Do you really think I should follow a plan?

[kiwitinkerbell]

Hi there fellow kiwi!

Sounds to me like you don't really need a blow by blow ride plan, but I think you will get more out of your trip if you do a little planning. The Unofficial guide will give you some pointers, but stay tuned here because its itineraries will be affected by the changes at DCA.

For example, I'm not sure that the parks will be quiet when you are there. It will be the first week of the mickey's trick or treat parties in DL for Halloween.That means that DL in particular will be busier in the afternoons and evenings, and it will close earlier. None of that is a problem (you might even want to go!) But you will need to think about the impact that might have on your plans.

In the case of thrill rides, if you can manage splash then there are perhaps only three or four you won't want to ride...TOT, maybe Space mountain, maybe California screamin", maybe Indy. (i'd at least give them one try!)

On the other hand, there are plenty of popular rides that you will want to try, that do need a plan. peter pan's flight, Soarin, TSM. the subs, even autopia(because that queue is just horrible), Grizzly River run Buzz, etc. Plus you might want to work in some show, like Billy Hill or Aladdin, Fantasmic or WOC. It may also be worth making some advance meal plans for the evenings.

So, I would sketch out a rough plan of the things which need a booking in advance (say seats at F!and WOC), and schedule of opening/closing times,and the rides you would like to take. Then you can factor in your MMs.

Part of this depends on your personality. I don't like waiting in lines when I don't have to, but others don't mind. The real point of the blow by blow plan is to reduce the standing around time (or at least, put as much of it as possible into pre park time, standing at the gates!)

The purpose of the general plan is to make sure you don't miss out on popular events that can be hard to get access to.

Hello fellow Kiwi! Thanks so much for all the information. I think I am going to have to wait until park hours come out and show times (i.e. F/WOC). Because we will be there Sunday (arriving mid morning) through to Friday (flying out of LAX at 11pm) I don't know if we will get to see F? I will get the UG and that will hopefully tell me which park is best to visit on which day etc.

Thanks again

 

[farmfresh]

You never know...might be something on the Sunday night!

Also on one of hydroguy's threads is a list of past opening hours/attractions - so you can see what was up and running last year at the time you are going. Just factor in that DL will host the parties not DCA.

Might help! Have a great trip( we're there the week before you)

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest to write down the "must dos" for your family (like character meals, must ride the train, parades, fireworks, Magic Mornings, see Aladdin play, etc). This way, you can check and see what time these things are so you have an idea when you should be and where if you want to participate in it. I would also figure down time if your children usually take a nap, or if you want them to stay up until closing.

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

You never know...might be something on the Sunday night!

Also on one of hydroguy's threads is a list of past opening hours/attractions - so you can see what was up and running last year at the time you are going. Just factor in that DL will host the parties not DCA.

Might help! Have a great trip( we're there the week before you)

Ahh thanks for that - I will have a look at hydroguy's threads and see if I can find it

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

I would suggest to write down the "must dos" for your family (like character meals, must ride the train, parades, fireworks, Magic Mornings, see Aladdin play, etc). This way, you can check and see what time these things are so you have an idea when you should be and where if you want to participate in it. I would also figure down time if your children usually take a nap, or if you want them to stay up until closing.

Thanks for that. We wont have any children with us but I think your advice is a good starting point for me.

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks for that. We wont have any children with us but I think your advice is a good starting point for me.

If you want to lay out a schedule start with the big shows. Fireworks, F! and WoC. You may have the fewest options to see those. Then parades and shows like Aladdin. Those run more often or multiple times a day. Then regular attraction like Splash and POTC that run all the time can be fit around the others.

Making a list of the must do attractions and just knowing which are FP and which you should do early or late is really the key. If you can memorize this you won't need to carry a list with you and you'll be seeing the parks like you were there a week ago.

 

[HydroGuy]

Ahh thanks for that - I will have a look at hydroguy's threads and see if I can find it

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

 

[cooniez]

great advice! subbing to this thread, too...I kind of agree that following a strict plan (for me, at least) seems to take te fun out of it. I'm hoping that when we go during the busy season (mid-June) that I'll at least have some of the basics down. There's so much to remember!