Figuring out a strategy for November

[Daisybelle]

In just over 60 days my 21 year old daughter and I will be heading to Disneyland. In the last 8 years we have gone 4 times and it’s always been in the summer months. Early entry meant EARLY entry. Crowds are a little lower at 7am. When the park opens at 9 for EE/MM I can’t imagine the crowds will be quite as light? I could be wrong.


Since I’ll get to make reservations for our dining in just a few days, I’m trying to weigh out the pros and cons of starting out in the opposite park that has EE/MM that time of year. I don’t love the idea since we’re staying on site and I like to take advantage of that extra perk of getting in for a bonus hour of park time. (We’re rope drop types)


Those of you far more experienced than us, or have tried this, what advice would you have??

 

[GatorChris]

True: because the parks have traditionally opened at 10am in November, you can expect crowds lining up to get in at 9:30am because it's just so easy to do. It's because of that I'll say take advantage of the MM if you have that available. Getting in line at 8:45 is a lot more difficult for families with little ones. It won't be as good as it is in the summer, but you'll still get to beat the rush quite a bit I'm guessing. We did it once back in Feb 15 and we hit rides like crazy, even at 9am. I'd say go with the MM parks.

 

[figment_jii]

Personally, if you have access to EMH, I would take advantage of it regardless of when it starts. Even on days when the parks open later (e.g., 9:00 am), I've still found that the crowds were pretty light until mid-morning (11:00 am or so). So, I do think you'll be able to get a fair amount done in the morning, especially if you get there pre-opening for EMH and make full use of that extra hour.

In terms of dining, just note that folks are still reporting that there are issues with making reservations in October, so it's very possible that on the 60-day mark, not everything will be loaded into the system.

 

[Daisybelle]

Personally, if you have access to EMH, I would take advantage of it regardless of when it starts. Even on days when the parks open later (e.g., 9:00 am), I've still found that the crowds were pretty light until mid-morning (11:00 am or so). So, I do think you'll be able to get a fair amount done in the morning, especially if you get there pre-opening for EMH and make full use of that extra hour.

In terms of dining, just note that folks are still reporting that there are issues with making reservations in October, so it's very possible that on the 60-day mark, not everything will be loaded into the system.

Multi-quote isn't working for me but thank you both! That was the way I was leaning, I just needed a nudge! Good points made about getting a leg up on those who are slower getting out the door.

And yes, I've noticed that too about the reservations. I'm sending up wishes and smoke signals for WOC Dessert Dining in November but I'm not super confident since there are not itmes for October even posted yet. But ya never know!

 

[GatorChris]

No problem. See, there's lots of people like me who go budget crazy and stay at HoJo or Castle Inn and not at Disney. We're all wishing we had MM to hit! Only got to do it once and it was worth it. You won't regret it when you walk into Pirates and you're the only one there. Totally cool feeling.

 

[Daisybelle]

No problem. See, there's lots of people like me who go budget crazy and stay at HoJo or Castle Inn and not at Disney. We're all wishing we had MM to hit! Only got to do it once and it was worth it. You won't regret it when you walk into Pirates and you're the only one there. Totally cool feeling.

I'm pretty excited about that! Pirates is our favorite and that's always our first ride.

We stayed on site a few years ago when my daughter graduated high school and it was fabulous. She's getting married next year so this is our last mother/daughter trip with just the two of us and I thought that warranted a stay back at the PPH.

 

[figment_jii]

Um...just to note, Pirates is not open during EMH/MM. In DL, only select attractions in FL and TL are open during EMH/MM, but if you're there during EMH/MM and head straight for Pirates when the park opens to everyone, it should have a pretty short line.

 

[Daisybelle]

Um...just to note, Pirates is not open during EMH/MM. In DL, only select attractions in FL and TL are open during EMH/MM, but if you're there during EMH/MM and head straight for Pirates when the park opens to everyone, it should have a pretty short line.

Yes, we hightail it over there at official park opening.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'd do EMH @ DCA for sure.

It's pretty busy @ DL. Not worth it IMO.