DLR next week - Wed or Thurs - Help!

[motaei]

I grew up in N. Cal & am pretty familiar with DL, but have never been to DCA (it was still under construction the last time I was there). Nor have I ever been crazy enough to go during the holiday season. We are visiting my in-laws in Anaheim next week & I will take my DS14 & DD12 to DLR for one day next week, while DH stays with his parents. I have hopper passes from our last visit to WDW, and I understand I can use those.

Since I am going for one day at a VERY crowded time of year, any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you all in advance!!!!

 

[Kailua's Belle]

My guess is that Thursday is going to be less crowded than Wed. The hotel we're staying at for that time is sold out Wed but not Thurs. So I'm thinking that people may start heading home by then. Just a guess.

I signed up for RideMax. It's only about $20 and it can create itineraries for you to help you maximize what you can do on your one day there. Well worth it in my opinion!

Oh, one more thought. Not sure what days are EE, but if one of the days is an EE and the other isn't, I would consider going on the non-EE day. The park will start off more crowded if you choose to go on the EE day. I'm sure someone can chime in that knows for sure which days are which.

Have a great time!

 

[DangerMouse]

The non-EE day is Wednesday. On Thursday, you will find an already crowded park if you get there at official opening time.

I honestly think it's a toss up with regards to crowds, and have no idea which day I would pick, but I agree that ridemax is an awesome tool to get the most rides in during such a busy time.

 

[motaei]

I will take advantage of RideMax - never heard of it - Thank you!!!

What are the must-do things at DCA besides ToT and CS? Since we never have been there before, we want to go. Is there a better time to "hop" over there?

 

[DangerMouse]

Must do's in DCA:

Soarin
ToT
Screamin
Maliboomer (if your kids are thrill seekers)
Animation Studio (Turtle Talk w/Crush)

It will probably be too cold for GRR, but it's fun if you have a poncho and don't mind getting wet.

Check the DL calendar to see if Aladdin is showing. If you have time, try to fit it in. It's an excellent show.

The hard part for me would be trying to choose between the nightime entertainment. The DEP will be running in DCA (my all-time favorite parade), then you have both Believe fireworks and Fantasmic in DL. I've never actually done all three (called the entertainment trifecta), but I've heard of others who have successfully done it, but I honestly wouldn't attempt it during such a busy time.

 

[motaei]

I got RideMax & it looks like we will be able to hit all the big tickets items at both parks in our one day. I'm planning on going on Wednesday, due to the EE on Thursday. (I accidently went to Disney Hollywood Studios in WDW at the regular opening time on an EE day and it was ugly! I don't want to repeat that.)

Thanks again for all of your help! It is greatly appreciated!!