYY better than Kali.

 

[magicbob]

Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I'll spend an extra hour at DCA to get Screamin' and Soarin' in. Then I can hop over to DL and focus on just IJ, PotC, and HM between 10-12. I suspect that the 9pm Fantasmic crowd will have dispersed by then and during the 10:30 show is probably a decent time to go on rides instead.

On Sunday afternoon, I could head to Space Mtn first on the off chance that there are still some late-night FP's available, then head to Nemo Submarine and Matterhorn. I estimate that would take until around 7-8pm.

I haven't come across anything about the Toon Town closing time. When does Toon Town normally close? Roger Rabbitt is the only Toon Town ride I plan to try and see. It's not a big deal if I don't make it to that. Then, I'll have the rest of the evening to visit the few Fantasyland rides that interest me and maybe catch a few of my "second string" choices if there's time.

 

[HydroGuy]

I haven't come across anything about the Toon Town closing time. When does Toon Town normally close? Roger Rabbitt is the only Toon Town ride I plan to try and see. It's not a big deal if I don't make it to that. Then, I'll have the rest of the evening to visit the few Fantasyland rides that interest me and maybe catch a few of my "second string" choices if there's time.

We usually only do TT in the morning but if memory serves TT closes at 8PM each night.

 

[Hound 109]

Good post magic bob....with alot of detailed questions. Comments below:

As I posted in the "happy dance" forum, I'm on a business trip in CA next month and have been provided with DL tickets. I'm only able to use them on the evenings of May 14th and 15th. Since I have limited time to see DL and I'm an old WDW veteran, I plan to focus on the attractions that are not in FL or are at least different enough to be a "must see."

I realize the weekend is more crowded, but I don't get to pick the days. Note that I'm a single rider and I understand that there are SL lines for a fair number of the headliner attractions. I'd appreciate if DL veterans would let me know if I'm being too ambitious in trying to accomplish the following:

Saturday:
Arrive at DCA around 7pm (I might actually get there by 6pm, but I'm not counting on it) and head to Soarin' FP booth to verify that they were all given out hours ago. Ok, I might not even bother going to check. Soarin' is not a high priority because I've been at EPCOT and will be heading back there this summer.

Ride Monsters, Inc.

Visit Animation Courtyard/Sorcerer's Workshop/Character Close-up (I'll skip Turtle Talk, which is also at EPCOT, and Animation Academy, which I've done at DisneyQuest in FL).

Poke your head in....but yes, skip Turtle Talk & the AA since you've done it at WDW.


Ride Soarin' only if line is not too long (maybe SR?).

If FPs are gone when you first arrive, then yes....do Single Rider.


I'll pass on TSM because I'll be going with my family at DHS this summer. I was originally thinking of riding California Screamin', but I'm not a huge fan of wooden coasters, so it's not a high priority.

Screamin' is a great (& smooth) coaster & easy to do Single Rider on.....Do it.


Plus, I understand that it closes early due to World of Color. Speaking of WoC, it may be heresy, but I'm not going to bother with it. I'm obviously arriving too late for a FP and don't really have a desire to spend over an hour holding my spot to see it from the back. It was never really that high on my priority list anyway.

I'd skip it too.


I'm thinking that about two hours should be enough time for me to ride Monsters Inc. and visit the Animation attraction (and maybe Soarin' if time) and then I would hop to DL around 9pm. Sound reasonable so far?

Maybe Griz Rapids single rider? & poke your head into the Flik's ride area...& ride Heimlich's if it's no line.


DL is open until midnight and I'm a night owl, so I have 3 hours there on Saturday night. I'm hoping to be able to see:

What time zone are you coming from? (midnight is 3am eastern)


Indiana Jones
PotC
HM
Space Mtn
Nemo Submarine Voyage

imo, Nemo is a time waster & kind of lame. Do it your last ride your last night....but only if you've done everything else on your list.


I'm sure there won't be any more FP's that late at night, but I can take advantage of SR lines where they exist.

BTMRR FP might still be available.

I'm hoping that Indy (and perhaps PotC) will not be as crowded because everyone is watching Fantasmic. I am a little concerned that I might be trying to get in line for PotC or HM just as the hoardes are finished watching Fantasmic and getting into those lines.

As others mentioned.....I'd avoid the left side of the park until after Fantasmic crowds clear out.

Three hours to hit those 5 rides certainly seems like more than enough time. MK tends to be pretty empty from 10pm-midnight even on the most crowded of days. I would speculate that DL trends that way as well. If I actually have time left over, then I'll visit some of the attractions that I have slated for Sunday.

Does Saturday sound "do-able?"

On Sunday, I'll be arriving in time for the 4:30 flag retreat ceremony. Then, I'll have from 5pm to midnight to see the following:

Disney Gallery/Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Matterhorn
Fantasyland (SB Castle walkthrough, Pinocchio, Alice, Mr. Toad, and maybe Storybookland boat ride)
Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin

..........

.

HydroGuy: Lots of Fantasyland rides close during fireworks so be aware of that. The lines for rides to go down in the evening and towards midnight for sure

Agreed.....& possibly immediately after the FL rides open back up (after the fireworks) might be a good time to hop on Storybookland (or Toady Alice or Matterhorn)....otherwise, do them between 11pm & midnight. (Pinocchio can be ridden anytime)

I'm sure you've seen these tip threads.....but in case you've missed them:

HydroGuy's DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699


Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084



& KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718 (see my post #4 in that thread)

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197


"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


& read the rest of HG's tip threads as well.


Also, the first page of my trip report might be helpful. (linked in my signature below). Probably best to have a DLR map handy when reading all tip threads.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[magicbob]

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I'll be able to make it to the parks a lot earlier on the second day of my stay (around lunch rather than 5pm). So, I don't think I'll have any trouble seeing the things I'm interested in. I may or may not stay until closing at midnight. My trip has had me on the west coast for the last several weeks and I'm fully over any jet lag, so the time zone difference is not an issue. In fact, it's going for 1 am, pacific time as I type and I'm not even tired yet! Thanks for all the tips. They will make the limited time I have available easier to maximize.

 

[MAH4546]

You are overestimating how long the lines will be. They won't be long. First off, the lines in general are much shorter than WDW, even during peak. Second, you are going during the absolute emptiest part of the year, May. You will be able to do a lot. Crowds will be light on Saturday, because most locals don't have APs that are valid on Saturday, and they wil be light Sunday night, as most locals leave after the Fireworks. The only lines to worry about are Indy, Soarin and Space.

 

[Hound 109]

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I'll be able to make it to the parks a lot earlier on the second day of my stay (around lunch rather than 5pm). So, I don't think I'll have any trouble seeing the things I'm interested in. I may or may not stay until closing at midnight. My trip has had me on the west coast for the last several weeks and I'm fully over any jet lag, so the time zone difference is not an issue. In fact, it's going for 1 am, pacific time as I type and I'm not even tired yet! Thanks for all the tips. They will make the limited time I have available easier to maximize.

On this longer day you should definitely start at DL (& pick up a minimum of 2 FPs while touring for 60-120 min.), hop to DCA & end your day at DL. Also be aware of the good Single Rider rides (Screamin', Indy etc.) so you pick the proper FPs for your limited amount of time.

See HGs FP links (in my post above) & my trip report link below for ideas on how to "work" both parks in a limited amount of time.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[magicbob]

Thanks to all for your tips. As someone suggested above, the lines were not terrible (except for a few, which I managed to bypass) and I was able to do/see lots even in the short time I was there.

I finished up my business and walked from my hotel to DL, arriving around 7:00 pm. I rode Indiana Jones (single rider... standby line was between 60-90 minutes... I waited about 10 minutes). I grabbed a Dole Whip, which I thought was just ok. But then I realized that maybe I would like the float better.

I rode Pirates of the Caribbean (waited about 15-20 minutes), and Haunted Mansion (waited about 25 minutes). As I exited HM, Fantasmic was about to begin. Although there was already a big crowd to watch, I found a nice spot with a decent view. I knew that "Murphy" was probably still out of commission, but I figured I might as well still watch the show.

I decided not to ride most of the Fantasyland "kiddie" rides, but couldn't resist going on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (nostalgia from the days when Mr. Toad was in FL). I also did the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Then I headed to Tomorrowland. Space Mountain had a 65 minute wait and it was too late to get a FP, so I decided to skip it and check back the next day. I rode the Nemo Submarine (I really miss the Nautilus at WDW). It was cute, but it's no 20K Leagues!

It was starting to get late and, even though the park was open until midnight, I was getting tired, so I shopped a little on Main Street, watched Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and headed back to my hotel.

On Sunday, I made it to the park around 3:00 pm. Since I hadn't gotten a chance to check out DCA on Saturday evening, I started there. I rode Soarin' as a single rider (stand-by was around 45 minutes, but I waited maybe 10 minutes). Then I walked over and spent about 20 minutes in the Hollywood area, popped into Animation Studio to have a look around, and rode Monsters, Inc.

I hopped over to DL to see the flag retreat at 4:30 pm. I had some time before it started, so I headed over and grabbed a FP for Space Mountain. On the way there, I nearly jumped out my skin. I see a line of people for Star Tours and I’m thinking, “YES! Soft opening!” Then I see the sign saying it is a CM only preview. Darn! Oh well, I’ll be riding it at DHS this summer. I had about 30 minutes before the flag retreat, so I rode Indiana Jones again and tried the Dole Whip float. I liked the float a lot better than just the plain soft-serve. After flag retreat, I rode Roger Rabbit CarToon Spin and the Matterhorn. I was scared by the look of the Matterhorn line, which wrapped around the ride on either side, but the CM said it was about a 15 minute wait, so I trusted him and got in line. It only took about 10 minutes. I was really surprised that a line that looked so long went so quickly, but then I realized there’s hardly any “back and forth” queue for that ride, which would account for why it stretches farther.

My FP return time for Space Mountain was not until later that night, so I hopped back to DCA and rode California Screamin’ (single rider… 10-15 minute wait) and Toy Story Mania. This was the by far the longest line I waited in (around 40 minutes) since there’s no FP or single rider option.

Now, in all of this, the thing that you’re probably wondering about is why no mention of World of Color? Well, I’ve seen dancing water fountain shows before and was pretty much planning to skip it. In fact, my plan at this point was to go spend a few minutes checking out “ElecTRONica” and then hop over to DL to use my Space Mountain FP before heading back to my hotel. Just by chance, I decided to take the path around the rapids ride rather than a more direct route past the winery. It was about 8:30 pm, so imagine my surprise when I suddenly hear CMs inviting folks to get FPs for the 10:15 pm WoC show. I just kept going right on by. I continued around the corner, but then I thought, “What the heck. Everyone says this show is great. I should at least give it a chance.” I turned around, walked back, and got my FP.

Well, now I had an hour or so to kill before WoC, so I spent some time shopping, looked at the coming soon exhibit in Blue Sky Cellar, rode Tower of Terror (15 minute wait), and spent some time checking out ElecTRONica (coincidentally, “laser man” show was going on as I walked up).

I showed up at 9:45 pm to get in the WoC line. We were escorted to our “assigned” locations shortly after. My FP was for blue section. I’m not sure if they diverted some of us or what, but I ended up with a great spot near the reserved dining area. I was at the top of some stairs, so there was a clear view because the people in front of me were obviously lower.

As I said previously, I was prepared to be “underwhelmed.” But I have to say, I was extremely impressed with the show and I’m really glad that I decided to heed everyone’s advice not to miss it.

After WoC, I had another tough decision. My feet were hurting and I was tired. It was 10:45 pm and I had to get up at 4:30 am to get ready for my flight back to the east coast. So, of course, I hopped to DL and rode Space Mountain using my FP before walking back to my hotel. I figured this was likely a once in a lifetime opportunity. So what if I only got 4 hours of sleep? I would have plenty of time to nap on the plane!

All in all, I had a wonderful weekend. Maybe I’ll get back some day when I can bring my family along on the trip. In the meantime, we are gearing up for our big 25th Wedding Anniversary trip to WDW!

 

[toocherie]

so glad you had a great time!

 

[HydroGuy]

I really enjoyed your report! Thanks for taking the time to summarize.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Glad you were able to accomplish so much!

 

[auntiegem]

After WoC, I had another tough decision. My feet were hurting and I was tired. It was 10:45 pm and I had to get up at 4:30 am to get ready for my flight back to the east coast. So, of course, I hopped to DL and rode Space Mountain using my FP before walking back to my hotel.

HA!!! That's great.