Fast pass strategy for next week

[Julylady]

I am a WDW regular, but new to Disneyland. I really thought that max pass would be up and running before our trip next week, but no such luck.

We are planning 2 early entry days at Disneyland and 2 at California Adventure. We want to experience all major attractions. I understand that after you get a fast pass you must wait for two hours before getting the next one, correct?

Can any one help with a strategy? For each park what rides should we try to ride during the early morning magic hour? What is the first fast pass we should get? When should we get in line for it? What is the optimal order to get the fast passes? Do I understand correctly that fast pass machines do not distribute fast passes until regular park opening? Do people wait in line during EMH at the FP machines?

Specifically, at Disneyland - Should we ride Peter Pan and Matterhorn first? Then get a fast pass for Space Mountain? What else needs Fast Passes? Indi? Splash Mountain? Buzz?

At DCA - Should we head for Guardian of Galaxy first? Or Radiator Springs racers? What should be our first fast pass? When should we get TTM fast passes? What about Soarin?

THANKS in advance

 

[Winnowill]

I am a WDW regular, but new to Disneyland. I really thought that max pass would be up and running before our trip next week, but no such luck.

We are planning 2 early entry days at Disneyland and 2 at California Adventure. We want to experience all major attractions. I understand that after you get a fast pass you must wait for two hours before getting the next one, correct?

No. That's IF your return time for the one you have is farther out than two hours (for instance, you pull a FP for RSR at 9:45 with a return time of 2:00 pm). Otherwise, you can get another as soon as your return time window opens.

Can any one help with a strategy? For each park what rides should we try to ride during the early morning magic hour? What is the first fast pass we should get? When should we get in line for it? What is the optimal order to get the fast passes? Do I understand correctly that fast pass machines do not distribute fast passes until regular park opening? Do people wait in line during EMH at the FP machines?

Right now, GotG, RSR, and TSMM at DCA and Space and Matterhorn at DL have FP distribution during EMH/MM. GotG FPs are running out between 10:30 and 11:00 am, RSR are lasting longer (ETA: RSR ran out sometime between 1:00 and 1:25 today). But those definitely need to be your priorities at DCA. At DL, Space is the big one that runs out, but not usually until afternoon.

Specifically, at Disneyland - Should we ride Peter Pan and Matterhorn first? Then get a fast pass for Space Mountain? What else needs Fast Passes? Indi? Splash Mountain? Buzz?

At DL, I'd book it to PP first - if you can be within the first 100 or so, ride it. Otherwise, wait till later.

At DCA - Should we head for Guardian of Galaxy first? Or Radiator Springs racers? What should be our first fast pass? When should we get TTM fast passes? What about Soarin?

THANKS in advance

At DCA, I'd hit GotG first and grab a FP for RSR after that. Pretty much, you don't need to worry about any others running out.