DLR Guests First Day: What would you do?

[ValpoCory]

I have a minor dilemma. We (me, DW, DD7, DS3) arrive to the Grand Californian on a Saturday evening. We have 5 day PH passes for Sunday-Thursday, before flying out Friday. We take a Disney vacation now about every 2 years, with lots of buildup each time (kids are a part of the planning process instead of being surprised).

Up until 2 weeks ago, it was looking perfect ... go to sleep early on our arrival night since we can't get 6 day passes anymore ... and go to Disneyland for EMH on Sunday. But now, EMH for Sundays is over at California Adventure. Since this is a Sunday in January, let's say that means California Adventure opens at 8am for EMH and DL opens at 9am. We'd prefer to start our vacation at Disneyland, but we also don't want to lose out on one of the valuable EMH times.

So the question ... on your first day of a vacation, would you go in California Adventure before Disneyland to take advantage of the EMH? Or would you forego the EMH on that one day and do Disneyland first, because well, it's Disneyland?

 

[Girimama33]

I would take advantage of EMH...without a doubt. RSR seems to go down a lot, so I would take every opportunity to ride.
I do not have a preference as to which park we start at...it all depends on what we have planned. If I was able to take advantage of EMH (I stay offsite w/ AP), I certainly would. You can get a lot done in that extra hour.

 

[ValpoCory]

I would take advantage of EMH...without a doubt. RSR seems to go down a lot, so I would take every opportunity to ride.
I do not have a preference as to which park we start at...it all depends on what we have planned. If I was able to take advantage of EMH (I stay offsite w/ AP), I certainly would. You can get a lot done in that extra hour.

Thanks. And that is what we likely will do. The EMH is just too valuable to bypass. And Cars Land is still "magical", so we won't be missing out on that first moment. And after hitting Cars Land in the AM, we'll go to Disneyland.

 

[Blue32]

If I was in your shoes, I would probably have the same dilemma. I would rather start at DL also. But it's not your first time at DLR, and sounds like it won't be your last. For that reason and because the EMH for that day is pretty valuable, I'd pick starting at DCA that day. Have a great trip!

 

[chrissiecutie]

We always start in DL, no matter what.


I try & plan it so our first day is DL with an MM. But for our recent trip it didn't work out that way. So our first day was actually mickeys party & we didn't go in until 4pm.

We always ride Dumbo first & then do whatever....I plan it this way because I feel it creates tradition. DS knows that we are "here" when we walk down Main St, through the Castle & hop on Dumbo. IMO- no amount of MM/EMH can compare with this...but I know that many others would disagree. Since we got almost every year, our goal is not seeing/doing it all...

 

[sh00tfire]

With the new Carsland, I would definitely go to DCA first. That is if you are interested in seeing Carsland.

 

[pixleyyy]

Take advantage of those EMH! It's all Disney and it's all magical!

 

[ValpoCory]

With the new Carsland, I would definitely go to DCA first. That is if you are interested in seeing Carsland.

We are big Cars fans. My DS3 just can't get enough. It's not ideal to start at DCA, but I imagine we'll end up there. I may be overruled though. We'll see.

 

[pixiewings71]

I'd go to CarsLand, no question, no hesitation. Enjoy your trip and your EMH!