Do I even need a Plan with G+ & EE ???

[tigertides]

Planning summer 2023 trip. Will be staying at GC. Will be on EST, so waking up for EE will not be a big deal.

I am inundated with all the online, YouTube, Unofficial Guide, Touringplans advice on how to tackle this.

We don't really NEED to do Peter Pan or RotR. Just want to see unique things to California vs Florida rides.

According to Touringplans, for A Saturday visit, and even WITHOUT using Genie+, it has us doing 10 rides by lunchtime

• Arrive for Space Moutain (7:35am)
• Buzz
• Pirates (arrive at 8:10am)
• BTMR
• Indy Jones
• Splash
• Jungle
• Snow White's Wish (arrive by 10:30am)
• Alice in Wonderland
• Finding Nemo
• Matterhorn (arrive by 12:00p)

This doesn't include bathroom breaks, down time, snacks, etc. But still.
It seems like with Genie+, I could easily do every single E-TICKET/G+ ride (minus ROTR/PP) without sweating it, and without any real plan. Right? As long as we utilize stacking, etc, and not criss crossing park all day.

For those without small kids, It makes most sense for first timers for RD Tomorrowland, right?

Thanks so much

 

[ironband74]

It's a bit early to plan - who knows what the system will look like next summer.
You know what they say about failing to plan, though.
Having a plan saves you from the "what should we do next" question that can suck vital minutes away from beginning of a day. If you are comfortable enough with the system and the park to wing it, you'll probably be fine, especially with early entry. However, having a plan in your pocket (and a plan B in your pocket for when your planned attraction is down) can save you a fair bit of time. But that said, if you have multiple days, EE, G+, and a good attitude, you'll probably do fine.
Over planning can be exhausting. Trust what you have learned. Save you it can.
But check back in a month or so before your trip, because change is constant.

 

[starlite_]

I think as long as you rope drop the rides you wanna go on multiple times you will be fine with Genie+. Check out the guides on how to fish for MEPs (multi experience pass) and you'll be golden. The only rides we ever plan are the rope drop ones and after we go with the flood on where we are in the park and what rides have a low wait.

 

[Pluto468]

I never meticulously plan my days at Disneyland, but usually go in with at least a general list in my head of what we want to get done on any certain day. I do plan meals if I want ADRs, though, and of course some of the night time things like WOC dessert party. But during the day we mostly like to fly by the seat of our pants. I'll keep an eye on wait times, so if something we want to ride has a short line we'll do that when there's an opportune moment. I think I would go crazy trying to get to certain rides for specific times, aside from when we have a LL or ILL. Genie+ is nice because it gives you a window of time to work with and you can sort of plan as you go.

I DO plan for Peter Pan, because it's my favorite. My plan is just that I ride that first
Sometimes it's down, but I just check back later.

 

[chezcurrie]

I know I am probably an outlier, but I have *never* been a fan of Touring Plans (for DL or WDW). Being at Disney is an escape and I don’t want to feel like I am checking off a list or need to be on a ride at a certain time. Anytime I’ve had even a loose plan everything gets switched up anyways because someone wants a break, another person wants a mickey bar, or hey can we ride Smugglers Run again Single Rider??, LOL. But different people have different touting styles, and as we have seen, different definitions of what a “great day” is.

I’ve posted this before, but my family has a rule of 3’s: 3 rides (priority per person), 3 snacks, 3 hr mid day break! Knowing people’s priorities makes it so much easier to go with the flow because if you know, say, Pirates is a priority you can RD Pirates and then use G+ to book someone else’s LL for their #1 or #2 ride. Lather rinse repeat. It also gives everyone a say and if you don’t care about Peter Pan, then don’t ride Peter Pan just cause its on an “optimized” touring plan!

There are a few older threads about DL specific things to do if you are a repeat WDW guest that could be helpful and positive.

The most important thing I have gleaned from all the planning stuff is which LL go faster in each park (so Space Mountain and Indiana in DL, Guardians and Webslingers in DCA - another DISer has a great ranking of LL availability, maybe he’ll post here). So, for example, knowing this on my last visit with my youngest DS, I knew riding Space was his #1 priority (first time!) So I snagged a Space LL first thing after we entered the park. Then we took the railroad to Critter Country and did Splash and Winnie the Pooh (also on his list of 3’s). We had brunch and by then I was able to book our next LL, etc. By lunchtime Space was booking into the evening and i knew he wouldn’t make it that late, so that is where pre-planning came in handy (I hope this makes sense). I think this is where a lot of G+ frustration comes, because people assume it is going to always be an instant return time.

HTH and truly who knows what the systems or anything will look like come summer - I say focus on all the things to look forward to vs a set plan. Have a fabulous trip!

 

[alleighboo]

We visited DLR for the first time in October. We had Genie+ and used EE for both our days starting in Disneyland (slept in on our DCA days!). We are EST as well. I also planned and listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos to plan out our best course of action to maximize rides and minimize waiting. Then we got into the park and I promptly forgot everything! But here were our first two days as a "real life" example. This is 2 adults, no kids.

Our first day we were able to do:
EE-
Snow White
Mr. Toad
Pinocchio
Space Mountain
Park Opens
Indiana Jones
We took a beignet break here!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Winnie the Pooh
Davy Crockett Canoes

A total of 8 rides and breakfast. All standby.

I looked back at my pictures and at that point it was 10:45. We had Blue Bayou reservations for 11:15 so we just shopped and looked around and I grabbed an LL for Haunted Mansion Holiday. Our goal for the morning was to knockout Peter Pan but it was down our entire EE time and we have both ridden it in WDW so it wasn't worth our time to try to go back when it was up. Buzz and Star Tours were also down for us during EE that day. In comparison, this was our day two...

EE-
King Arthur Carrousel
And that's it. We were in line for Peter Pan and it broke down when we were like a dozen or so people back. We hopped out of line and went to Alice...which also broke down as we stepped on. We went and rode the carrousel (I wanted to ride Jingles!) and we ended up "rope dropping" the Storybook Land Canal Books to sign the captain's log for the day.
Park Opens
Storybook Land Canal Boats
It's a small world

Then we walked around, shopped, had breakfast, and headed to Galaxy's Edge to explore until our ILL for Rise at 11ish. All that to say, plans really can mean nothing, just because you never know what will be down, what's going to have weirdly long lines, etc.. I would definitely have your must-do list ready and a loose plan, but going with the flow and being ready to change plans at any time pretty much eliminated any stressfulness of crowds and lines. I also highly recommend looking at menus and have an idea of what meals/snacks you want because that can waste a lot of time deciding! We did one sit down reservation a day and mobile ordered everything else. If you're like me, enjoy your planning and keep watching YouTube videos, but don't stress about it! We had a great time at arguably now one of the busiest times of year (the week of Indigenous Peoples Day!) and we are already planning another trip for 2023!

 

[DLgal]

Planning summer 2023 trip. Will be staying at GC. Will be on EST, so waking up for EE will not be a big deal.

I am inundated with all the online, YouTube, Unofficial Guide, Touringplans advice on how to tackle this.

We don't really NEED to do Peter Pan or RotR. Just want to see unique things to California vs Florida rides.

According to Touringplans, for A Saturday visit, and even WITHOUT using Genie+, it has us doing 10 rides by lunchtime

• Arrive for Space Moutain (7:35am)
• Buzz
• Pirates (arrive at 8:10am)
• BTMR
• Indy Jones
• Splash
• Jungle
• Snow White's Wish (arrive by 10:30am)
• Alice in Wonderland
• Finding Nemo
• Matterhorn (arrive by 12:00p)

This doesn't include bathroom breaks, down time, snacks, etc. But still.
It seems like with Genie+, I could easily do every single E-TICKET/G+ ride (minus ROTR/PP) without sweating it, and without any real plan. Right? As long as we utilize stacking, etc, and not criss crossing park all day.

For those without small kids, It makes most sense for first timers for RD Tomorrowland, right?

Thanks so much

Not to rain on your parade, but there is NO WAY you complete that itinerary by noon. Like, ZERO chance.

Most of those rides, in particular, break down frequently. A few of them probably won't even be open at park open. When they do reopen, the LL and standby lines will both be long.

Now, that's not to say you need "a plan" if you are the type that is just happy to go with the flow and do what sounds good in the moment. That's actually my preferred way to tour the parks. I would perhaps make a list of "must do" and prioritize those, then do whatever seems good at the time and works with your schedule. Since you've been to WDW before, focus on just taking in all of Disneylands little details that MK is missing. There is a LOT of cool stuff to see and experience at DL that you don't get at WDW.

Also, where rides are duplicates, ALWAYS ride the DL version. In almost all cases, the DL version is superior (this is especially true for Peter Pan, since you mentioned you don't need to ride it. I think you do, personally).

 

[katyringo]

You need a plan for how to use your EE... it's only a half hour and it goes quick!

 

[tigertides]

We visited DLR for the first time in October. We had Genie+ and used EE for both our days starting in Disneyland (slept in on our DCA days!). We are EST as well. I also planned and listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos to plan out our best course of action to maximize rides and minimize waiting. Then we got into the park and I promptly forgot everything! But here were our first two days as a "real life" example. This is 2 adults, no kids.

Our first day we were able to do:
EE-
Snow White
Mr. Toad
Pinocchio
Space Mountain
Park Opens
Indiana Jones
We took a beignet break here!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Winnie the Pooh
Davy Crockett Canoes

A total of 8 rides and breakfast. All standby.

I looked back at my pictures and at that point it was 10:45. We had Blue Bayou reservations for 11:15 so we just shopped and looked around and I grabbed an LL for Haunted Mansion Holiday. Our goal for the morning was to knockout Peter Pan but it was down our entire EE time and we have both ridden it in WDW so it wasn't worth our time to try to go back when it was up. Buzz and Star Tours were also down for us during EE that day. In comparison, this was our day two...

EE-
King Arthur Carrousel
And that's it. We were in line for Peter Pan and it broke down when we were like a dozen or so people back. We hopped out of line and went to Alice...which also broke down as we stepped on. We went and rode the carrousel (I wanted to ride Jingles!) and we ended up "rope dropping" the Storybook Land Canal Books to sign the captain's log for the day.
Park Opens
Storybook Land Canal Boats
It's a small world

Then we walked around, shopped, had breakfast, and headed to Galaxy's Edge to explore until our ILL for Rise at 11ish. All that to say, plans really can mean nothing, just because you never know what will be down, what's going to have weirdly long lines, etc.. I would definitely have your must-do list ready and a loose plan, but going with the flow and being ready to change plans at any time pretty much eliminated any stressfulness of crowds and lines. I also highly recommend looking at menus and have an idea of what meals/snacks you want because that can waste a lot of time deciding! We did one sit down reservation a day and mobile ordered everything else. If you're like me, enjoy your planning and keep watching YouTube videos, but don't stress about it! We had a great time at arguably now one of the busiest times of year (the week of Indigenous Peoples Day!) and we are already planning another trip for 2023!

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

I like your idea of not doing Peter Pan in California, especially if you’ve done it multiple times in Florida. But my kids really want to do it. Oh well.

 

[chezcurrie]

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

I like your idea of not doing Peter Pan in California, especially if you’ve done it multiple times in Florida. But my kids really want to do it. Oh well.

The ride times alone for Space (5), Matterhorn (3) and Buzz (5) combined are inching near 15 minutes, and that is from when you are literally sitting *in the seat ready to go* so I think that is an exaggeration. Even if you could walk on with zero wait I am skeptical you could do those 3, as you have to account for the walk *to* Tomorrowland from the gates (again assuming you are first in line), and the walks to each attraction (again assuming there is zero line or wait at each one.) Even if you could that is some commando-style touring if you ask me!

For EE I would suggest prioritizing a ride (or 2) you are wanting to re-ride later in the day with your G+, or one that does not have G+ that’s is a priority (like Fantasyland rides or Pirates - Pirates usually has blissfully low waits early in the day, but quickly builds!) I personally would not “waste” EE on something like Buzz… but that’s just me. Matterhorn also has a single rider line, so that usually isn’t my priority first thing. Now Space Mountain, yup that would be a priority if I wanted a re-ride.

 

[starlite_]

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

I like your idea of not doing Peter Pan in California, especially if you’ve done it multiple times in Florida. But my kids really want to do it. Oh well.

Maybe 4 fantasyland ones that are right next to each other and last like 2 minutes each.

 

[chezcurrie]

Maybe 4 fantasyland ones that are right next to each other and last like 2 minutes each.

I’m thinking that estimated was from when EE was an hour vs 30 minutes.

 

[DLgal]

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

Absolutely not. If you are standing right in front of Space Mountain, and you literally walk right in and onto the rocket, you are looking at at least 15 minutes before you are back outside. It's a LONG queue. And you likely won't be the first person to arrive.

Early entry is only 30 minutes. Good luck even getting through the gates before the 30 minutes is up. They let anyone into the park early so there is no EE specific line up. You are going to be waiting to get in with all the other day guests. Then you have to get TO all the rides, which are all a decent walk (5 min) from the main entrance.

If you are lucky, you will get to do Space Mountain and then be in line for your second ride right as the park is officially opening.

 

[alleighboo]

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

I like your idea of not doing Peter Pan in California, especially if you’ve done it multiple times in Florida. But my kids really want to do it. Oh well.

Not sure about 4 unless you're in Fantasyland. Those rides are so short they're pretty easy to get a few done during EE, especially if you skip Peter Pan since pretty much everyone else has the same idea to go there if they're in Fantasyland. I think if you're wanting to do more thrilling rides, you can probably plan to get at least 2 done and in line for a 3rd or head to Indiana Jones. Buzz and Star Tours are pretty much the same as WDW so I recommend Space Mountain and Matterhorn as priority. We would have gone straight to Matterhorn one day but it was closed for refurb while we were there!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I have heard you can knock out 4 rides at Disneyland for early entry, especially if the roads are working. My thoughts are space Mountain, Matterhorn, buzz, and one other. And then try to hit Indiana Jones at official park opening.

I like your idea of not doing Peter Pan in California, especially if you’ve done it multiple times in Florida. But my kids really want to do it. Oh well.

The biggest issue right now is all the rides that are down at opening. Space, Indy and Matterhorn have frequent issues. Haunted Mansion has also been hit or miss lately.

 

[disneychrista]

From everything I have read it seems like you need more of plan with G+ than without.

 

[flav]

my family has a rule of 3’s: 3 rides (priority per person), 3 snacks, 3 hr mid day break!

Love this! DD and I are probably going to agree on our 3 priorities. Knowing which one are more likely to have unbearable wait time later in the day will help us. And if there are only 3 rides on our must do, then we will probably be ok to wait longer for the last one of them. The rest will be bonus and will make us happier. We already have a list of snacks… 3 each (all shared) is a great way to keep going. And we might adopt the midday breaks as well although they are time consuming transport wise. Because we have early races, we could also opt to go back to the resort for early dinners, pool and sleep.

 

[chezcurrie]

Love this! DD and I are probably going to agree on our 3 priorities. Knowing which one are more likely to have unbearable wait time later in the day will help us. And if there are only 3 rides on our must do, then we will probably be ok to wait longer for the last one of them. The rest will be bonus and will make us happier. We already have a list of snacks… 3 each (all shared) is a great way to keep going. And we might adopt the midday breaks as well although they are time consuming transport wise. Because we have early races, we could also opt to go back to the resort for early dinners, pool and sleep.

It’s worked really well for our family, both on longer trips and now day-trips. I have a 1:1 day with my eldest this weekend and he and I were discussing his top 3 this morning. LOL As we are local now the mid-day break is usually in the GCH lobby, and not as long but still important just to remove from the stimulus and recharge. Have a great trip!

 

[tigertides]

You need a plan for how to use your EE... it's only a half hour and it goes quick!

Maybe 4 fantasyland ones that are right next to each other and last like 2 minutes each.

1. Per UndercoverTourist, they knocked out Snow White, Pinocchio, King Arthur, Mr Toad, and Dumbo all within 30min.

I know these are not E-ticket rides, but that is ALOT.
Getting 4 rides down in the same time as a single E-ticket seems sensible to me, especially if wife isn't a HUGE coaster thrill fan.

2. Also, this may be heresy, but WHY NOT use G+ for Space Mountain in early morning? Especially if point is not to wait in lines very long? At WDW, you can get another G+ the minute you tap in. This seems like a no-brainer to get all the G+ rides done by lunchtime. AM I RIGHT? Especially if return times are almost immediate.

Please give me feedback on this strategy

 

[katyringo]

You can deff knock out 4 rides in fantasy land with EE.... If they all open on time.