Fantasyland for Teens

[cjhampton]

I'm taking my 2 DD16 to Disney in July and for nostalgia sake they do want to ride the FL rides. What I am trying to decide is:

Is it better to try and get 2 teens up for a 7 AM EE morning? Or

Can we do FL say from 9PM to 11PM with little wait?

Thanks in advance!

 

[VWCat]

I'd say morning or it might be a long wait...

 

[Chickysmom]

late evenings do tend to get less crowded when all the families with small children have given up and left....those little guys can only last so long and it's time to head to bed......

 

[VWCat]

yeah later in the evening might be more fun too

 

[vbecky]

has anyone everdone both and found one better than the other? We are going June 24-29 I am wondering the same thing which would be better up earlier or staying up late and sleeping in? Thanks

 

[luvdsny]

I'm just guessing that having teens stay up later and wait in [what should be] shortened lines is WAAAAY better/easier than trying to wake them up early. LOL

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would do EE and later in the evening.(Both) After reading some of the threads it sounds like a number of people are not , physically prepared to do DLR/DCA> I have 3 teens, 14, 16,18 and they go from EE to close the park, day after day if the could, they also are up at 0500 everyday, since their school day starts at 0615.

They should be able to decide how they can handle the time in the park.

Just another thought,

Jack

 

[DangerMouse]

I have done both, and have had much better results with EE in the morning. You will find that some of the FL rides have shorter ques later at night, but Peter Pan and Dumbo NEVER have short lines except if you are one of the first on during EE. I have seen a 45 minute line for Peter Pan at 11pm. I'd much rather walk right on during EE.

 

[DLR29]

I have done both, and have had much better results with EE in the morning. You will find that some of the FL rides have shorter ques later at night, but Peter Pan and Dumbo NEVER have short lines except if you are one of the first on during EE. I have seen a 45 minute line for Peter Pan at 11pm. I'd much rather walk right on during EE.

Not true. When we went in December, we watched the fireworks from over by Storybookland and the entire main FL part was roped off. When the fireworks finished they let us on Dumbo, which we walked on to, while lines were forming for Peter Pan/Mr. Toad. We joined the line and when they opened the main section back up, we walked to Peter Pan and only had to wait at most 10 minutes. I will definitely be doing this again.

 

[DangerMouse]

Not true. When we went in December, we watched the fireworks from over by Storybookland and the entire main FL part was roped off. When the fireworks finished they let us on Dumbo, which we walked on to, while lines were forming for Peter Pan/Mr. Toad. We joined the line and when they opened the main section back up, we walked to Peter Pan and only had to wait at most 10 minutes. I will definitely be doing this again.

Actually, it is true. It's the experience I have had during my visits to DLR. I didn't say it was everyone's experience, just mine. I have never tried the "immediately after fireworks thing." Mostly because I have already knocked out my rides in FL during EE. Although I have heard it's a good plan if you are right there when they open it. Personally, I like to head to Space after fireworks and use up my last FP. Great way to end an evening at DL!

 

[TrixieBel]

We did EE with our teens (15, 14, 12) last week. Yes, we had to put up with a little "moaning" when they had to get out of bed, but we did warn them the night before. We used the advice about order rides from this forum, and did Peter Pan followed by Dumbo - we practically walked onto both.

What we also did, was use the monorail to get into the park, rather than using the front gates. You have to be a guest of a Disneyland Hotel to get onto the monorail's first ride I think... We ended up being the first people in line for the monorail, and I asked if we could travel in the drivers carriage - it was great!

The teens all LOVED the Fantasyland rides by the way. They all wanted to go back on Peter Pan later in the day, but sure enough, when we went past the line was HUGE!

Regards Jenn in Sydney, Australia

 

[vbecky]

where do you get on the monorail at and do you have to show anybody anything to get on? Do you still arrive there 30 minutes ahead? We are staying at the Grand California thanks.

 

[cjhampton]

Thanks for all the information! I think I'll be using a little force, for their own good! and getting them up for the EE morning. We only have one morning, so better take advantage of it for FL!

 

[Danauk]

I too am intrested in the hotel guest riding monotail V walking to the front gate. Which is better quicker? i am OK woth getting to the gate at 6:30am (our body clocks at this time say 2pm lol) but would monorail be beter or easier?
Thanks

 

[CalGal]

You won't regret getting them up for EE. Its about the only thing I don't have trouble getting my teenager up for. Some rides, such as Peter Pan, Matterhorn, and even Mr. Toad, have fairly long lines all the way to closing --nothing like mid-day, but much longer than the first few minutes of EE. Plus, you will be able in the park ready to grab fast passes and do the rest of the E rides at 8AM. My teen much prefers the short lines during EE and early morning hours to closing the place (although we've been known to do both).

 

[DLR29]

In regards to the monorail, anyone can use it not just hotel guests. It stops at the far side of Downtown Disney (near the DLH) and also in Tomorrowland right next to Finding Nemo. If you are staying at the DLH or the PPH it is probably faster to take the monorail than walk to the gates. Plus you don't have to walk down Main St. so you have a slight head start on the rest of the guests. It is also nice for in the middle of the day if you want to take a break and visit Downtown Disney or go back to your hotel.

 

[vbecky]

what about from the GC do you think it is faster to walk to the gates or monorail?

 

[CalGal]

The monorail is probably just a little bit closer to the side entrance of GCH (going out to DTT) than it is to the front gates of DL, but you walk away from DL to get the monorail. And you may have to wait for the monorail. Therefore, it is generally faster to walk to the main entrance. About the only time I might consider taking the monorail to or from GCH is if it was midday (when there are usually no lines for the monorail) and I was going to or from Tomorrowland. If your room is closer to the secondary elevators (the ones near the DCA entrance) I found it quickest to get to DL by cutting through DCA. That only works when DCA is open though since DL has longer hours than DCA.